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SOME PLAYERS (Man United’s Michael Carrick is often cited as an example) take a while before their talent flourishes, while others, such as Steven Gerrard, have the natural ability to stand out at a young age.
An article has emerged citing Gerrard’s incredible ability as a 12-year-old in 1992, written by Steve Heighway, the former Ireland international who won four league titles during his spell at Liverpool.
The article notes: “Outstanding potential has to be recognised and nurtured and Stephen [sic] Gerrard, a gem from Huyton, could be the next on our production line…
“He has enormous natural talent and is a Liverpool fan through and through. His attitude to coaching and personal development is a joy to see and our staff are genuinely excited by his prospects.
“Stephen has already been brought to the attention of the FA National Coaching staff as “one for the future” and no effort will be spared to create the right environment for him and his talents to develop at this club.”
Heighway worked as an academy coach with Liverpool from 1989 to 2007, but left the club during the Rafael Benitez era.
He returned last year however, with Gerrard backing the move, explaining:
“Steve Heighway should never have left. That’s what I can’t understand at clubs.
“The managers change so often — there are not many Wengers or Fergusons (who stay for years) — but the structure of the academies should stay the same whoever the manager is of the first team. The manager shouldn’t have the power to change things every two or three years.”
Here’s some footage of Gerrard as a 12-year-old, showing the kind of ability that Heighway would have admired at the time.
