Vegard Heggem on being replaced by a young lad in November 1998, in a match against Blackburn, named Steven Gerrard - “It’s funny to think that’s where it all began for Steven. I just remember how shy and skinny he was back then. “I was surprised how quickly he went from his first session at Melwood to making his debut at Anfield. It was a really short period. “There was a buzz when he came on as it was a great boost for the fans to see another local boy coming through. “It had a really positive influence on the whole club. “Houllier had been monitoring him at the Academy and could see the potential there. He believed he could make the step up and his judgement was certainly proved right.” Heggem added - “I hadn’t heard much about Steven before Houllier promoted him to the first-team squad. After he arrived he made himself well known with his influence on the training pitch. “When I first saw him he was so skinny I didn’t expect much but that went out of the window when he started training with us. “He never held back at all. I think the senior players soon realised we had a real talent here. “Even before his debut, we had seen his great ability. He may have been shy and skinny but it was never in doubt that he would go flat out and get stuck in – that’s what he was like at Melwood. “I was surprised he was so physical. Back then he lacked a bit of muscle but he would still go flying in and was fiercely committed “He was so focused, so desperate to succeed. He was fearless and he had the attitude a young player needs to go with his talent.” Heggem got to see Gerrard grow as a player during his time at Anfield - “Over that period I saw him develop into an even better player. The biggest development was physically – he got stronger and tougher. “Everyone talks about his passing and shooting abilities but his speed was also a big asset. “I remember we did some speed tests and he was the quickest out of all of us. Having such quick feet helped him a lot as he could get himself into great positions to intercept the ball.” But what about the present-day Steven Gerrard and Liverpool? “Steven is still such a vital part of the Liverpool team and it would be fantastic if we could win the Premier League title in the next few years before he retires. It’s the only trophy he hasn’t lifted. “Perhaps that’s too difficult a target for this season at this point in the club’s development, but it’s been a good start and we are still in contention near the top of the league. “Brendan Rodgers is doing a very good job and I hope they can continue in this way. “I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. I get over once or twice every season, and I watch all the other games on TV. Some of the football we’ve played this season has been really enjoyable to watch and we have a lot of offensive talent in the squad. “It’s a great achievement by Steven to stay at the top level for so long and his record speaks for itself. “He’s had an amazing career – up there with the best in Liverpool’s history. “He’s world class and the complete footballer.”
Posted on: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 19:49:28 +0000
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