Lilly-Ella and Lexie Gerrard

p/s: I am to lazy to post an entry. D'oh!

When Stevie met 'Stevie'

A waxwork of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was officially unveiled today - much to the delight of the man himself.

The model - which has been worked on since last October after Gerrard met a team of sculptors at Melwood - will now feature in the Sports Zone of the Madame Tussauds Museum in London.


Liz Edwards, PR manager for Madame Tussauds, said: "We very rarely 'unveil' our figures outside of the attraction in London so being in Liverpool at Anfield makes this a very special occasion.

"It is particularly appropriate that Steven joins the Madame Tussauds line-up in World Cup year.

"His inclusion is in response to huge demand from the public and we know fans are going to enjoy getting up close to him in the run-up to the competition in June."

Gerrard met up with his completed waxwork earlier today at Anfield - and our photographer was there to take some snaps.

Author: Paul Eaton

Taken from Liverpoolfc.tv

Steven Gerrard's Five-Step Guide To Scoring Last-Minute, Match-Winning Screamers

Liverpool legend explains magic behind his many amazing goals...

His track record is nothing short of incredible; it is those magical, match-winning moments that live longest in the memory of football fans, and is one of the main reasons so many, not just in Liverpool, not even just in England, but across Europe and beyond believe him to be one of the best midfielders in the world.

After all, in terms of match-winning moments, not even Frank Lampard's extraordinary and consistent goal return has manifested itself in as impressive and memorable a fashion as his.

Kaka, for all his skills and silverware, arguably hasn't won as many matches with individual moments of magic as much as him, either. Iniesta produced just one such moment last season, and we saw what an iconic moment that became in the course of the year.

The list is endless, but none of them, despite their many other skills, seem to have produced the quite simply unbelievable individual results Steven Gerrard has.

There must be something to it - so Goal.com UK sat down with the Liverpool skipper to talk through the tricks to his trade secret.

It turns out, it comes down to five factors - all of which, the man himself had plenty to say about, and many strolls down memory lane to take...

SHOOTING

It seems obvious enough, Stevie himself admits it can be decided in a fraction of a second: "It’s about the circumstances and you just have to keep practising your techniques during training and really knuckle down. Sometimes balls come at you so fast – you just don’t have time to think.

"The goal I scored against Olympiakos in the Champions League is a good example. As the ball dropped towards me it was spinning and I thought the shot was going to end up in the stands when I got my boot to it. But somehow I caught it sweetly and it flew in. It’s definitely one of the best goals I have ever scored.

"I was delighted to get the goal. Not because of the glory but for the rest of the team for the hard work we’d put in that night – especially in the closing stages."

ANTICIPATION

There is something to be said of any great striker - and a rare select few of great midfielders - who always are where they need to be to score those all-important, match-winning strikes: "It is always a challenge to find space during a match, but it doesn’t get easier as the game goes on because players are generally very fit nowadays.

"A good example is when we played West Ham in the FA Cup final. I was dead on my feet and when the ball came up for me I just thought I’d give it everything I had left.

"To be honest I surprised myself with how much I got behind it because I thought my tank was empty.

"Saying that, I also like the first goal I scored that afternoon a lot because it was a team goal. I might have put the finishing touch to it but it was a great build up.

"Another example is when we played Real Madrid last season. Ryan Babel made a great run down the left and cut it back as I was sprinting into the box. I diverted it towards the goal on the half volley and it just went in. Again, it’s just instinctive and as a professional footballer you keep practising and always look to improve in every area.

"The game against Real was my 100th appearance in Europe, but I’m not one to dwell on statistics or the goal. The most important thing was to win the game and reach the quarter-finals.

"Real just couldn’t live with us playing like that, we just capitalised on every loose ball and the team was brilliant from start to finish.

"Again, I can remember playing against PSV in Holland and Steve Finnan does some brilliant work with Javier Mascherano and Finn’s pointing to exactly where he wants the return pass played - his cross is just inch perfect.

"There are better players than me in the air at Liverpool but I knew where I was and where the goalkeeper was, and the ball was played just brilliantly and I got my forehead on it and it was 1-0.

"You train and play with players week in, week out, and you just develop an understanding."

BOTTLE

This is one factor in which Gerrard holds no doubt of the significance whatsoever: "A good example of the difference bottle can make is our Champions League tie against Arsenal at Anfield.

"We had a penalty, yes, but if I’d missed? I didn’t even want to think about that.

"I had already made up my mind about where I was putting it as the ref awarded the spot-kick and just concentrated on getting the best contact on the ball that I possibly could. That was enough to put us back in the driving seat.

"You just have to think positive. I’ve scored some penalties in my time and I just go for them."

LUCK

Gerrard doesn't believe luck to be as telling a factor as many believe:. "You do need the rub of the green here and there, but I’d say it’s somewhere in-between.

"The thing is, you don’t get anything in football, or in any other profession, without a great deal of hard work and we’ve got to remember that. Football can be a cruel game and at times the opposition get the luck, but we have to do our part and really knuckle down.

"The difficult thing is that I’ve set a high standard for myself and people expect great performances week in and week out. That’s good, because I’d rather play my football with expectation around me, than not.

