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Steven George Gerrard (born 30 May, 1980) is an English football player with Liverpool F.C.. Gerrard is usually employed in a central midfield role. He is the captain of Liverpool and the third-choice captain of the English national football team (after David Beckham and Michael Owen). He wears the number 8 for Liverpool and number 4 for England. It is widely thought that the club captaincy was handed to Gerrard so that he could inspire his teammates, and to compel him to take responsibility for his own indifferent disciplinary record, which apparently worked as in the 2003-2004 season he was only booked twice.
History
Gerrard was raised on the Bluebell estate in Huyton, Merseyside. While attending Cardinal Heenan High School, Gerrard was known to go on scouting trips to check out rival school teams. In 1994 whilst in Year 9, Steven was part of the Liverpool Boys squad and "almost" made it into England National School, a small blemish on his now successful career.
Gerrard was one of three Liverpool players that scored in the famous World Cup qualifying game in September 2001 against Germany (1-5 away victory).
Although approached by Chelsea F.C. to sign for them during the summer of 2004, he rejected them but instead chose to stay at Liverpool. It is known that he was on the brink of signing for Chelsea but was persuaded to stay because of his family and friends. The arrival of new Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez also played a part in his decision.
A foot injury sustained against rivals Manchester United on 20 September 2004 ruled him out of first team football until late November 2004.
On Wednesday 8th December 2004, Gerrard scored a stunning 25-yard piledriver against Greek team Olympiakos in the Champions League. Liverpool needed to win by two clear goals to progress to the last 16 of the competition. They were 1-0 down at half-time, but scored two goals before Gerrard secured their place with their third. He has since claimed that this was his best, if not his most important, goal for Liverpool to date.
Liverpool
Gerrard is widely regarded as one of, if not the best, player in the current Liverpool squad. He has played for no other teams, coming up through the ranks of Liverpool right up to the first team. His talent was spotted by ex-manager Gerard Houllier when he was invited into the Youth Academy to investigate another player's talent. Houllier reportedly could not keep his eyes off Gerrard however. When at the end, Houllier was asked if he wanted the other player, he is reported to have said: "I'll take Gerrard now, but I'll consider the other guy and give you a verdict soon."
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