Gerrard: I Was Scared To Tackle
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Liverpool talisman Steven Gerrard has revealed that he developed a fear of tackling during his younger years because he was worried about earning a nasty 'reputation'.
The idea of Stevie G, a player widely regarded as one of the most complete midfielders in the world, chickening out of a challenge is almost incomprehensible to most Reds fans.
While known more for his attacking talents these days, the Melwood product broke into the first team during the late 1990s as a combative, no-nonsense holding player - indeed, he occasionally line up at right-back under Gerard Houllier.
The England star has inched further up-field as his career has progressed but, more restrained though he may be now, he remains as aggressive and capable a ball-winner as he was in his early 20s.
However, Gerrard confessed that there was a time when his overenthusiasm in the tackle led to him becoming afraid of sticking the foot in.
"I used to be a bit of a hothead, going into stupid challenges and getting sent off when I was younger," he told Champions magazine.
"That worried me. I didn't want the reputation of being a dirty player. I started wondering if I'd be able to tackle again. I was scared to go near people."
Regardless, Gerrard won't be going near any opponents for at least a week after injury forced him out of England's impending trip to Germany.
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no worries, u are now a diver