"But, if I fall a little bit below that level, people are very quick to say negative things. But at times things do go against you and you have to just remain calm and pick yourself up again.

"Experience is very important because it enables you to get back to basics and believe me, I’m my own worst critic.

"My target for this season is the same as it is before the start of every season: get into double figures. And to get to double figures you need a lot more than just luck.

"As a midfielder I’m always looking to get into double figures, that’s the minimum expected for a player in my position.

"To get to the next level you’re looking at about 15 and over a season if you want to be classed as a top Premier League midfielder."

FITNESS

What many forget is that the young, industrious and slightly less strike-happy Steven Gerrard was a player whose very future at the highest level was under threat from persistent injuries.

Those were problems he has battled admirably to overcome, showing that some things - including injuries - really do go beyond good or bad luck, into good or bad discipline and determination.

"To be able to play 50 or 60 games a season, you need to be able to stay fit for long enough. When I was younger, not being able to play 50 or 60 games used to really get me down and I used to doubt whether I’d be able to stay fit," recalls Gerrard. "But those days are thankfully long gone now. Over the last few years, everything’s come together and I feel really good.

"I have a routine that I’ve got to follow before and after games and in the week. But to be honest with you, I need to keep at it.

"I’ve got to do a special programme in the gym during the week and the physios have to drag me to do it. But it’s important and I know it’s helped me get to where I am and I’ll keep at it. It's all about putting the hard work in."

So, that's all it takes? A five-step guide to glory? Not quite. Steven Gerrard also wears the new Predator Power Swerve football boot - which is said to give eight per cent extra swerve and control. Developed by none other than Zinedine Zidane, after ending his career in the 2006 World Cup final, the Adidas innovation team has created this unique for world class footballers.

My Captain's Book

Steven Gerrard 'My Captain's Book' is a unique and personal insight from our skipper and the updated paperback is now available to buy.

In this updated release of his best selling official book, Gerrard gives his personal views on captaincy, what the role involves on and off the pitch and much more.

Our dynamic number eight also talks about Jamie Carragher's role as a vice captain and friend and talks about other captains who have influenced him.

Steven Gerrard My Captain's Book is available now in paperback for £9.99. Telephone 0845 143 0001 or order online from www.gerrardmycaptainsbook.co.uk.

Speaking about the book, Gerrard said: "This is the story so far of what it's been like having the massive honour of wearing the captain's armband for the club I've loved all my life.

"There is still a lot to achieve for me personally, for Liverpool and England, so hopefully 2009-10 is going to be a lot bigger for me trophy-wise."

Steven Gerrard Disappointed By Sami Hyypia's Decision To Leave Liverpool

Stevie G is finding it hard to imagine life at Anfield without the towering Finn...

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard admits he is saddened by Sami Hyypia's decision to leave the club in the summer, though made clear that he completely understands the big Finn's decision.

The 35-year-old will be marshalling the defence of Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen next term, after having done that job so exceptionally well at Anfield for the better part of the last ten years.

"I understand the reasons behind Sami's decision to go because he's got a two-year deal, so good luck to him," Gerrard was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"But for selfish reasons I wish he would stay for another season here because he's such a fantastic player and great to have around the place.

"He's been here for the whole time I've been in the first team and has been a great influence and magnificent servant - an absolute legend."

Hyypia has already stated his intent to return to the club in a coaching capacity some day, which is something that Gerrard has wholeheartedly endorsed.

"I sincerely hope he comes back as a coach one day, because he can bring so much with him and impart so much knowledge," added the Reds skipper.

"He knows how Liverpool Football Club works.

"He's a great character and I could see him playing a big role in developing the youngsters, the reserves and even the first team in time.

"I took over from him as captain in 2003 and there was some controversy at the time, but not from Sami, who was incredibly supportive of me from the very start.

"That is a measure of the man. He should be regarded as a one of the greats of this club and I don't say that lightly.

"He has certainly helped transform Liverpool and got us back to where we should be."

Hyypia, who has not featured for the Reds' first team since playing a role in their 4-1 demolition of Manchester United at Old Trafford, could well make his farewell appearance at Anfield on Sunday, when Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in the concluding fixture of the Premier League campaign.

Derek Wanner, Goal.com

Gerrard inspires Liverpool romp

Steven Gerrard's first Premier League hat-trick gave Liverpool an emphatic 5-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield.

Dirk Kuyt opened the floodgates in the eighth minute, before Albert Riera doubled the home side's lead with a thunderous volley just after the half hour.

Gerrard slotted home the third from the penalty spot before half-time, adding his second with a precise side-footed strike from a free-kick on the edge of the area after the break.


The Liverpool captain rounded off a sublime display with an almost identical penalty to the first in the 65th minute, after Brad Friedel had compounded his miserable afternoon by bringing down Fernando Torres and being sent off in the process.

The tempo of the game was frantic from the outset, with Liverpool dictating play and Aston Villa content to hit their opponents on the break - but in reality, it was one-way traffic.

Kuyt scored the opener with a powerful shot past Friedel from ten yards after Xabi Alonso had diverted Gerrard's free-kick onto the crossbar.

