The evolution of Steven Gerrard as told by those who have witnessed it
The IndependentSign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Francesco Totti would circle him as “the captain of my World XI dream team.” For Paolo Maldini, “his story is one of those stories to be told, one of those fairytales, to be narrated to your children and grandchildren.” Steven Gerrard first walked through Liverpool’s academy doors as an eight-year-old, and by the time he last exited it to become manager of Rangers, he’d established himself as one of the finest footballers the game has seen. open image in gallery Gerrard in action against Leeds, in February 2000 When we text or meet each other, it’s like we last spoke yesterday because everything is really easy with him. I first watched Stevie when Liverpool’s Under-19s had a game against Blackburn’s Under-19s and I was there to look at an option that could work on the right wing for the first team. open image in gallery Gerrard making time for his fans Stevie was a world-class performer, but he’s also a world-class person.