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Gerrard is one of the brightest
prospects in England and made his Liverpool debut in a
European tie during the 1998/99 season against Celta Vigo at
Anfield.
 Progressed from the Liverpool Academy
and made thirteen appearances for the Reds during that season
with his finest moment undoubtedly being in the Merseyside
derby against Everton when he cleared a Danny Cadamarteri shot
off the line.
Claimed a midfield spot as his own
during 1999/2000, placing captain Jamie Redknapp's future in
doubt. Is a very versatile player and filled the right-back
slot on a number of occasions during the 2000/01 season.
Highly rated by Gerard Houllier,
Kevin Keegan and Alex Ferguson, Gerrard looks to have a bright
future as a central midfielder in the mould of Roy Keane.
 Gerrard seems to have limitless
energy in the engine room of Houllier's side and during the
course of the 2000/01 season chipped in with his fair share of
goals - usually blistering long-range strikes.
Only negative side of him is his
vulnerability to injury, which has prevented him making more
of an impact on the international scene.
Made his England debut against
Ukraine on May 31, 2000 and on the same day was named in Kevin
Keegan's Euro 2000 squad. He was one of the few successes of
the dire campaign, when he came on as a substitute to hold the
midfield against Germany.
Fought against injury to be fit for
England's 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory against Finland in
March. Gerrard put in a robust performance in the centre of
midfield where he was later asked to man-mark Liverpool
teammate and the Finns' dangerman Jari Litmanen.
 Has become a regular in England's
competitive matches and scored England's second goal in the
historic 5-1 demolition of Germany in September 2001.
His injury problems have failed to go
away, however, and he was forced to give up his place in
England's squad for the 2002 World Cup in order to have
surgery. That would allow him to be fit for the start of the
2002/03 campaign.
Gerrard, who picked up winners'
medals in the UEFA Cup, Worthington Cup, FA Cup and European
Super Cup in 2001, had played 138 games, scoring 15 goals, by
this time.
(From
soccernet.com) |
Versatile enough to have played at both right back and left
back, Gerrard's performances in defence and midfield brought
him to the attention of England boss Kevin Keegan and a
call-up to the national squad for Euro 2000. 
As well as collecting winner's medals in the Worthington Cup,
FA Cup and UEFA Cup, Gerrard also picked up the PFA Young
Player of the Year award and, in a poll conducted by
Liverpoolfc.tv, was was voted Liverpool Fans' Player of the
Season. 
