Liverpool FC Forum

by **philchampionsl2005** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:45 pm

Owen could well end up back here and I believe he will for the fact hes no risk really. Both commercially and quality wise hes a sure thing (or as close to one as you can get). It's similar to the way Real bought Beckham knowing he was an investment and at the same time a quality player.

The problems for me are WIDTH..... How many years has it been since we have had 2 out and out wingers on the same pitch? What is it about us and width are we cursed ? Our "wingers" in the last decade have either dissapointed, been sold for ridiculously low fees or not been able to get into the soddin country.

The other problem is that anchor man position that is just left for teams to exploit when Hamann doesnt play. Xabi and Gerrard are without out doubt two of the most gifted ATTACKING players in the world today, defensively however they leave a lot to be desired. Now I'm not sugessting that is there fault. I know Alonso is clever and his positioning at times can get him out of defensive problems and Gerrard is just a workhorse whos effort will get him involved at the back and the front but my question is simple really. Why should 2 of the most gifted attacking players in europe who play in a side with no width have to worry about also being the defensive midfield as well ?

The best performances I have seen for us this season were Arsenal at Anfield where we employed a 4-5-1 with Kewell and Pongolle providing the width Hamann sitting and allowing Alono to play make from deep and provide cover and Gerrard in an almost free role. The second was the second half come back against Milan. The reason I site this is it is the most obvious example of how Hamanns presence on the field ALLOWS everyone else to do there jobs. Rafas team talk is "You are 11 men with 11 jobs if you do them we will win." Well if thats the case whos job was it last night to be the defensive midfielder ? because it certainly wasnt Gerrard and Alonso although not having his best game is not suited to that role anyway. How many times when CSKA actually did get the ball did they head straight for that gap in front of Hyppia and Carra and behind Xabi ? We were good enough to get away with it that night but I suggest that wont always be the case. I know Hamann is getting on but he is still the most underrated WORLD CLASS player at Liverpool who I believe is key to any success we have had or will have during his time here.

Another example if you like is Milan. Milan play with 3 or 4 in midfield. There width is provided by there fullbacks especially Cafu. The point being though if you compare what they do to what we do its not all that dissimilar.

Pirlo- Xabi: Both deep lying midfield playmakers who have the ability to control the pace of a game through intelligent creative play and a super range of passing.

Gerrard-Seedorf: Both strong forceful battering rams if you will who will run through a player as well as round them. Both have the ability from long range both comfortable on the ball and both like to go through the centre creating havoc from there direct style.

Gattuso-Hamann/Sissoko: This is where the whole point of the above lies. Gattuso is relied on to win the ball back for Milan he is there defensive midfielder along with Ambrosini. Ambrosini is more like Hamann in that he is a clever positional player. Sissoko is far more like Gattuso in that he runs after everything like a mad man.

I just belive that with Hamann and maybe in years to come Sissoko we will be a much more solid side that will allow our attacking players the freedom to do there job rather than always having to worry about defending and attacking.
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by **tubby** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:56 pm

Im sure Rafa knows this and is working on bringing in more natural wingers (Gonzalez?) After all if he didnt want wingers then why would he invest in 2 strikers whos major talents lies in the air and is dependant on crosses form the wings. Duh!!!!!!!!!

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