Rafa-Dodd wrote:Last year we had Kewell there and the balance between the attack and defence was brilliant, we just couldn't score. I know we are experiencing a similar problem this year, but earlier on in the season we were very shaky and the balance was not there, its improved but as we saw against Barca home and away, Riise on the left of midfield makes us look a lot better and a lot stronger.
Where do you see Riise next year?
Spot on about the balance issue, mate. We've been searching for the proper midfield balance all season, with LM truly the problem position in that respect (both Gerrard and Pennant--to varying degrees and with varying degrees of consistency--can provide what's needed down the right flank). It wasn't until watching Riise both away and home to Barca did I feel we had the proper fluency on the left side of midfield. He did a great job in both legs at LM: he helped shackle the likes of Messi on the defensive side but also got forward well and did decent work with his crosses. Where he really shines, however, is his instinct for popping up in or near the box and getting shots on goal. Sure, he missed the target a couple of times but the intent was there and he gave Barca problems. With Garcia out and Gonzales unconvincing, I'd say that Riise is our most reliable and useful LM at the moment.
Having said that, I don't think he has enough in his locker in terms of his ability to beat a man, his crossing and his overall distribution to be first choice LM in a title-challenging side. Decent right backs are able to neutralize his threat pretty effectively. For my money, though, he'll still be a vital squad player who can deputize at either LB and LM and who will still get his fair share of starts, regardless of who comes in, due to Rafa's rotation policy.
knows how good we will be if we get a decent left-back in this summer? I wonder if we will even let in a goal next season? 
