Gerrard Testimonial

First things first, today was about Steven Gerrard. A man who has given so much to Liverpool and despite various offers from other clubs, he has shown his undying loyalty to the club he has played at since he was a boy. This was his testimonial and I will add my thanks to all the others and say thank you for all you've given to the club and congrats for all your goals, appearances and rewards.

Now the game itself. Gerrard played with typical Gerrard style, bombing on, defending well, spraying 50 yard balls like it's nobody's business. As for the other heroes of the day, it is obvious that Robbie Fowler isn't half as fit as he used to be. Misplaced passes all over the shop, looked as if running 10 yards was a struggle and all the little jokes about fitting into his shirt. Never mind, the man is 38, hasn't played football in a while and the simple fact he made his appearance made the fans explode into cheers.

Another man out of retirement to make an appearance today was Jamie Carragher and he had a solid final display, given the armband as Gerrard was replaced with 8 minutes remaining. Although I imagine he won't be too happy about being nutmegged. The likes of Jay Spearing, Brad Jones and Luis Alberto were given a late run out as well but we didn't see much of them. There was a small niggling worry as Agger took a blow but that too seems like nothing to worry about.

But all this was nothing more than late theatrics, flourishes to an excellent day to be a Liverpool supporter. And on top of what was an excellent day for the club and the fact this was a testimonial, it was also an integral part of Liverpool's pre-season training. And it is important, so close to the start of the season to take stock and see where the club is at.

For 75 minutes or so, it's important to bear in mind this was a serious display for Liverpool, with the first team very likely to be one, minus Daniel Sturridge, that we'll see in two weeks time against Stoke. And, it was the first serious opposition this team have faced. A decent Champions League side whose pre-season preparations are at an identical stage to Liverpool's, as their league campaign starts two days after ours.

And overall, it was a very positive display. Our back 4 looked fairly solid, with Lucas in front of them impressive. Gerrard dominant in the midfield, the full backs bombing on and getting involved in the play. Mignolet made one small error but otherwise looked as solid as ever and Raheem Sterling will hopefully play a key part this season, in one of the wide roles that is certainly up for grabs. On the other flank, we saw Coutinho continue to impress after an excellent tour to match his quality finish to last season. He also seems to be preferred to stay out on that left, though when Henderson came on we saw him take a central role. Whether or not he plays there depends on who plays with him. Certainly, the back 5 we saw today will likely be the one that starts the majority of games, unless Liverpool bring in any new faces in the next few weeks (with support surely needed, we're lacking strength in depth there, though Skrtel is in my mind a world class centre half). Lucas and Gerrard are also the first names on the team sheet, likewise Coutinho. Sturridge should slot in, leaving two positions open.

At this point, we have to assume a lack of Luis Suarez and incoming signings. Suarez won't be available straight away anyway and although there are rumours, we don't know who else, if anyone is coming in. Suarez today when he came on looked short of fitness, as you'd expect but also his attitude isn't great, despite the fantastic reception he got from the Anfield crowd.

So who do you play? Sterling certainly is an option, and today we saw Henderson and Allen both stake their claims. I've not been a fan of Joe Allen but when he plays, he gives our midfield a better balance, freeing up Gerrard a lot more than playing Coutinho in the centre does. He played very well today, moving forward freely, grabbing a goal and he could have had a hat-trick. He looked composed off the ball, hungry to win it back off it and I was very impressed by what I saw today. However, Henderson also made an impact, making it 2-0 12 seconds after coming on. He also seems good and can play out on the left, freeing up Coutinho for a central role.

And Iago Aspas also had an impressive display. Much like Suarez, he was happy to drift out wide and supply passes for others, as he did for the Allen goal and played some lovely touches. His finishing didn't look 100% as he had a couple of chances but he's looked impressive in other pre-season games as well. I wouldn't like to have to choose between him and Sterling, as I wouldn't like to choose between Allen and Henderson. Also, Downing, Borini and Alberto will all play a role as the season develops.

Ultimately, I think the team that plays in two weeks time, as it currently stands, is this:

Mignolet;  Johnson, Toure, Agger, Enrique;   Lucas, Allen, Gerrard;  Coutinho, Aspas, Sturridge

Allen did enough today to convince me he should play ahead of Henderson, and I also like Coutinho on the left. Sturridge simply has to play, there's no doubt about that and as much as I like Sterling, Aspas just pips him today. If they bring in someone else then they might stake a claim and we can't forget Downing, but this is the 11 for me, based on today and previous games.