Steven Gerrard

Born in Whiston on May 30th 1980, Steven Gerrard is the quintessential 'local lad done good'. Since joining Liverpool at the age of just seven, he has gone on to cement his place in the history of Anfield folklore, becoming one of Liverpool's all-time top appearance-makers as well as goal-scorers.

Even if he had not led Liverpool to glory in the 2005 Champions League final, Steven Gerrard would undoubtedly still have secured legend status in the hearts of Liverpool supporters, but that performance in Istanbul will inevitably go down as the defining moment in a stellar career.

With his side trailing 3-0 at the half time interval he visibly wrestled back control of the match, scoring the first goal to instil belief in his team-mates before winning the penalty which allowed Xavi Alonso to equalise. After holding his nerve in the resulting penalty shoot-out and lifting the trophy at the expense of AC Milan, it was clear that Steven Gerrard had finally come of age.

From making his debut as a 17-year old, there were early indications that Liverpool had uncovered a real gem. Initially deployed in a range of roles, he soon settled into his best position in the centre of midfield, from which he could best manipulate the outcome of a game. With 31 of his first 100 league goals coming from outside the area, Gerrard has made stunning goals his trademark, and as he falls back into a more withdrawn role in a bid to prolong his career, it is likely that this trend will continue.

In his time at Anfield, Gerrard has won two FA Cups, three League Cups, two Charity Shields, one Champions League title, a UEFA Cup and a European Super Cup, but it is his haul of individual commendations that make him stand out as a top, top player. He has been included in the PFA Team of the Year a total of seven times, as well as winning European player of the Year, PFA Player of the year, PFA Young Player of the Year, PFA Players' Player of the Year and PFA Fans' Player of the Year.

Gerrard has always struggled to a certain extent with injuries, but he nonetheless remains a key part of his managers' plans for both Liverpool and England, and the upcoming World Cup represents his last chance to add an international accolade to his haul of domestic trophies. 

Having earned over 100 caps for his country, a strong showing in Rio would be the perfect way to draw a line under his international career.

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