Comment: Former glory awaits Liverpool

Steven Gerrard has proven countless times why he’s considered the greatest Liverpool player to grace the pitch.

The most decorated football club in England, Liverpool – with five Champions League titles – boast a brilliant past. However, recently their fans have had little to brag about.

Their uncharacteristic history in the Premier League since its inception in 1992 has left football enthusiasts wanting more.

The Merseyside giants have only achieved two runners-up positions (2001/02, 2008/09) and their recent failures to qualify for Europe has dented their history, with the exception of winning their fifth European title in 2005.

Their home ground, Anfield, is considered to be one of the most daunting places to visit as the echoes of ‘You’ll never walk alone’ strike fear into the hearts of opponents. But even the legendary colosseum and the intimidating anthems have not been enough for Liverpool to get consistent results.

Considered one of the ‘big clubs’ in England’s top flight, it would be safe to say that The Reds have underachieved in the past two decades. However, in the current season (2013/14), they’ve shown glimpses of the past, of legendary manager Bill Shankly’s Liverpool — one of the greatest in history.

Manager Brendon Rodgers has transformed the team from struggling against second rate teams to demolishing their high-profile rivals; the most recent ‘giant’ casualty being their biggest rivals, Manchester United, who are currently struggling themselves. Rodgers claims their main aim is to qualify for the Champions League but consistent results have made them legitimate title contenders.

No team can succeed with the sole genius of the manager; it requires players of the highest calibre, especially when it comes to English football. Steven Gerrard, the captain, has proven countless times why he’s considered the greatest Liverpool player to grace the pitch. His allegiance to The Reds, leadership on the pitch and an insane passing range has made him the midfielder he is today. The only blemish on his outstanding career is the absence of a premier league trophy. Gerrard, now 33, can only play a few more seasons and his bid for a Premier League title looks more realistic with Rodgers calling the shots.

But not even Gerrard – with his 10 goals and 9 assists this season – has had the same impact that one player has had on Liverpool. The unstoppable Uruguayan Luis Suarez, who has had a highly controversial stint in England, has 28 goals and 10 assists in 25 games. However, the striker remains loyal to the club and the fans have shown him continuous support even after his outrageous antics on and off the field.

Daniel Sturridge deserves equal praise for his 19 goals. Thanks to his link-up play with Suarez, the ‘SAS’ (Sturridge and Suarez), is now the deadliest combo in the league. Add players like Philippe Coutinho, who burst onto the scene with his impeccable vision and Jordan Henderson, the meticulous midfielder whose work ethics amaze everyone, to the mix and what you get is a well-rounded attack.

In the end, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can justify the promise they’ve shown this year, but they have everything in place to once again become the club that was known as the pinnacle of English football. Bill Shankly always advocated that, in Liverpool, football is not just a game; it’s a way of life.

“Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude,” said the great Shankly. “I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.”

The writer is a sub-editor at The Express Tribune

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2014.

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