Steven Gerrard

[Chris]

That's the thing though - his body (and game) will fall apart at some point. No one wants it to happen but I think it is entirely justified for someone to question him when you see his current performance levels.

And while it isn't right to solely blame Gerrard for the start we've made to the season, there's no doubt (in my mind at least) that he's been poor. Poor in every game and I include Spurs. That is a major concern as he is playing in such an important position.

True theres no problem with questioning him, he is at an age where he's going to decline but we've had this "past it" "blind spot" horse**** for a few years now every September! Last season he was still one of the most productive CM's in world football, I dont believe he's now suddenly so bad that the manager is stupid for picking him.

[captainfog]

It's not his pace or his 'legs' having gone which is the issue at the moment. It's the team as a whole not performing to the same level. Pressing game hasn't been up to scratch, and by that I mean, defending from the front. Balotelli isn't Suarez. Then, slow starts to games lets the opposition get a foothold and then we are left chasing games. All of that, exposes our frailties, which is mistakes out of poor decision making or not winning second balls.

His position does not imply that he needs to defend or protect the back 4. If you look at his game, it's all about picking up the ball and distributing it, freed by the relentless pressing game of our forward line. If he is exposed, it's either by a mistake (like the slip against Chelsea or Sakho's poor header on Saturday), but his role is not primarily to defend.

It absolutely is his primary function. To be disciplined, protect the back 4, and when he has the opportunity to launch attacks by quickly passing the ball forward.

If he can't do that then he shouldn't be playing there. Problem is he doesn't have the energy and dynamism to play further up the park any more.

[Fredo]

That's the thing though - his body (and game) will fall apart at some point. No one wants it to happen but I think it is entirely justified for someone to question him when you see his current performance levels.

And while it isn't right to solely blame Gerrard for the start we've made to the season, there's no doubt (in my mind at least) that he's been poor. Poor in every game and I include Spurs. That is a major concern as he is playing in such an important position.

It's always the same though. When we're doing well, he's the best midfielder in the Premier League, when some results go against us, it's suicide watch and sack Rodgerrardbecausehehasablindspotandhasnolegsanymor e.

[Fredo]

It absolutely is his primary function. To be disciplined, protect the back 4, and when he has the opportunity to launch attacks by quickly passing the ball forward.

If he can't do that then he shouldn't be playing there. Problem is he doesn't have the energy and dynamism to play further up the park any more.

He doesn't need nor is asked to play further up the pitch. His role is to get the ball from the back 4 and distribute it and help us keep our defensive shape when the defenders split.

It's very simplistic to say that his legs are gone and he isn't dynamic anymore because that's not how he is being asked to play.

[captainfog]

He doesn't need nor is asked to play further up the pitch. His role is to get the ball from the back 4 and distribute it and help us keep our defensive shape when the defenders split.

It's very simplistic to say that his legs are gone and he isn't dynamic anymore because that's not how he is being asked to play.

No it's not, it's because he can't do it and hasn't been able to do it for at least a couple of years. He was rubbish the season before last and he was rubbish last season before Rodgers moved him back and then he was decent. For me it was his leadership and set pieces that shone last season more than his general play on the pitch.

[Fredo]

No it's not, it's because he can't do it and hasn't been able to do it for at least a couple of years. He was rubbish the season before last and he was rubbish last season before Rodgers moved him back and then he was decent. For me it was his leadership and set pieces that shone last season more than his general play on the pitch.

He's the only one with the ability to launch attacks from deep in this team, he just needs better protection. And I think his defensive stats (interceptions) and assists rate were very good last season - saying off the top of my head - but I remember some stats stating he was one of the most effective midfielders in the league last year.

So, I think your criticism is very harsh.

[captainfog]

He's the only one with the ability to launch attacks from deep in this team, he just needs better protection. And I think his defensive stats (interceptions) and assists rate were very good last season - saying off the top of my head - but I remember some stats stating he was one of the most effective midfielders in the league last year.

So, I think your criticism is very harsh.

I'm not suggesting he's given his carriage clock and ****ed off out the side for good. But I am suggesting we need to start phasing him out. He's not the player he was and starting him every game is going to harm us.

[Fredo]

I'm not suggesting he's given his carriage clock and ****ed off out the side for good. But I am suggesting we need to start phasing him out. He's not the player he was and starting him every game is going to harm us.

Yes you did.

His legs have gone. He's finished.

[Pablo]

I was trying to think of the qualities we'd need in someone to replace him in that position:

Mobility
Strength
Pace
Great reading of the game
Tackling ability
Vision
Passing accuracy
Comfortable dictating the tempo

It's really a pivotal position given the formation we play. It can't just be a purely DM that does it, he'd need to be able to start moves off and dictate the pace of the game too.

I think he's going to be a real tough one to replace and I think most of us are guilty of underestimating his importance to the team still. It's going to be fascinating to see how we perform when he's not in the team any more.

If Lucas still had the mobility I think he'd still be a great option there, sadly he doesn't. In the short term the one name that massively stands out is Mascherano, but I've no idea how realistic that would be

[Fredo]

I'd send Foggy in to replace him, and if he can't, sack him.

[Fredo]

But Pablo, you make great points. When we do replace him, it's going to be with a different type of player and most probably a different formation.

[Slinky Skills]

I don't think his legs are gone, I think he's just totally done in.

I know I keep saying it but he needs 2 or 3 weeks off to recuperate away from football completely.

[Fredo]

I don't think his legs are gone, I think he's just totally done in.

I know I keep saying it but he needs 2 or 3 weeks off to recuperate away from football completely.

Don't be ridiculous Slinks. He's had 5 weeks off after the world cup.

[BobTheCharmer]

I think some people are comparing him to a Makelele type player because they believe that's the role that is required in our team (rightly or wrongly) whereas he's actually doing more of a Pirlo role. I don't think Rodgers is asking him to mimic Makelele. Rather than Gerrard being the problem, I think its peoples own view of what his role should be that is the problem.

Age is catching up with him, but we don't have anyone capable of playing like Makelele did at the club. You can't not play anyone in the DM role, so Rodgers uses Gerrard there, knowing he won't track every run or press every opponent 100% of the time, but he will take the ball from the defence and start our attacks and deliver good set pieces. If the rest of the team was doing their job properly it would be fine. Total over reaction here.

[BobTheCharmer]

Mobility
Strength
Pace
Great reading of the game
Tackling ability
Vision
Passing accuracy
Comfortable dictating the tempo

There isn't anyone in world football that excels at all of those.