One more time, captain

“He has great passing ability, can tackle and scores goals, but most importantly he gives the players around him confidence and belief. You can’t learn that – players like him are just born with that presence.”
–Zinedine Zidane on Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard

At the time these words were said, 2009 to be precise, the Liverpool captain was arguably at the height of his powers, leading the club’s title challenge which would eventually see them finish in second place, four points behind Manchester United. In the ensuing two seasons, three if you include the current one, much has changed; Gerrard has been a shadow of his former self owing as much to poor form as to injury problems. However, there is no denying that Liverpool, this season, have definitely missed their talismans presence.
Gerrard was scheduled to miss the start of the season due to a troublesome groin injury which saw him miss much of the second half of last season but some Liverpool fans were confident that the absence, while a problem, would not prove to be critical in the clubs quest for a Champions League spot. This confidence stemmed from an impressive string of performances and results under Kenny Dalglish, who rolled back the years and made Liverpool play a brand of football that they had perfected in the 70’s and 80’s. And to an extent, that confidence has been vindicated; Liverpool is on the coattails of a Champions League spot but the worrying thing has been the lack of goals. The defence has been exemplary, in fact the best in the league and the team in on par with the likes of City and United when it comes to creating chances but not converting those opportunities into goals has been perfected in such a way that it is starting to appear like an art form. Suarez is the most culpable with only five goals to show for his 63 shots. Carroll has struggled to make it to the pitch and has struggled when on it. Suffice to say, Gerrard’s goals from midfield are sorely being missed.
The midfielder is expected to make a return against Newcastle on Friday and while he is certain to start whenever he gains full fitness, not so certain is the position he will occupy on the pitch. Rafael Benitez was right in identifying Gerrard’s lack of positional discipline and his knack for losing possession in an attempt to play the ‘hollywood pass’ and therefore deployed him in an advanced role behind the striker. This freed Gerrard from his defensive duties and allowed his attacking game to blossom. This gung-ho style of play has meant that injuries have begun to take their toll and now on the wrong side of 30, there are valid concerns whether Gerrard can provide the dynamism that is required to play that high up the pitch.
On a brighter note, the few times he has played under Dalglish, he has been employed in a deeper role and has done well most notably against Manchester United this season. This transformation could be down to maturity on the player’s part or the fact that Kenny can command the sort of respect from Gerrard that previous managers could not. The problem however is that at the present time, Liverpool need their captain to play in two positions; the lack of goals mean that he is needed near the opposition goal and the injury to Lucas means Liverpool lack someone who can boss the midfield especially against the bigger teams. This could prove to be a bridge too far even for someone like Gerrard. The more likely scenario is that reinforcements will be brought in January and the nature of players coming into the club will determine the role of Gerrard. At 31, having scored in the finals of all major competitions and won almost everything at club level there is not much for Gerrard to prove but the Anfield faithful will be hoping their favourite son can once again propel the team in the right direction. Fulfilling this seasons objective may prove to be a catalyst in the Merseyside clubs bid to win a Premier League title, something that has eluded both Steven Gerrard and Liverpool for over two decades.