Look mum! No toes!

Gerrard playing for England carrying a toe injury

Gerrard has gotten too little criticism over this matter.
Fact: He is injured.

Hero, some say. Lack of professionalism, that's my take.
Whether or not his toe 'belong to Liverpool' like Jamo suggested the great Shankly would say, one thing for sure is that his toe belong to himself. For sure he is free to do what he choose to. But then every player is free to dose themselves in alcohol, party or have -beep- with prostitutes. It is not stated in their contract they can't. It's always a matter of whether he should. That's where self discipline comes along.

Even at a junior level during soccer training, my soccer coach told us if we don't take care of our bodies, we will never be able to enjoy the game properly in future - even at social level. How very true, I found out.

Gerrard is captain of Liverpool and vice captain of England. However, heroism is a thing for another day. At least with ten toes functioning correctly without drugs. In the army, the commander of his troops must always keep himself alive, to prevent the scenario which his soldiers are lost in the event of his death. Thus keeping himself fit to lead is what he should do, which he chose not to.

Gerrard the hero is a hero indeed. But sadly, a hero is not a leader. For a leader must be disciplined and responsible, not only for himself but for his men. I have to admit I do not give a hoot what happens to England. Although I am writing this in a very bias pro-Liverpool angle, it isn't really the point. If Gerrard is fit, I will applaud him for giving his best to England the same way he did for Liverpool. But now Gerrard is going to miss the game against Portsmouth, thats for sure.

Will anyone call Sissoko a hero if he chose to play in the Africa Nations Cup carrying an injury? I can hear a pin drop. Will Mascherano be skewered if he chose to play for his country and misses a Champions League tie for Liverpool? Should Gerrard be exempted from criticism just because he is captain?

Rafa is also at fault for not stamping his authority over this matter. Much as I hate to mention, Alex Ferguson would have showed his middle finger at M.Claren and withdraw his injured player (sometimes even w/o injury, notoriously known) w/o hesitation to protect his player. These uncompromising acts had played a big part in winning them the titles. So much for being Mr Nice Guy.

Gerrard IS injured. It is not a doubtful injury or a pulled muscle. I'm disappointed at Rafa for not doing the necessary this time.

But the willful captain should have known better. Exposed his lack of maturity yet again. Maybe the fitting captain in our team might really be some bottler really..