Liverpool

Emile Heskey: 'Steven Gerrard should stay further forward for Liverpool'

By Paul Gorst, Reporter | 03 December 2014

Ex-Liverpool striker Emile Heskey claims that Steven Gerrard's position should be as an advanced attacking midfielder rather than a deep-lying role.

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes that manager Brendan Rodgers should deploy Steven Gerrard in an attacking midfield role more often this season.

The Reds skipper was converted to a deep-lying playmaker last season, but the former England captain's performances have come under scrutiny this term, and Gerrard was rested for the 1-0 win over Stoke City last week.

However, Gerrard was restored to the team for Tuesday night's 3-1 victory over Leicester City, and the 34-year-old scored after starting in an advanced role.

Heskey told talkSPORT: "Liverpool have struggled to find where to play Steven Gerrard to maximise his ability. He did tremendously last night and he deservedly got his goal.

"Playing in a more advanced position, that's where I think he should be. You saw the goal last night, a lot of players would have slashed at that and maybe not hit the target but he just passed it into the net. That's what he's capable of doing when he's up in the box.

"Stevie would love to tell you himself he would love to play every game but at that age you've got to minimise the risk of getting injuries and stuff like that so keeping him out of the odd game is ideal."

Gerrard stated that he was undecided on his Liverpool future after Tuesday's match at the King Power Stadium.