Is this the strongest squad we've ever had?

[Romario]

I thought we had a really great squad under Ged and for the most part we pretty much did but this squad including all the summer signings who have been dropped straight into the action all look good. We seem to have more options now and decent cover everywhere.

It'll be the first time in years that we won't actually be weaker if players like Crouch Gerrard Hyypia or Alonso don't start. It'll just be a different approach by Raffa. When was the last time we had so many options?

[Andy @ Allerton]

Didn't we use 14 players all season last time we won the European Cup and the League in the same season?

[Swagger]

I agree that Rafa has assembled a very strong squad. We now seem to have good options in all positions, as well as having a flexible squad that will allow Rafa to play in different formations if he chooses to.

 

I think that it was RP who said in a different thread that now, even if we have to make do without the likes of Stevie or Xabi for a little while, it should not hurt us that much, and I totally agree.

[RP]

It was indeed. Was thinking specifically about the stupid International fixtures and the danger of injuries - I'll be a little more relaxed about them now. A little.

[Gomez]

The only week point is the lack of cover on the right, specially if Kromkamp leaves. But it makes a change from having holes in the first 11.

[RP]

It's the strongest squad we have had in over 15 years. We have quality cover all over the park, one of Rafa's major challenges now is keeping all these quality players happy. It'll be difficult but I'm sure he'll cope.

[Leo No.8]

There doesn't look to be a weak spot anywhere now, this was the final piece of the jigsaw for me.

 

For me this is by far the strongest squad we've had since it became all about 'squad' more than just 'team'.

 

There's a good balance as well, Rafa has brought in players who have been desperate to sign for Liverpool Football Club, which will pay off as most of the players should be happy with a rotation policy.

 

Very exciting times...

[Rory Fitzgerald]

I think the squad looks very strong, we just need that magic dust that blends the midfield and attack so that we create good opportunities for our strikers.

[Eskimo]

  Gomez said:

The only week point is the lack of cover on the right, specially if Kromkamp leaves. But it makes a change from having holes in the first 11.

 

Not so sure about that, Agger seems more than capable in the middle so Carra can always be shifted across if needs be.

[Runehammer]

  Eskimo said:

Not so sure about that, Agger seems more than capable in the middle so Carra can always be shifted across if needs be.

 

Agree with that and if it's only cover we're talking about it wouldn't exactly be disastrous to play Stevie there for the odd match.

[Romario]

  Crouchinho said:

 

Awesome...

 

That is one fecking ace team. Roll on Saturday noon.

[genghis]

Agree 100% with the sentiment in this thread.

 

If someone can point out the weak link in that 22 I'm all ears (well, eyes, technically). It's not so much that everyone there is amazing, but that everyone there has *at some point* played well for a run of games - which means that with a little rotation (and a following wind) we should have The Machine that RB was working on at Valencia.

[Guest Scot]

  RP said:

It's the strongest squad we have had in over 15 years. We have quality cover all over the park, one of Rafa's major challenges now is keeping all these quality players happy. It'll be difficult but I'm sure he'll cope.

 

Exactly right

[Bromage]

Having this quality cover all over the park will only match Chelsea and not necessarily guarantee success; ultimately it's the quality of the team which will make the difference and in my view Rafa has a better chance of achieving this than JM, particularly after Sunday.

Edited August 17, 2006 by Bromage

[Swipe]

We're a huge side too.

 

Big and strong and powerful.

Edited August 17, 2006 by Swipe

[Guest Scot]

  Swipe said:

We're a huge side too.

 

Big and strong and powerful.

 

[Scally the Wag]

I agree with the strongest squad theme but wouldn't be surprised if one or two on that list don't turn out for us much or even at all this season...

 

Kewell for example. For one reason or another, he might not make it into a first or even second choice side given injuries, fitness, attitude etc...

 

And we have to find a way to keep or loan out players like Sinama & Warnock...

[Swipe]

  Scot said:

 

[redpool]

  Crouchinho said:

 

Awesome...

 

Two other points with this squad:

 

1. So many of the players have the ability to play other positions on the pitch making the club even deeper than it looks in this schematic.

 

2. It also always the younger players ( Hobbs, Antwi, Anderson, etc.) to continue to grow and learn with much less pressure.

 

Go on you Reds!

[Falconhoof]

Without wanting to look too far ahead, it will also be an advantage to be able to approach transfer windows without a desperate need for one or two positions to be filled. In the past we've had positions where we struggled just to get a decent player in.

 

It makes it much harder to get anything at the right price when you are seen to be desperate, it seems to be the same in the football transfer market.

 

Of course there will always be scope for improvement but Rafa will have a bit more breathing space to find players that will improve us rather than a mad scramble for a problem position.

[Romario]

  Scally the Wag said:

I agree with the strongest squad theme but wouldn't be surprised if one or two on that list don't turn out for us much or even at all this season...

 

Kewell for example. For one reason or another, he might not make it into a first or even second choice side given injuries, fitness, attitude etc...

 

And we have to find a way to keep or loan out players like Sinama & Warnock...

But that's the whole point. If Harry plays no part all season we have Gonzalez and Aurelio to fill in. Even Riise and Zendon can do that job as well as Garcia.

We have brilliant cover if needed as well as to keep the big players fresh. It's no longer a second string just another cog in the wheel.

[Guest AnfieldGrass]

  Scally the Wag said:

Kewell for example. For one reason or another, he might not make it into a first or even second choice side given injuries, fitness, attitude etc...

 

Firstly, thats unfair, Harry has never had an attitude problem, just bad luck with injuries and people slagging him and making accusations that he is faking or some such b******s. Media hype, don't fall for it and definitely dont spread it. Second, Rafa rates him and when fit is usually in the first 11. Thirdly, all of Riise, Zenden, Gonzales, Warnock, Aurelio, and Gerrard can cover the LM spot so you're fear of lacking depth if Harry doesnt come good is unwarranted. Same on the right if Penannt doesnt cut it or is injued, any of Gerrard, Garcia, Kromkamp can slot right in. In fact any spot n the pitch has at least 2 or three that can back up.

 

Its a great squad we have assembled before us and if Sunday is anything to go by, any combination of 11 that starts can be relied upon to do the business. For a good few years to come if all goes well.

[Gunga Din]

  Romario said:

That is one fecking ace team. Roll on Saturday noon.

 

 

the other thing is that, for the most part those 22 are all pretty young. there is only Hyypia who will need replacing in the next couple of years, but other than that they are all young lads

[Reggie]

  Crouchinho said:

 

Awesome...

 

As far as I know we are only allowed play 11 at the one time.

[stressederic]

Tell you what, Moores and Parry have gotten some fair old stick in the past few years about apparently not backing Rafa in the market, but they've done a terrific job this summer.