With club captain Jamie Redknapp sidelined by injury for the entire 2000-2001 season, Gerrard took full advantage to establish himself as the midfield pivot for Liverpool and also for England.
It was an illustrious season for Liverpool as the Merseyside club achieved a unique Cup treble and Gerrard was a key and ever-present figure. He scored four goals in 21 games from February until the end of the season in May, including a crucial strike in the UEFA Cup final against Alaves. Steady performances helped Liverpool qualify for the Champions League in May and, from August, he contributed fully as the Reds set the pace in the early race for the 2001-2002 English premier league title.
At international level, he cemented his place in the first-choice England team, scoring a spectacular goal as his country stunned Germany with a 5-1 victory in Munich in September. He was named the PFA’s Young Player of the Year and also the Liverpool Fans' Player of the Season.
