Gerrard a magnificent player and a thorough gentleman

There were plenty of moments to talk about in the thrilling game against Manchester City at Anfield last Sunday. But one thing all the Kop fans around the world wanted was the significant role of Captain Marvel Steven Gerrard.

Since replacing Sami Hyypia as Liverpool captain in 2003 Gerrard proved that he was a real leader on the field with his varied expressions and authoritative display.

Firstly, throughout the games, the captain could be seen giving instructions, support, and a hug or a pat to his team-mates when they perform well. At the same time, he is ready to reprimand them whenever they make mistakes that give rivals an advantage. Whenever the team is at a disadvantage, he claps his hands as a sign of telling his men to focus all the time.  After the final whistle last Sunday, while the Kop were rejoicing, Gerrard got into a huddle with his team-mates and told them to keep their focus right until the last game of the season.

The scene reminded the fans of 2005 when Gerrard scored the first goal against AC Milan at Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul after Liverpool trailed 3-0 in the first half of the Champions League. He roused his team-mates throughout the match until they crowned themselves with glory.

Secondly, Gerrard is a gentleman both on and off the pitch. He is ever ready to respond to a hug or a high five with everybody on the field no matter what the result is. When the team loses or draws, players are often not in a mood to talk to their rivals. But you will see that Gerrard does the opposite, irrespective of the result. Thirdly, a good leader knows how to react in different circumstances. Gerrard is rarely seen boasting over his rivals. Instead, he is quite humble when the media asks him whether his team will win.

After the Man City match, he opted to focus only on his team, and what he said was perfect for the occasion.

He dedicated the victory to the Hillsborough victims and their families as Anfield paid its respects to the victims on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy.

“I'm speaking on behalf of everyone when I say the win was dedicated to the victims and families of Hillsborough,” he said.

The captain also told his team-mates to treat the visit to Norwich City today like the 2005 Champions League final and warned a remarkable season will be forgotten should they fail to win the league title.

Fourthly, Gerrard is a role model to his junior mates for his loyalty to Liverpool. The “one club man”, who has dedicated himself to the Reds for 15 years, could have played for any team in Europe but he turned all the offers down. His loyalty would inspire future star players not to leave the club.

“People say I have sacrificed myself by staying at Liverpool but I don’t think that’s the right word. Playing for Liverpool and being the captain, I wouldn’t call that a sacrifice, I would call that living a dream.” His touching remark in 2012 brought tears in the eyes of fans. With honours that include two FA Cups, three League Cups, two Community Shields, one Champions League, one Uefa Cup, and two Super Cups, adding the first Premier League title to it will definitely make the 33-year-old captain’s dream come true.

It is not an exaggeration to say that he will eventually be, if not already is, the club’s next legend.