I certainly think so.
Age may have lessened Gerrard's ability, but the match against Basle last month was one where - once again - he seemed intent on taking by the scruff of the neck. He didn't look nervous, looked assured - looked every bit like the leader we've seen over the years. Now if only the rest of them had that mentality, we would have won. Too many advanced positions and good movement was squandered by an inability of composure and nervousness in that match I seem to remember.
But with Gerrard leaving, the mentality is going to take a severe beating I fear. Lambert's attitude is perfect, sadly he doesn't seem cut out for us at the moment and looks like a fish out of water after a long long absence from the club, but lets not forget Jon Flanagan.
I thought Flanagan displayed that typical lionhearted fearless scouse mentality when he came in last year - his ability to slot right in, work his sock off and look as if he'd worn the shirt for years quickly made him a fans favourite. He looked top quality at times. That attitude was perfectly exemplified by Carragher and Gerrard, and I'd like to think many of the lads coming through the youth system such as Rossiter display these qualities too.
Of course, the players have to have ability to make the grade. I'm in no way suggesting we just fill the squad with Liverpudlians because that's getting us nowhere, but it highlights how essential our youth academy is. Even those players who lacked ability made up for it in passion - Jay Spearing who ultimately lacked the ability would nevertheless put 110% and that attitude (and for sure we would all have rather had him than Charlie Adam), along with Kenny Dalglish's appointment provided us with the immediate kick up the arse after the soulless Roy Hodgson. We need players on the doorstep who understand the importance of the football club. Local lads have that embedded mentality from the culture and upbringing in Liverpool.
If we can't get quality local lads into the side in the next few years, then it will be to the detriment of the club and its direction. The Carraghers and the Gerrards provide the perfect template of what is mentally required of a Liverpool player. It gives us an identity which prods us in the right direction of what we look for in a player. So its no wonder that with the Scouse identity, it has prodded us in the right direction seeking out similar quality players from abroad or closer to home (as was the case with Dalglish) who will bust a gut for the club and take full responsibility for their actions. It's no wonder we have a winners mentality - that has been bred from the scouse mentality upon which the club and its success was founded. I pray the likes of Rossiter and co come through the ranks - we desperately need the character.
The current batch don't nearly have the mentality. They may show signs of ability, but a million Steve Peters won't turn them into captains. Without any local influence, the club may lack direction and become increasingly aimless in its quest for success.
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