Steven Gerrard played his first game for his new MLS club LA Galaxy in the early hours of our Sunday morning, playing 45 minutes of the 2-1 friendly victory over Mexican side Club America.
The 35-year-old looked very assured on the ball, tested the opposition keeper from 30-yards, and frankly, looked a class above every other player on the pitch – which in fairness – he is.
“His passing was very good,” said his new manager Bruce Arena, reported by BBC Sport.
“His partnership with Juninho was good. He won some tackles, helped create some chances. He could have had a goal. Steven played well.”
Gerrard’s official debut is likely to come on July 18, with Galaxy hosting San Jose Earthquakes in five days’ time.
The midfielder can’t wait for it, and has vowed to get even better, despite his impressive opening cameo.
“It was good to get 45 minutes under my belt and I’ll keep getting better and better and the more I get used to my team-mates, I’ll improve,” he said.
“Physically it was tough. I haven’t played a competitive match for six or seven weeks so it was very important that I got out there and got 45 minutes.”
It’s going to be extremely tough watching Gerrard play for another club, especially if he proves he’s still good enough to be playing for us.
Many fans are still reeling at the fact we allowed Gerrard to leave without offering him another one year deal, and in truth – only time will tell if we’ll live to regret it – or if his departure will allow others to flourish in central midfield instead.
Jordan Henderson has taken his captaincy, and we hope it inspires him to continue his superb development during the 2015/16 campaign.