Photo reblogged from love>distance with 178 notes
I see unity between Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso. When Alonso arrived, Gerrard could have felt marginalised. The Spaniard turned up at Anfield, a compatriot of the manager, and arguably an even better passer of the ball. Gerrard was suddenly less crucial in his old role at the heart of the midfield, and pushed further forward. The two men could have ended up hating each other, jealous of what the other represented.
But they don’t. They’re clearly good friends, and most importantly, they share a hefty mutual respect. There is some overlap in their skills, but also essential differences, such as Gerrard’s pace and dynamism, and Alonso’s calm assurance. Gerrard seemed to instantly trust Alonso with the ball, understanding he was here not to compete with the captain, but to improve the team.
Together, on the same wavelength in numerous ways, they are far more dangerous than two equally talented players interested only in their own success.
Look at the goal Gerrard scored against Sunderland. Gerrard and Alonso exchanged passes deep in the Sunderland half, and nothing looked on. Then the captain made a fantastic early run in behind the full-back, well before Alonso had looked up. It is the kind of run you only make if you trust the man on the ball to not only spot, but to spot in time and to release the pass with the correct weight and necessary precision. And it was perfect.- That one time Paul Tomknis decided to write what sounded distinctly like Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso fanfiction
Source: aconstantache
Photo reblogged from love>distance with 129 notes
“When I think of Stevie, I always remember the final when we were 3-0 down. He played right-back, centre-back, centre midfield and striker within 45 minutes. That is my idea of the perfect captain and the perfect player. So, for me, he is perfect to lead his country”
John Arne Riise about Steven Gerrard
Source: idratherbehome
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