Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Stevie STILL the Real deal for Legends
STEVEN GERRARD treated the country’s biggest crowd of the day to a midfield masterclass.
And man-of-the-match Gerrard hailed another Kop legend – Ronnie Moran – whose death on Wednesday was marked with a minute’s applause here at Anfield.
Gerrard said: “We dedicate this victory to Ronnie Moran – Mr Liverpool.
“We’re right behind Ronnie’s family and hopefully today’s victory cheers them up a bit.”
Gerrard pulled the strings as a Liverpool Legends team beat their Real Madrid counterparts in front of a 53,000 full-house who lapped up every minute.
Gerrard rolled back the years to lay on goals for Michael
Owen and John Aldridge to give Liverpool a two-goal lead with pinpoint accurate crosses. And with 12 minutes to go after Robbie Fowler had made it 3-0 from the penalty spot, Gerrard brought the house down with a stupendous volleyed strike.
Madrid finished strongly with goals from Edwin Congo, Fernando Morientes and Ruben de la Red but nothing could spoil Gerrard’s day.
“Players like Aldo,
Rushie and Fowler were my heroes growing up so I was desperate to get some assists for them,” he added.
Gerrard returned to the club in February to start a new role as a youth coach at the Academy.
“I’m loving it,” he added. “I love working with the kids and it’s very addictive.
“It’s completely different. I’m starting at the bottom, learning my trade. We’ll see how it goes.”