Gerrard is carrying the load

Richard Jolly, English Football Correspondent

• Last Updated: November 21. 2009 12:12AM UAE / November 20. 2009 8:12PM GMT

Steven Gerrard has a default expression. Call it nonplussed or unimpressed, the Liverpool captain, even when charging around Anfield in typically dynamic fashion, rarely looks excited. A grin is often only evident immediately after he has scored, a smile a rarity otherwise. More frequently, especially when Liverpool or England are struggling, accusing glances are directed at teammates, with the words left unsaid: it’s up to me to sort this out. Again.

At times like this, Gerrard appears to have the weight of the world on his shoulders; or at least his corner of the planet that includes much of Merseyside and the global diaspora of Liverpool’s support. For the past two years, however, there has been another genuine superstar to share the load.

Gerrard and Fernando Torres have dovetailed to such an extent that when one has developed a groin injury, the other has soon emulated him. But with the Spaniard almost certain to be sidelined again today, the burden is now back squarely on Gerrard’s shoulders.

Manchester City’s visit always had a significance, but the emergence of Mark Hughes’s side, coupled with Liverpool’s predicament, further increases the captain’s considerable responsibilities.

Factor in the possible absences of Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera, the two preferred options on the left flank, and the fact that Dirk Kuyt, the regular on the right, has only struck this season when both Gerrard and Torres have been on the pitch, and he assumes still greater importance.

A semi-fit Gerrard almost served as the catalyst in his 45-minute appearance against Birmingham 12 days ago. With him fit for the entire game after almost two weeks’ training, he has to compensate for the deficiencies elsewhere in the team.

All this, too, on Gerrard’s first start for a month since he limped off disconsolately against Lyon on October 20. As with their last meeting with opponents from the other end of the East Lancs Road, it is a potentially season-defining game. Having beaten Manchester United with Torres but without Gerrard, there is a twist in the task today: to defeat Manchester City lacking their No 9, but with the aid of their No 8.

City possess Craig Bellamy, formerly of Liverpool, and Gareth Barry, a man Gerrard had encouraged Rafa Benitez to sign, but the two clubs will not be linked by a third player. In a recent interview, Gerrard was asked: “So if City were to bid £200 million (Dh1.2 billion) for you...” The reply was emphatic: “No chance. I want to be here.”

“I can’t even begin to imagine the place without him,” said Torres in his autobiography.

“He is irreplaceable. One day he will be recognised as one of the greatest players in the club’s history. He is without doubt the greatest I have played with. He has everything.”

Everything, that is, except the medal he now covets most. Much as Benitez has admitted that the title is now his priority, Gerrard concurred: “If we never won it, I would get to the end of my career and look back on it with regret.”

However, even if manager and players are understandably reluctant to admit as much, qualification for the Champions League may be the objective for the season. Despite a troubled start, victory today offers the chance to return to the top four, even if only for a couple of hours.

Given the incentive and the opposition, there is an understandable temptation to parachute in Alberto Aquilani, the second costliest player in the club’s history. It is one Benitez will resist as he gradually integrates the Italian, who has been limited to two substitute appearances so far.

“Alberto wants to play for us and he is so desperate to be involved as quickly as he can, but he understands the reasons he cannot start yet,” the Spaniard said.

Instead Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva will continue in the centre of midfield. They are the more defensive options, but Aquilani is a more attack-minded alternative, the sort of player who may, in time, relieve the burden on Gerrard.

Instead, it grows and grows. “People come and go, but he’s always there,” said Torres. “It’s him and 10 others.”

It was intended as a compliment, but there are times when Gerrard’s demeanour betrays that very feeling.

rjolly@thenational.ae

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