Steven Gerrard Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Liverpool

Liverpool made their biggest signing of the summer this week when Steven Gerrard put pen to paper on a contract extension. Forget about the signings of Aspas, Mignolet, Alberto, and Toure, Gerrard’s signing is the most important one yet.

Gerrard has been a figure head for the club for as long as most Liverpool fans care to remember, and his contract extension will probably tie him to the club for the rest of his playing career. Gerrard is an important player for Liverpool, being the captain of the club as well as England. His ability is renowned across the globe, but it isn’t just his ability that is admired, but his leadership and inspiration to galvanize Liverpool when they are looking beat.

He has inspired Liverpool to many amazing comebacks over the years, including an amazing goal against Olympiakos in the Champions League, the FA Cup Final against West Ham in which he produced 2 stunning goals, and the first goal in Istanbul to start the unforgettable comeback that won them the Champions League in 2005.

Gerrard may be aging a bit now and is in the twilight of his career, but his importance is still unparalleled by any other squad member. Last season, Gerrard played in nearly every Premier League match for the Reds and proved that there is plenty miles left in the tank. With the loss of Carragher through his retirement from football, Gerrard’s experience and importance has never been more needed, and his contract extension hopefully sets an example to others that he is still as determined as ever to help his beloved Liverpool.

His loyalty to the club will influence other players who might be thinking of leaving, and could also encourage new players to sign who might have been undecided on coming to Anfield. The rest of the summer will prove if Liverpool can attract more new players, but if they do, then I’m sure Gerrard will be a big influence in tempting them.

Liverpool have many youngsters breaking into the first team, and Gerrard has helped them along the way by setting an example in training. Now, he can help continue their development into the first team as the likes of Sterling, Morgan, Wisdom, and Ibe, to name a few, are being inspired by Gerrard’s attitude and his dedication.

Gerrard’s role in the team has changed slightly in a deeper midfield role, but he seems to be thriving on it with more space than by playing further up the park. The return of Lucas from injury has been a major help for Gerrard as his industry frees Gerrard up to play the “American Quarterback” role, where he can spray passes all over the park and influence games with willing runners upfield.

Gerrard’s delivery at dead ball situations are lethal and provide so many goals and create so many chances for Liverpool, and his calmness at taking penalties highlights his responsibility of being captain of Liverpool. Now it is time to see what the rest of the summer brings, but I’m sure you will agree that Gerrard’s signing is the best Liverpool signing of the summer.

Written by Jamie Mclaughlin