Liverpool FC Forum

by **A.B.** » Sat Feb 12, 2005 9:28 pm

There's one player that we miss the most and that's the "X-Factor" that of course being Xabi Alonso. We've missed Alonso more than we have Gerrard when he was injured.

The difference between Alonso and Gerrard is that Alonso has far more superior passing abilities and vision which gives him the ability to control the midfield and dictate the passing game where as Gerrard [i.e. today] can not do that as well as Alonso can.

We all remember the cracker Gerrard scored against Olympiacos and he was credited as the reason why we progressed in the Champions League and Pongolle alongside Mellor were forgotten even though they were the ones that scored in the first place in that game. Apart from that goal during that game Gerrard was poor by his standards. He made an unbealivable tackle on a player that now has him suspended for the game against Bayer Leverkusen.

We also remember whe we were down 2-0 at half-time against Fulham earlier this season without Gerrard. In the second-half we came out with the most remarkable comeback in these few past years and won the game 4-2 mainly because Xabi Alonso kept his cool and controled the midfield.

Yes Steven Gerrard has been superb in these past few years HOWEVER when it comes down to important games he's too damn quiet.

We have missed Alonso's incredible vision and football brain on the pitch, he's a remarkable player and as far as the passing ability is concerned Alonso wins everytime.

I strongly believe that Steven Gerrard will not be here next season simply because of his attitude on the pitch in these past few games. I'm no body language expert and I don't intent to become one but we all know what happen with Owen last season, it's the same thing all over again.

He's the captain of this squad and has been called the backbone of this so called "team" [11 playes who can't play well together] however he's not the player of the year this season. We clearly miss Alonso more than we have missed Gerrard. Stevie G is a good footballer but him moving on could be the first step we have to take in order to play more and better as a team.

What we also lack within in the team is competion. Too many players have taken playing in games for granted. They need to realize that playing for LFC and wearing the Red shirt is something many dream about, todays performance was a disgrace and if they plan on playing in the Champions League next year they better get their acts together.

Fourth place can still be achieved, it's not over yet. We should know that after what happened last season. We are still in the Champions League and we're in the Carling Cup final.

There also needs to be a new captain, and that should be Jamie Carragher. He has played in all games this season and in every game he has given it all he's got, he deserves to be captain.

by **L-type** » Sat Feb 12, 2005 10:04 pm

well said, agree with everything. Looks like I'm gonna have to start savin up for a new jersey.

by **liamac** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 2:00 am

Couldnt agree with you more A.B. , Alonso is missed far more than SG when injured . I remember saying in a few threads before that Alonso reminds me very much of Barnes and Molby , in that he controls the passing and generals the midfield , something SG doesnt have the capacity to do .
Since Alonso has been injured it has really shown in the way the team play and attitude in general .
I am honestly starting to think that if SG is sold (although he will be sorely missed ) it wouldnt no where near affect the team as much as Alonso being sold ( a real nightmare scenario ) .
With the money we would recieve for SG sale we could build the team around the Alonso with players that would suit his vision and style of play.

by **banana** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 2:11 am

Fair enough A.B.

Alonso plays football like Kasparov plays chess.

Gerrard has all the physical qualities, but lacks Alonso's brain.

Still it is unfair to take it out on him all the time. There are about 20 dreadful players at Anfield and it is not easy to captain a ship with a lousy crew.

by **A.B.** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 4:50 am

But it's not easy for the lousy to crew and look up to the captain and see that he doesn't care.

Our players need to spend time with each other more during training, they need to develop the team spirit that Arsenal had last season. They need to know one another like the back of their hands on the pitch. The key is to play as a team but during Houllier's time we depended on too many individuals such as Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard.

Rafa has a difficult task at his hands, he has to create a team spirit. Players who are used to the system of hoofing the ball to Owen and hoping for a miracle, that system no longer exists. Rafa is trying to instal the right mentality into the squad.

