Liverpool FC Forum

by **Judge** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 12:23 pm

well we have official threads on other folk, so why not one dedicated to our defence

post your thoughts folk

btw, no rotation talk bigmick

by **ConnO'var** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 1:37 pm

The best we have right now (awaiting re-inforcements next season) is already pretty formidable.

Arbeloa Carra Skrtl Aurelio/Riise

I feel that Arbeloa has been a tremendous buy for the squad. A versatile defender that can play anywhere along the back four. In the long run however, this versatility is going to be to his detriment as we search for specialist players to fill in specialist roles. At the very least, his name would be one of the 1st on the subs bench.

Carra - Still a few years away before age starts catching up with him. Right now, he's an outstanding centreback and the 1st name on the defensive team sheet. In a couple of years time, I think a 4-4-2 formation with only one holding midfielder will show him a little as his pace lessens but he's extremely intelligent and hungry.... I'll not be surprised in the least if he does a Sammi and prove to be class well into his mid 30s. Wonderful defender... may not be considered by some to be truly world class but IMO they'd be mistaken.... If it came down to a choice between Rio Ferdinand and Carra to marshall the defence in a big game, I'd put my faith in our very own Liverpudlian every single time.

Skrtel - Have been very impressed with him to date. Hard as nails and a no nonsense defender if I ever saw one. Yet to see if he's capable of that little bit of "nasty" that all true hard men have in their arsenal. Aerial prowess is also a little unknown as in the games he's been involved in to date, he's not had that aspect of his game put to the test as yet. But Rafa made the right decision with this one I reckon. Hopefully, he'll be able to transition into Carra's role when Carra hangs up his boots.

Aurelio/Riise - Our achilles heel defensively... I had such hopes for Aurelio when he 1st turned up but for whatever reason, he's just failed to convince me. All around, he's a good player but not quite the player I had hoped. Riise is puzzle for me.... on form, he's a fine player but the last couple of seasons, he's been below par.

Agger - What a lost for us.... I'm hoping he'll come back stronger than ever next season as he's the kind of centreback that I really rate. Intelligent ball player who also provides a goal threat with his feet. He could be a little stronger and maybe a little quicker if you really probe deep but he's smart enough that those issues can be worked around.

Sammi - Legend. 'Nough said. Wonderful servant of the club who may no longer be at his imperious best but is still more than capable when called upon as he's proved this season. I was one of those who advocated that it was time for Agger to take over from him 2 seasons ago and I stand by that..... but Sammi is still immense and has a role to play at the club. One of Houllier's best, if not THE best, buys.

Our defense is still formidable but re-inforcements are needed. Firstly, we need Agger back as we hoof the ball up less when he's in the team.... especially when we play 4-4-2. 2 fullbacks of outstanding quality needed, especially down the left.....

by **woof woof !** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:06 pm

Aurelio/Riise - Our achilles heel defensively... I had such hopes for Aurelio when he 1st turned up but for whatever reason, he's just failed to convince me. All around, he's a good player but not quite the player I had hoped. Riise is puzzle for me.... on form, he's a fine player but the last couple of seasons, he's been below par.

I wouldn't write Aurelio off just yet ConnO'var, it's early days , he's still playing his way back into form and understanding with the team after his lengthy time out with injury. I actually like the combination of Aurellio and Riise working our left flank, both are primarily full backs and yet the pair of them are happy to push forward, both possess the ability to put in good crosses and also have a more than decent shot in their locker.

