Eleven years ago today, Gerrard Houllier named a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed youngster captain of Liverpool. Houllier is gone, but the youngster remains, having captained Liverpool to a Champion’s League title, an FA Cup title and a host of other honors. The youngster’s name: Steven Gerrard. Today, The18 takes a look back at the best moments of Gerrard’s captaincy.
December 8, 2004: “You beauty!”
Gerrard’s most unforgettable goal. Just 24 years old, Gerrard hit a thunderous volley to advance Liverpool from the Champion’s League group stage, and set Liverpool on the path to Gerrard’s next moment.
May 25, 2005: The Miracle of Istanbul
Gerrard’s shiniest trophy, and one of the greatest matches ever played. Down 3-0 to AC Milan at halftime in the Champion’s League Final, Liverpool got on the board with a header, and Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso scored to tie the game up. Liverpool then won the Champion’s League in the penalty shootout.
May 13, 2006: FA Cup Final
Nearly a year after the Champion’s League final, Gerrard put on the best individual performance of his career, scoring two goals (including a hellacious volley to equalize in the 90th minute), and assisting one more, plus hitting a penalty in the shootout win over West Ham. The video is a bit long, but well worth the watch.
March 13, 2012: Merseyside Hat Trick
In his 400th Premier League match, Gerrard dominated the Merseyside derby, scoring every goal in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Everton.
April 13, 2014: “We go again”
Gerrard’s most captainly moment, gathering his team together after they defeated Manchester City 3-2 and giving them a pep-talk for the ages. Goosebumps.
Follow Sam Klomhaus on Twitter @SamKlomhaus