Gerrard then came mighty close to doubling Liverpool's lead in the 16th minute, lunging in at the back post to try to convert Riera's deep cross, but to no avail.

Superb interplay between James Milner and Ashley Young down the right gave Villa fleeting hope, but Milner's cross from the byline was wasted with nobody in position to convert, leaving Reina to parry to safety.

An exquisite flick from John Carew in the 22nd minute almost beat the Spaniard, but the keeper managed to avert the danger, deflecting the Norwegian's effort away for a corner.

But that was the visitors' solitary spell of pressure, and Liverpool took the ascendency as Riera smashed home a volley direct from a long punt by Reina, which breached Villa's defence in the 33rd minute.

Alvaro Arbeloa then wasted a clear-cut chance to extend the hosts' lead after Friedel inexplicably passed the ball straight to him with no Villa players in attendance; luckily for the American, he was given a reprieve as the defender passed to Kuyt, who was then tackled by Curtis Davies.

Gerrard dispatched his first penalty in the 39th minute, sending Friedel the wrong way after Riera had cut inside the area and been brought down by Nigel Reo-Coker clipping his heels.

Torres then sprinted through the Villa half before being cynically taken to ground by Carlos Cuellar, providing the home side with a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the area.

Gerrard cooly side-footed the subsequent set-piece clinically past the helpless Friedel to put his side 4-0 up in the 50th minute, as the visitors became increasingly disconsolate.

Another Torres run invited a challenge from Friedel after the Spain striker knocked the ball past the keeper, who could not help but bring him down.

Referee Martin Atkinson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, but also in brandishing a red card to the American - who was perplexed by the decision - with compatriot Brad Guzan coming on in his place.

It was a different keeper, but the same result: Gerrard clinched his hat-trick in the 65th minute to extend Liverpool's lead to five.

The game slowly petered out with the only further chance falling to substitute Lucas Leiva, who flashed a shot wide of Guzan's goal, with the keeper scrambling across his line after Torres found his team-mate on the edge of the box.

But Liverpool had already done the damage, and move to within one point of Premier League leaders Manchester United, having played a game more, while Villa remain three points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal.

Gerrard out for three weeks

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is expected to be sidelined for three weeks after picking up a hamstring injury in the 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round defeat at Everton.

The England midfielder was substituted 16 minutes into a match that also saw Fernando Torres limp off.

"A scan today has confirmed a tear in the hamstring of Steven's left leg. He will be out of action for about three weeks," a spokesman said on the club's website.

Gerrard, who is on bail after being charged with a nightclub assault, underwent a scan the day after the match which revealed the extent of the injury.

He will miss the Portsmouth game at the weekend, England's friendly with Spain the following week, the Premier League clash with Manchester City on February 22 and the Champions League last 16 first-leg tie at Real Madrid three days later.

But the immediate headache for Rafael Benitez will be naming a strong XI for the Premier League clash with Pompey at Fratton Park on Saturday.

Lucas Leiva is serving a one-match ban after being dismissed in the same match, while deep-lying forward Robbie Keane was sold without replacement on transfer-deadline day.

Gerrard has scored 15 goals in all competitions so far this season.

Out for three weeks?? Oh noooooooooo.... Oh tidakkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.....
have no fear...we still got others...
When you walk~~~through a storm~~~hold your head up high~~~~

Ronaldo's A Show Off, Gerrard's The Best - Guus Hiddink

Tsar Hiddink believes his colleagues were fooled by hype, glamour and a fancy haircut when voting for the best player on the planet...

To most observers, Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo was the obvious choice for the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year award.

The Portuguese star netted 42 goals in all competitions as he helped the Red Devils champions of England and Europe, and even those - and there are many - who despise him as a person cannot overlook his footballing exploits of last year.

Russia boss Guus Hiddink, however, reckons the rest of the international game's coaches and captains were duped by the 23-year-old's flashy style and magazine-cover appearance.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is a good-looking footballer, he looks fit and, oh yes, his hair is always in place. But him winning the award is too much about glamour," Hiddink said in The Daily Mail.

Some have suggested that Lionel Messi could have pipped Ronaldo, due to his performances for Barcelona in the second half of the year and his success at the Olympics with Argentina last summer.

The Blaugrana sensation polled second in the award, though, while Fernando Torres took out third after a brilliant debut season with Liverpool.

But nor does Hiddink think either of these two young superstars deserved to be crowned the greatest player on the planet, for he believes Torres' skipper at Anfield should have got the nod.

"I very much preferred (Steven) Gerrard. He has superb technical and tactical qualities and I admire his spirit and attitude on the pitch," the Dutchman said.

"It has everything to do with his passion for the game and my passion for football. He is a player who fans can identify themselves with and a man who carries the love for his club on his club badge.

"There is not another player in the world who combines all those qualities. He is the type of player who appeals so much more to me than Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Of course, Ronaldo entertains the crowds and has great skills. But it is too much glamour and show. Gerrard, Barcelona's Xavi and Messi are not as much focused on themselves. They focus on the team."

No prizes for guessing who Hiddink's top three were, then.