Steven Gerrard and 5 Liverpool Players Who Need to Step Up and Be Leaders

Aside from Wednesday's humbling by Real Madrid in the Champions League, results have started turning for the better for Liverpool—even if the performances haven't.

Sunday's dramatic 3-2 victory away at Queens Park Rangers was arguably one of the most dismal and embarrassing Liverpool victories in recent years, something Steven Gerrard knew all too well in his post-match interview on Sky Sports 1, as per the Independent:

"

We're still in shock to be honest. We're very lucky today.

We would have had no complaints if we came away with nothing, we would have no complaints if we came away with a point. I think we're very lucky to come away with three points.

Our performance needs to be better. I think the only credit we can give ourselves is that we never give up and keep going to the end.

We got rewarded in the end for hanging in and staying in the game but all around it needs improving.

"

While Gerrard honestly and openly addressed Liverpool's problems in his post-match interview, the 34-year-old Reds captain can't be expected to carry the team through every match.

With Anfield set up for a special European night in midweek, Gerrard became more of a passenger than a leader as Liverpool fell to a 3-0 defeat against Real Madrid.

Brendan Rodgers will be looking to other players in his first team to step up and take a stronger leadership role during Liverpool's increasingly busy fixture list.

Here we look at a few candidates. 

Jordan Henderson

Clint Hughes/Associated Press

Jordan Henderson has increasingly taken over the mantle of leadership responsibilities from Gerrard, and he was named the club's vice-captain upon Daniel Agger's departure this summer.

The 24-year-old was even seen screaming orders at Gerrard to run the ball into the corner as Liverpool looked to see their recent 2-1 victory at home to West Brom out.

Henderson must now look to use his leadership qualities on a consistent basis. He is still prone to a quiet game—including this week against Real Madrid, when the occasion appeared to overwhelm the England midfielder. 

Martin Skrtel

Clint Hughes/Associated Press

With 253 Liverpool appearances to his name, at the age of 29, Martin Skrtel has the experience to take the team's defence by the scruff of the neck and implement some communication amid what has become an increasingly leaky back four.

Wednesday's 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League exemplified Liverpool's problems—conceding weak goals to an albeit brilliant opposition attack.

Brendan Rodgers will be looking for Skrtel to motivate the defenders around him to form an organised unit. 

Dejan Lovren

Clint Hughes/Associated Press

Croatia international Lovren has not found unity with the defenders around him yet, which is causing consistent frailties in Liverpool's back line.

Matt Ladson wrote on B/R this week of Liverpool's disappointment with Lovren's lack of leadership so far:

"

Simon Mignolet can't catch a cold, Dejan Lovren—who cost £4 million more than Balotelli and was Rodgers' first-choice centre-back signing—can't lead a boyscout troop, and Rickie Lambert is proving to be an expensive club mascot.

Liverpool lack a leader in defence, something Rodgers proclaimed Lovren would be, while ahead of the calamitous centre-backs they lack any steel in midfield. Steven Gerrard is forced to play every game, despite his increasing years and decreasing influence.

"

Simon Mignolet

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

As already discussed, the lack of cohesion in Liverpool's defence is quite worrying. Long gone are the days of Pepe Reina barking orders at Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia in front of him.

Mignolet continues to look uncomfortable in goal, and with a back four struggling to deal with balls into the box, the Belgium international must take some responsibility for organisation rather than the bewildered expression upon conceding a goal that is becoming all too common. 

Mario Balotelli

Jon Super/Associated Press

At the risk of sounding patronising, Mario Balotelli's wayward start to his Liverpool career could be guided back toward good, stable form with responsibility.

Far from suggesting the Italian striker should be given the captain's armband any time soon, Balotelli could thrive if encouraged to channel his obvious emotions into leadership.

With Daniel Sturridge sidelined until at least mid-November, the impetus and responsibility for goals is already with Balotelli—now he needs to step up and show a mature mannerism as a team player, rather than an individual.