EPL, Premiership, English Premier League

Liverpool

Age: 28

Birthday: May 30th, 1980

Birthplace: Whiston, Merseyside (England)

Position: Attacking Midfield

2007/08 Goals: EPL- 11 goals, 11 assists. Total - 20 goals, 19 assists.

Biography:

Steven George Gerrard started playing with the Whiston Juniors at a young age. He joined Liverpool’s youth academy at the age of 9. Gerrard played few games for Liverpool between the age of 14 and 16 because of late growth spurts. During this period he underwent trials with Manchester United and other club teams in order to pressure Liverpool into signing him. Gerrard was finally signed with Liverpool in 1997. In 1998, Gerrard started with Liverpools first string team against Blackburn. His first start was in the UEFA Cup against Celta Vigo.

During the 1999/2000 season Gerrard scored his first goal for Liverpool ahainst Sheffield. His late growth spurts caused him delayed back and groin pain during the season. By the 2000/2001 season his injuried were behind him. Gerrard scored 10 goals and Liverpool won the League Cup and FA Cup. He quickly began to create his classic presence in midfield and scored one of his first long-range goals. That season he was name PFA Young Player of the Year. The next year Liverpool succeeded in reaching their highest points level in the EPL and finished 2nd in the League. Durign the 2003/2004 season Gerrard earned the Captain’s band and showed his leadership qualities. He also obtained a €60,000 a week contract with Liverpool. As teh season ended he said that he was not “happy with the progress the club has made and for the first time in my career I’ve thought about the possibility of moving on.” Though Liverpool did not do well that season and despite Chelsea’s €20 million offer, Gerrard decided to stay.

In 2005, Liverpool played AC Milan for the Champions League Final. Gerrard scored the 1st goal and was awarded a penalty when he was brought down in the box. They went on to win the Final in penalty shoot-outs and Gerrard was named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year. After the Final, Gerrard was linked with a move to Chelsea. Liverpool’s chief executive Rick Parry said “Now we have to move on. We have done our best, but he has made it clear he wants to go and I think it looks pretty final.” But the next day, despite a €32 million, €100,000 a week offer Gerrard refused the offer. “Stevie’s decided to stay. It’s a little bit like last year, only even more dramatic…”
The 2005/2006 season saw Gerrard scored 23 goals in 53 games and received the PFA Player of the Year and led Liverpool to victory in the FA Cup. The next season saw Liverpool fail in most competitions except the Champions League where they reached the Final against AC Milan; this time however, they lost 2-1. The 2007/2008 season also saw Gerrard wear the Captain’s band in International play for England.
Recently, during the 2008/2009 season Gerrard scored his 100th goal against PSV Eindhoven.

Gerrard is well known for his dominance in midfield and his amazing long-range shots. He has become one of the most loved Liverpool figures showing great determination and vision during games.