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Steven Gerrard missed much of the season last year as he was plagued by a groin injury, which was eventually operated upon. Gerrard has made most part of the recovery and will be back next season to a resurgent Liverpool side. His last participation was in the 3-1 win over arch-rivals Manchester United. The man who has been a one-man force at Liverpool for quite some time is pleased to see new signings such as Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll. Gerrard has been assertive and yet not complacent in his pre-season statements. He believes that Liverpool will be targeting a top 4 finish.
In the context of rivals Manchester United surpassing Liverpool in term of the titles won in English League football, he said, “As a Liverpool fan and a player it’s frustrating when you see your arch-rivals lifting trophies but you’ve got to give credit where it’s due. They’ve won it, they’ve overtaken us.” He has given United their due credit but has maintained that he aims at leveling the score as soon as possible.
This was Gerrard’s longest extended break from football at the club since he debuted as a youngster. The break is likely to get him into the best possible shape in all ways. The defeat at the World Cup and the pressure of captaincy amidst the pressure takes a toll on one’s nerves. He is fitter now and we can expect him to be the “superman” he is. Harry Redknapp gave the man unbridled praise and claimed (perhaps in his own club’s loss) that he will lead Liverpool to Champions League football.
Gerrard will take his place in the Liverpool which will be stronger with the presence of new signings. Gerrard has also expressed his desire that Raul Meireles stay at the club. Meireles kept place for Gerrard last season and played exceptionally well earning the respect of the Kop. Reports have emerged that he is likely to move this summer as Kenny Dalglish looks to further his finances. Alberto Aquilani is also returning from a loan to Juventus and if not sold will be a part of the squad. Gerrard will be twice as dangerous with quality strikers up front.
Gerrard’s optimism about the next season has been fueled by Kenny Dalglish’s return. He reminisced of the times when he was signed as a youngeter by the legend. “He signed me as a 17-year-old. All the fans have responded to it. When I’ve been to Anfield the atmosphere has been so good because he’s there, he has that magnetism. People love him and love watching his teams play. Next year will be the most open league title in years. You look at it and with one or two new players – and Kenny will have identified those – I don’t think Liverpool will be far away, and I’d love to see that.”
