Liverpool and England star Steven Gerrard has hit
out after a career of being "shunted around" - and feels his game
has suffered as a result.
The 28-year-old midfielder favours a central position but
has frequently been used on the left and right with both club and
country.
Gerrard told the Sunday Times: "I've paid the price for being
able to do a decent job in other positions.
"Other players don't get shunted around because they can't do
it. I can't go and play on the right or the left and become Kaka or
Robinho, I just go out there, give 100% and do a steady job.
"I'll work hard, do my bit defensively and help the team. That's
why managers do it to me, but it is affecting me.
"My game suffers when my position is changed. I'm a central
midfielder and in the big games I want to play in the middle and
show that I'm one of the very best in that position.
"I've played in my favourite position for England five times in
68 games. What can you do? I go into training with England and try
to prove myself every day.
"Every England manager I've worked under knows where I want to
play, but they pick the formations and I play where I'm told."
Gerrard will miss England's crunch World Cup qualifying clash
with Croatia on Wednesday after undergoing groin surgery.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was hoping his captain would be
fit to face Manchester United next weekend, but Gerrard insists
that is too soon.
"I've a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille
[September 16]," he continued.
"I've spoken to the manager and told him I'd like to do a
certain amount of training before I come back. I don't want to go
into a big game only having had one session with the boys."