Henry Winter on Gerrard
In this exclusive column for Liverpoolfc.com, Henry Winter from the Daily Telegraph waxes lyrical about what makes Steven Gerrard such an iconic figure at Anfield...
Liverpool fans will have many special memories of Steven Gerrard's incredible body of work, stretching everywhere from Anfield to Istanbul via Cardiff.
He is that rarity in a team game, a footballer who has had matches named after him by fans like the Gerrard Champions League final of 2005 or the Gerrard Cup final of 2006.
Those are games indelibly associated with Gerrard, showpiece occasions turned Liverpool's way by a captain's eye for goal and will to win.
As Gerrard journeyed towards Liverpool's 600-club, one moment particularly embodied his ability to fire the dreams of fans. It was that goal against Olympiacos on an emotional, deafening, unforgettable night at Anfield in December 2004.
It was the self-belief that he could score from that range and angle. It was Gerrard's awareness that the clock was ticking loudly against Liverpool, that an exit from the Champions League was looming. Something special was required. Four minutes remained.
The Kop was on its feet, beseeching.
When his team needed him most, Gerrard delivered, catching Neil Mellor's knock-down so sweetly and devastatingly, sending the ball flying into the Greeks' net.
It was a goal of huge significance, carrying Liverpool into the knock-out stage of the Champions League, keeping Rafa Benitez's side on the road to Istanbul.
It was also in front of the Kop, where Gerrard immediately ran to celebrate. Some moment, some player.