One of Steven Gerrard’s most iconic goals was his long-range shot against Middlesbrough, but Micah Richards and Alan Shearer have clashed over how to evaluate goals
Micah Richards and Alan Shearer weren’t on the same page (Image: The rest is football)
Micah Richards and Alan Shearer clashed over one of Steven Gerrard’s famous strikes but could not agree on what a volley was.
The Liverpool icon has a huge highlight list of incredible shots, but Richards and Shearer had their eye on one of his better-known goals, the one he scored against Middlesbrough in 2005.
Gerrard picked up the ball on the right, took a touch and the rebound curled into the top corner and past Mark Schwarzer. Although Richards and Shearer agreed on the quality of the goal, the former Manchester City man disputed the fact that it could be classified as a volley.
On Rest Is Football, Shearer began by saying, “That Mika, that’s a volley,” to which Richards jokingly retorted. “Wait a minute, you’re starting this nonsense again? It just bounced off him,” he said.
He continued: “It wasn’t a volley, it was a half-volley. It was deflected.” Richards asked Shearer again if he really thought Gerrard’s blow could be classified as a volley, to which Shearer replied: “I don’t think so, I know.” Gary Lineker was also present and supported Mr Shearer.
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Richards continued to emphasize the fact that he did not think it was a volley, but praised the technique. Mr Shearer, along with Mr Lineker, continued to attack his colleague, claiming it was one of the “best volleys I have ever seen”.
The two have previously debated the exact definition of a volley, and the discussion is reminiscent of last year’s discussion of the issue on the Match of the Day podcast. At the time, Shearer was appalled at having to explain that to a former professional soccer player.
Richards was adamant that the volley must be the first strike, suggesting that his technique for making it successful was unique. “I couldn’t believe I was having this discussion with a full-back,” Shearer said. The former Cityman ultimately called on Google to settle the dispute.
While discussing Gerrard, the trio also lamented the generational debate over England’s failure to get the best out of Liverpool stars Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes. There was always the idea that they couldn’t play on the same team, but Lineker insisted they could if the system was adjusted.
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