Mascherano

You make alot of sense Graham. I agree with you. I am not sure that the mentality is right either.

How do the results in the league compare against that club?

Uncle Glow?

Why would I do that? How about you address the point that Rafa has said almost nothing to one of the most expensive attackers we have ever signed about what he should do when attacking and told him what is expected only when he defends?

I liked what he did with the 433 and I think that Abramovich made him change when they signed Shev and the German fella. I think that he could get the best out of the quality that we have. Like I said, I wanted it sorted out with Rafa but we must challenge for the league at some point. If Rafa isn't giving instruction on our attacking play or saying very little, then I think thats a problem that needs to be addressed, especially in light of the football that I see. Nice response Post Kuytal Glow.

I'm just looking for an angle to bring the training or gameplan in this area forward without me thinking that Rafa is too concerned with defensive positions. A lack of direction in the forward play would lead me to believe that he will never win the league and he should be fired at the end of the season when Mourinho can come in. I've said it.

I remember the boy running with the ball down the wing and Pennant had to bring him down to stop him running away with it. We would need them to run 100 metres under starters orders so I guess we can agree to disagree.

Whats that all about then?

I agree with you Kaizer. We need a player with his attributes. Someone said above that the pace was about the same as Pennant's which is laughabe. He was really impressive against us and I would love him at Anfield. Who knows how good he would become if given the Anfield stage to play on?

I agree with you. I just want to know why we arn't doing it. I don't expect exactly the same style as an Arsenal or Utd, but I do expect to believe that we have more of a plan when it comes to going forward. The hoof is starting to annoy me. There are times when I think that we are back to Houllier where we give them the ball back cheaply so that we can defend once more. For now, I hope the new assistant manager can influence this aspect in a positive way, from the training ground onwards.

Agree with that. We have some good potential in the squad, so lets see whether they can cut it before spending money.

Thats not really my point. I want to know why Rafa has said almost nothing to him about what is required when we attack and I would like to know if thats the case for everyone in the squad. I presume that Wenger and Ferguson have a thing or two to say, seeing as they are much more attractive going forward than we are and their players are always creating space for each other. Some of our players are looking poor because no one is showing for the ball in good positions as often as they should. I wonder whether we hoof it because the defensive responsibilities mentioned by Babel have complete primacy and I further wonder whether that approach could ever win the league in England. But, in order to acknowledge that you have made a point, perhaps Ajax should buy a few of our youth products and enjoy one or two european cup finals and send ambassadors to our youth academy to find out how we do it, because they are obviously s*** at it. My concern is also how we are developing Babel. I don't think its right that the manager has said almost nothing to him about what is expected when he goes forward because he is a young man bought as an attacker who only knows what his defensive responsibilities are. Further, Babel looks to have talent and in my view will develop into a good striker. Now, he is played on the wing, possibly out of position and yet he has not been instructed. Thats bizarre and its not fair on him. On the corner issue, I concede to your point RP.

A quote from Ryan Babel was extremely concerning. QUOTE(Herbie von Smalls @ Sep 14 2007, 19:14) In training, Babel noticed that Liverpool's players didn't berate each other as was customary at Ajax. If he screamed, "Where's your control?" everyone looked at him uncomprehendingly. Another surprise was how much Liverpool practised defending. "We are very compact, and then we come out with two, three passes, like madmen, and shoot." ..TX.- Yet judging by his first, good performances, he has Benitez's licence to run with the ball. "Of course. When it comes to attacking in matches, he has said almost nothing to me. I have tasks only when we defend."..TX.- That says it all for me. How many other teams in this league drag EVERYBODY back for corners? The hoofing from the back says to me that players are clueless rather than s*** on the ball. I have seen better from them.

Are there any clips of either player available?

I totally agree on the rotation issue Wayne. The question is whether Rafa will ever change? I love Rafa, but I am actually starting to wonder about the best alternatives. Juande Ramos? I don't agree that our squad is as good as anyones though. I think that alot of our players are over rated by our fans. However, a first 11 playing week in week out could get us close enough to the title to make it exciting. Further, will rafa's cautious approach ever be a winning formula in this league? I ask this because it seems as if attacking teams USUALLY win the league. At least, teams with creators in the attacking final third AND wingers (of quality).

I think that Pepe is quality too Cam, so maybe Riise would have been a better example. You are right about Pompey though, I couldn't understand what was happening with Reina in that one. As a follow on from my initial post in this thread, I am concerned that Babel is getting knocked by one or two people when it seems clear that he hasn't had the instruction that he should be getting AND his favoured position is as a forward. Thats double bad from Rafa IMO, in that Babel will further suffer because we have not addressed our wide areas appropriately so Babel will continue out of position, on top of only really saying what is required from him defensively.

I have to say that this worried me at the time and it has been playing on my mind since. We are extremely well organised when defending, we don't even need Kaizer to show us the stats, but going forward I often wonder what is happening, especially without the quality that Torres brings. I wonder, why is Reina hoofing it?, why are the defenders hoofing it? Why does Kuyt always play so deep? why arn't more players committed to getting into the box? Why doesn't Pennant take up goal scoring positions? is it because he is clueless or because no one has mentioned it? Maybe Babel has told us. Can it be that there is a minimum level of instruction when it comes to going forward?

1. Mascherano 2. Arbeloa 3. Torres

I think its funny. To think we would have to rely on the PL so that we had an option to buy, rather than Parry.

Thanks for that Duncan. Mcmanaman was my favourite player at the time and it was great to watch him again. I can't hate him, no matter what some may think of him. to the newcastle bench when the fourth went in. I wonder what Rafa would make of that defending?

I have to say that I like this player. I think he could be a very decent player and Wenger knows his onions. Shocked that Chelsea let him go. I wonder if they have a buy back option?

1. Torres 2. Mascherano 3. Arbeloa

I am English but have become disillusioned with 'Team England'. It is BORING. I was really pissed that Michael Owen seemed to see his England place as a priority even when he was at Liverpool. He played in the WC before last even though he wasn't fit, they kept him going through the tournament and what followed? More injuries throughout the next season and f*** you LFC. England have a complete baffoon in charge, a Brian Robson type football management failure. I don't want Gerrard in his team and I'm glad that Carra has closed the door on it. Steve Gerrard would be better off retiring from international football. And I quote, "Players like John Terry,Wayne Rooney and, yes, Gerrard will be desperately unhappy to watch the other big nations play in a major tournament while they are on holidays." Well, I would be loving the fact that he was on holiday having some rest after a long season and ready, in the best possible shape to lead this club the following season.

I think he is amazing and I still think he is working his way to match sharpness. If we have Mascherano in the middle I find that I am not phased by the prospect of any opposition, be it Milan, Chelsea or Derby! I am confident that he will impose himself on any opponent. I remember this camera shot of a kid at old trafford holding a 'please sign Rooney' banner before they actually did. I may be forced to ask some kids at Anfield to do the same! SIGN MASCHERANO PERMANENT PLEASE.

Agree with that. We have had problems in the past with having players with quality who do not have consistency. Alvaro is looking like he has good consistency. I really like the way he closes players down and makes good tackles. He is not bad going forward either! As for Riise, I understand the negative comments about him but I always think of the vital goals he has scored for this club in europe. I would keep him for that and as Benitez points out, the fact that he has been a part of a very successful defensive unit for some time.