Football News - Steven Gerrard - The Man In Black
After a two week break it's back to the Premier League this weekend, as the "business end" of the season starts to unfold. One of the contenders for player of the season has undoubtably been Liverpool star Steven Gerrard, the driving force behind The Red's renewed title challenge. With a crucial game ahead at Fulham, the SoccerBible salutes the Man in Black...
Gerrard has worn adidas Predator football boots for a nearly all of his professional career and has always been a traditionalist with a black colour way - with some red and white of course! At the SoccerBible we admire Gerrard's style in choosing to play in black football boots - here are the Man In Black's finest moments so far...
LIVERPOOL 2-1 SOUTHAMPTON - 2001
The Goal:
One of many sweet, sweet strikes from Gerrard: a dipping volley from 35 yards, shooting past Saints keeper Paul Jones and smashing into the net of the crossbar.
The Boots:
adidas Predator Precision
LIVERPOOL 3-3 AC MILAN (3-2 on pens) - 2005
The Goal:
Perhaps the most memorable moment for Gerrard in a Liverpool shirt, as he single-handedly began the fight-back from 3-0 down at half time. The 54th minute saw the determination and belief start and become true, as the decisive header set up one of the most famous comebacks in Champions League history. Whilst this may not be in the same league technically or asthetically, no one can argue this goal's importance and subsequent legacy.
The Boots:
adidas Predator Pulse
LIVERPOOL 4-0 REAL MADRID - 2009
The Goal:
Another "famous Champions League night" at Anfield, with Gerrard's second of the night two minutes after the restart killing off any chances of a Madrid comeback. Still plenty to do when Ryan Babel's cross from the left came into the penalty area but the England midfielder kept the ball down to direct it past Casillas and confirm the emphatic victory over the Spanish rivals.
The Boots:
adidas Predator PowerSwerve
LIVERPOOL 3-1 OLYMPIACOS - 2004
The Goal:
The goal that made Liverpool's Champions League victory in Istanbul possible. With Liverpool heading out of the competition at the Group Stages, a two goal victory over Olympiacos was the requirement. Time running out, the midfielder once again came to the resuce stepping up to fire home a peach of a strike and perhaps his most significant goal in a Liverpool shirt.
The Boots:
adidas Predator Pulse II. (Also check out Harry Kewell's old skool F50+ Punjab's too!)
LIVERPOOL 3-3 WEST HAM (3-1 on pens) - 2006
The Goal:
Gerrard's top goal is one of crucial timing and execution.West Ham are the next victims to those who have had triumph snatched away, against all odds, by the Liverpool captain. The 2006 FA Cup final, West Ham are leading 3-2 as four minutes of injury time is announced. Cue Steven Gerrard, with a characteristic low, powerful driven strike from outside the area to nestle in the bottom corner and take the game to extra time. Gerrard himself calls this his best goal ever - and who are we to argue?!
The Boots:
adidas Predator Absolute
We can't fault Gerrard's boot choices, but equally would love to see the inspirational midfielder in some other colour boots once in a while! How about a vibrant Red to match the Liverpool kit? Or a classy all-white Predator when playing for England, as is becoming the trend for 2009! But what do you think? Should Stevie G stick with his classic black boots, or do you want to see him in some colours? Have your say and let the World know now!
