STEVEN GERRARD

 Personal Information

Name: Steven George Gerrard  Date of Birth: 30 th May, 1980  Hometown: Whiston, England  Height: 6'  Nationality: English  Current Club: Liverpool FC  Playing Position: Midfielder

 Life before Professional Football

 Steven Gerrard, the hero of Liverpool, was born on 30 th May, 1980. Gerrard started
 his football career at a very early age, signifying his passion towards the game. He 
 played for the local team Whiston Juniors and his skills and acrobatics were noticed by 
 many. He began his football at the age of nine. He joined the Reds as a schoolboy and 
 played for them till the age of 16. At 14, he had trials with various clubs, including
 Manchester United. He signed a professional contract with Liverpool on 5th November,
 1997. From then, began the heroics of the great English player.

 International Career

 Gerrard could not make a lot of name in the International Arena. He was successful
 but frequent ups and downs in his performance did not give him all the fame.

 He started his International career on 31st May, 2000 against Ukraine. He was picked
 in the squad for the Euro 2000. England were unsuccessful in that tournament, losing
 to Germany. Gerrard, however made only one appearance.

 Steven Gerrard scored his first International Goal against Germany in September, 2001,
 which England won by a 5-1 margin. Gerrard did not take part in the 2002 Fifa World
 Cup due to severe injuries and was pulled out of the qualified England.

 The 2004 European Football Championship was a light of success for Steven Gerrard. 
 Gerrard scored a great goal against Switzerland at the group stage. Nevertheless,
 England lost to Portugal in the next round.

 Gerrard was a part of the England's squad in the 2006 Fifa World Cup in Germany, 
 although many rumors of him being injured were in the picture. He ruled out all these
 reports and was fit to play his first group match in the Fifa World Cup 2006. he played
 against Paraguay in England's first group match and was on the successful end,
 winning 1-0. He scored twice in England's group stage and was considered one of the 
 best mid=-fielders at that time. He scored one of his goals with the trademark Gerrard  
 stroke, which was a long range in swinger. This was against Trinidad and Tobago.
 England moved on to the second round of the Cup. Gerrard again was spectacular in
 the match against Sweden, where he found the net with a powerful header. Gerrard
 finished the tournament as England's top scorer, scoring two goals.

 Steven Gerrard was also considered as the strongest candidate to take the position
 of England's National Side, which was preceded by David Beckam, but the post was
 given to Chelsea's captain, John Terry with Gerrard being next in command.

 Club Career

 Gerrard has an outstanding club career. He served only one club since his introduction
 to Professional Football, Liverpool FC. He made his debut for the Liverpool team, also 
 known as the Reds, on 29th November, 1998, against Blackburn Rovers. Gerrard
 played 13 games for Liverpool that season in the UEFA Cup.

 The 1999-2000 season was a booster for the great long distance striker. This was the
 first stage when he was given first preference as a first 11. He was a midfielder along
 with Redknapp. He scored his first senior goal in a 4-1 victory against Sheffield United.
 The rest of the season was a gloomy one for Gerrard. He faced many injuries which
 included his groin and his back. He got 4 surgeries and was cured of the problems.

 The 2000-01 season of Liverpool was a successful one, thanks to the great midfielder.
 He scored many goals including a goal in the final of the UEFA Cup against Alaves. His
 team got the "treble" this year. They won the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and the Champions
 League. In the 2001-2002 season, he managed to boost Liverpool up to the second
 place in Premier League.

  In 2003, Gerrard was chosen the captain of the League, replacing Sami Hyppia.
 Nevertheless, the team ended the season with no trophies. The team management
 was held responsible. However, this resulted the resignation of team's manager
 Houllier, which resulted in the signing up of Rafael Banetiz. There were speculations
 that with the resignation of the manager, Gerrard would also leave the League, but
 Benetiz was able to convince him.

 The 2004-05 season was a winning one for Steven Gerrard. He came out a successful
 captain winning the Champions League in this season. And again in the 2005-06
 season, he won his team a FA Cup trophy, where he scored 23 goals in 53 games.

 He scored 75 goals for Liverpool in 385 appearances.

 Career Highlights

 For Liverpool

 Winner

• FA Cup: 2000-01, 2005-06
• League Cup: 2000-01, 2002-03
• UEFA Champions League: 2004-05
• UEFA Cup: 2000-01
• Community Shield: 2001, 2006
• European Super Cup: 2001

 Runners Up

• FIFA Club World Championship: 2005
• League Cup: 2004-05
• Charity Shield: 2002
• FA Premier League: 2001-02
• UEFA Champions League: 2006-07

 Personal

•  2007 Received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) on the Queen's New
    Year's Honour List

•  2006 PFA Player of the Year

•  2004-05 UEFA Champions' League Most Valuable Player

•  2001 PFA Young Player of the Year