Monday, 29th September, 2014
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Steven Gerrard is still a “highly influential” player for his side, following the captain’s display in the 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday.
The 34-year-old, who has come under criticism from some corners due to his performances in the present campaign, scored from a magnificent free-kick to give his side a 65th-minute lead in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Although Everton scored a last-gasp equaliser through Phil Jagielka, Rodgers was pleased with Gerrard’s display at the weekend.
The manager also explained that Gerrard being man marked at this age shows that the ex-England international is far from being a spent force.
"He is still a highly influential player and, as you saw with the free-kick, he has got great quality", Rodgers told his club’s official site.
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"The biggest credit you can give to Stevie is that at 34 years of age, at this level, he is being man marked. I think in a couple of the games that has just showed you the level and influence that he still has on this team.
"[Steven] Naismith tried to follow and get around him, but we did some work on clearing the space so we could move him out of positions so we could get the ball in different areas."
Gerrard, who retired from international football after England’s disappointing World Cup campaign, has made seven appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three times.
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