LINE UP |
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| Full Name | Steven George Gerrard |
| Date of Birth | 05/30/80 |
| Pace of birth | Whiston, England |
| Height | 1.83 m(6ft) |
| Playing position | Midfielder |
Source:Football.ua
KICK OFF
Gerrard was born in Whiston near Liverpool and joined the Liverpool Academy at the age of nine. The Gerrardswere a typical Merseyside family with their football loyalties firmly with Liverpool. As a student in the Academy,Steven made it to the English schoolboys’ team when he was 14.He finally got the call for Liverpool in 1997.
HIS STORY
Gerrard made his debut in 1998 for Liverpool, but it took him more than two years to establish in the first team owing to his injuries and form. As they say, the midfielder’s slot was as if there for his taking. In 2003 Gerrard became the captain of Liverpool endearing himself to the club’s fans, players and coaches whether it was Houllier, Benitez or Hodgson. In 2004, he turned down an attractive offer from Chelsea. It was Gerrard’s influential leadership, which saw Liverpool lifting the Champion’s Trophy in 2005 edging past Milan in tie breaker after 3-3 draw. In 2006, he achieved the distinction of becoming the only player to have scored in the finals of FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup, and Champion’s League.
His international debut was against Ukraine in 2000. Till date he has scored more than 20 goals for the Three Lions. His first goal was in the famous 5-1 drubbing of Germany in 2001. By 2006 Gerrard was the vice captain of the team. The 2002 World Cup was his first and he ended it being England’s highest scorer. During the 2010 World Cup, he was the captain of the English football team following Rio Ferdinand’s injury and was impressive in a lacklustre World Cup campaign.
SCORE CARD
Till date, he has made over 400 appearances for the club besides scoring 170 odd goals including 100 in the Premiership. He has also scored over 20 goals in 100 odd international matches for England. Gerrard has won UEFA Champions League in 2005 besides FA Cup in 2001 and 2006. He was awarded UEFA Player of the Year award in 2005.The highly competitive England Player of the Year award was won by him in 2007 and 2012. He was 3rd in the annual FIFA Ballon d’Or and BBC Sports personality in 2005.
EXTRA TIME
Steven Gerrard’s autobiography is called Gerrard: An autobiographythat was ghost written by Henry Winter. He is known for many humanitarian and kind gestures prompting the Queen Elizabeth II to bestow him with Order of the British Empire. Liverpool’s John Moores University has awarded him with the doctorate for his contribution to sports. Gerrard is married to the fashion scribe, Alex Curran.
OFF SIDE
Although a very popular and disciplined player, his career has seen some controversial moments. Gerrard has been accused of diving a few times in the past especially near the opponent’s penalty area. He was involved in a bar brawl along with two friends in 2008, however he was subsequently cleared of the charges.
TIE BREAKER
ZinedineZidane once said that Steven Gerrard’s genius is comparable to that of Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. He is indeed blessed with sublime passing skills, ball control, and precise shooting ability. Over and above,are his presence and leadership qualities which separate him from his peers and reinforces the famous Liverpool anthem “You will never walk alone”.
WBSB12042014