by Leonmc0708 » Wed Apr 07, 2004 10:29 pm
Listen, we have got the nucleus of an really good squad, and a very promising first XI.
We do need to strengthen, in most areas, but doom and gloom is not the order of the day.
Goalkeeper - pretty much OK, Dudek is experienced cover for Kirkland, who if he keeps fit will be the England No1 for years to come.
Defence - Finnan at right back and Carragher on the left is ideal for me. Although some pace is needed in the centre, Hyppia has proven to be solid, but he is often found wanting with a speedy forward on his coat tails. Biscan MUST be shipped out, Traore is good enough to cover for the centre. The biggest dissapointment is Henchoz. If as it looks like the lad is determined to leave, (and who could blame him after the treatment) I will be sorry to see him go, but probably Hyypia will be the best or the two when paired with a faster partner. I am thinking of players like (but not necessarily them) Toure (Arsenal) Van Buyten (on loan at Man City) or possibly like Gallas (Chelsea).
Midfield - we really need a couple of players in the midfield area. Gerrard does not need me to talk up his attributes, and Kewell will always get a game on the wing (either). Hamann is a superb foil for Gerrard, so he must stay, but I beleive sometimes there is no need for the more defensive midfielder, and I would advocate Gerrard and Cheyrou in the middle, so this leaves a winger. We need a real out and out winger, a player who can beat people and get a good ball in. Again not these players in particular, but lads like Gronkajear (Chelsea), Rommedhal (Danish lad) or Wright Philips (Man City). We also need to sign a goal scoring midfeild player, like Scholes (Man Utd) who can weigh in with around fiften goals a game. Possibly Cheyrou could fill this gap, or Le Tallac.
Striker - we have got some good options here. Owen will stay and there is no better striker in Europe in my opinion than him on his day. Baros is an excellent player, busy tricky and speed to burn. If Cisse comes, he will be an excellent aquisition, and should slot in alongside Owen very well. I would probably keep Heskey also, no problem having too many options, and also he scares the s##t out of Foreign defenders. Pongolle and Mellor are still young, and bench and occasional league cup appearences will sharpen their skills and help groom one or both of them to replace Owen when he leaves in a couple of years.
Squad - players like Riise, Smicer, Murphy, Vignal are good squad players, versatile and dependable in the short term. However Biscan, Diouf, Diao must be shipped out. They will never be good enough as first team regulars, and are not in my opinion versatile enough to warrant keeping them on.
The young lads like Mellor, Otsemobor, Le Tallac, Pongolle, Welsh etc must be kept, our two truly World class players were after all brought thru the ranks. Also Alou Diarra is going to be an unbelievable player, and should be kept at all costs. He is in the Patrick Vierra mould in look, physique and style of play, and some performances I have witnessed have been awesome.
The debate about who should be the manager is for another day, but the squad GH takes forward, or indeed A N Other inherits has a sound base.
JUSTICE FOR THE 96
