by JC_81 » Mon Jan 09, 2006 5:19 pm
Cisse or Pongolle?
Personally I don't rate Cisse, he's all pace but no technique or composure. As others have said he'd do alright for a team that defended deep and hit long balls over the top for him (Auxerre or a Houllier team), but Benitez's system demands that strikers are good with their back to goal and at linking with the midfield. Cisse will never be that player and I don't think there's any chance of him being at Liverpool next season. The only reason Benitez won't cash in in January is because we're unlikely to find a suitable replacement who is eligible for European games.
As for Pongolle, he's a good player and potentially could get a lot better with more games. He's quick (granted not just as quick as Cisse), has a great first touch and decent awareness. He also showed at the weekend he's not a bad finisher either. There is no doubt in my mind he is a better player than Cisse, he's improved over the last couple of seasons while Cisse has gone backwards. Despite others suggesting he needs to bulk up, I believe he's already done this, he looks much stronger on the ball these days and I like his aggressive streak too.
In summary Cisse is on borrowed time at Liverpool and it would take a miraculous turnaround for Benitez not to sell him in the summer. Pongolle deserves a chance, but to be honest he's always looked better coming off the bench than when he starts games. I don't know whether he's good enough long term, but a partnership of him and Crouch is surely worth a try at some point this season.