Iver Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Nobody can argue that our finishing against West Ham was substandard, and that is partly why we failed to break them down. I would equally argue though, that our build up play was laboured, unimaginative, and utterly predictable. We are sadly lacking a traditional "number 10" ; a creative, flair player, a playmaker, who can make something out of nothing, and turn games like last night's one. I would go so far as to say we have not had such a player in our ranks since the days of Barnes or Mc Manaman. Garcia did it occasionally, (which is why he was so popular), but he was far too inconsistent. Kewell was such a player when we signed him, but we all know how that ended. Many would argue, and with good reason, that if there is any money available in January, it should be spent on strengthening the fullback positions. There is no doubting the fact that we are lacking quality here also. However, in terms of overall priorities in strengthening the squad, I would invest in a creative player. The major questions here though are ;1. Will we have enough money to bring in a quality player?2. If so, who would be a realistic / viable target?3. If, as is likely to be the case, funds are at a premium, are there any cut price, loan, or "veteran" type player options who could do a job for us. I do not think it is an over exaggeration to say, that despite our current position, if we do not incorporate genuine creativity into the side soon, we could end up finishing fourth, and I don't think we have any players in the squad at the moment who can provide what we are missing. Thoughts?
Earl Hafler Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Sell Pennant, Benayoun and Lucas ( also getting them off the wage bill ) and replace them with someone that could contribute.
Iver Posted December 2, 2008 Author Posted December 2, 2008 Sell Pennant, Benayoun and Lucas ( also getting them off the wage bill ) and replace them with someone that could contribute. Agree entirely that none of those three players are good enough to even be squad players in a team that harbours genuine title ambitions, but who do we bring in is the question, who would be available, and within our range, and maybe even if there are funds at his disposal, Rafa may not be interested in signing an attack minded player?
Scapegoat Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 (edited) If we could sell Yossi and Pennant(i'd try and flog Keane too tbh, but that won't happen), that'd go some way to paying for Arshavin. He is exactly what we need.No way he's a Rafa type player though. Too unpredictable, too 'free'. Edited December 2, 2008 by Scapegoat
San Diego Red Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 If we could sell Yossi and Pennant(i'd try and flog Keane too tbh, but that won't happen), that'd go some way to paying for Arshavin. He is exactly what we need.Arshavin is f***ing useless.
Scapegoat Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Arshavin is f***ing useless. Haha, you clearly have no clue at all.
Sion Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Arshavin is basically BenayounWe need a more dynamic player
Scapegoat Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 (edited) Arshavin is basically BenayounWe need a more dynamic player Jesus, if Arshavin is anything its dynamic. Has pace, sturdy on the ball, fantastic dribbler, has a brilliant eye for a pass. Plays between the lines beautifully. Everything some people stupidly thought Robbie Keane was going to be. Edited December 2, 2008 by Scapegoat
Ben 23 Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Elano. I don't really know why I have this idea in my head but I'm going to keep saying it.
crisps Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 (edited) Diego Ribas da Cunha (from Werder) even for this alone ( http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uAp3rnLePvA&...feature=related ) Edited December 2, 2008 by crisps
abc Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Better coaching and use of players can get more out of this current crop. Alonso hardly ever gets ahead of play, even when Gerrard is sitting deep getting the ball off the centerbacks. Last night's match was screaming out for Benayoun to play infield, yet he was left wide right. Huge surprise he wasn't taken off though. The shape of the team is not always right, we don't move off the ball and the central midfielders hardly ever get ahead of the forwards. We play too far apart from each other too often. Last night as an example again - yes, Rafa wanted to spread play across the pitch to create more space. And made a lot of crossing opportunities. But when we don't have enough men in the box to capitalise, it's more often than not going to be fruitless. We need to be more dynamic in our play, simple as that. More players committing forward, more interchanging of positions. Compress the spaces between teammates thus making the short ball an easier option. Learn how Arsenal play, basically. But have that as one of the attacking styles, not the only one. We have the players to make it work.
crisps Posted December 2, 2008 Posted December 2, 2008 Defenders hate people running at them with the ball however all our players seem to be able to do is stop when they get near a defender and pass the ball, it's frustrating as f**k
San Diego Red Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 Jesus, if Arshavin is anything its dynamic. Has pace, sturdy on the ball, fantastic dribbler, has a brilliant eye for a pass. Plays between the lines beautifully. Everything some people stupidly thought Robbie Keane was going to be.Keane did those things with Tottenham. I don't see how this is anything different? Arshavin did well in the European cup, but that's it. He's not as good as people are making him out to be.
Benzo-13 Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 Arshavin, Diego, Ribery (longshot!) or Joe Cole would fit the bill. We need a ball carrying clever type. I.e. a No.10.
Stevie H Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 What was the point of the cull again?well there's been no appalling SOS debate. other than that i'm not sure.
carrafan Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 If we could sell Yossi and Pennant(i'd try and flog Keane too tbh, but that won't happen), that'd go some way to paying for Arshavin. He is exactly what we need.No way he's a Rafa type player though. Too unpredictable, too 'free'. A bit like Luis Garcia, Babel or Torres, then?
cymrococh Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 well there's been no appalling SOS debate. other than that i'm not sure.SOS got culled.
Stevie H Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 SOS got culled. sensible policies for a healthier forum.
billybunter Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 What was the point of the cull again? BAN ALL THOSE THAT DISAGREE fwiw, i think flair players are on the way out. The emphasis on strength and speed in the premiership has paid to that. We've been crying out for a player like bergkamp for too many years. Litmanen was the closest we got.
Scapegoat Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 (edited) Keane did those things with Tottenham. I don't see how this is anything different? Nah, he really really didn't. He has no pace for starters, hardly a great dribbler, and can't pick a pass. A bit like Luis Garcia, Babel or Torres, then? A far better version of Luis Garcia i would say. Stronger, faster, more direct, but can be subtle when need be. He really is a fantastic player. Proper footballer like. Edited December 3, 2008 by Scapegoat
Stevie H Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 A far better version of Luis Garcia i would say. Stronger, faster, more direct, but can be subtle when need be. He really is a fantastic player. Proper footballer like.[blackaddervoice]so, someone not at all like luis garcia you're saying, baldrick? it's a genius plan.[/blackaddervoice]
growler Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 Hammill, Anderson, Bruna, Pacheco? Can we do any worse than to give one these kids a chance?
Saintslfc13 Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 (edited) Sell Pennant, Benayoun and Lucas ( also getting them off the wage bill ) and replace them with someone that could contribute. I agree about Pennant and Benayoun, but Lucas is only 21. Give him at least one more season before we decide if he's good enough. We've only seen a handful of performances and he's played well more often than not. That said, I'd like to see us bring in a good wide right player, this will allow Kuyt to play his role predominantly upfront where we know he is best used. He'll be good cover for the right but we all know he shouldn't be first choice there. As to who I'd bring in, it would be Jesus Navas from Sevilla, the only issue I have with him is he looks a little small but I still think he could do a job for us. He's fast, can shoot, dribble, and hits the ball with power. Plus he's only 22 I believe and therefore will have plenty of time to adapt to life in Liverpool, and being from Spain it shouldn't be hard from him to feel at home and we all know what the spanish think of Rafa. I wouldn't mind Arshavin though like some have suggested, he's a great player, but isn't his best position the one Gerrard currently prefers? Complimentary Youtube link : Edited December 3, 2008 by Saintslfc13
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