Albert Riera

[Leo No.8]

Pretty much every time people have been discussing our needs for the coming season I see the left side of midfield taking priority, I'm wondering whether I'm the only one who seems to still rate Riera highly. I've also seen him mentioned quite a few times as one of the players people would let go for the right offer, I can't agree.

 

I think he had a big impact on our general improvement last season, providing genuine width on the left hand side and crucially balance which we hadn't had in some time. He also chipped in with a few quality goals and has become a regular contributor to the Spain international side so has really come on as a player during his time with us.

 

He has excellent technique, he's not a flyer as such but is quickish and uses a trick and his body mass well to get past defenders, and has a really good left peg. I'd personally be quite happy to see him still first choice come next season.

 

It seems to me that because of a few games he disappeared in last season like Madrid away the general concensus of opinion went down on Riera quite a bit, but show me a winger who doesn't disappear in certain games. Importantly when he isn't influencing a game as much as we'd like, unlike some wingers he works hard and doesn't forget his defensive duties.

 

Its also worth bearig in mind that apart from a fairly unsuccessful loan spell at City, last year was his first back in English football so theres a strong possibility he'll be better again in the coming season. Certainly I'm sure his fitness will be better which was one of his main downfalls last season when he was often withdrawn in the second half.

 

It almost seems like Riera is being written off or forgotten about by many but I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do going into this season. If we sign another attacking option I hope its someone versatile like Silva who can play right across the pitch, rather than a specialist left sided winger as a direct replacement for Riera.

Edited July 30, 2009 by Leo No.8

[Bailo]

I really, really like Riera. Watching back last season he had an excellent debut season. He's also looked bright in pre-season. Has a confidence to run at players that doesn't seem to be knocked by it not working all the time.

[Chili Palmer]

I like him, he did have a dip in form during the second half of the season tho, maybe thats why people are looking at his position as one of the weakest.

[baz2107]

I think a decent pre season will do Riera the world of good, last season I think he was the most subsitituted player in the whole premiership (well he certainly was when I saw the stat in March time) he seemed to fade in games and be taken off after about 60-65 mins.

 

This may well be down to the fact that he didn't have a pre season for us last year, it was with Espanyol who's season started later and the fitness rigours in Spain aren't the same as over here.

 

I think he's a big asset to our squad and improved us a lot last season, however I would still like one more player to come into the mix in the attacking positions preferably Silva!

 

I think Kuyt, Gerrard, Torres, Benayoun, Riera, Babel, Nemeth and 1 more qualiy addition would be fine for attacking positions as this is where games are won

[psl]

I really like him too. Very promising debut season and well worth his place.

[Stefano]

I like him, he did have a dip in form during the second half of the season tho, maybe thats why people are looking at his position as one of the weakest.

 

I like him too, but that dip in form was not a one off. I remember Ballbag saying he could be the best winger in the game if he could find some consistency for the whole season.

 

He's still a vital squad player but I think we can, and should, improve that position.

[Superjay]

I'm quite excited about Riera. Was very impressed with him at the confed cup and I reckon this year we're gonna see a few off his bulllet of a left foot.

[cymrococh]

He's an odd one, hopefully he can do a Yossi.

[MFletcher]

I like him as well.

 

As you say, someone like Silva who can play across the line is preferable as a an attacking signing, because Riera is more than good enough to feature regularly for this team.

Edited July 30, 2009 by MFletcher

[Kvarme Ate My Food]

can't do 90 mins

[Knox_Harrington]

Pretty much every time people have been discussing our needs for the coming season I see the left side of midfield taking priority, I'm wondering whether I'm the only one who seems to still rate Riera highly. I've also seen him mentioned quite a few times as one of the players people would let go for the right offer, I can't agree.

 

I think he had a big impact on our general improvement last season, providing genuine width on the left hand side and crucially balance which we hadn't had in some time. He also chipped in with a few quality goals and has become a regular contributor to the Spain international side so has really come on as a player during his time with us.

 

can't do 90 mins

 

Limits the manager's technical options because come 65 he's finished.

 

Point is we need a better first choice left mid. If we get that by just buying someone and keeping Riera then great. Ideal. If we get that by buying someone beter but have to sell Riera into the bargain then so be it. Surely?

[sutty]

Limits the manager's technical options because come 65 he's finished.

 

Point is we need a better first choice left mid. If we get that by just buying someone and keeping Riera then great. Ideal. If we get that by buying someone beter but have to sell Riera into the bargain then so be it. Surely?

 

I think Riera has some less tangible qualities that are important, given Kuyt plays wide right.

 

He makes the team much more balanced and he even manages that when he is playing crap.

[Leo No.8]

He makes the team much more balanced and he even manages that when he is playing crap.

