Rafa Benitez has offered us a big hint that he will restore Steven Gerrard to a role just behind Fernando Torrres in the near future.
Gerrard was dropped back into a central midfield role against Hull, allowing Dirk Kuyt to fill in behind Torres. Recent weeks have seen Gerrard take a back seat to the fantasy scoring exploits of Kuyt and Benayoun, although the Liverpool skipper did chip in with a fortunate looking goal in the routing of Phil Brown’s side on Saturday. Judging by Rafa’s words on the eve of tonight’s Champions League clash with Fiorentina though, it won’t be long until we see Gerrard slotted in just behind Torres once more
“The understanding between the pair, with Torres up front and Gerrard in space behind him, has been the real difference for us. Playing Steven further forward means he can link well and be a real partner for Torres, he still has to help in midfield but he does not have to go back 40 metres, only 15 metres now, no more.”
This will come as welcome news for Gerrard owners, who will be slightly perturbed by the emergence of Kuyt and Benayoun as cheaper alternatives. Gerrard has so far struck 3 goals and 4 assists so far this term, although once restored up with an in-form Torres, his fantasy scoring is likely to increase. Liverpool do face three away games in the next four however, with Chelsea and United amongst their opponents.