Aaron Cutler takes a look at how Jon Flanagan has revived his Liverpool career this season.
Jon Flanagan in action against Arsenal. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Be honest, you never envisaged Jon Flanagan starring in a 5-1 trouncing of Arsenal. Then again, few imagined Jon Flanagan forcing his way into a Brendan Rodgers squad, let alone a starting XI.
The turnaround in fortunes of Liverpool’s rookie full-back has been quite remarkable. Thrust into the first team picture at a mere 18 he offered initial promise before falling from favour quite spectacularly. He seemed set to be remembered for one suicidal back-pass at Ewood Park, costing the unfortunate Doni both a red card and Wembley appearance in the process.
A resultant Premier League exile showed no signs of abating with Flanno destined to follow former academy graduates Stephen Wright and Jon Otsemobor through the Anfield exit door and into league football wilderness.
His fate was all but sealed during Rodgers first pre-season, where the Being: Liverpool cameras caught him instructing the youngster to keep it simple – ‘You’re not Cafu’ his honest but brutal assessment. To his eternal credit Flanagan knuckled down and worked at his game, desperate to salvage a Liverpool career his father was denied. More on that later.
Reserve team football beckoned, save for an infamous FA Cup game at Oldham – the less said about that the better. Having become an almost satirical figure, there was collective shock and dread at a sudden recall away to Arsenal in November.
Glen Johnson was ruled out through illness and thus Flanagan was pitted against the league leaders in an unfamiliar wing-back position. The reds themselves fell desperately flat but the youngster’s performance was fairly solid. He defended soundly, offered width when possible and never hid from receiving possession, despite The Gunners imperious pressing game. Substituted in the 68th minute he hardly silenced his critics but kept them at bay.
Normal service was resumed the following weekend with Flanagan dropped from both the team and squad for the visit of Fulham. Indeed, there was every chance that Emirates cameo would prove his sole appearance of the Premier League season. Until Goodison Park.
Rumours abounded in the week preceding the Merseyside Derby that Flanno would be involved. Even so, his eventual inclusion surprised many.
Blue eyes lit up at the certain mismatch that would prove Mirallas vs. Flanagan. The Belgian certainly played his part in a pulsating 3-3 draw but his impact came in spite of Flanno, not because of him. Indeed, Liverpool’s number 38 was outstanding throughout. Far from overawed by the occasion he relished his chance and Simon Mignolet apart, was far-and-away the reds best performer.
Never in doubt was that tigerish tenacity but nobody realised how composed he was (or rather had become) in possession. Countless times he received the ball in tight areas only to pop it off to a reds shirt and spring an attack. He won a near 90% of his challenges and showed tactical awareness belying his years, covering the bewildered Martin Skrtlel and Daniel Agger on numerous occasions. And lest we forget, this all came from a left-back berth, by no means his natural position.
Liverpool fans love nothing more than one of their own shining in the heat of a derby atmosphere and plaudits rightly followed. Steven Gerrard led the acclaim, declaring ‘Our star man, for me, was Jon Flanagan. I thought he was unbelievable. It was one of the best derby performances I have seen for many years.’ The skipper even led his team in a round of applause for the rookie’s display. Some statement.
Keen to show this was no adrenalin fuelled flash in the pan, Flanagan set-about disproving all critics in the run-up to Christmas. He started the next five games and grew in both stature and confidence accordingly. A first senior goal at White Hart Lane crowned his re-birth, guiding a half-volley in via the underside of the bar in poetic fashion. A picturesque moment for both player and team even little Flanno joined in the celebrations!
His mentor, Jamie Carrgher, shared in his delight, texting ‘Well done – the next Roberto Carlos.’
When injury struck against Cardiff the following weekend cynics felt that was that for Flanagan. A brief purple patch in light of injuries was his lot; his own absence would spark the end of this mini-revival. But as has become common in this fledgling career, the defender bounced back.
He was missed away to City and Chelsea, where both Glen Johnson and Aly Cissokho’s merits were called into question. And since returning to the fold at Bournemouth he has been an ever-present.
Another fine showing in a Merseyside Derby stifled Pienaar and Baines before Saturday’s demolition of Arsenal wherin Flanagan rendered the threat of Monreal and Cazorla meaningless. Having featured in 11 of the previous 12 games in which he’s been available we can now say Flanagan has salvaged his Liverpool career. Moreover, he has put forward a compelling case for a regular start when Johnson, Enrique and co. return to the fold.
Comparisons to Cafu and Dani Alves are perhaps a little far-fectched but Flanagan has attributes befitting a top quality full-back. Whisper it but his style of play is more in-keeping with a Gary Neville, by no means a world beater but an accomplished defender who developed his game in the final third. That is something Flanagan must work on.
