Gerrard or Sissoko

[abuusayd]

Sissoko is already out but when both are able to play with their different responsibilities on the pitch but at the sametime which one do you feel would be more easily replaceble with our current squad and recent form.

 

 

When I see the confirmed Team news without Sissoko, I feel that there is a big hole in the team in the way of strength, energy, while providing that needed bite in the Prem and intimidating their players.

 

His passing is off at times but some of that is down to some of our players not supporting him after he wins the ball.

 

While Gerrard is the inspiration of the team who picks up the tempo while others fall into the La Liga tempo habit and wait for something to happen rather than make it happen, provides long range passing, goal threats and good crosses whether playing central or wide.

 

I'm not saying that the other Midfielders don't contribute but those two do what other players cannot provide. Sure we won in Europe last year without Gerrard there, but Igor was around to help out while the Prem is slightly different.

 

Hamaan does a job but is not that mobile while Alonso passes links play well but is also not that mobile (in terms of upping the tempo and providing needed cover against speedy attacks).

 

I dread to think if both were out at the sametime at the moment.

[Ombudsam]

One is the best midfielder in the world and the other is the joint 3rd best midfielder in the squad

[woody365]

Gerrard

[Guest Bernie]

Sissoko is already out but when both are able to play with their different responsibilities on the pitch but at the sametime which one do you feel would be more easily replaceble with our current squad and recent form.

When I see the confirmed Team news without Sissoko, I feel that there is a big hole in the team in the way of strength, energy, while providing that needed bite in the Prem and intimidating their players.

 

His passing is off at times but some of that is down to some of our players not supporting him after he wins the ball.

 

While Gerrard is the inspiration of the team who picks up the tempo while others fall into the La Liga tempo habit and wait for something to happen rather than make it happen, provides long range passing, goal threats and good crosses whether playing central or wide.

 

I'm not saying that the other Midfielders don't contribute but those two do what other players cannot provide. Sure we won in Europe last year without Gerrard there, but Igor was around to help out while the Prem is slightly different.

 

Hamaan does a job but is not that mobile while Alonso passes links play well but is also not that mobile (in terms of upping the tempo and providing needed cover against speedy attacks).

 

I dread to think if both were out at the sametime at the moment.

 

this topic is quite interesting given that barely a season ago this forum was debating whether or not Alonso was our most important player. My view then, and my view now is that Alonso, for all his passing prowess, is lacks the drive and energy to really boss Premiership games - unless he has that drive and energy alongside him in the shape of Gerrard and Sissoko. While intelligence puts him in the right place at the right time more often than not, he does need someone else to do his running for him sometimes in the Premiership rather than in Europe.

 

If Rafa ever does get the striker and second striker that allows him to play his Valencia formation, then we may continue to see Gerrard, Alonso and Sissoko in the same midfield all playing as central midfilders (albeit with Gerrard playing as the most advanced of the three). But, in the Premiership at least, I think if Rafa prefers to play 4-4-2 then I think Sissoko holding while Gerrard marauds provides the best balance.

[Guest Anders Honoré]

I dread to think if both were out at the sametime at the moment.

 

Didi and xabi made a quite good duo last season when gerrard was out.

[D.Boon]

One is the best midfielder in the world and the other is the joint 3rd best midfielder in the squad

 

 

yep.

[Kahnee]

One is the best midfielder in the world and the other is the joint 3rd best midfielder in the squad

 

You're forgetting we lost on Sunday, ergo he's irriplaceable

[Bjarkinn]

Stevie

[Guest Red Mist]

We are exaggerating the impact of Momo's absence. I doubt he being in the team would have much difference in the matches vs Benfica and the London gay boys. Our problems are not in midfield but further up the pitch.

[shanks59]

Daft question, Momo is a good prospect, stevie is a WORLD BEATER

[Bailo]

Sweet jesus, I'd dread to think what we'd do if Stevie got injured.

 

So would Henry though

[Raj]

Daft question, Momo is a good prospect, stevie is a WORLD BEATER

 

Momo and Gerrard do raise important questions.

 

I do think the loss of Momo has been felt quite profoundly. I believe that Alonso and Sissoko should play in the middle, if we are playing 442. They complement each other very well.

 

I prefer having Gerrard on the right, not only for his outstanding crossing ability, but it enables him to attack without constraint.

My concern about Gerrard playing centrally in a 442, is that he exposes Alonso when he breaks forward and we lose the ball.

Alonso doesnt have the pace to recover in situations like this, especially against top class opposition who break quickly.

 

I would like us to get another right winger to rotate in this position. This would enable us to change tactics and play Gerrard centrally against weaker oppostion where his defensive responsibilities are not so great.

Edited March 14, 2006 by roegahnn

[Guest Bernie]

Momo and Gerrard do raise important questions.

 

I do think the loss of Momo has been felt quite profoundly. I believe that Alonso and Sissoko should play in the middle, if we are playing 442. They complement each other very well.

 

I prefer having Gerrard on the right, not only for his outstanding crossing ability, but it enables him to attack without constraint.

