Liverpool and England skipper Steven Gerrard realised a lifelong ambition earlier this week, when he scored the goal that confirmed he would lead the Three Lions at a World Cup.
The 33-year-old Anfield legend recently passed 400 games with the captain’s armband on Merseyside, and seems to be entering an interesting stage in his career in which he has mastered a deep-lying midfield position.
Another milestone is just around the corner for Gerrard, who will score his 100th Premier League goal if he nets against Newcastle this weekend.
Considering that the high flying Reds smashed the Magpies 6-0 last season, there is every chance that Gerrard will score yet another landmark goal in his stellar career.
Speaking ahead of the game, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers understandably waxed lyrical about Gerrard, who will go down as one of the best English players in history when he retires in a few seasons time.
"It's remarkable really," Rodgers said of Stevie G’s status in the game.
"People talk about what a great captain Steven is and what a great leader but what often gets lost is that he is still a world-class footballer. A great big talent. That England goal summed him up. He broke forward with power and pace and, just when it looked like the ball was getting away from him, supplied a great finish.
"He is probably the best player I have ever worked with, certainly the best I've seen when the tempo in a game is really high. I have been fortunate enough to work with some world-class players at Chelsea and some great technicians at Swansea.
“He is just exceptional. A remarkable man and a remarkable captain. England should be honoured to have someone like that, on and off the pitch."
There have been times in Gerrard’s injury ravaged last few seasons when it looked as if he may not have too many more games in his sinewy legs.
But hard work and modern medicine have revitalised him, and Rodgers says the Reds skipper is here to stay for now.
"He's so professional, the way he looks after himself, I think he's still got a number of seasons to look forward to," he said.
"He's a wonderful ambassador for England and for the game. He doesn't say a great deal but, when he does, all the players listen whether they are juniors or seniors. He is at the stage of his career where everybody looks up to him. Jack Wilshere is bound to learn from him and so are all the other boys in the England squad."
Read: 100 Up For Living Legend Gerrard
Read: Gerrard To Skipper Reds For the 400th Time
Watch: Gerrard’s best 40 goals