It doesn't matter how many players you buy because if you don't have the right team effort,confidence,determination then you can do very little on the pitch as football is a team game. It takes 11 players to win a game, pass and move.

As a captain you inspire your team-mates not to give up, not try to win it by yourself for the glory. If a captain gives up then surely the rest of the crew will do the same. Thats why I'd prefer Carra to be captain instead of Gerrard.

Carra is a natural leader imo. When Riley f#cked up the call against Chelsea, Carra not Gerrard got up in his face and give him a piece of his mind. Look at Keane, the old b@stard doesn't give up on his team-mates perhaps Gerrard should learn something here.

I am not putting the blame all on Gerrard but as a captain he should show better attitude and behaviour on the pitch. In rescent games he hasn't shown that. He's too quiet, like Henry, he disapears in important games.

by **Santa** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 5:06 am

IMO, Alonso compliments Gerrard. We saw glimpse of that this season. I would love to have Stevie here next season and for Rafa to add more depth and options to this squad. He and Alonso will be feared combination, coupled with Morientes and Baros. Stevie need to regain his faith and passion to wear the red jersey and the armband. All we need are for the injured players to return and some finishing touches or two and we will be challanging for the top again.
Don't lose faith guys...4th is still very much achievable and the real challange will be next year.

by **A.B.** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 5:13 am

Santa I never lose faith. I haven't been as a fan as you or many here but through out this season I've become more attached to the club than ever before mainly because I've seen more games now[even if its on tv] but I've never lost faith and I never will.

We are very lucky to be in 5th place and in the Carling Cup final and in the Champions League.

Why? First and foremorst, old habbits die hard. That includes the habbits that players picked up under Houllier as in hoofing the ball,etc...

Second, this is a transitional year. Fergie's first season was hardly any good and even Shankly didn't do all that well in his first season either.

Third, injuries. We've had the most injuries in England and in Europe. 16 players have been injured in a period of 6 months yet we can still qualify for CL next season. Most teams would be on their knees with the injuries we've had. There's no execuse for today's performance but we're inconsistant and it will take some time to get that out of our system.

With that being said, Rafa is the man for the job and time needs to be given.

by **el_stinger** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 6:24 am

I would bench him after his suspension, for a couple of games. Get his head straight, either one way or the other, because its not doing himself justice by thinking about leaving a club he is playing for. And second, if he continues to play like this, his transfer fees would drop, and LFC would be looking down the barrel as we did when Owen left. Drop him Rafa.

by **crazyhorse** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 6:27 am

el_stinger wrote:I would bench him after his suspension, for a couple of games. Get his head straight, either one way or the other, because its not doing himself justice by thinking about leaving a club he is playing for. And second, if he continues to play like this, his transfer fees would drop, and LFC would be looking down the barrel as we did when Owen left. Drop him Rafa.

I cannot agree. Rest him if he is tired yes - but to destroy his morale and possibly humiliate him will make his departure imminant.
And if he becomes desperate to leave - other clubs will take advantage and get him on the cheap - player power counts for a lot.

by **el_stinger** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 8:35 am

His worth is already dropping at the moment with every game. What else do you do? Leave him on the pitch where he plays when he wants, while other players' morale decreases, or "rest" him or drop him, however you want to call it. Make an example of him, i reckon.

by **Ciggy** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 9:47 am

Ok everyones been calling Garcia of late but I will admit we missed him yesterday, at least he goes on the attack, more than anyone done yesterday.

by **liamac** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 2:20 pm

To bench SG is basically putting up a sign that says "FOR SALE" dafted thing ive heard this year

by **Sean** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 2:26 pm

Roy Keane talks the talks but also walks the walk. Gerrard should learn from him.

by **A.B.** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 6:12 pm

Sean wrote:Roy Keane talks the talks but also walks the walk. Gerrard should learn from him.

Unfourtantely I have to agree.

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