The modern full-back is expected to overlap and provide an attacking threat. At present, Flanagan has only mustered four shots, while his cross completion rate is a lowly 11%. Those stats will have to change, particularly given the importance of full-backs in a Rodgers set-up. But the manager will work with him, as he appears to have done in possession. Nobody rated Flanagan’s ball-play anywhere near the level required of a Liverpool side built on tiki-taka principles. Recent performances have changed that perception a hundred fold.
And of course the main objective of any defender is to defend, which Flanagan does to great aplomb. There is little point in a full-back marauding forward but abandoning defensive responsibilities. A healthy medium must be struck. To date he’s won 75% of tackles attempted and more than half his aerial duels. That is a solid base from which to build.
The refreshing thing about Flanno is he has shown a willingness to improve and carve out a career in spite of his shortcomings; something his father John never managed having been branded ‘lazy’ by Phil Thompson.
Few predicted Jamie Carragher would enjoy such an illustrious career when he burst onto the scene as a fiery local lad whose technique was forever called into question. Flanagan look no further than his former teammate as an example of what can be achieved. Born just a stone’s throw from Anfield he’ll have The Kop willing him on and after this season nobody will be writing him off again.
Aaron Cutler takes a look at how Jon Flanagan has revived his Liverpool career this season.
Jon Flanagan in action against Arsenal. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Be honest, you never envisaged Jon Flanagan starring in a 5-1 trouncing of Arsenal. Then again, few imagined Jon Flanagan forcing his way into a Brendan Rodgers squad, let alone a starting XI.
The turnaround in fortunes of Liverpool’s rookie full-back has been quite remarkable. Thrust into the first team picture at a mere 18 he offered initial promise before falling from favour quite spectacularly. He seemed set to be remembered for one suicidal back-pass at Ewood Park, costing the unfortunate Doni both a red card and Wembley appearance in the process.
A resultant Premier League exile showed no signs of abating with Flanno destined to follow former academy graduates Stephen Wright and Jon Otsemobor through the Anfield exit door and into league football wilderness.
His fate was all but sealed during Rodgers first pre-season, where the Being: Liverpool cameras caught him instructing the youngster to keep it simple – ‘You’re not Cafu’ his honest but brutal assessment. To his eternal credit Flanagan knuckled down and worked at his game, desperate to salvage a Liverpool career his father was denied. More on that later.
Reserve team football beckoned, save for an infamous FA Cup game at Oldham – the less said about that the better. Having become an almost satirical figure, there was collective shock and dread at a sudden recall away to Arsenal in November.
Glen Johnson was ruled out through illness and thus Flanagan was pitted against the league leaders in an unfamiliar wing-back position. The reds themselves fell desperately flat but the youngster’s performance was fairly solid. He defended soundly, offered width when possible and never hid from receiving possession, despite The Gunners imperious pressing game. Substituted in the 68th minute he hardly silenced his critics but kept them at bay.
Normal service was resumed the following weekend with Flanagan dropped from both the team and squad for the visit of Fulham. Indeed, there was every chance that Emirates cameo would prove his sole appearance of the Premier League season. Until Goodison Park.
Rumours abounded in the week preceding the Merseyside Derby that Flanno would be involved. Even so, his eventual inclusion surprised many.
Blue eyes lit up at the certain mismatch that would prove Mirallas vs. Flanagan. The Belgian certainly played his part in a pulsating 3-3 draw but his impact came in spite of Flanno, not because of him. Indeed, Liverpool’s number 38 was outstanding throughout. Far from overawed by the occasion he relished his chance and Simon Mignolet apart, was far-and-away the reds best performer.
Never in doubt was that tigerish tenacity but nobody realised how composed he was (or rather had become) in possession. Countless times he received the ball in tight areas only to pop it off to a reds shirt and spring an attack. He won a near 90% of his challenges and showed tactical awareness belying his years, covering the bewildered Martin Skrtlel and Daniel Agger on numerous occasions. And lest we forget, this all came from a left-back berth, by no means his natural position.
Liverpool fans love nothing more than one of their own shining in the heat of a derby atmosphere and plaudits rightly followed. Steven Gerrard led the acclaim, declaring ‘Our star man, for me, was Jon Flanagan. I thought he was unbelievable. It was one of the best derby performances I have seen for many years.’ The skipper even led his team in a round of applause for the rookie’s display. Some statement.
