Why Steven Gerrard's time as Liverpool's talisman could soon come to an end

By David Anderson

Published 11:25 02/11/11

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As disappointing as Steven Gerrard's latest absence with his ankle infection undoubtedly is for Kopites, it is not the disaster it used to be.

A couple of years ago, news that Gerrard would be out for any length of time would set the alarm bells ringing at Anfield.

Liverpool's talismanic skipper was such an integral part of the team that his team-mates' confidence was hit by his absence.

Kenny Dalglish is slowly changing that dependence on Gerrard so that the team can still prosper when he is missing.

The signings of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing have given Liverpool energy, passing and width - all the qualities Gerrard brings to the team.

The stats show that Liverpool have fared quite well over the last eight months when Gerrard has been in and out of the team.

Since he had his groin operation in March, they have won 13 of the 22 games they have started without him, losing just six.

Their record without him this season - thanks to Henderson, Adam and Downing - is even better and they have won eight of the 11 games he has not begun, losing just two.

Indeed, Liverpool drew the only two games - against Manchester United and Norwich at home - that the England star has started in the last eight months.

It is all good experience for Liverpool as they develop as a team and at 31, Gerrard can't be expected to go on forever at the lung-busting tempo he plays at.

His injuries and illnesses will take their toll on him and fans cannot expect him to be the same player he was five or six years ago when he seemed to carry Liverpool almost singlehanded.

That's where Dalglish has been clever with this summer signings and Liverpool have a new depth to their midfield, harking back to the days of Alonso and Mascherano.

Anyway, Luis Suarez seems to be taking over Gerrard's role as Liverpool's most important player and he has been sensational since arriving in January.

If he's not scoring goals - like he did at Stoke last week - he has a hand in making them - like he did at West Brom on Saturday evening.

I know this may sound like heresy to Kopites, but the day is fast approaching when Suarez rather than Gerrard is the player Liverpool miss most.

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