Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says that Steven Gerrard is the “real catalyst” for everything the team has achieved in the last 18 months.
Gerrard came under severe criticism after his mediocre performance against West Ham where his role in the team had been questioned. The Liverpool skipper returned strongly against Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday; the ear-cupped celebration following his goal suggests he was determined to prove his critics wrong.
The 34-year-old is in the final year of his contract, but Rodgers wants him to stick around at the club for a good while yet.
“It is something we are looking at as a club and with him and how he feels,” Rodgers said as quoted by The Times.
“He is still in a real good physical condition. He’s 34 years old, never needs a day’s rest. This is a genuine superstar, a world-class player who has performed consistently for so many years, and this country has not produced too many of them. He will play and prepare himself right the way through to the very end, and when that is, we shall see.”
Gerrard has repeatedly maintained that he is relaxed over the situation, however, there has been no such indications yet that talks over a new deal are set to begin.
Liverpool will travel to Switzerland to play Basel in the Champions League, where Gerrard is expected to make his 126th European appearances for the Reds.
Liverpool are heading into this match on the back of a dramatic 2-1 victory against Ludogorets in their opening game. Another victory for the Reds against Basle will put them in a good position to qualify to the knock out rounds.
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