Our more unfashionable players - take a bow

[Iver]

Who would have thought, at the start of the season, that if Gerrard and Torres were only to start 13 league games together, that we would have accrued a record total of points in a Premiership season, and pushed the scum to 4 points.

 

The reason is because our more unfashionable players have stepped up to the mark in some style.

 

There are four that spring to my mind immediately.

 

If we can get a player of the calibre of Tevez on board, keep Gerrard and Torres fitter for longer periods, and these players can keep up the standard they have set this season, we will take some beating next year.

 

In reverse order, massive credit is due to ;

 

Fabio Aurelio ; nailed down the left back position from Dossena. Will face stiff competition from Insua next season, but that can only be good. Has improved the defensive side of his game immensely. Stood up to the mark and showed leadership at vital stages when it was badly needed. Portsmouth away in the league, Chelsea away in the CL, and who can forget his bone crunching tackle on Robben!

 

Alvaro Arbeloa ; Carra was very harsh with him today. Considering he is the only recognised, reliable right back in our first team squad, he has had a super season. I thought Rafa might live to regret letting Finnan go, as I initially felt Arbeloa was a far inferior player, but it is teastament to him that Finnan has not been missed. This is because Arbeloa has performed with a consistency which epitomised Finnan in his prime. We still need another right back brought in to provide competition, and to strengthen the squad, but he will have some job displacing Arbeloa, whoever he is.

 

Yossi Benayoun ; I must admit that up to a few months ago, I was not a fan, at all. Yossi has really stepped up to the mark. He assumed the Gerrard mantle in that he was our main creative driving force in many games when it really mattered. In addition to leadership, he also showed a courage, which I, for one, never thought that he had. His goal against Arsenal at home to put us two one up, when he nearly crippled himself off the post, says it all about Yossi's commitment to the cause.

 

DIRK KUYT ; As was the case with Yossi, a few months ago, I would not have lost any sleep had Rafa offloaded him. Show me a more effective attacking right sided midfield player in the Premiership. 14 goals is a massive return. His all round game, work rate, and contribution to the team cannot be called into question. He may not be every fan's cup of tea, and it could still be argued, that to beat the scum to no. 19 next season, we may need a different type of player on the right of our midfield, but Dirk will be an invaluable member of the squad, providing cover, either on the right, or upfront.

 

The future is very bright.

[Benitez]

Fab was never unfashionable, he was just crocked!

 

But yeah, some players have really stepped up this season. Kuyt has re-found himself and has been fantastic.

 

I think Yossi has been the biggest bonus this season, he's really made a heck of a contribution, especially later on.

 

Insua's progress has helped as well.

[Maldini]

Loads of people were saying we should get rid for Aurelio, the same way as they're saying it about Degen now.

 

Dirk is a God.

[muleskinner]

I don't think anyone can have any opinion on Degen other than that he is a crock.

[fyds]

Said it before - if you're going to win the league, you need a 'Dirk Kuyt'.

[Dule]

Ive always liked Insua, but he looked slow, lost and a little out of his league at times today, and that was against West brom ffs?

 

I seriously hope he puts in a big pre-season this summer, and starts the season the way he played before Xmas.

[Chili Palmer]

Ive always liked Insua, but he looked slow, lost and a little out of his league at times today, and that was against West brom ffs?

 

I seriously hope he puts in a big pre-season this summer, and starts the season the way he played before Xmas.

 

 

I don't think any player should really be judged on yesterday, it was a pretty strange situation to play in.

[Paddy T.]

I think Dirk is just the kind of player every team needs.

 

He does his job without asking any questions and always plays as if he'd give one of his kidneys to see the team win.

 

As for Yossi, I've always hoped for him to come up strong, which he has done during the last third of the season. Unfortunatly for him his favourite position would be where Gerrard is playing now, so basically we always play him out of position, but still I think he could be a big enrichment for us next season.

 

As for Aurelio I think he was worth buying just for the Goals against Manure at the Theatre of shattered dreams and the free-kick against Chealski.

 

I also think that Lucas could still come through as a decent player, even though he sometimes reminds me of my own playing years in our local youth team.

[Jarg Armani]

Arsenal would kill for a Dirk at this point. Not that they know it.

[CarraLegend]

Ive always liked Insua, but he looked slow, lost and a little out of his league at times today, and that was against West brom ffs?

 

I seriously hope he puts in a big pre-season this summer, and starts the season the way he played before Xmas.

 

Rafa, Carra and Insua, you're a real misery arent you?

[stressederic]

Said it before - if you're going to win the league, you need a 'Dirk Kuyt'.

 

Yep it's players like Kuyt that win you the league.

[Andy @ Allerton]

Kuyt is our player of the season without a doubt. Despite the s**** he's had off some 'fans' - he never, ever hides - he's always there and he always gives 100% for the team 100% of the time.

[Gravy]

Any comment on this Mike??

Edited May 21, 2009 by Gravy

[fyds]

Kuyt is our player of the season without a doubt. Despite the s**** he's had off some 'fans' - he never, ever hides - he's always there and he always gives 100% for the team 100% of the time.

Gerrard is our player of the season to be honest Andy, but Kuyt is the sort who allows other players to play to their strengths because as you say, he gives 100% everytime - and even when it's not working for him, it's making space and time for others and he still makes the lives of defenders he's up against a misery as they know for the whole game they'll get no peace and he'll chase after everything - even then he can still scrape a goal out of little or nothing. He's a battler - what would the likes of Arsenal give for someone like that?