'Similar': Liverpool youngster claims he plays a little bit like Steven Gerrard as he prepares for big season
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Liverpool are unlikely to ever fully replace the qualities Steven Gerrard brought to their midfield.
The Scouse legend was a one-of-a-kind footballer, the type you put in almost any situation and he would come out swinging.
Liverpool have had some brilliant midfielders since he left for LA Galaxy in 2015, and have won plenty of big trophies, but none have really held a candle to Gerrard.
The former captain was one of the best players in world football for more than a decade and his status as one of the truly all-time Liverpool legends will never diminish.
What Gerrard also did was inspire a whole generation of footballers, potentially even two generations, who are now blossoming into careers of their own.
One of those left in awe of ‘Stevie G’ was Liverpool academy midfielder James McConnell, who has compared himself to the Reds icon after joining Ajax on loan.
Photo by Fran Santiago – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
McConnell is primed for a breakout season this term after securing himself an attractive-looking loan move to Ajax.
The 20-year-old has landed on his feet under former Reds assistant John Heitinga and now has a stage to show just how good he is.
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After being officially confirmed as a new signing on Friday, McConnell spoke to the Ajax media team.
And when asked to describe himself as a player, he gave an answer which Liverpool fans should be taking note of.
“I’m a midfielder, I’m very comfortable on the ball, I can handle the ball, I’ve got quality on the ball and I always give 100 per cent, try and make any tackle, try and win any header, I think that’s the bare minimum that we give 100 per cent,” said McConnell.
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“I can play number six, I feel comfortable there.
I feel comfortable at number eight, I feel like I can do a bit of everything and hopefully I can help the team.”
Asked to name some players who are his ‘examples’ in the game, McConnell went on to highlight similarities between himself and Gerrard.
“I love Steven Gerrard at Liverpool,” the youngster admitted.
“He does a little bit of everything which I think is similar to me, he can help attacking, he can stay solid at the back, help us play through and stuff.
And obviously Lionel Messi, he’s the one I grew up and thought ‘wow,’ but I think everyone’s the same.”
During McConnell’s 13 appearances for Liverpool, he has not necessarily shown a likeness to Gerrard.
But what we have seen is that the former Sunderland prospect is certainly a player who could make an impact with the Reds.
Arne Slot has been very impressed with McConnell and this is the kind of move which can really set him on the path to regular first team involvement at Anfield.
Break into the Ajax starting XI and stay there, and McConnell will learn so much.
Coming back to Liverpool next summer he will feel like a proper footballer at last.
Things can of course go a different way, and after 18 months blighted by injuries, McConnell must first prove his fitness.