Leo No.8

In recent weeks we've played two teams I've thought were pretty woeful in Fulham and Birmingham. On both ocassions though, there has been a player who has stood out a mile from the rest of the side; Pennant at Brum and Malbranque at Fulham. Both players showed some fantastic skill and quality at times in the games, but whenever they went past someone, opened up some space or put a great ball in they were left wanting for support. There were a number of times when I thought 'imagine how good he'd be with better players around him'. I think both players would be great options in the summer; Pennant I like a bit more as a player, Malbranque as a professional. If Rafa is confident he can handle Pennant I'd have a preference for him...

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I think he did as well - we kicked off after their goal, and Rushie scored directly from a long ball by the much maligned Julian Dicks!

Ah fair enough - first hand experience is good enough for me! He may be here next season, so I hope you're right and his attitude is OK...

Funny enough I actually heard Bent interviewed on R5 the other week. He came across as a very down to earth, well spoken lad actually. He was talking about his world cup hopes etc, saying he's still got a huge amount to learn and although he's hoping to go he isn't expecting to etc. Certainly seemed a Liverpool player in terms of personality. Defoe on the other hand is supposed to be an arrogant little chap...

Personally - I think someone's jealous... :Herbielovesbananas3:

It was Romario talking about Zenden... I'd actually say one of our reported targets, Kuyt, is not *that* dis-similar to Ashton but a bit quicker, has an even better nose for goal, international and European experience and is generally a better all-round player IMO... We've got to aim high this summer on the striker front - I'd certainly want us to be in for Kuyt myself.

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Personally, I think Adebayor is cack. He really is another Kanu - skilful, but overall fairly ineffective. Strange buy I thought...

I can see him walking round local parks and gardens, shaking his fist in fury when benches fail to acknowledge his presence.... 'I demand the respect of benches!' Ha ha - brilliant! Remember when he accused Henchoz of 'spitting' as him, ie spitting when he was within 20 yards of him- complete tool.

Classic Rainier Wolfcastle!

Sensai RP has indeed spoken Big Stuff. Coming soon - if Dean Ashton falls in the woods, does he make a sound...?

You're not fretting again are you Kev? The latest update of 'Kev's worries' involves the lack of substancial evidence regarding investment in Liverpool FC, whether Momo's protective glasses will withstand the game tonight, medical testing and the hazards it presents, the huge reduction in the size of Chad's largest lake and the effects on the local fishermen, human cloning, the lewd nature of the grafitti on the bus stop at the end of his road, and the hole which has appeared in the rear of his favourite pair of Y-fronts. Stop worrying mate, you'll have us all at it...

As soon as I saw Rafa say in the media 'we may well stick with the same formation from Newcastle' I thought 'my a*** you will you sly old dog Rafa'...

It's be like that scene from The Simpsons when Homer has been told his great aunt has died and left them an inheritance... Rafa: 'We're going to have to sell you Djibril, we've had an offer of 14 million Euros *quietly whilst pretending to sob* woo-hoo, I'm really sorry to let you go, woo-hoo...

Who said you weren't a team player - recommending your own replacement...

Not one minute much soon either...

Hobbs seems to be developing very well judging from the various reports you see. I haven't been to any ressies games this year due to a change of work circumstances. Last year I saw nearly all of them when we were crap - Rafa transforms the side and I can't go! For a young lad, being the size he is and made captain of the ressies he must have some presence. Apparently he's got one hell of an engine as well...

He's a big strong lad with two good feet and excellent technique. Not as slow as people think either - I can see him progressing to possibly Spurs' level and maintaining a good scoring record. However, I don't think he's what we need this summer, and I' m not sure he'll ever quite be good enough to get into one of the top four sides. He offers similar attributes to someone like Beattie, who has been doing it for a few years now to be fair to him. He was flavour of the month much as Ashton is now when he properly broke through at Southampton...

So which is your own favourite Liverpool goal of all time, and why? It may have been a particularly important goal, particularly good goal or perhaps had some personal meaning to you. Mine would have to be Owen's winner in the Cup Final; it was a beautiful, roasting hot day and it seemed like everything was set for a great final. We saw some of the old LFC legends, Rushie etc singing along with the fans in the streets around the ground, we had cold beers and were standing out in the sun - it was just perfect. But as soon as everyone had settled in and the game had started, it had all gone horribly wrong; we'd been absolutely battered in that game - Sami had made about 3 clearances off the line (and Henchoz one very famous one as well), we hadn't been anywhere near their goal all game, and everyone around me felt deflated. It looked like we wouldn't score if we played until the start of next season. Then suddenly we'd gone level out of nowhere with Mikey's swivel and shot, and the game was on again. AS the clock ticked down Berger launched that long pass, and as Owen ran onto it there was a collective intake of breath. The ball seemed to take forever to creep past Seaman's hand, and as it nestled into the corner, there was an explosion of sheer ecstasy. We were sitting right over in the corner where Owen did his celebratory somersault, high up, going absolutely mental. I remember saying 'it just doesn't get any better than this'; and I don't think it does. I felt for the Arsenal - they'd been by far the better team and lost, yet even still their fans were gracious in defeat after the game. Istanbul eclipsed that Cup Final as an occasion of course, but for the sheer joy of the ball hitting the net, I think Owen's winner still has it for me. Happy days - what I'd give for another FA Cup final this year...

Christ on a bike - SuperEmile then SuperDjibril... You weren't SuperDundee a while back at all were you?

Brilliant as a kid - went schit, had some serious injuries and has come back still scoring goals if not the player he was. His career reminds me a bit of Fowlers to be honest, although Robbie has yet to get as near to his former level...

You've obviously never come across 'Cisse's Mate' Huyton...

You're probably right - he just makes my blood boil the way he goes on like that. And I reckon now you mention him, that Heskey, for me is a better footballer...(phrases you thought you'd never hear, let alone come out with).

I know - it said 'Happy Christmas Jude & the family' didn't it? PiGH - my point is he has the attitude of a world class footballer, yet lacks the basic abilities it requires to be one. It wouldn't matter if Gerard Houllier was manager, in fact it wouldn't matter if Jesus was our manager (he's nearly as good as Rafa) the lad still can't play football. I can't honestly believe anyone can watch him play and think otherwise, I really can't. As for all that 'some fan you are' crap, I'm a season ticket holder and I've never booed a Liverpool player or manager in my life, nor will I ever so my conscience is crystal clear. 'Getting behind the lads' is all its about on match day, and I never do anything else. But an internet forum such as this is the place for honest views on the performance and worth of our extremely highly-paid players. If I were getting £50k a week, I'd accept not everyone would be nice to me on internet forums if I'd failed to deliver as seriously as Mr Cisse has...