Marsh: How Stevie inspires us
As Steven Gerrard reaches a landmark day in his phenomenal Anfield career, he's still the ultimate role model for aspiring players insists Liverpool Academy starlet Will Marsh.
Will joined the Reds as a 14-year-old from Wrexham. Back then he was a goal-getting forward, but over the years has made the transition into a central midfielder, who loves to get on the ball and play.
To him, Gerrard is an icon and a fighter, whose leadership skills are something to aspire to - but the youngster has other heroes too.
A gifted passer, Will studies the likes of former Red Xabi Alonso, as well as Cesc Fabregas and the legendary Zinedine Zidane.
On Gerrard's forthcoming testimonial, the youngster said: "He is a top leader and he's captained Liverpool so brilliantly down the years. He's someone we can all look up to.
"Gerrard is a real role model and his ability on and off the ball is just wonderful.
"He's been brilliant for both club and country. Everything he's done for Liverpool has been remarkable. We can all learn a lot from him."
Will continued: "I also like Alonso and Fabregas, players who can pass the ball. I love watching Zidane on YouTube too.
"Some of these players are unbelievable. I'll always look to take inspiration from them and the likes of Gerrard as I try to improve as a player."
Will and his Liverpool U17s teammates will commence their journey home from Northern Ireland this afternoon, where they have been based for the last week competing in the Milk Cup.
The 16-year-old played his part as Mike Garrity's side won the premier Milk Cup Globe by beating Newcastle 2-0 at the Showgrounds in Coleraine on Friday afternoon.
"You can learn a lot from a trip like this," said Will. "You come up against some really different styles of play. So the South American sides will do anything to win and then the Irish lads will put as much effort in to win. They might not be technically as good, but their efforts are superb.
"I enjoy the travelling and coming away and playing away games. With the fixtures we've just got, we've some good early away games at the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea and that gives you a good experience.
"I just love being in full-time football. It's so different to schoolboy football. When you play schoolboys, you're coming in of a night after school, but now, coming in of the morning is superb. I love it. I don't want to stop doing it."