February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Joe Behan
Steven Gerrard turned out to be a powerful player in Liverpool’s 2-nil victory over Manchester United. The Liverpudlian’s commitment to Anfield has all the signs of the new leader for the future. He is fearless and is said to be the nearest thing to Roy Keane’s dominance of the premier. While there is a concern for his back trouble, in this day and age, the 20-year-old should be well cared for. Indeed, that is the case at Liverpool as they nurture one of the best local midfield talents around for quite some time.
The versatile Gerrard can play anywhere in the back eight. He can also play out wide and was placed there against Utd. His crossing was superb and was a main threat throughout the game. He has a burst of pace that’s second to none in the league. He is a good passer of the ball and reads the game very well. He is dangerous all over the field. In the 16th minute he proved just that.
Comeback king Robbie Fowler flicked the ball to Gerrard about 35yards out. His drive flew past Fabien Barthez with game winner written all over it. The beginning of United not necessarily losing their hold on the domestic scene but rather Liverpool closing the gap was evident here. Gerard Houllier insists one or two more seasons are needed to make the difference between the Reds, but Sir Alex Ferguson put things into perspective, even in defeat.
"That was a fabulous goal," Ferguson said. "You always have the feeling now with Liverpool that when they get the first goal they will be extremely difficult to break down."
United were unable to contain the busy Gerrard. He continued to open Manchester’s defense with great through balls to Emile Heskey and Fowler. With only a few minutes to the half, the electric Gerrard found his captain, Fowler himself. With brilliant control, the skipper prepped the ball to finish with power. The sheer exertion of Liverpool’s efforts overwhelmed United and the game was over after 45 minutes.
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In the 68th minute Danny Murphy was sent off for the Pool. Houllier switched Gerrard to a defensive roll and the youngster continued to be the man of the match.
Liverpool play Barcelona tomorrow night in the UEFA cup semi at Nou Camp. "I’m looking forward to playing against Rivaldo," the 20-year-old said. However, Liverpool’s boss is not so impressed with his fixtures.
Horse of a man
The usually patient Frenchman insists his players are being "treated like horses," and has appealed to Premiership officials to reschedule the Ipswich fixture. "I don’t agree with the fixtures," he said. "I am not going to let my players be treated in the same way people treat horses. How can a player be expected to play on April 8, 10, 13 and 16? I am prepared to defend the interests of my players. That is my concern. I want to protect their welfare."
After the big Barca game, Pool play against Wycombe on Sunday in the FA Cup semifinal. On Tuesday, they face Ipswich in a huge makeup game and Leeds are around the
corner for Good Friday. But it doesn’t stop there. On Easter Monday a hungry Everton show up for the big derby and then the return leg of the UEFA. Six games in 14 days does seem like a lot, but this is the schedule Liverpool must face to become the European force they once were. Houllier will revel in it once it sinks in just how far he has taken the club.
United and Barca will take note that the Liverpool attack may increase with the return of Patrik Berger and Nick Barmby. Here’s a look at some dark horses for Liverpool that Ferguson is talking about, a group that the team is built on:
€ Sander Westerveld, is the Holland goalkeeper, made a £4 million move from Vitesse Arnhem in the summer of 1999. He has played no small part in the renaissance of Liverpool’s defense. His long kicking has many Liverpool fans backing him to score a goal. Was a part of Holland’s Euro 2000 squad. Played against Denmark and France.
€ Markus Babbel played 16 years for Bayern Munich. A German international, Babbel won three Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Cup with Bayern and was on the receiving end of Manchester United’s thrilling comeback in the 1999 Champions League Final. Bet he enjoyed that 2-nil victory over the weekend. He came to Anfield saying, "I want to win the Champions League with Liverpool."
€ Sami Hyypia, a 6-foot-3 from Finland, was spotted by chief scout Ron Yeats during a friendly game against Germany. The big Fin has formed an impressive partnership at the heart of the Liverpool defense with fellow new signing Stephane Henchoz, who played for Switzerland in the 1994 World Cup. The Switzer could not prevent Blackburn Rovers being relegated in 1998-99 but stayed in the Premiership when he moved to Anfield.
€ Jamie Carragher is a regular with Houllier’s scheme and the defender holds the record for England U21 caps, where he played with Own and Murphy.
€ German midfielder Dietmar Hamann, having won honors in his five years with Bayern Munich, signed for Newcastle but then pledged his future to Liverpool. He can score goals and is hard in the tackle.
Houllier sanctioned
The Liverpool boss has been told he can start drawing on a £15 million fund as soon as he likes and that it will be doubled if he secures a place in next season’s Champions League.
While the Houl has spent £55 million since assuming sole command in November 1998, developing a "winning mentality" has been the reward he feels is first and foremost.
Of course, the practical additions will start with Houllier buying a goalkeeper, which he is chasing at the moment. The Frenchman’s vision to dominate the Premier and add to the four European cups in the Pool’s cabinet is close. Houllier wants a specialist for left full, a central defender and an attacking midfielder. There is talk in Anfield of Barca’s Sergi and Bixente Lizarazu of Bayern on the cards for the Reds. Sol Campbell has gotten a mention or two, but it’s probably too easy to spell his name.
The money-spinning exploits in three cup competitions, Worthington Cup winners and semifinalists in both the FA Cup and UEFA Cup, have provided Liverpool with the extra funds their manager feels he needs for durability.
It is a must to invest more in the Frenchman’s vision for restoring the four times European champions as a major force at home and abroad, the future looks bright indeed.
Liverpool want the 21-year-old Michael Owen to commit himself to the club beyond his current deal, which expires in 2003, and are expected to start negotiations this summer for a deal that is likely to net him in excess of £60,000 per week, one of the highest-paid players in Britain.
The depth is quite impressive at Anfield and it sure looks like it is taking serious shape. If Houllier has enough change left, he should buy a horse and a cart to bring the players home after a hard week’s work.