Thursday, September 09, 2010

Capello Hails Gerrard Form

Fabio Capello believes Steven Gerrard has been 'fantastic' since being switched to a central midfield position.

In recent seasons Gerrard has been regularly deployed on the left-hand side for England and as a support player to Fernando Torres at club level with Liverpool.

However, he has featured in the centre for his club since Roy Hodgson replaced Rafa Benitez as manager and took up a similar role in England's opening Euro 2012 qualifiers.

In the absence of the injured Frank Lampard, captain Gerrard grasped his opportunity in the middle and coach Capello is delighted with the 30-year-old's form.

"For a long time Steven Gerrard played for Liverpool like a second forward. This year he is playing like a midfielder," said Capello.

"He has started to play fantastic. He wins back the ball and then makes really important passes."

Capello must now decide whether to continue with Gerrard in that role for the next qualifier against Montenegro in October when Lampard is likely to be available.

James Milner's suspension for that fixture could force a reshuffle, while Capello also has a dilemma in defence after regular first-choice pairing Rio Ferdinand and John Terry missed the wins over Bulgaria and Switzerland.

"I have always said the door is open for all the players," stressed Capello.

"I have to decide who will come in. After that I will decide who is in the first XI.

"But these players did very well. They won two games and scored seven goals. Also, they created a lot of chances. This is a nice group."

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