Is it time for Liverpool to drop Steven Gerrard?

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was heavily criticised after the Reds 3-1 defeat at West Ham on Saturday

Liverpool suffered a 3-1 defeat at West Ham yesterday.

It was the Reds third Premier League defeat of the season and the fall-out from the game seems to be criticism of Liverpool captain and hero Steven Gerrard.

Some Reds fans even accused the veteran star of now being a liability, which is quite harsh on the former-England international star.

Hero                                                             

For so long Steven Gerrard has been the man that has lead by example for Liverpool.

He has dragged the Reds forward at times and rescued them on many occasions. He is Mr Liverpool and quite simply a modern day Liverpool legend.

If there is a man that has epitomised Liverpool in the last 15 years Gerrard is that man. However there seems to be a growing feeling that the midfielder is struggling to influence the game for the Reds.

Struggling

Gerrard of old was a man that would drive the Reds forward, but at 34 years of age he has had to adapt to more of a defensive midfield role in recent seasons. In the Reds current formation he will drop deep and in-between the centre-backs as the full-backs venture forward.

Gerrard is definitely less of an influence in that deep role and his lessening influence on the Reds play has led to question marks over whether he should be dropped from Liverpool’s starting eleven.

The Liverpool captain has called time on his international career with England after the Three Lions poor World Cup. Gerrard was criticised for his performances in Brazil and he definitely did not look like Gerrard in his prime.

Time

Time waits for no man, even if that man is a top level footballer. Steven Gerrard is obviously an extremely fit individual and works hard to stay fit. However, at 34 there is no doubt that Gerrard is now showing his age.

The veteran midfielder does not have the legs to play every game anymore for the Reds and everybody involved in the club must realise that. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers must now consider resting the midfielder for some games.

With a Champions League campaign this season Liverpool will have to play a lot of games. It seems now is the time for Brendan Rodgers to use Gerrard in a clever way. The midfielder was always the man for the big occasion and maybe that is when he should be saved for.

Deserving

Even the most diehard of Liverpool fans would have to admit that Steven Gerrard’s career is on the downward curve. The midfielder deserves some time to regain his form. He has done so much for the team and club.

For Liverpool fans to turn on their hero now would be undeserved. Gerrard has been a vital part of the Reds team for a long time. There is nobody that has done more for the Reds in the clubs recent history.

For Liverpool fans to give up on Gerrard now would be tough on the midfielder, because he has been such an instrumental player for the club in recent years.

Derby

Liverpool’s next Premier League encounter is next weekend against arch-rivals Everton. The derby is the sort of game that Gerrard relishes. The midfielder has been superb against the Toffees down the years, producing some fantastic displays.

It looks very unlikely that Steven Gerrard will be dropped for the Merseyside derby. It would not be surprising if Gerrard once again had a major influence against the Toffees.

Steven Gerrard will need a rest at some point this season. However you can bet that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will not rest his captain for the derby, despite his slow start to the season he can still be a match-winner.

Is it time for Liverpool to drop Steven Gerrard?