Riise at centre-half

[Kvarme Ate My Food]

what was that all about?

[cymrococh]

Riise, what was all that about?

[Hieronymus Bosch]

what was that all about?

 

He's filled in there late on in the game on a few occasions if memory serves

[fred milne]

I assumed Rafa wanted to see if he could use him there in an emergency (i.e. as a 5th choice CB). I think he played there when Sami went off in the 4-1 against Chelsea.

[Stevie H]

he can boot the ball really far.

[Behind Enemy Lines]

he can boot the ball really far.

As long as it's on his left, else he has to do a 270 degree turn.

[Gomez]

Reminded me of when Ronnie O'Sullivan was playing Alain Robidoux and decided to only use his left hand.

[Buzz]

I assumed Rafa wanted to see if he could use him there in an emergency (i.e. as a 5th choice CB). I think he played there when Sami went off in the 4-1 against Chelsea.

He played there during the second half against Middlesboro', year we won the Champs League. Gerrard scored that awesome goal kop end, from a pass by Riise as it happens.

[Rory Fitzgerald]

I was having a right go at him to my mates. His touch was horrible, his attempted short range passing (as oppossed to long punts) was woeful and those long balls were very long, very high and often aimless

 

I think Arbeloa is very worthy of the LB berth on the evidence of this season, the lad was very composed in possession. When confronted by an opponent, he has shown an ability to shift the ball quickly to get away and his cover was excellent when he cut from RB over to LB to cover their effort in the 1st half.

 

Not one for bandwagons, but based on current form, the LB position is Arbeloa's until he foucks it up (IMHO).

 

Agree with Stevie H above, it was like he was trying to beat one of his previous records of how far and high he can kick the ball

[Guest sniffer]

what was that all about?

 

RAFA has drawn a blank on getting another centre-half in before Friday and is therefore experimenting?

[Stevie H]

RAFA has drawn a blank on getting another centre-half in before Friday and is therefore experimenting?

yep, that's exactly what it is. i'll name that tune in two, tom.

[McBain]

He's filled in there late on in the game on a few occasions if memory serves

 

I think your memory may be wonky

 

First time i can recall seeing him there

[honourablegeorge]

he can boot the ball really far.

 

 

That's his first touch.

[_00_deathscar]

I think your memory may be wonky

 

First time i can recall seeing him there

 

I think he has played centre-back once late in the game (Buzz's post) - he's also played centre mid a couple of times ... or maybe he was playing centre-mid (Buzz's post) then too?

[honourablegeorge]

I think your memory may be wonky

 

First time i can recall seeing him there

 

 

 

Deffo ended up there before, but five-or-ten-minute type affairs, much like last night.

[Molby]

but I thought Arbeloa can play CB aswell

 

and also why Arbeloa on the right and Finnan on the left once Finnan came on?

[CarraLegend]

but I thought Arbeloa can play CB aswell

 

and also why Arbeloa on the right and Finnan on the left once Finnan came on?

 

Just something to try when you have the chance isn't it?

[Kvarme Ate My Food]

but I thought Arbeloa can play CB aswell

 

and also why Arbeloa on the right and Finnan on the left once Finnan came on?

 

zactly.

 

could have had Finnan at right back, Arbeloa at centre-half, Riise at left-back: instead, every one of them was out of position

[cymrococh]

apart from Arbeloa.

[honourablegeorge]

Arbeloa was having an excellent game at right back, would've been a shame to move him.

 

Worth trying Finnan at left back, but pointless having Riise there.

[Kvarme Ate My Food]

apart from Arbeloa.

 

oh yes

[Buttles]

Reminded me of when Ronnie O'Sullivan was playing Alain Robidoux and decided to only use his left hand.

On a seperate note isn't Alain Robidoux one of the greatest names for a sportsman ever.

[Kvarme Ate My Food]

On a seperate note isn't Alain Robidoux one of the greatest names for a sportsman ever.

 

Brett Angel

 

s*** player, great name

[johngibo YPC]

I think he has played centre-back once late in the game (Buzz's post) - he's also played centre mid a couple of times ... or maybe he was playing centre-mid (Buzz's post) then too?

 

It wasn't late in the game though mate he put him there at half time

It was actually a really good tactical move. They had scored early and so were putting 11 men deep behind the ball. Pre Agger we weren't really playing with a centre half confident enough to dribble it out, so, knowing he wouldn't have any defending to do anyway, Rafa put Riise there. And, as Buzz pointed out, Riise bringing the ball out of defence, and players having to come out and close him down, led directly to our equaliser

[Extraordinary Swindle]

zactly.

 

could have had Finnan at right back, Arbeloa at centre-half, Riise at left-back: instead, every one of them was out of position

Every one of them being Riise - Arbeloa can play anywhere across the back four and Finnan can play in either fullback position.