Benitez: Gerrard Not Central In Plans
(Goal.com) - Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez says that Steven Gerrard will not always be able to play in his preferred position of central midfield.
The England international has featured on the right and left for Liverpool this season, with the likes of Momo Sissoko and Xabi Alonso playing in central midfield.
"Steven is happier playing in the middle and we know that but I cannot put Xabi or Momo on the wing," said Benitez.
"If they are playing well, we know Steven has a lot of quality and we can use him in another position, on the right, the left or behind the main striker, that will benefit the team.
"Zinedine Zidane played on the left many times even though he preferred to play just behind the strikers and Ronaldinho plays on the right, even though he would prefer to be behind the strikers too.
"That's how it is with good players. They can play in any position. Steven is our captain and he knows that."
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Comments
IMO, Gerrard is at his best when he's allowed to float or roam around the field, sort of a 'Free' role. Keeping him isolated in one area of the field doesn't allow him to be the driving force that he normally is.
Posted by: ForzaItalia | September 20, 2006 01:46 PM
Forza, I agree. Many of Gerrard's trademark blasts from the edges of the box have been the result of roaming the midfield, using his effort and desire to get involved where the defense either doesn't expect it, or simply can't stop it. I wouldn't mess with the engine of team.
Sissoko is a roamer as well, but isn't a threat to score usually. He is more valuable at gaining possession. Alonso is a quality distributer in the middle and can score. Maybe Benitez should move Sissoko back in the formation to play a sweeper role.
Posted by: kicks22 | September 20, 2006 02:17 PM
when you have Gerrard you make sure he plays.
Posted by: Tony p | September 20, 2006 04:58 PM
men gerrard shouldnt be crying he need to be play were ever they put him. because if he was that good he should of taken england to the final which he didnt
Posted by: twisters08 | September 20, 2006 07:19 PM
I say.
Gerrard is a top notch player & bloody well a much better player than any American. He can work well in any position on the pitch. To the chap that posted why Gerrard could not take England to the final of the World Cup I say this. You can't expect one Lad to carry an entire team. Gerrard was one of the few English that played rather well in Germany. At least England made it out of the first round. What about your team.
Posted by: Delbert Grady | September 20, 2006 10:25 PM
Hey losers get a hold of this, Lampard is better than Gerrard!!
Posted by: stroke | September 20, 2006 10:30 PM
Ok. First of all, I have to respond to 'stroke'. Lampard is a very streaky player and I personally think he is overrated. He is lucky he has so many good players around him at Chelsea. But that doesn't always hide him, as evidenced in the world cup with England. Gerrard is much more consistent and just an all-around good player.
Secondly, I have to respond to 'Delbert Grady'. I agree, Gerrard is very much a top notch player. But why the hostility to Americans? I doubt very much that 'twisters08' is American himself as another post of his really bagged on Landon Donovan. Even if he is American, 'twisters08' should be ashamed of himself. In addition, England is one of the US's closest allies. So I say we stop dissing each other's countries.
Lastly, I have to respond to 'twisters08'. Are you high or something? When was the last time you put a whole team on your shoulders and won the world cup? Personally, I believe if you can't step up, you should shut up. And stop posting. You suck at it.
Posted by: The MENG man | September 21, 2006 01:52 AM