Blog: Gerrard - Once in a generation

There are few players in the history of football that have carried the hopes and dreams of an entire football club in the same way Steven Gerrard has done at Liverpool for over 17 years.

Gerrard's contribution to Liverpool's periods of success since 1998 has been immense. Without him, a generation of Liverpool supporters would have grown up without experiencing the euphoria of winning.

Gerrard has been the catalyst for so long in taking a team to levels that have exceeded anybody's expectations.

He has led them as captain, he has set an example for his teammates and he will be leaving a legacy that will mark him as one of the greatest ever Liverpool players.

The player

At the peak of his powers, there were few footballers on the planet that were as explosive or influential as Steven Gerrard. It didn't matter what position he played in, he was still more often than not the best player on the pitch.

Gerrard has a rare mix of outstanding technique and raw competitiveness that has driven him to heights few footballers could dream of. On the ball, he has been one of the most dynamic midfielders we have ever seen in this country. He makes things happen, whether it is a pass, run, shot or tackle he has always been able to set the tone of a game.

He has hit such remarkable heights in his career that when he dips below them, people notice, even though he is still a bigger influence than any other player. This has happened a fair bit in his international career, where different managers have looked to shoehorn him into teams and systems because he is that good he can play anywhere - and on very few occasions has he been given license to play in his best role which is attacking teams from an advanced midfield role.

As a player, Steven Gerrard has absolutely everything. There is no bigger tribute to his ability as a player than the praise of his peers in the game. Xavi, Zidane, Suarez and even Jose Mourinho are amongst those to hail Gerrard as one of the best in the world.

The leader

From the moment Gerrard was anointed Liverpool captain he took on that responsibility with a drive that took his game to a different level. The captaincy matured Gerrard, and gave him a sense of duty to channel his energies into an immense desire to win.

There have been times where you have seen the burden of leading his hometown club, carrying that expectancy and the hopes of his people on his shoulders. It has meant that he has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, there is never anything left.

Gerrard has always been a role model to everybody around him, whether that is with Liverpool, England, or the kids playing football in the playgrounds wanting to be Steven Gerrard. He has carried that role with distinction and class throughout his career; he isn't just a world-class footballer, he is an ambassador for Liverpool Football Club and for football in general.

Gerrard is a natural leader, he inspires those around him. He makes the impossible possible, and he has helped players around him improve by setting an example of excellence.

At different points in his career, Gerrard has been afforded the opportunity to leave Liverpool and add many more medals to his personal collection. But you sense with Gerrard, it has never been about personal accolades for him. It has been about achieving things with Liverpool.

His city.

His club.

The legend

It will always be a debate that rages forever, but history will remember Steven Gerrard as one of Liverpool's greatest ever players. Possibly the best ever.

Anybody that was lucky enough to see the great Kenny Dalglish will be torn between the two, but it is worth pointing out the Dalglish played in some of the greatest Liverpool teams of all time. He was surrounded by world-class players.

Throughout most of his career, Gerrard has been part of a Liverpool side in transition. He has had to step up time and again when the team has needed something special.

The list is endless, but that goal Gerrard scored against Olympiakos in the Champions League in 2005 was a microcosm of his entire Liverpool career.

When it really mattered, Gerrard has always stood up, often beyond anything that you could expect from an individual player. His individual contribution to Liverpool Football Club has been immense, but as is his way, he is often swift to pass on the plaudits to his teammates and others.

Legend is a word that is used far too often in today's game - but Gerrard is a Liverpool legend in the truest sense of the word.

History will likely judge him as the most influential player to have ever played for the club.

The legacy

Steven Gerrard will ever be synonymous with Liverpool Football Club, wherever his future career takes him (which will hopefully be home one day).

His legacy to Liverpool is the moments he has given us since that day in 1998. The goal against Alves in 2001, the Olympiacos goal, Istanbul, the Gerrard Cup final, the goals in big games against United, Everton and Chelsea only scratch the surface.

It almost feels that every Liverpool fan has been part of Gerrard's journey as a player, that's because he is one of us. He has lived out the dream - and we've celebrated with him and shared his pain during the bad moments.

Gerrard leaves a legacy that is beyond value - there are young footballers across the world that have grown up wanting to be Steven Gerrard. That have grown up supporting Liverpool because of Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard has been at the heart of the club's very identity for so long - he has carried the hopes and dreams of every Liverpool fan on his shoulders. He understands the sense of expectation, the hunger for success, the sense of community that the club is built upon.

He will forever be for me, the greatest player I have ever seen - a player that comes along once in a generation and one that has been so important in the lives of so many Liverpool fans for so long.

Surely one day he'll be back - as Liverpool Football Club won't be the same without him.

Visit our Steven Gerrard tribute by clicking here.