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Giving a mention to Steven Gerrard while stopping by. The player retired this week after a colorful and distinguished career at Liverpool Football Club and credit where it's due, was a player of immense talent and had unique leadership qualities.

Came to prominence in the early 2000's and without him Liverpool would not have won the FA Cup and Champions League in the middle part of the decade had he not featured. Believe there was rumor that he would drop down into the championship league for one last season before quitting but needless to say this did not come to pass.

You look at great midfield players who influenced a whole team such as Charlton, Best, Platini, Bryan Robson, Souness : you would include Gerrard in the list. Deserved to win a league title for his years of service at Liverpool but was compensated at least with a collection of other recognized and high-profile honors.

Sadly I couldn't stand the prat. Decent enough player, always favoured Lampard any day of the week.

bluemike wrote:Sadly I couldn't stand the prat. Decent enough player, always favoured Lampard any day of the week.

It was widely acknowledged that the two players couldn't work well together at international level ? For some reason : having arguably two of the best midfield players in Europe at your disposal, provided more of an obstacle than an actual benefit.

As for his most recognized association, he's good, he's talented, but he's a red - it's a pity, but as before, Gerrard was an individual of immense ability and had a loyalty that is a rare commodity in today's game. Would have had the opportunity to sign up with Madrid or one of the other leading European names but remained at Anfield for the extent of his professional career and turned away the offer of a more lucrative deal. No-nonsense kid, kept his head down and didn't crave media attention, just went out and put his god given ability to use, all for the sake of one club.