goodrobotusses

Gerrard's biggest problem, particularly in games where we're struggling, is that his movement can be terrible (well, more non-existent). He tends to just stand, rooted to the spot, demanding the ball in the expectation that it's his job to make things happen as soon as he receives it (which, in fairness, has probably been conditioned into him after all of these years of being the team's saviour). It can be frustrating to watch, but there is no such thing as the perfect footballer. I'd love it if our entire squad was made up of players with the intelligence and passing ability of Alonso, the athleticism and daring of Gerrard, the movement of Suarez, the workrate of Kuyt and the dribbling ability of Barnes, but something tells me that's not happening anytime soon. What Gerrard is, is a bloody good footballer technically and physically. He's an emblem of the club, and our captain. Yes, he might moan at colleagues he doesn't rate, and sometimes that inability to realise he's part of a team can drive me up the wall, but he's by far the most talented player we have, so it's up to our manager to find the best way of accommodating his talents. Rafa found a brilliant way by putting him first on the right, and then in behind Torres, because Gerrard has always looked restricted playing as part of a two-man central midfield pivot. Given the joy we've had recently with two forwards (Kuyt-Suarez in particular) and two narrower attacking 'wide' midfielders with licence to ghost into central areas and always moving when we're in possession, I'd like to see Gerrard moved back into one of the Maxi/Meireles roles. He needs to be told that it's not his job to be the conductor, but rather EVERYONE's job to be the conductor - when you have it, pick the right options; when you don't, move into space. We're still functioning with that supporting central two-man pivot, which has been massively successful and should not be altered. Having Lucas-Spearing (or another) backing up the play, ready to receive and give a pass, but also ready to cover the counter, has been the basis for improved defence and attack. I'm not sure if putting Gerrard back there would be best for him or the team. But regardless, he needs to be in the team. Heard him say that about Murphy. I know Murphy's his mate, but he needs to let that go - most of the central midfielders that have come in since Danny have been an improvement on him.

Really like the lad. Looks like a strong breeze would knock him over but he's a fierce competitor and seems unfazed by anything, like Carragher with technique. Speaking of whom, been really great seeing Carra looking out for him, offering advice and geeing him up between passages of play.

Brilliant player to have in the SQUAD, which is something I was saying before this recent - very welcome - flurry of goals. He hit a patch of poor form a few months back, but he's playing well now. Ask him to be a touchline chugger and you'll get nothing out of him, but play passing football based around movement and - SURPRISE - his value is there for all to see. Also, I'm not buying this "we're finally seeing him play well" argument - he was bloody good in the second half of last season too. Doesn't have pace? Such is life, but he has something a thousand Theo Walcotts will never have: A BRAIN. The barrackings I've seen Maxi take at times really grind my gears. I can call a spade a spade, and if he has a bad game (which he has done more than once) I'll say so. But all these people saying "I just don't see what it is he does" need to find a new sport to watch because the years of being conditioned to believe wide players must exclusively be dribblers who put crosses in have broken your brains. EDIT: But I spent years defending Vladimir Smicer using the same arguments, so I've been here before.

Yeah, actual offers/deals that never came off. Only just got back from work now, so haven't read the thread yet but thanks for the response everyone.

Hello All, I'm writing a tactical article on the team that Rafa was trying to put together season-to-season, specifically focusing on players where deals appeared to be in place (or were pursued strongly), only to fall through for the much-debated reasons we've come to know and not love (money, Parry, being gazumped on price by other clubs, Hicks/Gillett/Purslow). I've got a list together, but I'm just double-checking that I haven't forgotten any major ones... Simao Dani Alves Vidic Kaladze Heinze Malouda Barry Jovetic If there are any I've missed off, could you qualify them with what the story was at the time (ie not speculative stuff like "they were seen at Burger King" or "it was on Tribal Football")? I remember mention of interest in Pato pre-Milan, but I don't know if that was just a case of us being one of many clubs that were interested. Thanks guys.

Regardless of the list's validity, it's not surprising that our fastest player is the slowest of all the other clubs' fastest players.

His buy-out clause is €6million? Jesus, heads would roll at Dortmund if he goes for that little.

Should be some fantastic experience for the young lads.

While I'm no advocate of putting Suarez wide, he didn't get involved on Saturday until he was put on the left. He and Kuyt have looked a better partnership than Suarez/Carroll, but AC is still finding his way to sharpness.

Tackles where you stay on your feet still count as tackles. Would rather have Lucas, who will win the ball and be in a position to quickly redistribute it, than a Cattermole or Parker who look great flying into tackles, only then to be out of the game momentarily while they pick themselves back up.

What stood out for me was his ability to turn on a 6-pence. Very sharp.

Our average height will be bigger now. Yep.

Do the deal for early summer for £50million+, and get deals in place for M'Vila, Hazard and Lukaku (plus centre-back and left-back).

Meireles Torres Lucas Agger deserves a mention too - excellent today.

I was pretty astonished to find out that Nevin was DJ'ing at the recent Belle & Sebastian All Tomorrow's Parties. I'd had no idea about his indie leanings upto that point.

Howdy all. Wrote a piece for the Daily Post on the challenges facing King Kenny in the months ahead. Feel free to dissect! http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/football-news/2011/01/14/the-challenges-kenny-dalglish-must-overcome-at-liverpool-fc-55578-27988103/

Right up (down) there with "Kons***sky". Rotate yourself back to nickname school.

Wouldn't touch N'Zogbia with a bargepole, even if he were as talented as he believes himself to be.

Best thing I've read yet today. Happy New Liverpool!

f*** OFF PURSLOW!

Sure 3,000-inhabitant Hoffenheim has a great hip-hop scene (not that the ignorant spoon would know either way).

25 years, Rafa? Pah, Roy's got 35!

Quote is lifted from the Rafa thread in General Football (can't find the actual source)... "I dedicate this victory to my family in Spain and in England to all the people who supported and trusted me at Liverpool, for whom I couldn't win before," said Benitez, who led Liverpool to the final in 2005.

Inter are 2-0 up - Pandev and Eto'o. Apparently playing a 4-3-3. The only other time I recall Rafa playing an outright 4-3-3 (or 4-1-2-3) was when we lost 3-1 to Reading in 2007 (Crouch left, Torres central, Voronin right) - was bloody awful, that game.

Aye. Seems a lot of guff about his being "articulate" has gone to his head and now he won't shut up.