Steven Gerrard now has a massive decision to make

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Steven Gerrard now has a massive decision to make


One thing became clear tonight – for all Steven Gerrard’s promises and claims that Glenn Middleton is ‘knocking on the first team door’, the 18 year old was the best performer on the pitch when he arrived, assisting one goal and completely tormenting Villarreal’s back line.

While Ryan Kent did not have a poor match (after a slow start he grew significantly into it) the class of Middleton on his arrival was a different league to anything Kent has been able to produce and it is time for the former Norwich youth product to start matches.

He is only 18, yes, and he must still be managed with care, yes, and we do not want such an incredible prospect being ruined by burning out – so we’re not advocating a start every single match.

But tonight’s match proved Glenn Middleton is not only ready for first team action, not only ready for the SPL, but ready for European competition of the calibre of Villarreal.

He will not hold this form 100% of the time – not even Messi and Ronaldo can. But when Middleton gets his chance and gets in the zone, nothing can stop him.

We can see little reason for him to remain benched any longer – he is potentially growing into the best player we have, and the world is completely at his feet.

This is a lad with the tools to truly make it – a sterling youth player who was stellar tonight and showed maturity beyond his years and continued the incredible vein of form which has punctuated his season so far.

There is no decision for Steven Gerrard to make now – Glenn Middleton has to be seriously considered for a starting jersey more often than not.

Agreed?

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10 COMMENTS

  1. This is one that really has me thinking. We still haven’t really seen the other new winger yet, but Middletons biggest asset is his dribbleing at speed. He’s going to beat 99% of guys, but coming on in the 2nd half leaves defenders with no chance and is where he’s really pulling tiring teams apart

  2. The laddie is progressing nicely. Coming on in games here and there. That’s the right thing to do. Let him learn the game and how to play at this level but not too much too soon.

  3. Biggest problem is he has not yet signed an extension to his contract and is out of contract next summer.

    Get him signed to a 4 or 5 year deal, then give him game time

    • I knew he came on an 18 month deal in January and hadn't heard that he had signed an extension. If he hasn't that is a shocking state of affairs and must be dealt with immediately. He is easily our brightest prospect and will not be short of offers. Imagine losing him for nothing at the end of the season! Ridiculous!!!

  4. Puts too much on him to deliver. Let him grow his confidence as an impact sub before pinning your hopes on him.

  5. First of all A great result/2nd half performance, but regarding gm I agree with Stuart,at this moment in time lets take advantage in later stages of matches as/when required like tonights game and show teams that we have other/better quality on the bench when needed,but in saying that I would still be more than happy if he was in the starting 11 this w/end…watp helicopter Sunday 2005
    Will never be Beaten….How Beautiful is That to Them…hehehe?

  6. Gerrard is playing the lad right. It easy for lads like Middleton to lose confidence, he needs introduced gradually. He was unheard of at start of the season so need to be patient & not get carried away but admittedly he does look like a player!

  7. Management are doing the right thing with him at the moment. he is an exciting prospect and I love watching him when he comes on. if they just threw him in now it would be an unneeded risk on a young player. youngsters tend to be inconsistent as they are learning the game and wingers are inconsistent as they are trying to take players on all the time and it's difficult to do so doesn't always come off. the important thing is when he plays at ibrox that the fans keep patient and keep encouraging him, we've had youngsters come through in the past but the moans and groans from the stands haven't helped in the slightest. saying that he's such an exciting player I really hope he keeps improving and gets more game time but gradually like they are using him at the moment not just throwing him straight in.

  8. Must Be a Starter!!

    Not taking into account The Loan Deals, our Wings should look like this :

    RB – Tav & JonFlan
    LB – Borna & Wallace
    RM – Candeias & Middleton/Grezda
    LM – Middleton & Murphy/Grezda

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