Forget a Legend, Is Liverpool's Next Leader Currently in Their Squad?
In a fairer world, this season would have seen Steven Gerrard leave the Premier League in rapturous fashion—but 2014/15 has not afforded the long-serving Liverpool captain such luxury.
The Reds' penultimate EPL fixture against Crystal Palace, Gerrard's final game at Anfield, was sabotaged by Alan Pardew's men—after three unanswered goals followed an Adam Lallana opener. What should have been a congratulatory, celebratory mood felt slightly hollowed by the south Londoners, but emotionally addressing supporters after the match, Gerrard was sent off properly.
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An unquestionable Liverpool legend, and one of few in the Premier League pantheon, where Gerrard leaves his boyhood club is an interesting question being asked.
Enjoying success last season, Brendan Rodgers' team has regressed in the current term, and the timing of Gerrard's exodus to the U.S. could be an indication of the Northern Irishman's leadership qualities, or lack thereof.
If Gerrard had felt wanted, and treated as such at the negotiating table, it stands to reason Liverpool's one-club man would have continued in his Merseyside post. Leaving for MLS' Los Angeles Galaxy, however, the former England international's absence will leave a massive void in the club's power structure.
Injury, suspension, fatigue and general rotation have given Rodgers opportunities to visualise his squad without Gerrard—Jordan Henderson taking the captain's armband on numerous occasions. The 24-year-old seems a viable alternative to Gerrard in terms of Liverpool's midfield scheme, but for sentimental, intangible value, the former Sunderland man does not exactly scream "leader."
Not three years ago, Rodgers informed Henderson he could leave Liverpool for Fulham, as noted by the Telegraph's Chris Bascombe. While proving his manager wrong in ensuing seasons, one wonders how Rodgers feels about handing the England international Anfield's keys.
The Liverpool boss' hands may be forced, though, as the other options in his current squad are rather bleak. Two of Rodgers best three players are both undependable, for differing reasons, but undependable nonetheless.
Daniel Sturridge has been a revelation since his January 2013 move from Chelsea; in 67 appearances for the Reds, the centre-forward has scored 47 goals. Costing £12 million, Sturridge could be Rodgers' best transfer dealing to date, but there is a slight issue with the 25-year-old: fitness.
One cannot assume a leadership position, especially Gerrard's, when their team cannot count on their presence. Sturridge has missed 33 games through injury in 2014/15 and will not appear until next season after undergoing hip surgery earlier in May, as documented by Andy Hunter of the Guardian.
Were Liverpool fans looking for the most talented player to take Gerrard's mantle, Raheem Sterling would certainly fit the bill. Establishing himself as a first-team regular before the age of 20, Sterling could eventually match Gerrard's longevity, but mirroring the current captain's loyalty is an altogether different matter.
Jose Mourinho recently told reporters, relayed by BBC Sport, that he attempted to sign Gerrard at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, but the midfielder rejected him on each occasion. Gerrard's heart pumps Liverpool's shade of red, not necessarily green—i.e., money.
Whether Sterling can reject lucrative paydays at other top European clubs will a prevalent topic over the upcoming summer transfer window, much less 17 seasons with 700 appearances.
Quickly replacing Gerrard with one man is an impossible task—cultivating another player of his stature will take years and also luck.
It is possible Henderson, Sturridge and Sterling—or even the likes of Philippe Coutinho—could transform into Liverpool's next leader/legend, but expecting any one person to carry Gerrard's burden with immediate effect is asking them to be summarily crushed.
Liverpool must move forward by committee—hoping at least one candidate distinguishes himself along the way.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.
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