 

Totally agree with this - none of our other options on the left provide the balance he does. We haven't had a player to provide this on the left side (apart from Kewell on the rare ocassions he was fit) for a long time.

Edited July 30, 2009 by Leo No.8

[Knox_Harrington]

I think Riera has some less tangible qualities that are important, given Kuyt plays wide right.

 

He makes the team much more balanced and he even manages that when he is playing crap.

Yes. But we can get someone better than him, can't we?

[sutty]

Yes. But we can get someone better than him, can't we?

 

The ones we have been linked with don't do that though. Silva's not a wide man really. He's another Yossi cut inside type.

 

Riera is a genuine winger and there aren't many of them about. Not that I have an issue with us adding to that area tbh. Extra options across the attacking quartet rather than an out and out left mid.

[Bailo]

I'm also not convinced that with a decent pre-season behind him and coming off a full English season, this 65 minute thing will persist.

[MFletcher]

I think this is a good point about Riera.

 

Even if things aren't coming off for him personally, he'll keep trying to take his man, he'll keep hugging the touchline, and that helps the rest of the side by stretching their defence and allowing space for others.

 

The likes of Silva will cut inside and look to link up with Gerrard, which means the defence can tighten up and make it more difficult to release Torres.

 

He's an excellent option to have.

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

it's a case of working on his overall fitness and stamina, which is easier to do with a full pre-season.

 

Considering he cost less than Downing did to Villa, I have no complaints. He did well, scored some goals & is excellent value for money. With Benny adding compeititon for that spot & if Babel can find 1st season form, we're covered nicely

[stressederic]

I like Riera a lot. Simply having him on the pitch has a huge effect on our play and width.

[CarraLegend]

Whether its coincidence or not we've had our two best seasons league wise with a decent wide left player, Kewell and Riera. Some of the things he does are f***ing brilliant, some frustrating but he's definitely worth keeping and I think we'll be going some to get someone who'd be a definite improvement. Silva and him for the left would be ideal, both very different options.

[Leo No.8]

Whether its coincidence or not we've had our two best seasons league wise with a decent wide left player, Kewell and Riera.

 

For me it definitely isn't coincidence, I believe it is crucial to have two wide players who stretch the field.

 

Another point to reinforce this suggestion is Alonso has had his two best seasons for the club in conjunction with these two players playing wide left, and Gerrard has scored around 25 goals in both those seasons.

 

The basic explanation for me is having two wide players willing to take their man on and who stay tight to the line, gives our world class central players more space and time in which to operate.

 

This is the point about Riera, even when he's not on top form the way he plays and the type of player he is has a positive effect on the team and other players in the team.

Edited July 30, 2009 by Leo No.8

[Maharajkumar of Vizianagram]

Good player but he really is bloody slow.

 

He's great at beating his man when he's being closely marked but his impact is definitely compromised when they give him a yard or two of space. There's also loads of times when he'll beat a man with that trick he does and then have to try and do it again when they catch up.

 

Opposition teams realising that didn't help his form later on.

[Beardsley]

Pretty much every time people have been discussing our needs for the coming season I see the left side of midfield taking priority, I'm wondering whether I'm the only one who seems to still rate Riera highly. I've also seen him mentioned quite a few times as one of the players people would let go for the right offer, I can't agree.

 

I think he had a big impact on our general improvement last season, providing genuine width on the left hand side and crucially balance which we hadn't had in some time. He also chipped in with a few quality goals and has become a regular contributor to the Spain international side so has really come on as a player during his time with us.

 

He has excellent technique, he's not a flyer as such but is quickish and uses a trick and his body mass well to get past defenders, and has a really good left peg. I'd personally be quite happy to see him still first choice come next season.

 

It seems to me that because of a few games he disappeared in last season like Madrid away the general concensus of opinion went down on Riera quite a bit, but show me a winger who doesn't disappear in certain games. Importantly when he isn't influencing a game as much as we'd like, unlike some wingers he works hard and doesn't forget his defensive duties.

 

Its also worth bearig in mind that apart from a fairly unsuccessful loan spell at City, last year was his first back in English football so theres a strong possibility he'll be better again in the coming season. Certainly I'm sure his fitness will be better which was one of his main downfalls last season when he was often withdrawn in the second half.

 

It almost seems like Riera is being written off or forgotten about by many but I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do going into this season. If we sign another attacking option I hope its someone versatile like Silva who can play right across the pitch, rather than a specialist left sided winger as a direct replacement for Riera.

 

 

My thoughts exactly.

[stressederic]

The opposition have a hell of a time shifting him off the ball. His first touch is immaculate at times as well.

[Swipe]

The opposition have a hell of a time shifting him off the ball. His first touch is immaculate at times as well.

 

Knows when to play it simple and when to try something with it.

 

Went off the boil last season and looked knackered, but defo done enough to stay in the squad.