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29 March 2024

Gerrard rejects Liverpool legend Rush comparision

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard (left) applauds as he walks off with the match ball after their English Premier League match against Everton in Liverpool, England on Tuesday. (REUTERS)

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By Staff

Steven Gerrard shrugged off comparisons with Liverpool legend Ian Rush after emulating his boyhood hero to score a Merseyside derby hat-trick against Everton on Tuesday.

Gerrard's three goals wrecked David Moyes' 10th anniversary celebrations as Everton boss and also became the first player to achieve this feat in the league since Rush bagged four in 1982.

"That makes it more special, because Ian Rush was a hero of mine," said the Liverpool skipper. "I looked up to him for a long time and watched many videos of him."

However, he was quick to dismiss comparisons with Liverpool's all-time goal scorer.

"But let's not be stupid. I'm not comparing myself to Ian Rush's scoring record and he scored 380-odd goals for the club. He was a different breed," said Gerrard who celebrated his 400th Premier League appearance.

"To beat Everton is always special and to get three goals is a little extra-special. I have to give my team-mates credit and Luis Suarez put two of them on a plate for me."

Kenny Dalglish played that day Rush scored four at Goodison Park and claims he has run out of words to describe his talismanic midfielder.

"I'm not educated enough to add to what other people have already said about Steven," said the Liverpool manager.

"For him to score three goals is fantastic for him. He's had one or two bumps this season and to come back and score three in the derby, I think he will have a wee smile on his face later.

"He has been fantastic for this football club."

Gerrard appeared to hobble as he left the field at half-time, but Dalglish played down concerns over his fitness.

He said: "I would hate to see him when he is flying."

Gerrard also predicted big things from Liverpool's three-pronged attacking force.

The skipper believes he can gel with Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll after seeing his side wipe out memories of three Premier League defeats on the trot.

"It was a great term performance, a clean sheet. Everything we wanted from the game we got it," he said after only their fifth league success at Anfield this season despite a number of dominant displays.
 
Asked about linking up well with Suarez, Gerrard said: "I haven't played with him much but when we do we seem to have an understanding.

"With Andy (Carroll) as well, I think the three of us in the starting XI are always going to be a threat. Hopefully that can continue to get stronger and stronger."