My preferred back four,

Arbeloa Carragher Agger Aurelio

Not the toughest back four we could field (no Sammi or Skrtel) but certainly imo our most skillful.

by **Judge** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:07 pm

connovar, the more you post the more i respect you

nice post mate, and set out well

by **stmichael** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:11 pm

for me it would be finnan, carragher, agger and aurelio. skrtel has shown some signs of promise in that he likes to bring the ball out from the back like agger (as opposed to carra and sami who hit it long too often). however he's not the finished article and cannot afford mistakes like when he gifted that chance to ibrahimovic against inter if he wants to be a first team regular.

by **ivor_the_injun** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:13 pm

I don't know why this whole thing of calling threads "The official... thread" started, but f*ck me it's irritating.

by **Bad Bob** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:25 pm

Dundalk's "original" thread on the topic is now merged with Judge's "official" thread on the topic. Quit stepping on each other's toes you jokers.

by **stmichael** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:29 pm

someone should start an "official" ofifcials thread. post all your favourite referees in here.

by **Bad Bob** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:32 pm

stmichael wrote:someone should start an "official" ofifcials thread. post all your favourite referees in here.

At the moment, none of them!

How Mike Riley didn't send Ashley Cole off last night I'll never know but that's for another thread...

On the subject of our defence, is Finnan back to fitness yet? I'd love to be able to call on his experience over the next few big games (as good as Arbeloa and indeed Carra have been at RB).

by **Judge** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:34 pm

Bad Bob wrote:Dundalk's "original" thread on the topic is now merged with Judge's "official" thread on the topic. Quit stepping on each other's toes you jokers.

i only listen to dundalk when he posts in the fit birds zone

what does that tell ya

by **laza** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:36 pm

Carra and Agger, JC still has many seasons left in him unless something dramatic happens (touchwood that it doesnt)

by **JC_81** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:40 pm

With everyone fit, our best back four is Finnan, Carra, Agger and Arbeloa imo.

For me Finnan is still the best right back we have even if he is getting on a bit. Arbeloa ia a better defensive option than either Riise or Aurelio on the left side imo even if he is right footed.

I wouldn't be so dismissive of Skrtel either. Strong, aggressive, good tackler and seems to read the game fairly well from what I've seen. He also has something none of our other centre halfs have and that's a bit of pace when needed. If Agger is not ready to start next season, I think he'll have a fight on his hands getting back in ahead of Skrtel - he certainly won't walk into the side.

The back four aside, by far and away the most important person in our defensive unit is Reina. No real weaknesses that I can see, and a very good presence behind the defence. His decision making is top class and he is the main reason why we only conceded 27 league goals last season and have only conceded 21 league goals in 30 games this year. Only United have a better defensive record than us this season. Reina is also on course for most clean sheets in the Premiership again.

by **kop king** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:45 pm

My defence for the rest of this season:

Arbeloa Carragher Skrtel Aurelio

Defence for next season:

Skrtel Carragher Agger
Finnan Aurelio

by **stmichael** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:47 pm

john craig wrote:The back four aside, by far and away the most important person in our defensive unit is Reina. No real weaknesses that I can see, and a very good presence behind the defence. His decision making is top class and he is the main reason why we only conceded 27 league goals last season and have only conceded 21 league goals in 30 games this year. Only United have a better defensive record than us this season. Reina is also on course for most clean sheets in the Premiership again.

Well said.

He is crucial to the way we play and I wouldn't swap him for any other goalkeeper in the world. His distribution in particular is fantastic.

I still can't understand how Casillas is Spain's number 1 over Reina. At the end of the day, Casillas is the Spanish Shay Given in that he always looks good as he has a lot to do behind Real's useless defence.

by **Judge** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:48 pm

stmichael wrote:
john craig wrote:The back four aside, by far and away the most important person in our defensive unit is Reina. No real weaknesses that I can see, and a very good presence behind the defence. His decision making is top class and he is the main reason why we only conceded 27 league goals last season and have only conceded 21 league goals in 30 games this year. Only United have a better defensive record than us this season. Reina is also on course for most clean sheets in the Premiership again.

Well said.

He is crucial to the way we play and I wouldn't swap him for any other goalkeeper in the world. His distribution in particular is fantastic.

I still can't understand how Casillas is Spain's number 1 over Reina. At the end of the day, Casillas is the Spanish Shay Given in that he always looks good as he has a lot to do behind Real's useless defence.

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