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.