Gonzalez vs. Aurelio

[Martian]

I thought Gonzalez was superb today. He was strong and had great control of the ball. His croses were accurate. His corners posed lots of problem for the defence. I think he should be Rafa's first choice on the left of midfield. Gonzalez and Riise in the side will cause opposing defences loads of headaches.

[Guest Sabre]

I think we have three very accomplished players that bring different things to the side so I have nothing to complain about

[Nebraska Red]

I disagree, before he scored, he was pretty ineffective and was not getting the ball over. their defenders were taking the ball from him with ease.

 

I would start him in home games and some away games. Aurelio needs to start when we need a little more steel in the middle at places like Highbury, Old Toilet.

 

it is early days for both of them, and they need more time to get fully settled in.

[McBain]

I think Gonzo just needs more belief. Too often he doesn't seem to have the faith in himself to go at the defender and use his ability. That will come with more games

[Benitez]

Dont agree that he was strong today. I think Speedy just needs to get a bit stronger really, and a bit more ruthless, not take any s**** from anyone! He needs to have a world with Luis Garcia as to how to manage in a physical league.

 

What I do like about him is how he follows the ball into the box when we are breaking down the opposite side from him. Not all wingers do what he does. Twice now, he's followed the play and been there to pick it up and get 2 valuable goals.

 

He's a bright player, he just needs to get a bit tougher. But thats ok, cos he ain't the first that's come to this league who finds the going a bit tough to begin with. And the fact he's managing to contribute in the mean time is to his credit.

 

As for Fabo, he came on today and it was a seamless transition. He's got some quality about him, and a handy player to have as he can fill in for JAR, and can play midfield, and can take a mean set piece.

Edited September 23, 2006 by Benitez

[intense enigma]

I disagree, before he scored, he was pretty ineffective and was not getting the ball over. their defenders were taking the ball from him with ease.

 

I would start him in home games and some away games. Aurelio needs to start when we need a little more steel in the middle at places like Highbury, Old Toilet.

 

it is early days for both of them, and they need more time to get fully settled in.

 

And who do we play there? Dial Square?

[Mike]

gonzalez aint as fast as i imagined him to be though

[Guest Sabre]

gonzalez aint as fast as i imagined him to be though

 

Very quick over the first 5-10 yards. Today I kept thinking he was 'explosive'.

[Jimi Rojo]

He is very quick though. I thought chimbonda was a match for him until the beginning of the 2nd half when he flew past him with ease. He seems to hold back a bit.

 

He's also very, very good in the air. similar to Kewell in that respect. There was a lovely through ball for Bellamy and his corners are possibly better than anyone else's.

I rate the lad a lot.

[Guest RedIsMyColour]

Played okay I thought.

 

Once he is more settled he'll do well.

 

Good in the air, wicked cross and is a bit of a poacher too.

[Guest roger]

The whole team were not at the races first half. Second half Gonzales was very effective.

[deelavo]

I think Gonzo just needs more belief. Too often he doesn't seem to have the faith in himself to go at the defender and use his ability. That will come with more games

 

Yeah he seems to eager to do things, but as the came went on his crossing and all round play improved.

[hagi_complex]

Both need games. It's a balancing act between 'playing your best eleven'* and making sure that the new boys are given enough playing time to find their feet. There's no point in having a great squad on paper when a number of the players haven't had enough games and can't fit in comfortably when called upon. In the early days, it's inevitable that this will lead to some inconsistency.

 

I was very encouraged by Aurelio's performance against Newcastle and Speedy's already popped with two valuable goals despite not even making the 16 for some games. Rafa is the manager and he's managing.

 

There are very few 'first choice' players in this squad, and when we have to live without the players that fit this category, his policy will reap its rewards.

 

*© every halfwit pundit in the game

Edited September 23, 2006 by hagi_complex

[fyds]

I think we have three very accomplished players that bring different things to the side so I have nothing to complain about

Yep - spot on as usual there, Trev - they all have different strengths and compensatable weaknesses that offer shedloads of 'possibilities'.

 

gonzalez aint as fast as i imagined him to be though

That's interesting that, as today for the first time I thought he was faster than I imagined him to be. I suppose if you average us out then we probably think he's quick enough on the whole.

[kop205]

I think Gonzo just needs more belief. Too often he doesn't seem to have the faith in himself to go at the defender and use his ability. That will come with more games

 

That is my assessment so far. I'd like to see him trust his pace and just blast people when he gets the chance, which he has looked a bit reluctant to do. As you say though, that will come.

 

There have been plenty of other positives in his game - he works hard, his corners are good and that is twice already that he is snook in at the far post to score a crucial goal.

[techmob]

speedy can't half jump and head a ball!

 

i would like to see more of him on the pitch

[D.Boon]

I thought he had a great game, looks really dangerous. i think Rafa feels he cant play him ahead of Warnock at LB and prefers him in tandem with Riise.

[fred milne]

I thought Gonzalez looked quick and lively yesterday when he got the ball. A promising display.

[Ombudsam]

I think Gonzo just needs more belief. Too often he doesn't seem to have the faith in himself to go at the defender and use his ability. That will come with more games

 

That is exactly what i thought. I was screaming at him to have a go at chimbonda (who in all fairness is pretty quick too i spose).

 

he's nowhere near what i saw him do last year. scores a fair few though doesn't he

[DON KOPRANO]

Aurelio has been average so far, light weight and not very good at defending, typical Brazilian. Gonzalez on the other hand is slowly showing why Rafa been after him for so long.

[growler]

I think its great that we have aurelio, riise, kewell, gonzo and warnock to cover the left, with Gerrard, Garcia, finnan and Pennant on the right.

 

If we really wanted to go for the team, we could play Pennant, Gerrard, alonso, gonzo, bellamy and Kuyt as a front six. That would scare the bejezus out of most teams.

[jimmylibel]

Thought he didn't have a huge amount of ball but what he did get he did well with. Thought it was a very promising display and he looked lively.

[Figaro]

Once Aurelio has bedded in he will be a very accomplished signing.

[Huyton_Red]

Aurellio looks more scouse than gerrard and carragher

 

I can just imagine him with a lacoste tracky standing outside the corner shops terrorising the neighbourhood

 

He must have scouse in him somewhere, are they sure his birth certificate did not say birkenhead instead of brazil

[Guest RedIsMyColour]

He must have scouse in him somewhere, are they sure his birth certificate did not say birkenhead instead of brazil

 

He does look like a proper scouser

 

I thought people from Birkenhead hated being called scouse