Gerrard requires freedom to roam just behind the strikers. He also misses a striker which is capable of using the space behind the defence of the opposition. He's missed Torres as much as Torres missed Gerrard.
A17 year old needed just 1 game. of course it stll early days but you look for qualities which could make a difference. And he works hard but we need finishers. however its not his fault we havent got any decent 20+ goalscorer up front.