Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s testimonial game tomorrow will feature some of the greatest players to have played at the club and the Premier League.
Testimonials are usually a case where the former club players entertain the crowd, but this one is different. With stars like Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, John Terry, Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez, the game will be intriguing to watch.
The squads for the game were announced yesterday and by first viewing, it does look like Gerrard’s XI has more crowd pullers.
Gerrard’s squad
Brad Jones, Glen Johnson, Kevin Nolan, Scott Dann, Ashley Williams, John Arne Riise, Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Rickie Lambert, Xabi Alonso, Thierry Henry, Charlie Adam, Ryan Babel, Jay Spearing, John Terry, Stephen Warnock, Anthony Gerrard, Joao Carlos Teixeira.
Carragher’s squad
Jose Enrique, Luis Garcia, Didier Drogba, Craig Noone, Harry Kewell, Alvaro Arbeloa, Alberto Moreno, Stewart Downing, Lucas Leiva, Gael Clichy, Jamie Carragher, Pepe Reina, Fabio Borini, Peter Gulacsi, Jonjo Shelvey, Martin Kelly, Jon Flanagan, Craig Bellamy, Mario Balotelli, Jerome Sinclair.
The former Liverpool stars were excited when they were invited for the game. Kop favourite at one time, Fernando Torres, revealed, “I’m really looking forward to meeting some of my old teammates, especially Stevie. I’m sure it’s going to be a great day and night for him. And also to meet Liverpool fans again; many times I have been back to Anfield as an opponent, but this time I’m going like part of the home team. It’s going to be a really emotional day for me.”
Fellow Spaniards Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina are currently playing their football with Bayern Munich. The duo are few of the most loved players at Liverpool even now. Alonso said, “For five years I haven’t had the chance to go back there. I spent five great years there and have great memories of those years. We had wonderful nights at Anfield. Of course it’s going to be a special game for us and Stevie, and it’s for a great cause. It has all of the ingredients to be special for everyone.
Three-time Premier League golden glove winner Reina will be Carragher’s side and said, “I’m very much looking forward to it. It’s a great opportunity to say ‘goodbye’ but also ‘hello’ back. It’s going to be a great atmosphere and a great match between friendly faces. It’s going to be a great day.”