Steven Gerrard (Midfielder)
Date
of birth: 30/05/80
Squad number: 17
Height: 6'1" (1.88m)
Weight: 12st 6lb (79kg)
Characteristics: Committed and skilful, he shines in a variety of positions.
Former clubs: Trainee
Birth Place: Whiston
The twelve months from August '98 to August '99 were amazing for Steven Gerrard as he graduated from Academy League football to the Liverpool first team and also to the international set-up with England.
Gerrard - one of the brightest prospects in the English game - was recognised by England manager Kevin Keegan who invited the Liverpool youngster to train with the national squad at their training camp ahead of a vital European Championship qualifying game during the 1998/99 season - a sure sign that if his current progress continues then it is just a matter of time before he is a regular member of the full England squad.
He sampled first team football for the first time in a European tie at Anfield during the 1998/99 season when he earned a man of the match award for his display against Spanish outfit Celta Vigo at Anfield. Having travelled with the first team party for the away leg of the tie, he was given a starting role at Anfield and was the major plus point in an otherwise disappointing night for the Reds as they crashed out of the UEFA Cup.
Gerrard made thirteen appearances for Liverpool during the 1998/99 season with his finest moment undoubtedly being in the Merseyside derby against Everton when he cleared a Danny Cadamarteri shot off the line to the delight of the majority of the fans inside Anfield.
Highly rated by boss Gérard Houllier, Gerrard is proof that Liverpool do give their own youngsters a chance to shine and the young midfielder continued to shine in the chances that came his way due to injuries at the beginning of the 1999/2000 season.
At international level, Steven has captained England U-18s and scored on his U-21 debut against Luxembourg on 3rd September 1999.Gerrard pics:
