Following his season loan move to Napoli, goalkeeper Pepe Reina claimed the decision was not his and claimed an offer from Barcelona did not arrive
Reina made the claims in an open-letter he wrote to supporters on his personal website:
“Barcelona would only become an option for me if the opportunity arrived, like the rumours said it would, as it would be a chance for me to go back home. When it didn’t come I was happy to fight for my place, so I was surprised that Liverpool decided it was in the club’s interests to send me to Napoli instead..”
Now, the Spaniard’s father, Migel claims his son was indeed in talks with the Catalan giants and that an agreement was in place – but fell through after Victor Valdes remained at the Nou Camp.
Miguel Reina is quoted as telling Spanish newspaper Marca:
“A few months ago Pepe was in talks with Barcelona.
“They had an agreement and he was all set to go but then Victor Valdes didn’t leave and the deal fell through.”
Reina made 394 appearances for Liverpool after arriving from Villareal in 2005, last month he claimed reports of a move to Barcelona next summer were “an invention of newspapers”.
Following his season loan move to Napoli, goalkeeper Pepe Reina claimed the decision was not his and claimed an offer from Barcelona did not arrive
Reina made the claims in an open-letter he wrote to supporters on his personal website:
“Barcelona would only become an option for me if the opportunity arrived, like the rumours said it would, as it would be a chance for me to go back home. When it didn’t come I was happy to fight for my place, so I was surprised that Liverpool decided it was in the club’s interests to send me to Napoli instead..”
Now, the Spaniard’s father, Migel claims his son was indeed in talks with the Catalan giants and that an agreement was in place – but fell through after Victor Valdes remained at the Nou Camp.
Miguel Reina is quoted as telling Spanish newspaper Marca:
“A few months ago Pepe was in talks with Barcelona.
“They had an agreement and he was all set to go but then Victor Valdes didn’t leave and the deal fell through.”
Reina made 394 appearances for Liverpool after arriving from Villareal in 2005, last month he claimed reports of a move to Barcelona next summer were “an invention of newspapers”.
Steven Gerrard has revealed he voted for Luis Suarez to win the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or this year.
Suarez is the only Liverpool player on the shortlist of nominations, which also includes the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robert Lewandowski.
The 26-year-old Uruguayan has had a fantastic 2013, currently leading the calendar year top scorer charts in the Premier League with 22 goals, joint with Manchester United’s Robin van Persie.
As England captain, Gerrard was asked by FIFA to vote in the proceedings for his top three players of the year. Other votes are put forward by select players, coaches and journalists.
“I voted for him in my top three,” Gerrard told reporters, according to Goal.com. “I think everyone knows how much I rate him, I think we are very lucky to have him and we have to enjoy him while he’s here.
“For me he is one of the top four or five players in the world for sure.
“I asked if the rules can be that you can vote for one of your own players and they gave me the green light so he got one of my votes.”
Previous winners of the award have included Stanley Matthews, Gerd Müller, Kevin Keegan, Ronaldo and.. er.. Michael Owen.
The FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in Zurich, Switzerland on Monday 13th January, 2013.
Steven Gerrard has revealed he voted for Luis Suarez to win the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or this year.
Suarez is the only Liverpool player on the shortlist of nominations, which also includes the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robert Lewandowski.
The 26-year-old Uruguayan has had a fantastic 2013, currently leading the calendar year top scorer charts in the Premier League with 22 goals, joint with Manchester United’s Robin van Persie.
As England captain, Gerrard was asked by FIFA to vote in the proceedings for his top three players of the year. Other votes are put forward by select players, coaches and journalists.
“I voted for him in my top three,” Gerrard told reporters, according to Goal.com. “I think everyone knows how much I rate him, I think we are very lucky to have him and we have to enjoy him while he’s here.
“For me he is one of the top four or five players in the world for sure.
“I asked if the rules can be that you can vote for one of your own players and they gave me the green light so he got one of my votes.”
Previous winners of the award have included Stanley Matthews, Gerd Müller, Kevin Keegan, Ronaldo and.. er.. Michael Owen.
The FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in Zurich, Switzerland on Monday 13th January, 2013.
Liverpool are now twelve games into their 2013/14 season. Aaron Cutler takes this opportunity to assess our summer signings so far.
Eleven games into the Premier League season and Liverpool sit pretty. Two points adrift of leaders Arsenal, the reds encouraging start has ratcheted up expectation. What began as a sceptical bid for Champions League qualification may yet morph into an unexpected title tilt. Indeed as Brendan Rodgers side improve, their rivals have developed a curious case of inconsistency. It is becoming evident that 2014 represents the best opportunity in six years to book a seat at Europe’s top table.
The Gunners clinched fourth spot last term with a points haul of 73. Brendan Rodgers side are currently averaging better than two points a game, putting them well on course for a top four berth. Big hurdles still remain, with a daunting Christmas period likely to define our season overall. But to this point we have fared well, generally taking advantage of an unusually kind fixture list. Moreover our standard of play is beginning to emulate the end of last season.
Take defeat to Arsenal out of the equation and the team has appeared far more fluid and dangerous in recent weeks. West Brom and Fulham were defeated with no small amount of swagger, Liverpool adding panache to supplement victory. Phillipe Coutinho has returned to add greater creativity, while Luis Suarez is playing like a man possessed. The signs are positive and should we can take advantage of a seemingly ‘routine’ set of home games between now and February, even a slight blip could be overcome.
With a quarter of the season now gone, time has come for initial judgement on summer acquisitions. In all Liverpool signed eight first team players during the last window. Two months since its close, some have made a bigger impact than others.
A long-awaited ‘marquee’ signing , Mamadou Sakho was billed as the brute force Liverpool’s defence so badly craved. At just 23 he packed considerable pedigree – having captained PSG and featured for the French national team. Big and imposing, it was hoped he would strengthen a suspect rearguard.
Sakho’s arrival was viewed as the final nail in Martin Skrtel’s coffin, however if anything the Slovak has inhibited his integration. Since starring in the defeat of Manchester United Skrtel has featured in every game. So impressive has been his form that Rodgers has even changed systems to accommodate three or four centre halves.
At Swansea a 3-5-2 was deployed, while Sakho and Kolo Toure even occupied full-back roles in a doomed experiment at home to Southampton. Both players were relegated to the bench last weekend, testament to Skrtel’s rebirth.
Sakho’s omission was slightly harsh given his improved form. An eventful start at The Liberty Stadium frightened many but in time the Frenchman has grown more composed and distinguished. An initial tendency to jump-in has been quelled, while his possession stats are always high. Indeed, a success rate of 92% for passes attempted is nothing short of exceptional for a defender.
If anything he looks better in a three. Having two experienced centre-halves beside him has aided his adjustment to the English game. It offers greater protection while he beds into the league. Eventually, one would expect him to line-up as one of two in a back four.
That big frame of his may occasionally cause problems – he can be slow on the turn and wayward in the clearance – but rest assured he is far from Djimi Traore Mk II. He is improving with every game and has all the hallmarks of a top long-term signing.
The biggest compliment you can pay Simon Mignolet is that very few supporters hanker for the return of Pepe Reina. When news broke of the Spaniard’s departure in July it caused a huge stir and led many to question both management and ownership. However Reina’s Belgian replacement has won widespread praise for his form between the sticks.
A nervy debut was transformed following a stunning save to deny Jon Walters at The Kop End. Any remaining doubters were then silenced when a last minute penalty stop from the same player sealed a dramatic opening day victory. A fairytale beginning, he has grown in stature since.
Mignolet’s greatest attribute is his shot-stopping. Put simply, he loves saving things. Only two keepers (David Marshall and Tim Krul) have saved more shots in the Premier League this term, while only three (Artur Boruc, Hugo Lloris and Ben Foster) boast a higher save percentage – Mignolet’s an impressive 80%.
Yes, there is room for improvement. He can be fallable from crosses, while his distribution can sometimes go awry. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s preferred open style is always likely to concede chances and with that in mind, Mignolet is a superb last line of defence.
Perhaps harshly so, Iago Aspas has been identified as this year’s whipping boy. In many ways he inherited the tag from Fabio Borini, who has been forced to seek first team football on loan at Sunderland. Aspas was bought on the back of a fine season for La Liga strugglers Celta Vigo. His energy and goals essentially staved-off relegation but he has found life on Merseyside hard.
At 26 he is no novice and must shows sign of improvement on his return from injury. Failing that, his could be a short stay. He works hard and has shown the odd flash of trickery but competitively at least he has rarely looked like scoring. He is also found wanting physically. Built like a ten year old choir boy, he is outmuscled and outfought far too often.
A goal will do his confidence the world of good and also relieve some of the pressure applied by the number 9 shirt. Aspas has quality and can also occupy any position across the frontline. His Anfield career is by no means a write-off but of all our summer signings, his Liverpool career has been the slowest to get started.
Luis Alberto has been no more than a peripheral figure thus far but shown enough in cameos alone to suggest he has a bright future. Good on the ball, he keeps things ticking over in the middle of the park and brings a degree of calm to proceedings. He also has an eye for goal, best evidenced against Sunderland’s Reserve team, against whom he fired a second half hat-trick.
Only just 21 he is very much one for the future and clearly a player in the Rodgers mould. A product of Sevilla, he enjoyed a successful spell at Barcelona B, the perfect grounding for a young professional.
Luis Alberto – along with the likes of Jordon Ibe and Tiago Ilori – will suffer from a lack of European and League Cup football. Both competitions would have allowed for first team experience and a stepping stone between reserve and top flight action. As it is, he will feature only sporadically between now and May unless an injury crisis takes hold.
Kolo Toure
The signing of Kolo Toure hardly filled Kopites with excitement heading into the summer market. A free transfer, his age and backside suggested his days as a top Premier League defender were well gone.
Ever the professional, the Ivorian immediately set-about disproving his critics. A solid pre-season carried over into competitive action, where he starred against both Stoke and Villa early on. Injury curtailed his initial impact but Toure has returned to the fold in understated but efficient style.
The former Arsenal man’s impact is atmospheric as well as practical. With Jamie Carragher retired, Liverpool lacked leadership on the field, something Toure offers in abundance. Always talking to his teammates, he cajoles and sets a great example.
Physically sturdy, he is far better on the ball than many give him credit for. Likewise, at 32 he still possesses decent pace and is seldom shown a clean set of heels. As free transfers go Toure looks more Gary Mac than Joe Cole. Already a cult figure, his influence on and off the field could prove crucial come this season’s run-in.
When Victor Moses joined Liverpool on loan he did so on the proviso he would gain regular first team football … but things are never quite that straightforward. The Nigerian came into the team immediately but has gradually been phased out due to a change of personnel and systems.
The Chelsea winger has looked promising in patches. He carries the ball as well as anyone in our squad and is always open to receive a pass. Add to that a goal threat and some decent inter-play and he has plenty to offer.
His undoing was the change to 3-5-2, wherein he played the ‘Coutinho role’. Never a number 10, he looked far more comfortable on the wing than behind Suarez and Sturrdige. To his credit he did OK at the head of the triangle but Jordan Henderson played the position far better when selected at home to West Brom. The England man has the energy to press and harass opponents high, as well as the endurance to track back and cover for Steven Gerrard and Lucas when needed. That’s HIS game, not Moses’.
With Coutinho restored to the starting line-up opportunities may be limited. Moses might be seen as a more experienced alternative to prospects Raheem Stelring and Jordon Ibe. What he does offer is quality in reserve and an attacking option from the bench. He will have a role to play but whether it’s frequent enough to satisfy him long-term is debatable.
So alarming was Aly Cissokho’s horror show at The Emirates it caused Jimmy Case to proclaim he should never play at left-back again. A little harsh, he was caught napping for Santi Cazorla’s opening goal, failing to track the run of Bacary Sagna quickly or closely enough. Hooking him at half-time was surely punishment enough.
Once a £12m rated defender, Cissokho’s stock has fallen considerably. In truth, Liverpool only perused his loan signature after being priced out of a deal for Guilherme Siqueira. A problem position since the departure of John Arne Riise, Liverpool have not had a truly top class left-back for 30 years. Cissokho is unlikely to buck the trend.
He offers decent width and can be refreshingly direct at times. But is he an upgrade on Jose Enrique? Sadly not. A squad player at best, he will have to go some way to earn a permanent transfer.
Tiago Ilori
Only observers of reserve team football can pass comment on Tiago Ilori’s introduction to the English game. Another victim of a reduced footballing calendar, he is unlikely to make a competitive debut this term.
In U21 action he looks cool and collected. Classy in possession he sprays the ball around like a deep lying midfielder. He is also lightening quick, which will prove an invaluable asset come his eventual bow. Whether he can stand-up to the physical element of the league remains to be seen. Fans held high hopes for Sebastian Coates and even Gabriel Paeletta before him – only for both to fall by the wayside at Anfield.
At 20 years old Ilori is one for the future. Loaning him out in January, perhaps to a Championship side, would expose him to the cut and thrust of English football without the overwhelming pressures of playing for Liverpool. He could well be a new Daniel Agger or just another Coates. Only time (and games) will tell.
Liverpool are now twelve games into their 2013/14 season. Aaron Cutler takes this opportunity to assess our summer signings so far.
Eleven games into the Premier League season and Liverpool sit pretty. Two points adrift of leaders Arsenal, the reds encouraging start has ratcheted up expectation. What began as a sceptical bid for Champions League qualification may yet morph into an unexpected title tilt. Indeed as Brendan Rodgers side improve, their rivals have developed a curious case of inconsistency. It is becoming evident that 2014 represents the best opportunity in six years to book a seat at Europe’s top table.
The Gunners clinched fourth spot last term with a points haul of 73. Brendan Rodgers side are currently averaging better than two points a game, putting them well on course for a top four berth. Big hurdles still remain, with a daunting Christmas period likely to define our season overall. But to this point we have fared well, generally taking advantage of an unusually kind fixture list. Moreover our standard of play is beginning to emulate the end of last season.
Take defeat to Arsenal out of the equation and the team has appeared far more fluid and dangerous in recent weeks. West Brom and Fulham were defeated with no small amount of swagger, Liverpool adding panache to supplement victory. Phillipe Coutinho has returned to add greater creativity, while Luis Suarez is playing like a man possessed. The signs are positive and should we can take advantage of a seemingly ‘routine’ set of home games between now and February, even a slight blip could be overcome.
With a quarter of the season now gone, time has come for initial judgement on summer acquisitions. In all Liverpool signed eight first team players during the last window. Two months since its close, some have made a bigger impact than others.
A long-awaited ‘marquee’ signing , Mamadou Sakho was billed as the brute force Liverpool’s defence so badly craved. At just 23 he packed considerable pedigree – having captained PSG and featured for the French national team. Big and imposing, it was hoped he would strengthen a suspect rearguard.
Sakho’s arrival was viewed as the final nail in Martin Skrtel’s coffin, however if anything the Slovak has inhibited his integration. Since starring in the defeat of Manchester United Skrtel has featured in every game. So impressive has been his form that Rodgers has even changed systems to accommodate three or four centre halves.
At Swansea a 3-5-2 was deployed, while Sakho and Kolo Toure even occupied full-back roles in a doomed experiment at home to Southampton. Both players were relegated to the bench last weekend, testament to Skrtel’s rebirth.
Sakho’s omission was slightly harsh given his improved form. An eventful start at The Liberty Stadium frightened many but in time the Frenchman has grown more composed and distinguished. An initial tendency to jump-in has been quelled, while his possession stats are always high. Indeed, a success rate of 92% for passes attempted is nothing short of exceptional for a defender.
If anything he looks better in a three. Having two experienced centre-halves beside him has aided his adjustment to the English game. It offers greater protection while he beds into the league. Eventually, one would expect him to line-up as one of two in a back four.
That big frame of his may occasionally cause problems – he can be slow on the turn and wayward in the clearance – but rest assured he is far from Djimi Traore Mk II. He is improving with every game and has all the hallmarks of a top long-term signing.
The biggest compliment you can pay Simon Mignolet is that very few supporters hanker for the return of Pepe Reina. When news broke of the Spaniard’s departure in July it caused a huge stir and led many to question both management and ownership. However Reina’s Belgian replacement has won widespread praise for his form between the sticks.
A nervy debut was transformed following a stunning save to deny Jon Walters at The Kop End. Any remaining doubters were then silenced when a last minute penalty stop from the same player sealed a dramatic opening day victory. A fairytale beginning, he has grown in stature since.
Mignolet’s greatest attribute is his shot-stopping. Put simply, he loves saving things. Only two keepers (David Marshall and Tim Krul) have saved more shots in the Premier League this term, while only three (Artur Boruc, Hugo Lloris and Ben Foster) boast a higher save percentage – Mignolet’s an impressive 80%.
Yes, there is room for improvement. He can be fallable from crosses, while his distribution can sometimes go awry. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s preferred open style is always likely to concede chances and with that in mind, Mignolet is a superb last line of defence.
Perhaps harshly so, Iago Aspas has been identified as this year’s whipping boy. In many ways he inherited the tag from Fabio Borini, who has been forced to seek first team football on loan at Sunderland. Aspas was bought on the back of a fine season for La Liga strugglers Celta Vigo. His energy and goals essentially staved-off relegation but he has found life on Merseyside hard.
At 26 he is no novice and must shows sign of improvement on his return from injury. Failing that, his could be a short stay. He works hard and has shown the odd flash of trickery but competitively at least he has rarely looked like scoring. He is also found wanting physically. Built like a ten year old choir boy, he is outmuscled and outfought far too often.
A goal will do his confidence the world of good and also relieve some of the pressure applied by the number 9 shirt. Aspas has quality and can also occupy any position across the frontline. His Anfield career is by no means a write-off but of all our summer signings, his Liverpool career has been the slowest to get started.
Luis Alberto has been no more than a peripheral figure thus far but shown enough in cameos alone to suggest he has a bright future. Good on the ball, he keeps things ticking over in the middle of the park and brings a degree of calm to proceedings. He also has an eye for goal, best evidenced against Sunderland’s Reserve team, against whom he fired a second half hat-trick.
Only just 21 he is very much one for the future and clearly a player in the Rodgers mould. A product of Sevilla, he enjoyed a successful spell at Barcelona B, the perfect grounding for a young professional.
Luis Alberto – along with the likes of Jordon Ibe and Tiago Ilori – will suffer from a lack of European and League Cup football. Both competitions would have allowed for first team experience and a stepping stone between reserve and top flight action. As it is, he will feature only sporadically between now and May unless an injury crisis takes hold.
Kolo Toure
The signing of Kolo Toure hardly filled Kopites with excitement heading into the summer market. A free transfer, his age and backside suggested his days as a top Premier League defender were well gone.
Ever the professional, the Ivorian immediately set-about disproving his critics. A solid pre-season carried over into competitive action, where he starred against both Stoke and Villa early on. Injury curtailed his initial impact but Toure has returned to the fold in understated but efficient style.
The former Arsenal man’s impact is atmospheric as well as practical. With Jamie Carragher retired, Liverpool lacked leadership on the field, something Toure offers in abundance. Always talking to his teammates, he cajoles and sets a great example.
Physically sturdy, he is far better on the ball than many give him credit for. Likewise, at 32 he still possesses decent pace and is seldom shown a clean set of heels. As free transfers go Toure looks more Gary Mac than Joe Cole. Already a cult figure, his influence on and off the field could prove crucial come this season’s run-in.
When Victor Moses joined Liverpool on loan he did so on the proviso he would gain regular first team football … but things are never quite that straightforward. The Nigerian came into the team immediately but has gradually been phased out due to a change of personnel and systems.
The Chelsea winger has looked promising in patches. He carries the ball as well as anyone in our squad and is always open to receive a pass. Add to that a goal threat and some decent inter-play and he has plenty to offer.
His undoing was the change to 3-5-2, wherein he played the ‘Coutinho role’. Never a number 10, he looked far more comfortable on the wing than behind Suarez and Sturrdige. To his credit he did OK at the head of the triangle but Jordan Henderson played the position far better when selected at home to West Brom. The England man has the energy to press and harass opponents high, as well as the endurance to track back and cover for Steven Gerrard and Lucas when needed. That’s HIS game, not Moses’.
With Coutinho restored to the starting line-up opportunities may be limited. Moses might be seen as a more experienced alternative to prospects Raheem Stelring and Jordon Ibe. What he does offer is quality in reserve and an attacking option from the bench. He will have a role to play but whether it’s frequent enough to satisfy him long-term is debatable.
So alarming was Aly Cissokho’s horror show at The Emirates it caused Jimmy Case to proclaim he should never play at left-back again. A little harsh, he was caught napping for Santi Cazorla’s opening goal, failing to track the run of Bacary Sagna quickly or closely enough. Hooking him at half-time was surely punishment enough.
Once a £12m rated defender, Cissokho’s stock has fallen considerably. In truth, Liverpool only perused his loan signature after being priced out of a deal for Guilherme Siqueira. A problem position since the departure of John Arne Riise, Liverpool have not had a truly top class left-back for 30 years. Cissokho is unlikely to buck the trend.
He offers decent width and can be refreshingly direct at times. But is he an upgrade on Jose Enrique? Sadly not. A squad player at best, he will have to go some way to earn a permanent transfer.
Tiago Ilori
Only observers of reserve team football can pass comment on Tiago Ilori’s introduction to the English game. Another victim of a reduced footballing calendar, he is unlikely to make a competitive debut this term.
In U21 action he looks cool and collected. Classy in possession he sprays the ball around like a deep lying midfielder. He is also lightening quick, which will prove an invaluable asset come his eventual bow. Whether he can stand-up to the physical element of the league remains to be seen. Fans held high hopes for Sebastian Coates and even Gabriel Paeletta before him – only for both to fall by the wayside at Anfield.
At 20 years old Ilori is one for the future. Loaning him out in January, perhaps to a Championship side, would expose him to the cut and thrust of English football without the overwhelming pressures of playing for Liverpool. He could well be a new Daniel Agger or just another Coates. Only time (and games) will tell.
Liverpool’s performance against Fulham, not just the result, was enjoyable for the dominance which Brendan Rodgers‘ side displayed, Adam Griffies (@whatahitsonlfc) explains.
Given Liverpool have retained a lofty league position, so far, throughout the topsy-turvy 2013/14 Premier League season, it seems inappropriate to describe our performance on Saturday as ‘better’.
The Reds returned to second place, just two points behind leaders Arsenal, rebounding from last weekend’s sobering defeat to the aforementioned, by putting four past Fulham at Anfield, securing 67% of possession in a rampant display. And that’s precisely what we were: better.
How Liverpool set up on Saturday. Fluidity was the key to the Reds’ improvement:
Having not kept a clean sheet, significant or not, since introducing a back three against Manchester United in the Capital One Cup over two months ago, Brendan Rodgers reverted to a defensive quartet for the visit of Fulham, selecting a “4-2-2-2″—or flexible 4-4-2—system. This allowed us to control the game centrally, with Lucas Leiva, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho packed into a prominent, diverse midfield.
While risking sounding glaringly obvious, fielding one less centre-back also enabled us to deploy an extra man further up the pitch, and subsequently press higher than in recent games and pen the opposition inside their own half. Instead of self-consciously cramming players behind the ball to account for our lack of energy in the defensive half of our midfield, we finally decided to put our opponents on the back foot and look to win the ball from them early, utilising the energy of Luis Suarez and Jordan Henderson in the attacking third of the field.
Identity
Our identity was back: the Rodgers identity. That’s why Saturday felt different to any other win in this campaign to date. Last season, strong, dominant performances often left results behind after a seemingly seismic shift from the stodgy, haphazard football of previous reigns to idealistic tiki-taka stuff.
There may have been too much change, too soon, but at least there was a discernable plan. This watchable footballing formula has unfortunately, slowly faded in 2013/14, and in contrast to last year, results have wrestled their way in front of performances. However, probably for the first time this season, the two aspects married on Saturday.
Another pleasing feature of the victory, for me anyway, was the recurrence of Brendan Rodgers’ spontaneity and proactivity with substitutions. Three changes were made, with, most significantly, Joe Allen replacing the impressive, but previously unassailable Steven Gerrard in the 67th minute. The move gave our captain a deserved and necessary rest, while also offering the Welshman Allen half an hour of football after recent injury troubles.
Average positions from Saturday. Our dominance is highlighted by the difference in distance between the goal and each team’s last defender:
Dominance
I can almost hear sceptics now, murmuring ‘It was only Fulham’, but my point is, Saturday wasn’t just a comfortable win against a poor side; it was an incredibly dominant team display by the Reds, accounted for by a change of structure and a noticeable improvement in style. We may have beaten West Brom 4-1 and Crystal Palace 3-1 at Anfield recently, in similar fixtures, but we conceded a combined 25 shots in those two games.
Compare this to the four Fulham had on Saturday, and my argument of our increased supremacy at the weekend gains further justification. In fact, the shot differential on Saturday, Liverpool’s 32 compared to Fulham’s four, has only been exceeded by six of the previous 5,000 Premier League games.
Our fluency returned; Gerrard, Henderson and Coutinho interchanged unconsciously while the front two characteristically drifted around, at times into our own half, confusing Fulham defenders and making themselves impossible to mark. Gone was our disjointed 3-5-2 setup and reliance on the isolated Suarez and Sturridge to produce moments of individual brilliance: universality was finally restored.
Last year’s aesthetic quality looks to be back, but now we boast a cutting edge to capitalise on it. If we maintain the manner of Saturday’s performance, with the additions of players like Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, and the improved finishing of Luis Suarez, I expect us to start reaping the rich rewards our play deserves, in contrast to our prettiness and profligacy during Brendan Rodgers’ first few months at the club.
After all, performances, not results themselves, are the most accurate indicator of future results.
Toward the end of Saturday’s game, a chorus of ‘There’s only one Brendan Rodgers’ rang around Anfield. Times are changing, and home games are starting to feel like, just that: home games.
Liverpool’s performance against Fulham, not just the result, was enjoyable for the dominance which Brendan Rodgers‘ side displayed, Adam Griffies (@whatahitsonlfc) explains.
Given Liverpool have retained a lofty league position, so far, throughout the topsy-turvy 2013/14 Premier League season, it seems inappropriate to describe our performance on Saturday as ‘better’.
The Reds returned to second place, just two points behind leaders Arsenal, rebounding from last weekend’s sobering defeat to the aforementioned, by putting four past Fulham at Anfield, securing 67% of possession in a rampant display. And that’s precisely what we were: better.
How Liverpool set up on Saturday. Fluidity was the key to the Reds’ improvement:
Having not kept a clean sheet, significant or not, since introducing a back three against Manchester United in the Capital One Cup over two months ago, Brendan Rodgers reverted to a defensive quartet for the visit of Fulham, selecting a “4-2-2-2″—or flexible 4-4-2—system. This allowed us to control the game centrally, with Lucas Leiva, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho packed into a prominent, diverse midfield.
While risking sounding glaringly obvious, fielding one less centre-back also enabled us to deploy an extra man further up the pitch, and subsequently press higher than in recent games and pen the opposition inside their own half. Instead of self-consciously cramming players behind the ball to account for our lack of energy in the defensive half of our midfield, we finally decided to put our opponents on the back foot and look to win the ball from them early, utilising the energy of Luis Suarez and Jordan Henderson in the attacking third of the field.
Identity
Our identity was back: the Rodgers identity. That’s why Saturday felt different to any other win in this campaign to date. Last season, strong, dominant performances often left results behind after a seemingly seismic shift from the stodgy, haphazard football of previous reigns to idealistic tiki-taka stuff.
There may have been too much change, too soon, but at least there was a discernable plan. This watchable footballing formula has unfortunately, slowly faded in 2013/14, and in contrast to last year, results have wrestled their way in front of performances. However, probably for the first time this season, the two aspects married on Saturday.
Another pleasing feature of the victory, for me anyway, was the recurrence of Brendan Rodgers’ spontaneity and proactivity with substitutions. Three changes were made, with, most significantly, Joe Allen replacing the impressive, but previously unassailable Steven Gerrard in the 67th minute. The move gave our captain a deserved and necessary rest, while also offering the Welshman Allen half an hour of football after recent injury troubles.
Average positions from Saturday. Our dominance is highlighted by the difference in distance between the goal and each team’s last defender:
Dominance
I can almost hear sceptics now, murmuring ‘It was only Fulham’, but my point is, Saturday wasn’t just a comfortable win against a poor side; it was an incredibly dominant team display by the Reds, accounted for by a change of structure and a noticeable improvement in style. We may have beaten West Brom 4-1 and Crystal Palace 3-1 at Anfield recently, in similar fixtures, but we conceded a combined 25 shots in those two games.
Compare this to the four Fulham had on Saturday, and my argument of our increased supremacy at the weekend gains further justification. In fact, the shot differential on Saturday, Liverpool’s 32 compared to Fulham’s four, has only been exceeded by six of the previous 5,000 Premier League games.
Our fluency returned; Gerrard, Henderson and Coutinho interchanged unconsciously while the front two characteristically drifted around, at times into our own half, confusing Fulham defenders and making themselves impossible to mark. Gone was our disjointed 3-5-2 setup and reliance on the isolated Suarez and Sturridge to produce moments of individual brilliance: universality was finally restored.
Last year’s aesthetic quality looks to be back, but now we boast a cutting edge to capitalise on it. If we maintain the manner of Saturday’s performance, with the additions of players like Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, and the improved finishing of Luis Suarez, I expect us to start reaping the rich rewards our play deserves, in contrast to our prettiness and profligacy during Brendan Rodgers’ first few months at the club.
After all, performances, not results themselves, are the most accurate indicator of future results.
Toward the end of Saturday’s game, a chorus of ‘There’s only one Brendan Rodgers’ rang around Anfield. Times are changing, and home games are starting to feel like, just that: home games.
Liverpool have been blessed with talented strikers in the last fifty years—is Luis Suarez the most talented of them?
Luis Suarez produced yet another majestic display on Saturday at Anfield, with the Uruguayan scoring twice in the Reds 4-0 mauling of Fulham. The club is lucky to have had some truly wonderful strikers during its great history, but is the 26-year-old the most naturally gifted to have ever graced Anfield?
On current form there is no better player in the Premier League. Despite missing the opening six games of the season Suarez is, remarkably, joint top scorer in the league alongside Daniel Sturridge and Sergio Aguero. He has eight goals in five appearances, and has responded magnificently following the drama that centred around him last season and this summer.
It’s not only his goals that make him so special, however. His ability to beat a man is almost unrivalled, he creates endless chances for others and his work rate is phenomenal. There is no better striker on the planet at the moment, and that is not being biased.
So who can lay claim to potentially being a more talented Liverpool forward than Suarez over the last 50 or 60 years?
Billy Liddell was a superstar at Anfield in the 50s (and latter part of the 40s). Although often used as a winger he could also play centrally, and scored 228 goals for the Reds in 534 appearances. A tall man, particularly for that era, Liddell was strong, quick and hugely influential at the club. I won’t lie and say i’ve seen endless clips in order to compare him to Suarez, however. I haven’t.
The 60s were dominated by the lethal strike duo of Roger Hunt and Ian St. John. Of the two, Hunt is the true Liverpool legend, and remains one of the greatest British goalscorers is history. He scored relentlessly throughout the decade, and is the club’s second highest scorer of all time with 286 goals. Although a top, top finisher, Hunt was not blessed with the genius or creativity of Suarez.
As the Hunt/St. John partnership ended at the end of the 60s, the 70s saw a new strikeforce emerge. Kevin Keegan and John Toshack were the classic ‘little and large’ combination, and they enjoyed great success as the club began to dominate domestically.
In truth, Toshack was not the greatest footballer around, nor the greatest goalscorer, but his aerial prowess was superb. It was Keegan who was the real star at the time, and the Englishman remains undoubtedly one of the best strikers to have played for the Reds. Excellent technically, fast and hard-working, he was not unlike Suarez in style. Having left Anfield in 1977 he won the Ballon d’Or twice in row while at Hamburg, which proves what a fine player he was.
His exit, however, paved the way for the signing of, in the eyes of many, the greatest player ever to have donned a Reds shirt.
Kenny Dalglish joined from Celtic in 1977 and was, quite simply, a phenomenon at Anfield. He won six league titles, three European Cups and two FA Cups, and is seen as the finest player Scotland has ever produced. ‘King Kenny’ played in the number 10 role (even though he wore number 7) behind Ian Rush, and the relationship they created was unparalleled.
The Scot was far from the quickest player around but his vision and class was on another level to anyone else at the club. He scored goals (172), created many, worked hard and produced in big games, notably the 1978 European Cup Final against Bruges at Wembley. He was as influential in his role as the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Gianfranco Zola have been in the Premier League era.
Despite the incredible legacy Dalglish has left at the club, and the fact he may well be the Reds greatest ever player, was he as gifted as Suarez?
Rush, meanwhile, was the greatest scorer in Liverpool’s history. His 346 strikes for the club make him the Reds top scorer of all time, and it is a record that’s unlikely to be beaten for a very long time. The Welshman was a wonderful finisher, capable of scoring headers, volleys, tap-ins and solo efforts. If you were to liken him to a player from more recent times it would be someone like Alan Shearer in his younger years, or Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Like Hunt, he wasn’t blessed with genius in his boots, just a remarkable ability to score goals.
John Aldridge replaced Rush in the late 80s, and was another top striker similar in style to the Welshman. He was very clinical in his two years at the club, scoring over 60 goals.
A new star in the shape of Robbie Fowler arrived in the early 90s, and he is without doubt one of, if not the most, naturally gifted finishers in the history of Liverpool Football Club. He scored on his debut against Fulham as a precocious 17-year-old, and scored five in the second leg of the League Cup clash.
It was between 1994 and 1997 that Fowler reached his peak. He was the star man is Roy Evans’ exciting, young side, scoring 98 goals in three seasons. Blessed with a great left foot, he had the ability to score every type of goal, and in a stylish manner. He was a different kind of player to Suarez, but again lacked that individual brilliance and creativity that the 26-year-old does. Stan Collymore was a player who had terrific ability- his partnership with Fowler was superb- but his attitude was never good enough to succeed at such a big club.
As Fowler’s influence as the club began to wane, a young Michael Owen emerged to become the new darling of the Kop.
He may not be popular at the club now, mainly because of the way he left and the fact he played for United, but there is no doubting he was an incredible talent for a time. Before hamstring injuries took away his blistering pace, Owen was the most exciting player in the country in the late 90s and early 00s. He scored some wonderful goals, and won the 2001 FA Cup Final on his own. His displays for club and country saw him win the European Player of the Year award in the same year, again highlighting his quality.
Despite his many plus points, Owen was not a great creative striker, and would often do nothing in games until popping up with a late winner. While this was his style, there can be no comparison talent-wise between he and Suarez.
When Owen left in 2004 there was a three-year period where the Reds lacked a world-beater in attack. The likes of Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse did their best, and won the 2005 Champions League, but were never good enough the lead the line at Anfield for a sustained period.
Fernando Torres‘ arrival from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2007 created great excitement at the club, and he didn’t disappoint. The Spaniard became the best striker in the world for a time under Rafa Benitez, and was unstoppable in his first three seasons at the club. He was strong, fast and lethal in front of goal, and looked as though he would become a Liverpool legend. Injuries started to creep in, however, and his attitude got worse in his final year at the club. He eventually moved to Chelsea for £50m, and the way he has played there since his move in January 2011 would suggest Liverpool did a superb piece of business in letting him go.
This brings us to the present day, and the genius that is Suarez. In my opinion he is the most exciting, talented striker to have ever played for Liverpool. This doesn’t mean I think he is necessarily better than the likes of Dalglish, Fowler and Rush, I just feel none of them were quite as special as the Uruguayan.
It’s important we appreciate one of the world’s top players while he’s still here and displaying his genius week in week out.
Do you agree that Luis Suarez is Liverpool’s most talented striker of all time?
Follow on twitter: @OnFootballTweet.
Liverpool have been blessed with talented strikers in the last fifty years—is Luis Suarez the most talented of them?
Luis Suarez produced yet another majestic display on Saturday at Anfield, with the Uruguayan scoring twice in the Reds 4-0 mauling of Fulham. The club is lucky to have had some truly wonderful strikers during its great history, but is the 26-year-old the most naturally gifted to have ever graced Anfield?
On current form there is no better player in the Premier League. Despite missing the opening six games of the season Suarez is, remarkably, joint top scorer in the league alongside Daniel Sturridge and Sergio Aguero. He has eight goals in five appearances, and has responded magnificently following the drama that centred around him last season and this summer.
It’s not only his goals that make him so special, however. His ability to beat a man is almost unrivalled, he creates endless chances for others and his work rate is phenomenal. There is no better striker on the planet at the moment, and that is not being biased.
So who can lay claim to potentially being a more talented Liverpool forward than Suarez over the last 50 or 60 years?
