Liverpool hero Steven Gerrard could make his last Merseyside derby appearance against Everton on Saturday
Saturday’s Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park will most likely be Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard’s last in a red shirt.
The former-England captain is set to move to LA Galaxy this summer, after more than a decade and a half representing the Reds.
Hero
For most Liverpool fans Steven Gerrard will always be a hero. He is the man that at times single-handedly dragged the Reds to trophies in some mediocre teams.
Despite his career beginning to come to its end Gerrard must still be regarded as a big player for the Reds.
Scourge
The 34-year-old has been the scourge of Everton in his long Reds career. The midfielder has made 32 Merseyside derby appearances and made his Merseyside derby debut in 1999 as a substitute. Since then he has gone on to score ten goals against the Toffees and is a man that Evertonians dread their team facing.
Ian Rush was the scourge of the Toffees in the eighties, but more so than Gerrard because at one point the two Merseyside teams were the two best teams in the country.
Unfortunately for Gerrard he has never been able to achieve the feats of Rush and co. but no matter what form he is in he always raises his game for Merseyside derbies. He seems to have an extra spring in his step and just want the win more, just like he raises his game for games against Manchester United.
Gritted-teeth
Most Everton fans would have to praise Gerrard through gritted teeth. He has earned begrudging respect through his displays down the years and Evertonians obviously recognise the quality and passion that Gerrard brings to his team.
Most Evertonians would have loved to have had Gerrard in their team, no matter how much they attempt to deny it. (Most will!)
Symbol
Gerrard has become much than just a player for Liverpool Football Club. He has become synonymous with the team that he represents and will forever be associated with the city of his birth.
When people talk and think about Liverpool Football Club, the team’s captain is usually at the forefront of their mind.
Decline
There is not much doubt about it Steven Gerrard has declined as a player as the years have rolled on. A debate about whether he should, or should not be in the team raged throughout the red half of Merseyside earlier this season.
The former-Messiah was all of a sudden set upon by questions about whether he was still good enough to wear the red shirt. He was good enough to give the Reds the lead in the 1-1 draw against Everton at Anfield earlier this season and no doubt he will once again produce a good performance at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The undoubted decline has led to Gerrard deciding that his future lies elsewhere and that he needs to take a step down in standard to prolong his playing career.
Before he moves on though, there is still time for Steven Gerrard to write more history, as the Reds are still in the Europa League, FA Cup and challenging for the top four in the Premier League.
However, I suspect that Gerrard would love to score the winning goal in his last derby match for Liverpool.
Relief
Everton and Liverpool could still meet in the Europa League, but most Toffees fans will be breathing a sigh of relief when Steven Gerrard cannot do anymore damage to their team.
If there is a late goal to be scored, a tackle to be made or inspiration needed Gerrard more often than not provides it in derby matches.
Steven Gerrard may be a hero to Liverpool fans, but to Everton fans he is the opponent who so often seems to deliver something special against them. It would not be surprising if he did it again in tomorrow’s game.
I hate to say this Everton fans, but tomorrow’s game is perfectly set-up for Gerrard to deliver one last dagger into the heart of the Toffees. However, there is one consolation in the fact that hopefully he will never get another chance to inspire a Liverpool victory over the Blues, not as a player anyway!
Will Steven Gerrard deliver something special in his last Merseyside derby?
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