'Captain Fantastic' is now preparing for life in a galaxy far, far away, raising the question... could his departure be the greatest mistake of the Brendan Rodgers reign at the club? Steven Gerrard’s abrupt decision has left a talismanic sized hole in the Liverpool midfield, and it’s down to Brendan to fix it.

The sight of Steven Gerrard in an LA Galaxy jersey - as well as buying beers for their fans - must be one that bemused Kopites. The Anfield legend has left Liverpool for pastures new following a disappointing campaign last term and completed a move to the Major League Soccer side recently. Sure, last season must have been a low for both Gerrard and the fans after a stellar 2013/2014 campaign, but something about this move does not add up.

It was less than a year ago that Gerrard called time on his international career, citing his desire to keep playing at a high level and giving everything to Liverpool as the biggest factor. Gerrard may be ageing, but his decision to leave his boyhood club in January 2015 came under six months after his international retirement. More questions than answers.

When the dreaded day finally dawned, Gerrard expressed his desire to "experience something different" No doubt, his iconic performances over the years have certainly earned him the right to enjoy such a move in the autumn of his career, but the timeline here is rather odd.

As well as this, last month, in an interview with ex- England pal Rio Ferdinand, the former Anfield skipper revealed his benching against Real Madrid for the Champions League clash back in November "pushed" him "into making a decision". Perhaps it would be unfair to lay the blame with Liverpool manager Rodgers, clearly he has to plan for life without an ageing Gerrard, but could this be his greatest mistake yet?

Much has been made of the infamous ‘transfer committee’ in play at Liverpool, and its very limited success. Their decisions to sign the likes of Mario Balotelli to replace Luis Suarez and bring in Dejan Lovren for £20m have obviously hit headlines. However, Gerrard’s abrupt departure may go down as an even greater gaffe.

Though getting older (and who isn’t?) Gerrard was still a vital member of Liverpool’s 2014/15 campaign. The 2005 Champions League winner finished top scorer, with 14 goals, and although he is no longer the marauding midfield machine of days gone by, he's still a top class player.

Stevie G’s decision to depart for MLS came mid-season, rather abrupt for a one-club man. Rodgers, of course, must start planning for a side without the Liverpool talisman, but when you consider the ages Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs played to, Gerrard could have life in him yet.

The timing of the announcement hints at a breakdown between the club and their captain. These things can happen in football, but Liverpool surely could have done more to keep him.

The Merseysiders found it hard to replace Suarez, and though replacing Gerrard will be a different challenge, it is one they must overcome. For a club renowned for their sketchy arrivals over the last few years, it could just be a departure that defines the Rodgers reign.

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