Video: Gerard recalls Gerrard debut
To mark the anniversary of Steven Gerrard's Liverpool debut 16 years ago, LFCTV GO caught up with the man who handed a first appearance to the fresh-faced 18-year-old against Blackburn Rovers at Anfield.
In our exclusive video, former Reds boss Gerard Houllier talks about what he saw in the young midfielder all those years ago and recalls who helped him identify the raw talent and the attributes that have served him so well over the course of his career with the club.
"Even at that young age he was a true competitor," says Houllier. "To succeed at the top level you obviously need talent and need to work hard, but also have desire and intelligence - and he has that.
"As for the man, he's somebody who can take the blows and pick himself up whenever he's down. The desire to compete, fight and win something is embodied in his performance in Istanbul."
To hear much more from the Frenchman on Gerrard, click play on the embedded video below. If you are not already signed up to LFCTV GO, click here for information and to join now.