Liverpool fans respond to Lambert’s defence of Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard‘s role in the Liverpool team is a hotly debated topic at present – with most supporters now beginning to see a huge problem with playing him every game as the side’s holding midfielder. Even Jamie Carragher has now said as much.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 23, 2014: Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard looks dejected as Crystal Palace score the third goal during the Premier League match at Selhurst Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

But, speaking at Liverpool’s pre-match press conference in Sofia on Tuesday evening – ahead of the Champions League tie with Ludogorets – Rickie Lambert has said that criticism of Gerrard is “shocking” given “what he has done for the club”.

“If he has a bad game it’s up to others to stand up,” claimed Lambert.

While it’s admirable that Lambert defends his captain – arguably Liverpool’s greatest ever player – but to suggest that any player should not be criticised for their performances now, based upon their performances in the past, shows exactly what the problem is.

Lambert’s comments were posted on twitter by reporters at the press conference and immediately responded to by supporters; most baffled by the absurd logic that a player’s past performances make them immune from criticism now.

https://twitter.com/JohnCullTLW/status/537308485973979136

https://twitter.com/Norm_Nesbitt/status/537306981078695936

https://twitter.com/Norm_Nesbitt/status/537306981078695936

https://twitter.com/mainstandred/status/537306355603103744

https://twitter.com/spioen_kop/status/537306606208565248

https://twitter.com/RyanMcTrippy/status/537309081783263232

Rodgers then went on to claim that he is not picking Gerrard based on sentiment:

That despite Gerrard playing 90 minutes of every single Premier League game this season, and despite the clear problems he is having at age 34 as teams tactically target and expose his weaknesses.

Gerrard played the full game at Palace on Sunday, with Emre Can instead replacing the far more effective Joe Allen in the second half.

Is criticism of Gerrard’s recent performances “shocking”? Should he be immune from criticism based on previous performances?