Who could step into Gerrard’s massive boots?
Whilst there is no doubting that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is still an excellent player, it is also clear that the former England international’s powers are on the wane – as an ineffectual first half in the weekend win at Queens Park Rangers showed.
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Brendan Rodgers is known as a manager who likes to plan for the future and is certain to be looking for the man who can step into Gerrard’s boots as the club’s deep-lying playmaker, with both Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson being different kinds of midfielder.
Here are five young options that we believed should be on Rodgers’ radar:
Will Hughes (Derby County)
Making more than 50 Championship appearances whilst still a teenager is an impressive feat – but is just what Derby County and England Under 21 midfielder has achieved. The grounded Hughes has kept his feet on the ground and resisted the temptation to leave Pride Park so far – but next summer could well be the time, particularly if the Rams are unable to make it back into the top flight. Hughes is known as a Liverpool fan, which could give them first option on the diminutive playmaker.