It was a cold and wintry November night in 1998 when a
lad named Steven George Gerrard made his professional football debut for a team
burdened with glorious purpose. At that time in the world, little anyone knew
that they were witnessing history. Little anyone knew that he would go on to
become an epitome of allegiance. And little anyone knew that “Gerrard” would
become Liverpool’s heart and soul.
I believe I say this with the consent of everyone in the
football fraternity, even those who are remotely related, that if there’s
anyone on this planet today who rightfully should, nay deserves to, win the Premier
League title, it’s Steven Gerrard. And the only thing that led me to this bona
fide conclusion is Gerrard’s undying dedication and the manner in which he
passionately wears his heart on his sleeve.
When Liverpool edged Manchester City 3-2 last night to
take a gigantic step towards their first League title since 1990, no other emotion
in the 45,522 capacity Anfield stadium expressed the jubilation and exuberance
better than that of Steven Gerrard’s. The tears that rolled down his cheeks signified
drops of passion and certainly proved how much Liverpool and that elusive EPL title
mean to the skipper.
Winning a Premier League title is no doubt a colossal
achievement. But the reason that it would be extra special for Liverpool to win
the title this season is that it, in addition to ending the Merseyside club’s
24-year long wait for exaltation, would indeed be a fitting way of commemorating
the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy where Gerrard’s 10-year old
cousin was among the 96 who lost their lives.
The manner in which Steven Gerrard and Liverpool have
been playing this season portrays a clear killer instinct and a rock-solid
intent to lift the trophy. While Brendan Rodgers has transformed the Reds into
a club that is brimming with counter-attacking confidence, Gerrard himself has
been in the form of his life. His presence in midfield is indispensable, his
passing is immaculate and his aura is breathtaking.
And I speak for all Liverpool fans when I say that we always
witness something really remarkable whenever we’re graced with the presence of
Stevie G’s charismatic aura. The greatest example to prove that Gerrard’s indomitable
spirit is unconquerable is the inspirational UEFA Champions League final
against AC Milan in Istanbul when the Reds scored three goals in six minutes to
turn around a 0-3 deficit.
Of course who can forget the stupendous goal that the
Liverpool skipper hit earlier that season in the dying minutes of the Champions
League Group Stage match against Olympiakos that propelled Liverpool into the
knockout stages. Both instances corroborate just one plain and simple fact – when
the world tells you that it can’t be done & all hope is lost, Steven
Gerrard gives us a reason to dream and believe.
Ever since Gerrard became Liverpool captain in 2003, he
has carried the club on his shoulders through the thick and thin of times. He
has juggled the highs and lows that the Reds have faced with impeccable ease.
And the fact that clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter Milan failed to
deter his cherished loyalty speaks only volumes about this legendary Anfield
hero’s character, zeal and perseverance.