My concern about Gerrard playing centrally in a 442, is that he exposes Alonso when he breaks forward and we lose the ball.

Alonso doesnt have the pace to recover in situations like this, especially against top class opposition who break quickly.

 

I would like us to get another right winger to rotate in this position. This would enable us to change tactics and play Gerrard centrally against weaker oppostion where his defensive responsibilities are not so great.

 

Good point about Gerrard exposing Alonso. This is why I think Momo is the better anchor in the long term. It makes me think there's a reason why Alonso isn't a guaranteed first choice in the Spain national team. His Molbyesque passing is sublime, but he does need minders around him. However when Momo plays that role neither of them move forward with the ball at their feet enough, or join the attacks enough. I think eventually Rafa will aim to play the three of them centrally with Momo and Alonso holding while Gerrard plays further forward flanked by Kewell and someone who can play on the right. There would be only one striker, but they'd have to be a Shearer -like powerful player who can play up on their own, bring others into play, and contribute 20 goals a season. I don't know who that player is, but he certainly isn't on our books right now.

Edited March 14, 2006 by Bernie

[Ombudsam]

But, in the Premiership at least, I think if Rafa prefers to play 4-4-2 then I think Sissoko holding while Gerrard marauds provides the best balance.

 

You making a case for saying Xabi isn't always part of our strongest line up?

 

You're forgetting we lost on Sunday, ergo he's irriplaceable

 

It's amazing how much better players get when they aren't there.

 

I prefer having Gerrard on the right, not only for his outstanding crossing ability, but it enables him to attack without constraint.

 

I don't think that's necessarily true as he's always coming off the flank which leaves the opposition left side open if they switch it quickly.

 

Gerrard and alonso can handle the vast majority of games. Against top top sides or when resting someone stick momo in

[Raj]

Good point about Gerrard exposing Alonso. This is why I think Momo is the better anchor in the long term. It makes me think there's a reason why Alonso isn't a guaranteed first choice in the Spain national team. His Molbyesque passing is sublime, but he does need minders around him. However when Momo plays that role neither of them move forward with the ball at their feet enough, or join the attacks enough. I think eventually Rafa will aim to play the three of them centrally with Momo and Alonso holding while Gerrard plays further forward flanked by Kewell and someone who can play on the right. There would be only one striker, but they'd have to be a Shearer -like powerful player who can play up on their own, bring others into play, and contribute 20 goals a season. I don't know who that player is, but he certainly isn't on our books right now.

 

If fit and able, I would always choose Alonso, Sissoko and Gerrard in the same team. I think they compliment each other fantastically well. Whether that's in a 451 or 442, would really depend on the opposition and our ability to purchase a right winger of any substance.

 

I hear what you are saying about a powerful striker in a 451, but they are few and far between. I can only think of RVN, Makaay and possibly Kuyt, who would be able to provide the link up play and goals that are required. And neither of those would come cheap, if at all.

 

Which is why I believe, that on the whole, we will persist with 442.

 

I don't think that's necessarily true as he's always coming off the flank which leaves the opposition left side open if they switch it quickly.

 

that is a possibility, but most of liverpool's most effective attacking play, has occured when Gerrard has license to attack freely. I think Momo, is more than capable of providing cover when Gerrard does roam, plus we have an extremely strong right back, which enables us to play this way.

 

i think all the discussion of playing gerrard in the middle is pretty redundant, unless we sign a top quality right winger.

and he will have to be very good if he is to surpass gerrards performances this season.

Edited March 14, 2006 by roegahnn

[Ombudsam]

i think all the discussion of playing gerrard in the middle is pretty redundant, unless we sign a top quality right winger.

 

aye that's a given

[Guest spk]

stevie when he's scoring ... sadly the last few games he can't ... and the frustration seems to be getting to him

 

sissoko

[Guest spk]

oh ... benfica

 

we lost 1-0 *away* with him for half a game, minus our 'world beater'

 

we lost 3-0 at *home* without sissoko with stevie

[Ombudsam]

a) no we didn't

 

b) that's a bizarre way to work it

[Guest spk]

a) where've you been? people thought benetez was mad for resting him you ... came on for a few minutes towards the end

 

b) a nice logical way to look at it

[floyd the barber]

hard to say, but just going on how Rafa has set us up this season...maybe sissko??!?!

 

ONLY due to the fact that the way our side has been set up this season, it allows alonso and gerrard the freedom to attack the other side, either with gerrards energy or alonsos passing.....with sissoko in the side, he can clean up and use his unstoppable energy to cover every blade of grass..

 

Without him there and it changes our whole structure and balance...of course im only saying sissko cos its how our side has been organised.

 

Missing Gerrard is obvious, a world class player who has been in my view....player of the year.

 

BUT due to how we have been organised this season, missing Sissoko has been a MASSIVE blow.

[Ombudsam]

a) where've you been? people thought benetez was mad for resting him you ... came on for a few minutes towards the end

 

b) a nice logical way to look at it

 

we didn't lose 3-0 at home.

 

It's not logical at all.