The idea of having one person on the pitch who is responsible for everyone else somewhat outdated these days. Though Gerrard was captain all throughout the Rafa Benitez years, he would more often than not be found talking to Xabi Alonso but that does not mean that neither one of them had any less value than the other. Because of the recent explosion of multi national teams, there is more accountability to be shared around the side. It wasn't long ago that Liverpool boasted almost a team full of captains. Sami Hyypiä, Yossi Benayoun and Javier Mascherano all captained their national team on a regular basis with many more having experience of it (Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, Jerzy Dudek). Of it's current crop of players, there are a handful still left who regularly lead their country out and despite the fact that only one of them can do it for Liverpool it's important that all of them remain as strong as they would otherwise. Modest shoulders make not for such a heavy burden, regardless of how those shoulders may have been made out to be. One man alone cannot carry a team nor vanquish an army. Every sheriff needs a deputy.
It's just as important now as it ever was that a club has an identity. Representing certain values aren't just corporate level buzzwords, it's what prevents a club from just becoming a set of undistinguishable faces. One of the things that defines Liverpool are the two local lads but as scouse as they are, both Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are very different leaders of men. One prefers to lead by example while the other is very vocal in his efforts to drag the team over the line. The other key difference - one that has been spoken about ad infinitum this past off season - is that only one of them is likely to play a major part in the future.
New manager for a new era and another year along in the career of Steven Gerrard. More so than anyone, over the years he has embodied Liverpool Football Club and done all in his power to move it forward. There is no doubts as to the legitimacy of his claims to still be able to contribute, he is certain to be as integral a part as ever. As the other half of the scouse heartbeat of the team, it is important that his legacy lives on but that we begin to prepare for a future without him. Installing a new vice captain now would allow them a decent amount of time to learn exactly what is required of them should they then go on to take the armband on a permanent basis once Gerrard enters the final phases of his career, just as Carragher is now.
Fickle the way life is, those that are given the phyiscal ability to play football must watch as that talent withers away as the years go by. Father time has a better record than Man United when Howard Webb is refereeing and right now appears to have his sights set on one Jamie Carragher. The idea that he can no longer give anything to a team is somewhat premature but we have reached a point where that club may not be Liverpool. Over the years it only a fool would write of the number twenty three for time and again he has shown that when it really matters Jamie can and will get the job done. His experience and organisational skills are unparrelled and something the club will definitely need if it is to bring through a whole host of new talent. That being said there is very little left for him to do on the pitch. Rodgers tactics and Carras aptitude for the long ball, in addition to his lack of mobility suggest that unless he is content with being a second string player then it's unlikely fans will see much of him this year. With that in mind, a space opens up alongside Steven Gerrard at the top table. Who would then be second in command?First on the list of candidates, step forth Pepe Reina. It's very rare in football that a goalkeeper would posses all the qualities required to lead a team, for most prefer to be led at the front. That being said, Pepe is a rare breed of goalkeeper. Mentally tough, technically brilliant, calm under pressure and also someone who connects with people. From his outings with the Spain squad over the last few major tournaments, Reina has demonstrated his ability to bring people together and create a harmony around the squad, even if Casilas has prevented him from doing so on the field. He may be coming off the back of a tough season but under Brendan Rodgers' new set up it's likely he will play a much bigger part and handily bounce back. Having had no real injury concerns over the last few years, he is a diving James Perch away from being an ever present in the team, that kind of dependability is something that could see he becoming a future Liverpool captain.
Next in line is someone who has many things in common with Steven Gerrard himself. Coming off the back of a fantastic European Championships where he marshalled his national side valliantly, Daniel Agger may arrive back at Anfield this year with some new responsibilities. As a centre half, he has all the attributes that make him a great defender and as a commander of a team very few could do better. The major concern over Agger on a long term basis would be the problems he has with injury. Last season he played his joint highest amount of league games and if he is able to remain off the treatment table then would be a prime candidate to take over from Gerrard once his career comes to a close.
Of those most likely to be deputy, there is one more. He is hardly the sterotypical choice but the fact that despite everything that has gone on his name stands out means that he is a viable candidate. Lucas Leiva has seen it all at Liverpool Football Club having gone from reviled to revered in a few short years so there can be no doubt that he has the mental tenacity that's required to lead the club. Having had breif experience with captaining his country at youth level and being one of the few candidates that maintains a calm enough stature to put him forth as a choice to do so for the full Brazil side should he ever get a regular place in the team, provided he comes back from injury without any damage to his fearless playing style then it's very possible Lucas Leiva could have the last laugh on his doubters by being the man to drive the team forward into the future.
Because nothing is certain - in football and in life - there are a few outsiders who could also rise above the ranks. Suarez getting the job would be eventful, but at least it would give him have an actual excuse to talk to the referees. His over exuberant style of play makes it rather unlikely Luis will be seen with extra responsibilites anytime soon. Glen Johnson has both the talent and the experience of playing at a high level for so long but is not the most vocal and also has persistent injury problems. There is also the chance that over the next couple of years Rodgers may bring in somebody who takes the team by storm and forces himself into the reckoning. What is important - as well as getting the decision right - is that there is still enough time to deliberate about it. Steven Gerrard isn't going anywhere just yet.
As of right now, save for Jamie Carragher demanding a transfer it's very unlikely that there will be any drastic changes with as far as the chain of command at Liverpool goes. Brendan Rodgers will need all the experience and help he can get in moulding this team together and taking it where we want to go so to completely tear up what exists at the club now would be premature, especially with the added prospect of European football and the likelyhood of there being a large number of players used over the course of the coming season. What Liverpool does have however, is a core of young gifted talent not yet to reach their full potential. Agger, Reina or Lucas could all grow into wonderful Liverpool captains in years to come but that's not yet to be decided. The fact that it is not yet set in stone which of them Gerrard will pass the torch onto is not so much a worry as it is a bonus, in that there is a pool of talent to choose from rather than having very limited options once Stevie cannot go on any more. Though things may not be perfect, we face a brighter present today than the future given to us under Hicks & Gillette. Who knows what tomorrow may bring?
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