Five reasons why Steven Gerrard should be a Premier League manager
(Courtesy : Sky Sports/Twenty3)
The Liverpool legend has matured into one of the most promising tacticians in European football.
Steven Gerrard firmly established himself as one of the best midfielders to ever grace the game. The Merseyside man symbolised loyalty and passion, leading his beloved Liverpool to success during his time at the club. The Englishman symbolised Liverpool and everything about the club.
Gerrard led Liverpool to a historic Champions League title in 2004-05, three League Cups and two FA Cups. He finished his career having won nine trophies and represented Liverpool 710 times, 473 of which came as captain. He also scored 186 goals in all competitions. Since hanging up his playing boots, Gerrard has followed and continued the trend of former players taking to management.
But unlike others who are taking up jobs at big clubs in haste, Gerrard has trodden a different path. He too took a challenging job at Scottish club Rangers at a time when the club was trying to break the hegemony of arch rivals Celtic while looking to re-establish their old glory back.
After taking charge of the club in June 2018, Steven Gerrard led them to a historic title win last season by being unbeaten in the league. Just three seasons into his management career, he has returned Rangers to the top of Scottish football. His performances have impressed many clubs, including a few at the Premier League who are interested in signing him.
We look at five reasons why Steven Gerrard would be suited for a job in the Premier League.
5. Improving defence
An important area that Steven Gerrard improved since joining Rangers was their defence. In the two seasons before Gerrard joined (2016-17 and 2017-18), Rangers conceded 50 and 44 goals respectively.
But in their three seasons under the Englishman, the Glaswegian club haven't conceded more than 27. Therefore, his work in improving the defence has greatly helped Rangers assert their dominance in games, especially at the Old Firm Derby against rivals Celtic.
It is not without reason that they say 'defence wins you titles.'
4. Great man management
Steven Gerrard has proven his capability to manage young and experienced players alike. His leadership skills date back to his time as Liverpool captain. Therefore, the man has the ability to strike an inspirational presence among his players. His experience and quality will definitely help groom players to become better.
It has rubbed off on the Rangers who have a great balance of youth and experience in their squad. Therefore, his presence in the Premier League will lead to many young players getting to learn and blossom under his tutelage.
3. European football experience
Having led Rangers back to the top of Scottish football, Steven Gerrard has brought regular European football back to the Ibrox Stadium. Therefore, he has experience in European competitions to add to his CV.
This makes him an ideal fit for Premier League clubs looking to push for European spots or looking to compete for the higher echelons of the table. He knows what it takes to build a club in his vision and take them to the top. His experience with Rangers stands him in good stead to continue the same with another club.
2. Understands the English game
There is no doubt that Steven Gerrard will bring all his Premier League experience into management. He is among the few legends to have graced the league and knows exactly what the English game demands. One thing about Gerrard is his maturity of choice, he gave up on a managerial role at MK Dons to focus on getting himself ready for the big time by starting small.
Gerrard has previously managed the U-18 and U-19 sides of Liverpool and now Rangers. Therefore, the ideal next step for him would be a club in the Premier League which he knows about like the back of his hand.
1. Aggressive tactics
Steven Gerrard often employs a 4-3-3 formation. His gameplay requires aggression, high energy and attacking football. Rangers outscored their rivals Celtic in two out of their three seasons under him.
Therefore, his tactics fit hand-in-glove with the Premier League where aggression and quick interplay are centre pieces. Gerrard's 4-3-3 formation also allows for increased width of the game which might help teams like Wolves and Newcastle who have fast wingers like Adama Traore, Trincao, Neto and Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron respectively.
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