Gray - YPC

£27,211,895 HTH

I agree with this. We definitely need better back up for when Torres isn't playing - I don't think Crouch suits this role in this formation - but the 4 wide positions are the key for me.

My concern with the likes of Diego and other 'playmakers' being suggested is that I don't think they'd scored the goals that Gerrard provides in that position. I think it'd be more realistic to get a winger who'd score about 10 goals a season from the wide position, with Gerrard getting his 15 or so in the middle rather than getting a central playmaker who'd be able to contribute what Gerrard gives. I think the reason this formation is working so well is that it's so hard to cope with Gerrard as he has the freedom to work the channels which is where he is the biggest threat IMO. With people wide of him, Torres in front, yet protection behind him he's able to use all his biggest strengths when playing in this formation.

Ronaldo is a worldie. Torres is a worldie. They play in different positions, so it's not even a "who's better" in a Messi v Ronaldinho type way. What's the debate? Everyone would want them both!

I wouldn't mind Agbonlahor. I think he could do a very good job in the right winger role in this formation, and also provide good cover for Torres up top if needed.

Last season I was desperate to sign Villa. He'd be second only to Eto'o in my wishlist. However, with the new formation that we seem to be using I'm not so sure whether we could justify the £20m for him. I think the key is the 4 wide positions. Apart from Babel I think they're all up for grabs. I'm with you on Alves, but my only concern is that I'm not a fan of the thinking we can play him in one position one week, and another the next. I think players needs a bit of consistency within the team structure to perform at the top level. I think Alves would be better for us as a right winger, as I'm not convinced that he'd not get caught out in the Premiership defensively. I know what you're saying about at home against lesser teams who stick 10 men behind the ball though. One of the biggest things I want from our wide men is for them to be a goal threat. For too long we've had too many players out wide who don't look like scoring. Otherwise we'll be relying on Gerrard and Torres, and to some extent Babel. If we can add another threat down the right we'll be laughing. If we can get 25-30 goals from our midfield (not including Gerrard if he's in his current role) it'd make a huge difference to us.

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His first Madrid goal (according to Soccerbase) was 15/09/01 in a 3-1 defeat away at Betis in La Liga http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=320597

Scrap that... good old soccerbase: http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=317435 Spanish Super Cup - 19/08/01 Zaragoza 1 - 1 Real Madrid Subbed in 80th minutes

Zidane for Madrid: 2001 Move from Juventus to Real Madrid August 25th: Debut in Liga, Valencia 1 - 0 Real Madrid http://www.realmadrid.es/articulo/rma25224.htm Saying that.. he could have played in the Copa Del Rey or something before that...

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So have we:

I find the fact that nearly 14 hours later there's not been a reply a touch scary (there hadn't been a reply when I read it) I fear it could be apathy as much as the Yanks that bring about the death of our club...

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I believe that since Cech's injury Reina has moved ahead of him and is now the best in the country, and I wouldn't argue against anyone saying he's the best in the world. I think what makes him so good is how be sniffs out danger before it even happens. He is so quick out of his goal it looks like a regulation block on a one on one, but any other keeper would perhaps be 2/3/4 yards further back meaning there's more to do, so when it comes off it looks better. How often to do you see Reina make a save where he blocks a strike from a couple of yards away? His distribution is excellent as well, and he is so comfortable on the deck that he gives the team an added edge in that way. Reina get's as many assists as some outfield players!! Whilst other keepers make lots of spectacular saves, I genuinely believe Reina would often have still made the save, but would have made it look easy - which is the sign of true class. I'm not saying he's necessarily the best, but I can honestly say I would not swap him for anyone in the world - bar none!!

YPC Official Press Release: The YPC would like to claim credit for the incident involving Tom Hicks Jr in The Sandon public house after the Middlesbrough game on 23rd February 2008, involving the sharing of both lager and bodily fluids with Tom Hicks Jr. The YPC would very much like to claim credit fro this, but sadly cannot do this as they were not involved in the incident, much to the disappointment of all involved with this splinter group. The YPC would also like to take this opportunity to publicly and unequivocally condemn the deliberate waste of any form of alcohol under any circumstances, and trust this makes the YPC stance on the matter clear and non-negotiable. Regards The YPC.

Never heard of that song...

I'm younger than you, but I said exactly the same. I've never heard YNWA like that... it was a real statement of support. Pity because it wasn't on tele most fans won't be aware of it, and the media certainly won't mention it!!

We should get McClaren in as Rafa's #2...

Isn't this thread a Romario? I'm sure I've seen this before...

Haha Can't believe you got a bite with that bait... fair play!!

I'll chuck in my token 'Gareth Barry', as I do with every left back thread...

First game since Snorky got in the control box that we've not had an "Operation Anfield Exercise"??