Steven Gerrard

[Fosterbloke]

I subscribe to an earlier post that posited that our midfield can can step up their responsibilities and express themselves more.

[marcus50bucks]

If he does miss 8 games as the echo alluded to these are the games he would miss

Spurs (A)
Cardiff (H)
Man City (A)
Chelsea (A)
Hull (H)
Oldham or Mansfield (H)
Stoke (A)
Aston Villa (H)

[Mostar]

I subscribe to an earlier post that posited that our midfield can can step up their responsibilities and express themselves more.

I think the midfield Lucas, Allen, Alberto and Coutinho should have a lot of fluidity and plenty of creativity especially in the final third.

The concerns could be defensive shortcomings as Alberto doesn't press the ball and track back as good as Hendo but Allen and Lucas will hopefully make up for that weakness.

[MrMichael]

Gerrard needs to be managed in terms of game time. A young, fit Gerrard would be undroppable (not sure if that's a word) but a 33 year old Gerrard (who, on times this season, has looked very tired) needs to be rested for some games.

Last year Gerrard was very close to an ever present, and it was his least injury disrupted and most consistent season in a good few. I'm just not sure the evidence is there really to criticise Rodgers and his team's management of Gerrard's fitness since they came in, indeed rather the opposite.

[EwarWoo]

Bugger. It didn't look that bad when he walked off, was hoping it was minor.

[Rigadon]

Last year Gerrard was very close to an ever present, and it was his least injury disrupted and most consistent season in a good few. I'm just not sure the evidence is there really to criticise Rodgers and his team's management of Gerrard's fitness since they came in, indeed rather the opposite.

Fair comment However, this season, he has looked tired. It goes without saying that he's a very important player for us (and England), but this is a massive year for him and he's no spring chicken I certainly don't want to come across as being critical of St Brendan (he's doing a fine job) but he does need to protect players like Gerrard (old) and Coutinho (young). Luis can look after himself

[EwarWoo]

He's 33, hes not that bloody old. If he was the wrong side of 35 fair enough, but there's no reason he shouldn't be able to play every week purely because of age.

[Fosterbloke]

He's 33, hes not that bloody old. If he was the wrong side of 35 fair enough, but there's no reason he shouldn't be able to play every week purely because of age.

It's probably more to do with his particular style of play throughout his career. He's relied on power and constant movement. I've never seen him stand still until the last couple of seasons.

[EwarWoo]

I just think every time he has a bad game people seem to be very quick to right him off as past it over the past couple of seasons. He's 33, he's got plenty of life in him.

Is he past his peak? Yes.

Is it past it? **** no.

[Glenn Hysen]

He's 33, hes not that bloody old. If he was the wrong side of 35 fair enough, but there's no reason he shouldn't be able to play every week purely because of age.

[Assassin]

If he does miss 8 games as the echo alluded to these are the games he would miss

Spurs (A)
Cardiff (H)
Man City (A)
Chelsea (A)
Hull (H)
Oldham or Mansfield (H)
Stoke (A)
Aston Villa (H)

Missing eight games for a strained hamstring. He would have only got two extra games for biting someone

[Norbs]

At least we have a decent excuse to lose the big 3 games now. 3 at the back, thank you Jack

[Scratch]

I think the midfield Lucas, Allen, Alberto and Coutinho should have a lot of fluidity and plenty of creativity especially in the final third.

The concerns could be defensive shortcomings as Alberto doesn't press the ball and track back as good as Hendo but Allen and Lucas will hopefully make up for that weakness.

I think defensicely we will be in a slightly better position (assuming a midfield 3 of JH, LL, JA) as all three are able to press for 90 minutes. Gerrard has not been pressing opponents when we do not have the ball as much as he used to do. However, we will miss his creative spark, so whilst we will be more solid, we may not be able to prise open a stubborn defence as easily. So step up wee Phil, supply Luis with the ammo to kill off the opposition.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Playing too many games at his age, 3 games in a week simply shouldn't happen! Hopefully after he's back we'll manage him properly and its just one of the reasons why we need another CM in January.

[Chris]

Last year Gerrard was very close to an ever present, and it was his least injury disrupted and most consistent season in a good few. I'm just not sure the evidence is there really to criticise Rodgers and his team's management of Gerrard's fitness since they came in, indeed rather the opposite.

Yep, he's been handled brilliantly and has looked in his best condition since about 2008!