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Steven Gerrard's future: Does he stay at Liverpool, move abroad, or hang up his boots?

We consider the Reds midfielder's choices after Rodgers snub

Steven Gerrard starts on the substitute bench - 16 years to the day after he made his Liverpool debut

When the Liverpool team sheet was announced on Saturday afternoon, everyone’s eyes immediately turned to the bench to see club captain Steven Gerrard among the substitutes.

Exactly 16 years to the day after Gerrard made his Liverpool debut, Brendan Rodgers left the talismanic midfielder out of his starting XI as they struggled to break down a resilient Stoke side.

The Reds skipper was introduced 15 minutes from time, and ended up contributing to Glen Johnson’s late winner as he provided the delivery for Rickie Lambert’s header, from which Johnson scored in the 85th minute.

Brendan Rodgers hailed the impact Gerrard has had at Liverpool, and admitted he wasn’t aware of the anniversary, but said the 34-year-old is clearly not going to play every minute of every game.

The Sunday papers are full of stories of a rift between Gerrard and his manager, but the midfielder rubbished those reports, slamming them as "nonsense" on social media.

On the Sunday Supplement, the panel debated Gerrard's current situation...

Matt Dickinson (The Times) – Normally it wouldn’t be an issue

SOFIA, BULGARIA - NOVEMBER 26:  Steven Gerrard the captain of Liverpool applauds the travelling fans after his sides 2-2 draw during the UEFA Champions Lea

"In normal circumstances, it wouldn't be such a big deal. Steven Gerrard’s 34, Liverpool’s games are coming thick and fast - they’ve got another Premier League game on Tuesday. Resting him, even your captain, would be normal for someone his age.

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Matt Dickinson: Resting normally isn't an issue

"We know that, physically, he’s not the same player he was. I was at the Crystal Palace game recently and Liverpool were terrible as a team, but Stevie seemed to be suffering as much as anyone. They were overrun at times.

"So under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but of course these are not normal circumstances at Liverpool. There’s a lot of unease around the place, not just among the fans but around the club. Because of that, you leave out one player and suddenly it becomes a back-page story because everyone is examining the relationships and the tension, and understandably so because of the dip they’ve had since last season.

"He’s been iconic for them, and that’s not an exaggeration in his case. He’s been seen as so integral to Liverpool, so the minute he’s left out of one game - except maybe a Capital One Cup tie - then it’s seen as a big story.

"I think if circumstances were happier at Anfield, I don’t think it would be such a big deal, but they’re extremely unhappy at the moment."

Gerrard’s options

Steven Gerrard and Joe Allen of Liverpool react after conceding a goal

Even if there is no rift between the two, Gerrard has some decisions to make with his contract set to expire in the summer.

But what is the Liverpool legend likely to do? We assess his options…

Stay at Liverpool

PROS: The highlight of Gerrard's career was probably the Champions League triumph in 2005, and he will feel there is still time to emulate that success with the club. Rodgers has deployed his captain in a deeper role which other midfielders at the twilight of their career have found joy with. But, on top of all that, Gerrard loves Liverpool and - given the chance - would want to end his career at Anfield.

CONS: The sight of Gerrard on the bench is likely to become more familiar with his game time closely managed by Rodgers, and that could prove frustrating for the 34-year-old. With the likelihood of a cut in pay as well, the alternatives could end up proving more attractive than staying with the club he loves.

Move abroad

PROS: The chance to ply your trade in a different league has proved an attractive prospect for many of Gerrard’s colleagues: Steve McManaman and Michael Owen to name but two. Frank Lampard has also chosen to (eventually) move to America and join the MLS. That is an option Gerrard may consider if he wants to secure a wage that at least matches the one he’s on now.

CONS: Although there has been a massive cash injection into leagues like the MLS, they are still yet to catch up with the Premier League in terms of quality and prestige. Gerrard, like anyone facing such a decision, would also have to take his family into account.

Join another Premier League team

Gerrard's Liverpool Career

  • Total Appearances: 687
  • Goals: 176

PROS: It would mean Gerrard will still be plying his trade in England, and a move elsewhere would likely result in more regular playing time and potentially match his current wage. Depending on the destination, he could begin a whole new chapter of his career - Ryan Giggs continued up until the age of 40 so Gerrard, if he has the desire to, could do the same in a tailored role elsewhere.

CONS: It’s not Liverpool. As hard as it would be for Gerrard to leave Anfield, turning up there as an opposing player would be even more difficult. In practical terms, signing for a top-four rival wouldn’t guarantee him any more football than he already plays at Liverpool, while signing for a lesser team could result in a lack of motivation or put him in a relegation battle.

Retire

PROS: While arguably no longer at his peak, Gerrard would still sign off at the top of the professional game. He came agonisingly close to winning a first Premier League title last season, but it looks unlikely Liverpool will replicate that form this year, so he may decide enough is enough. Most people would rather choose to walk out the door rather than be pushed out, and he may decide the time is right to leave so it stops Rodgers having to make an awkward call. Plus, there would undoubtedly be a place for him among Rodgers’ coaching staff should he wish to go down that route.

CONS: Retiring when you’re still playing at the top is difficult because there may be a feeling of "what if" a couple of years down the line when you really start to miss the game. Gerrard has been a professional footballer for 16 years so it's not a decision he will take lightly.

What do you think? Should Steven Gerrard stay at Liverpool, seek out football elsewhere, or hang up his boots? Tweet your views @SkyFootball or post a comment on this story if you’re reading on the Sky Sports website.

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