Gerrard's restrained midfield performances

[Rory Fitzgerald]

The following is taken from a poster on RAWK

 

An article in today's Independent 4/11/08 p13, by Glenn Moore. Sorry, but I can't find the link on the on-line paper.

 

The article starts off with praise, but also the comment that Gerrard likes to influence events all over the field, therefore not being trusted to be one of the two disciplined central midfielders. The article then uses a 3D pitch illustration to show how, in the seasons before last, that if he played in the centre of midfield, he would surge forward to leave a hole. This being corrected last season, by playing in front of two midfielders in the hole behind Torres; now filled by Keane.

 

The second part of the article goes on to suggests "Eventually the penny dropped for Gerrard, perhaps when Fabio Capello began echoing Benitez's complaints, and shunted him to the wing.". It goes on to mention that "in the PSV match, Gerrard did not attack the box until the 40th minute, when Liverpool were two up and cruising.", something I missed noticing myself, but IMO why this season we have made real progress as a team.

 

Sounds very interesting

[Chili Palmer]

I don't think it needed coachs like Rafa or capello to see that as a 2 Stevie tended to leave his partner isolated. The first half in Istanbul is a prime example of that. Stevie can no doubt physically perform whatever task put to him on a pitch, he just needed to believe in his team mates to do their job, he does that now.

 

I think the performance at Goodison showed a hell of a lot of composure, controlled aggression and a belief in the team. things that in the years before had maybe not been top of his many qualitys.

[AE]

I don't think it needed coachs like Rafa or capello to see that as a 2 Stevie tended to leave his partner isolated. The first half in Istanbul is a prime example of that. Stevie can no doubt physically perform whatever task put to him on a pitch, he just needed to believe in his team mates to do their job, he does that now.

 

I think the performance at Goodison showed a hell of a lot of composure, controlled aggression and a belief in the team. things that in the years before had maybe not been top of his many qualitys.

 

 

I would agree. Perhaps Steve now feels he doesn't have to do it all himself. He trusts his team mates more and he does the job he should be doing, showing far more discipline than we have seen from him in the past.

[Behind Enemy Lines]

An article in today's Independent 4/11/08 p13,

 

Does it have any racing results?

(oh - keep it away from Kahnee)

[timbos goals]

I don't think it needed coachs like Rafa or capello to see that as a 2 Stevie tended to leave his partner isolated. The first half in Istanbul is a prime example of that. Stevie can no doubt physically perform whatever task put to him on a pitch, he just needed to believe in his team mates to do their job, he does that now.

 

I think the performance at Goodison showed a hell of a lot of composure, controlled aggression and a belief in the team. things that in the years before had maybe not been top of his many qualitys.

 

 

Good point. and totally agree. For the sort of central midfield performance I crave to see I felt that Goodison display from SG was up there with a Souness or Molby. I thought he was terrific in a far different way to his usual explosion packed killer ball self. Gently pulling strings rather than being on the end of them or trying to unravel dirty great long ropes. Once he masters the art of balancing/blending the two qualities he'll surely eclipse even Souness in that role. As it happens I don't think he managed to repeat the composure in the PSV game but I feel he'll be keen to do it thisavvy against City.

Edited October 5, 2008 by timbos goals

[Mike]

i think mascherano will be back at city

[timbos goals]

i think mascherano will be back at city

 

Probably right Mike. Could even see Masch and Alonso as central duo with SG back to playing off Torres with Keane on bench.

[elmo]

Masch definitely playing. Not sure whether Keane's on the bench.