Andrea Pirlo says Steven Gerrard can thrive as a holding midfielder

Andrea Pirlo on Steven Gerrard

Andrea Pirlo believes that Steven Gerrard can thrive in his deeper midfield role and could go on to make the position his own.

Gerrard has been asked to fill in as the holding midfielder for Liverpool recently due to the injury suffered by Lucas Leiva and has excelled in the deeper-lying position.

Gerrard Heat Map vs Swansea – PL 2013/14

Pirlo himself dropped deeper as his career has progressed and is still seen as one of the finest midfielders in the world at 35 and feels that Gerrard could elongate his career by making the permanent switch to the base of the midfield.

The Italian midfielder told Goal.com, “As a player, you get to the stage where you realise that you are not 25 anymore – and can’t play the way you used to.

“The intelligent players adapt – and Steven Gerrard has the ability to do just that. He is an excellent passer of the ball, possesses an intelligent football brain and has great vision.

“He might not be able to run around for 90 minutes anymore, but he has all the qualities to play in a deeper role.

“Top European clubs are always progressing with what they can do off the field. Training is getting more scientific and we are constantly getting more educated on nutrition.

“If you look after yourself and are willing to adapt, there is no reason why you can’t play at the top level until your late 30s.

“Gerrard is a top professional. It is very possible that he has many top years left for Liverpool and England in a new role.”