Billy Liddell was a superstar at Anfield in the 50s (and latter part of the 40s). Although often used as a winger he could also play centrally, and scored 228 goals for the Reds in 534 appearances. A tall man, particularly for that era, Liddell was strong, quick and hugely influential at the club. I won’t lie and say i’ve seen endless clips in order to compare him to Suarez, however. I haven’t.
The 60s were dominated by the lethal strike duo of Roger Hunt and Ian St. John. Of the two, Hunt is the true Liverpool legend, and remains one of the greatest British goalscorers is history. He scored relentlessly throughout the decade, and is the club’s second highest scorer of all time with 286 goals. Although a top, top finisher, Hunt was not blessed with the genius or creativity of Suarez.
As the Hunt/St. John partnership ended at the end of the 60s, the 70s saw a new strikeforce emerge. Kevin Keegan and John Toshack were the classic ‘little and large’ combination, and they enjoyed great success as the club began to dominate domestically.
In truth, Toshack was not the greatest footballer around, nor the greatest goalscorer, but his aerial prowess was superb. It was Keegan who was the real star at the time, and the Englishman remains undoubtedly one of the best strikers to have played for the Reds. Excellent technically, fast and hard-working, he was not unlike Suarez in style. Having left Anfield in 1977 he won the Ballon d’Or twice in row while at Hamburg, which proves what a fine player he was.
His exit, however, paved the way for the signing of, in the eyes of many, the greatest player ever to have donned a Reds shirt.
Kenny Dalglish joined from Celtic in 1977 and was, quite simply, a phenomenon at Anfield. He won six league titles, three European Cups and two FA Cups, and is seen as the finest player Scotland has ever produced. ‘King Kenny’ played in the number 10 role (even though he wore number 7) behind Ian Rush, and the relationship they created was unparalleled.
The Scot was far from the quickest player around but his vision and class was on another level to anyone else at the club. He scored goals (172), created many, worked hard and produced in big games, notably the 1978 European Cup Final against Bruges at Wembley. He was as influential in his role as the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Gianfranco Zola have been in the Premier League era.
Despite the incredible legacy Dalglish has left at the club, and the fact he may well be the Reds greatest ever player, was he as gifted as Suarez?
Rush, meanwhile, was the greatest scorer in Liverpool’s history. His 346 strikes for the club make him the Reds top scorer of all time, and it is a record that’s unlikely to be beaten for a very long time. The Welshman was a wonderful finisher, capable of scoring headers, volleys, tap-ins and solo efforts. If you were to liken him to a player from more recent times it would be someone like Alan Shearer in his younger years, or Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Like Hunt, he wasn’t blessed with genius in his boots, just a remarkable ability to score goals.
John Aldridge replaced Rush in the late 80s, and was another top striker similar in style to the Welshman. He was very clinical in his two years at the club, scoring over 60 goals.
A new star in the shape of Robbie Fowler arrived in the early 90s, and he is without doubt one of, if not the most, naturally gifted finishers in the history of Liverpool Football Club. He scored on his debut against Fulham as a precocious 17-year-old, and scored five in the second leg of the League Cup clash.
It was between 1994 and 1997 that Fowler reached his peak. He was the star man is Roy Evans’ exciting, young side, scoring 98 goals in three seasons. Blessed with a great left foot, he had the ability to score every type of goal, and in a stylish manner. He was a different kind of player to Suarez, but again lacked that individual brilliance and creativity that the 26-year-old does. Stan Collymore was a player who had terrific ability- his partnership with Fowler was superb- but his attitude was never good enough to succeed at such a big club.
As Fowler’s influence as the club began to wane, a young Michael Owen emerged to become the new darling of the Kop.
He may not be popular at the club now, mainly because of the way he left and the fact he played for United, but there is no doubting he was an incredible talent for a time. Before hamstring injuries took away his blistering pace, Owen was the most exciting player in the country in the late 90s and early 00s. He scored some wonderful goals, and won the 2001 FA Cup Final on his own. His displays for club and country saw him win the European Player of the Year award in the same year, again highlighting his quality.
Despite his many plus points, Owen was not a great creative striker, and would often do nothing in games until popping up with a late winner. While this was his style, there can be no comparison talent-wise between he and Suarez.
When Owen left in 2004 there was a three-year period where the Reds lacked a world-beater in attack. The likes of Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse did their best, and won the 2005 Champions League, but were never good enough the lead the line at Anfield for a sustained period.
Fernando Torres‘ arrival from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2007 created great excitement at the club, and he didn’t disappoint. The Spaniard became the best striker in the world for a time under Rafa Benitez, and was unstoppable in his first three seasons at the club. He was strong, fast and lethal in front of goal, and looked as though he would become a Liverpool legend. Injuries started to creep in, however, and his attitude got worse in his final year at the club. He eventually moved to Chelsea for £50m, and the way he has played there since his move in January 2011 would suggest Liverpool did a superb piece of business in letting him go.
This brings us to the present day, and the genius that is Suarez. In my opinion he is the most exciting, talented striker to have ever played for Liverpool. This doesn’t mean I think he is necessarily better than the likes of Dalglish, Fowler and Rush, I just feel none of them were quite as special as the Uruguayan.
It’s important we appreciate one of the world’s top players while he’s still here and displaying his genius week in week out.
Do you agree that Luis Suarez is Liverpool’s most talented striker of all time?
Follow on twitter: @OnFootballTweet.
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