Liverpool legend reveals tactical voting behind Steven Gerrard’s 2006 PFA win

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Surely it couldn’t have played that big a part?

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has revealed that Steven Gerrard had tactical voting to thank for his PFA Player of the Year award in 2006, and feels that Philippe Coutinho may be in the same boat.

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According to the Liverpool Echo, the former centre-back told all of his teammates not to vote for the skipper’s main rivals for the accolade: Thierry Henry and Frank Lampard. Henry was the league’s leading scorer for the season – six ahead of his nearest rival – while Lampard was crucial to Chelsea retaining their title.

However, Gerrard was still arguably a more than worthy candidate. The defending Champions League holders would finish third in the league in 2006, and would win the FA Cup almost solely thanks to Gerrard. Plus, it was the first vote after his heroics in Istanbul the season previously, which may have swayed some decisions.

The Echo also suggest that Carragher believes that after John Terry revealed his vote was going to Coutinho, tactics may be playing a part once again, with two of the defender’s teammates – Eden Hazard and Diego Costa – in the running. The pundit explained that as good a season as the Brazilian has had, there are more worthy winners, that Terry should have voted for.

“There’s no way Terry can seriously believe Coutinho has been better than De Gea and Kane this season! There is more to it than meets the eye,” he said.

More Stories Jamie Carragher John Terry Liverpool Philippe Coutinho Steven Gerrard