Has Liverpool Star Steven Gerrard's Loyalty Cost Him an EPL Title?

It's hard to believe that Steven Gerrard is now 32 and will be likely negotiating his final contract with Liverpool. And although his career has been filled with highs, such as lifting the FA Cup, the League Cup, the UEFA Cup and Champions League, there is one honor missing.

Gerrard has everything in his medal chest except for a Premiership trophy, and with Liverpool in their current state, I don't think he is going to get one.

Liverpool currently sit in the bottom half of the league and Brendan Rogers has been brought in with an eye to rebuilding the team. In addition, Liverpool's recent signings have not been on par with the megastars signed by Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. It's hard to compare the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, who just made it into the England squad, to Rob Van Persie, an established international star.

A few years ago, there was talk about Gerrard moving to Chelsea, and although hindsight is 20/20, this might have been a good move. Chelsea ambitious and flush with Roman Abramovich's money, went onto to scoop up every trophy out there. Liverpool on the other hand, have had to rely on the odd cup here and there.

As a Scouser, Gerrard has close family ties to both the club and the city of Liverpool. And fans will admire his desire to be a one-club man, but I wonder if that mentality is out of date?

Soccer is an often heartless business, where players are cast on the scrap heap as soon as their talent diminishes. I remember Roy Keane saying, "There is no loyalty in football," after he was cast aside by Manchester United.  

Gerrard has had a great career at Liverpool, but I just hope he does not regret being loyal to one team. The Reds can still be a great team, but can Gerrard wait around until that happens?