Every great career comes to an end one day and Steven Gerrard’s recent run of form and being constantly criticized by his own sets of fans has led us to believe that his days at Liverpool are almost numbered.
Stevn Gerrard has been driving Liverpool’s mid-field for more than 12 seasons now and replacing a man of his skills and vision would seem as an impossible task, but it is something Liverpool will have to do it in coming few weeks.
Recent reports have suggested that Gerrard will soon announce his decision to quit Liverpool at the end of current Premier League season. In wake of such news, Sportzwiki analyses the Top 5 Steven Gerrard replacement for Liverpool.
5. Claudio Marchisio (Juventus)
England fans will not remember Marchisio very fondly after his superb 20-yard strike at the World Cup against England. We have been fortunate to witness such strikes almost week in week out from Steven Gerrard in a Liverpool shirt.
Claudio Marchisio is a Juventus lad through and through. Born and bread in Turin and having graduated from Juventus’ academy, Marchisio has played for just one club through out his career. Marchisio’s awareness on the ball, strength, pace and long range shots are reminiscent to Gerrard’s playing style. Such similarities make Marchisio a ready-made replacement for Gerrard.
4. Fabian Delph (Aston Villa)
Fabian Delph’s rise to the England’s senior side setup has been one of the best stories this season. In a much fragile Aston Villa side, Delph has been the standout player this season. Such performances have attracted interests for the talented young mid-field player.
Brendan Rodgers has expressed his admiration for the player out in public. There have been several reports linking Delph to Liverpool as early as in the January Transfer Window. Delph is strong on the ball, can see a pass through and he does score his share of the goals as well.
Delph is young and certainly has the potential to play at the top level in the game. All these factors put together, Delph looks like an ideal replacement for Steven Gerrard.
3. Ross Barkley (Everton)
WOW, would this not be the signing of this decade. It would require immense strength and huge bucks to switching the Mersyside blood’s color from Blue to Red in Ross Barkley. Since Gerrard, Barkley has been the best English mid-field player to have come from Mersyside. Seeing the early signs, Barkley has all the potential to better Gerrard as well.
Ross Barkley’s powerful runs in the opposing box are a treat for the supporting fans. It would take almost a 50 Million bid to bring Barkley to Anfield. Blessed with skills to mesmerize, a brilliant big game nerves and an amazing attitude towards the game make Barkley a brilliant replacement for Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool would need to act proactively, if they see Barkley as the new Liverpool #8 as Manchester City have expressed their desire to sign the gifted Englishman and they will not shy away from making an audacious bid for Ross Barkley.
2. Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Why look further when you have an in-house replacement ready to fill in Gerrard’s position. Jordan Henderson has gone from being “TOO KNIEVE” to the “CURRENT LIVERPOOL VICE CAPTAIN”and when Gerrard does leave the Anfield, Henderson would be the new Liverpool captain.
Speaking of talent and skill, Henderson’s game might not be the in the same league as Gerrard but he sure does have a heart and grit to go with a superb footballing brain. Henderson, in last 12-18 months has shown his true potential.
Winning over a demanding Anfield faithfuls is not an easy task but Henderson has managed it very efficiently and I have no doubt in Henderson to be Liverpool’s new Steven Gerrard and the main man to carry Liverpool’s mid-field for many seasons to follow.
1. Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Every major team in Europe wants to sign Paul Pogba, simply because he is that damn good. Pogba has climbed the ladders of success and fame much quicker than many predicted and certainly Manchester United missed a trick in letting the play leave early and for free.
Liverpool would love to have Pogba in their ranks, as he has already rubbed United’s nose to dirt by refusing to play for them ever again in future and joining Liverpool would give an unhealing scar to Liverpool’s most hated rivals.
Paul Pogba would come for a price around 50 Million and Liverpool will have to fend off many suitors to sign the Frenchman who is an absolute powerhouse and almost unplayable on his day. Pogba certainly is the most ideal replacement for Steven Gerrard in the longer run.