The ever-iconic Steven Gerrard, currently the most polarizing player in world football, could be replaced as early as the January transfer window. According to the Daily Mirror (via Goal Transfer Talk), Liverpool FC are considering replacements for the 34-year-old captain.
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Per the reports, Aston Villa's Fabian Delph is said to be the ideal candidate.
Aging legs have placed Gerrard under intense scrutiny in 2014, stemming from an iconic slip in last season's 2-0 loss to Chelsea. Liverpool's sluggish start to the new campaign didn't help, either.
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The question is: Is Delph a suitable replacement?
Having switched to a three-man back line, manager Brendan Rodgers is utilizing his captain in a double-pivot system with the likes of Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva. A more attacking role is required depending on the partnership, so collated statistics on both sides of the ball are relevant when comparing Rodgers' options.
According to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via Squawka), Delph is no match for his aging counterpart.
In the three most-telling offensive categories—total forward passes, key passes and chances created—Gerrard's per 90 metrics are far superior:
|
Total Forward Passes |
Key Passes |
Chances Created |
|
|
Steven Gerrard |
37.25 |
2.08 |
2.15 |
|
Fabian Delph |
30.27 |
0.53 |
0.53 |
The same can be said on the defensive side of the ball for all but one category, interceptions:
|
Tackles Won |
Fouls Committed |
Interceptions |
Clearances |
|
|
Steven Gerrard |
1.38 |
0.21 |
0.69 |
2.77 |
|
Fabian Delph |
1.07 |
0.27 |
1.20 |
2.01 |
Gerrard will require a replacement, but the numbers say Delph is incapable of being the one Liverpool needs in the immediate future.
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