Steven Gerrard’s former Liverpool teammate once claimed that the ex-Reds captain was so “ruthless” that he would brand £15m players as “s***” after just one training session.
Gerrard, 44, led by example and almost single-handedly won his Liverpool side trophies during his 26-year association with the Merseyside club.
He and fellow Liverpudlian Jamie Carragher ruled the roost in the dressing room for nearly two decades and were not afraid to offer their opinion on new signings, according to one former teammate.
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Former England and Premier League striker Peter Crouch revealed all when he spoke on the Diary of a CEO podcast back in November 2022.
“Some players like Steven Gerrard - prime example - just a constant, where it looked like there was no enjoyment,” Crouch explained.
“I'd class myself as an elite sportsman, but I'm talking top, top, and that's why they are who they are. (They're) so intense.
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“Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher (could be) quite ruthless and quite harsh in their appraisal of some players, so I found myself constantly seeking their approval. Some people didn't understand the level of passion and the standards they had.
“Unfortunately, if you want to play for Liverpool, you have to have a way about you and a certain standard, and if you fall below that standard, then players like Steven and Jamie would tell you very quickly.”
Crouch was then pressed on whether Carragher and Gerrard would call players out in front of their peers, to which he replied: “Yeah.
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“I've seen players be signed and be written off in one training session. You know, £15million players coming in and [Gerrard would say] 'he's s***'.
“You wouldn't get many chances. But then, I've also seen players written off and then come back.”
Jamie Carragher on Steven Gerrard
Caragher gave his thoughts on Gerrard's quality back in 2013 and gave him the ultimate compliment.
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"I think we are in the presence of the greatest player ever to play for Liverpool," said Carragher at the Football Writers' Association gala.
"People will say I am biased because we are good friends and because of the trophies we have won together, but it is a fair accolade to give him.
"There are guys like Kenny [Dalglish], Graeme Souness, Ian Rush, all world-class players, but the difference was they were in a world-class team - and Stevie has not played in a world-class team."
Carragher added: "Stevie's one strength is he has no weakness, he can run, tackle pass and score goals.
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"Football is a team game, but special players do special things at special times, and that is Steven Gerrard."
Topics: Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Liverpool, Premier League, Peter Crouch, Football, Champions League
Luke Davies