[lfc-news] Carragher: Golden Gerrard - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 6 Dec 2004
Golden Gerrard
By Paul Walker, Liverpool Echo

JAMIE CARRAGHER hailed the performances of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard
in his new support-striker role and claimed: "I haven't seen many in Europe
play better in that position."

Reds' boss Rafa Benitez gave Gerrard licence to roam forward in Saturday's
1-1 draw at Aston Villa.

The skipper made several probing runs and only a fine display from Villa
goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen denied the Reds a second Premiership away win of
the campaign.

Carragher said: "I don't know if that could be Steven's future position but
I think he is superb in it.

"When he gets that ball in between the midfield and defence, he can run at
people, he can shoot, he's got creativity and sees a pass. He's got
everything you would want from anyone in that position.

"In central midfield he is as good as anyone in Europe but in this role,
from the performances he has put in, I haven't seen many better in Europe
in that role either.

"I know some people think he sometimes plays the holding role because he
puts his foot in, but he has too much energy for that."

And of the captain's new position, Carragher said: "People class it as a
free role but he still works hard for the team and he can basically roam
around the pitch. In the first half he caused Villa so many problems.

"I spoke to some of the Villa defenders and said: 'When Steven runs at you
he is virtually unstoppable - I know from training..' People don't realise
how much pace he has got. He is one of the quickest players around."

Carragher believes Liverpool can take great optimism from their performance
despite Villa escaping with a fortunate point.

He said: "Our away record hasn't been too good but the first half was as
good as we have played away from home this season.

"It probably was as convincing a performance as we've put in and you'll see
from any side away from home this season.

"It isn't that we've been unlucky away - we haven't performed well away. We
know that.

"We're not trying to make excuses. In some games we've been poor.

"Now we've got to build on this because we've got another tough away one
coming up at Everton. But if you perform well results take care of themselves."

Carragher is hoping Harry Kewell's first league goal for 10 months will act
as a confidence boost.

He said: "Harry had a great goals record in the first half of last season
but he couldn't capitalise on that, although 12 goals from midfield is
still a great return.

"It was his first goal of this season so hopefully it will be the roles
reversed from last season. Let's hope he can score a lot more in the second
half of the season.

"He's taken a bit of criticism of late but the fact the fans were chanting
his name will be a great confidence boost for him."


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