After an up-and-down stint in Major League Soccer, should Steven Gerrard return to the Los Angeles galaxy for the 2017 season?
Despite dealing with a number of injuries in 2016, Steven Gerrard was still one of the Los Angeles Galaxy‘s most productive players. His first full season in Major League Soccer didn’t end in championship glory but a recent report from ESPN indicates that he wants to continue his career. If that is true, should the Galaxy bring him back or should the club move on?
Bruce Arena and LA management brought Gerrard to the Galaxy in 2015 after a long career in England with Liverpool. Steven was to be one of the team’s designated players for a year and a half with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2016 season. After disappointment in the past two MLS Cup playoffs, will the England international want to return to Los Angeles for another season?
The decision doesn’t solely rest on the player in this situation but also the club. Should the Galaxy bring back an aging midfielder nearing the end of his career? It will be a tough call for the team but Gerrard could also choose to continue his playing career elsewhere, outside of MLS.
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Injury Concerns:
The 36-year old midfielder only appeared in 21 games for LA this season as he dealt with numerous injuries. After starting the first his first 16 games with the team when arriving in 2015, the most starts he could string together this year was four games. Steven only played in three (started two) of the Galaxy’s final 10 matches.
There are legit injury concerns surrounding Gerrard going forward. While he may be able to remain healthy, this past season indicates that he could also miss a chunk of time and at his age, it isn’t unlikely for pulled muscles to last longer than when he was younger.
If Los Angeles are going to dish out Designated Player money for Gerrard, they would like for him to be fit for more than 80% of the season. He will only be another year older next season and the Galaxy simply can’t count on him to play more than 20-or-so games.
Production:
Despite those injury concerns, the English midfielder was still one of the most productive players in the squad this past season. Gerrard recorded three goals and an impressive 11 assists, which was the second highest on the Galaxy in 2016. The proof is in the pudding, Steven can still play and he is a definite game changer when fit and on the pitch.
Gerrard’s skill is top-class and the Galaxy will be hard-pressed to find a player that matches his experience and quality in the midfield.
In Los Angeles’ final match of the season, Steven was the only player to convert a penalty during the shootout in the team’s loss to the Colorado Rapids in the playoffs. He stepped up in a clutch situation while other players stumbled.
While Steven Gerrard has been an adequate DP for LA, they should move on and so should he. The Englishman should call it a career and retire to coaching with Liverpool. While he may still have some juice left and some highlight reel-worthy moments, he is far past his prime and the Galaxy need a reliable player they can count on to be fit in the midfield.
Los Angeles needs to get younger and sign a designated player that can not only sell jerseys and tickets but also make an impact ever match (i.e. Nicolas Lodeiro). With the club’s culture and exposure, it shouldn’t be too difficult for them. Best of luck to Steven Gerrard on whatver he plans to do next.