Steven's Farewell

I just watched Steven Gerrard's farewell speech following his last home game for Liverpool again and it really hit me. The reason I became a Liverpool fan was because of the 2005 Champions League Final, because Gerrard and co. showed heart as they fought their way back for the victory. As I became more familiar with Liverpool I realized how fortunate the club was to have a player like Steven Gerrard. He was a local lad who came through the ranks and now captained the team by example.

I've had some good influences in my life but to me Steven Gerrard was my true idol. I tried to play like him, live like him, even look like him. One of the best compliments I ever received was when I was in London in a JD Sports and my friends little brother said I looked just like Steven Gerrard, who was on a poster. Side note, I was told I look like Adam Lallana by my sister in law last week, another player I style after, another great compliment.

I am a Liverpool fan because of Steven Gerrard. I can't believe that he is leaving. I do not argue that he is making a mistake by leaving, I believe he has made the right decision, but it is still hard to accept. The era of the local lads, Gerrard and Carragher, has come to an end. Liverpool are now headed into uncharted territory and everyone will be asking, how will Liverpool cope?

There will only be one local lad in the first team squad next season, Jon Flanagan, who, due to injury has found himself on the periphery and may never feature heavily for the club. There are a few promising youngsters in the youth ranks from Liverpool like Jordan Rossiter but it will be a while before we may see any of them in the starting lineup. So the question is, will Liverpool be the same without a local heart in the dressing room? I certainly believe that it can, Liverpool just need to bring in the right kind of players.

Liverpool FC may not be as good as they once were but the passion is still there, especially in the fans. Rodgers and the owners need to ensure that the passion is not diminished by Gerrard's departure by signing players that realize how lucky they are to play in front of the Kop. A lack of Champions League will make things more difficult but it is certainly possible. I look at players like Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Martin Skrtel as players that love the club and will fight to the end for it. They were all signed when Liverpool could not offer Champions League football.

There are way too many players rumored with a move to Liverpool and it will only get crazier after the season ends and football reporters will have little else to write about other than transfer speculation. There are only a few positions that really need true strengthening during the off season, a right back would be nice but a top striker is a must as it appears that Sturridge may never be fit. A center midfielder may also be added with Gerrard departing but I do not believe that Liverpool need an out and out replacement as Emre Can can step into that role if a center back is signed (or a loaned player like Coates, Ilori or Wisdom is promoted). Brad Jones has said his goodbyes to fans and so it appears that Liverpool are in the market for a new goalkeeper, although probably an understudy to Mignolet due to the Beligan's much improved form this year.

I will waste may hours myself going on and on about transfer rumors this summer and praying to God that Liverpool will sign top players. One thing that I hope most of all is that these players are fans of Liverpool, that they would choose us over others (screw Depay), and that they realize that they have big shoes to fill next season. One thing is for sure, it will be different next season, and I can't wait to see what happens. In the meantime I will be catching a few MLS games with my local team Real Salt Lake, who will be entertaining Gerrard's new team, LA Galaxy, in July. I saw Gerrard play only once before in a friendly against Tottenham in Baltimore, and I can't wait to see him again.