Keen to show this was no adrenalin fuelled flash in the pan, Flanagan set-about disproving all critics in the run-up to Christmas. He started the next five games and grew in both stature and confidence accordingly. A first senior goal at White Hart Lane crowned his re-birth, guiding a half-volley in via the underside of the bar in poetic fashion. A picturesque moment for both player and team even little Flanno joined in the celebrations!
His mentor, Jamie Carrgher, shared in his delight, texting ‘Well done – the next Roberto Carlos.’
When injury struck against Cardiff the following weekend cynics felt that was that for Flanagan. A brief purple patch in light of injuries was his lot; his own absence would spark the end of this mini-revival. But as has become common in this fledgling career, the defender bounced back.
He was missed away to City and Chelsea, where both Glen Johnson and Aly Cissokho’s merits were called into question. And since returning to the fold at Bournemouth he has been an ever-present.
Another fine showing in a Merseyside Derby stifled Pienaar and Baines before Saturday’s demolition of Arsenal wherin Flanagan rendered the threat of Monreal and Cazorla meaningless. Having featured in 11 of the previous 12 games in which he’s been available we can now say Flanagan has salvaged his Liverpool career. Moreover, he has put forward a compelling case for a regular start when Johnson, Enrique and co. return to the fold.
Comparisons to Cafu and Dani Alves are perhaps a little far-fectched but Flanagan has attributes befitting a top quality full-back. Whisper it but his style of play is more in-keeping with a Gary Neville, by no means a world beater but an accomplished defender who developed his game in the final third. That is something Flanagan must work on.
The modern full-back is expected to overlap and provide an attacking threat. At present, Flanagan has only mustered four shots, while his cross completion rate is a lowly 11%. Those stats will have to change, particularly given the importance of full-backs in a Rodgers set-up. But the manager will work with him, as he appears to have done in possession. Nobody rated Flanagan’s ball-play anywhere near the level required of a Liverpool side built on tiki-taka principles. Recent performances have changed that perception a hundred fold.
And of course the main objective of any defender is to defend, which Flanagan does to great aplomb. There is little point in a full-back marauding forward but abandoning defensive responsibilities. A healthy medium must be struck. To date he’s won 75% of tackles attempted and more than half his aerial duels. That is a solid base from which to build.
The refreshing thing about Flanno is he has shown a willingness to improve and carve out a career in spite of his shortcomings; something his father John never managed having been branded ‘lazy’ by Phil Thompson.
Few predicted Jamie Carragher would enjoy such an illustrious career when he burst onto the scene as a fiery local lad whose technique was forever called into question. Flanagan look no further than his former teammate as an example of what can be achieved. Born just a stone’s throw from Anfield he’ll have The Kop willing him on and after this season nobody will be writing him off again.
Liverpool won the league game at Anfield in dramatic circumstances, taking a 4-0 lead after just 20 minutes.
The two fans were watching the game in a bar in Meru, near Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday when the incident happened, according to BBC News.
The BBC report that extreme rivalry is commonplace in Kenya, as fans flock to bars every weekend to watch the latest live English Premier League action.
They write:
Our correspondent says this is not the first time that rival Kenyan fans have stabbed each other – it has happened over both English games and those in the local league.
Last year, a Manchester United fan killed himself after his team lost to Newcastle United.
The Independent ’s Simon Rice reports that the local police chief for the North Eastern region of the town, Tom Odera, told Reuters news agency, “The assailant and the deceased had a bitter argument over the match.
“The assailant, David Mwangi, drew out a knife and stabbed Anthony Mutethia.”
He was just 25-years-old.
Rest in peace, Anthony Mutethia. You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Liverpool won the league game at Anfield in dramatic circumstances, taking a 4-0 lead after just 20 minutes.
The two fans were watching the game in a bar in Meru, near Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday when the incident happened, according to BBC News.
The BBC report that extreme rivalry is commonplace in Kenya, as fans flock to bars every weekend to watch the latest live English Premier League action.
They write:
Our correspondent says this is not the first time that rival Kenyan fans have stabbed each other – it has happened over both English games and those in the local league.
Last year, a Manchester United fan killed himself after his team lost to Newcastle United.
The Independent ’s Simon Rice reports that the local police chief for the North Eastern region of the town, Tom Odera, told Reuters news agency, “The assailant and the deceased had a bitter argument over the match.
“The assailant, David Mwangi, drew out a knife and stabbed Anthony Mutethia.”
He was just 25-years-old.
Rest in peace, Anthony Mutethia. You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Brendan Rodgers has revealed that there have been no discussions between himself and Liverpool’s senior management over a contract extension.
Brendan Rodgers is all smiles as his side score the fifth against Arsenal. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Northern Irishman is now half-way through his three year deal, which began in the summer of 2012, though Rodgers hinted he is keen to stay.
Andy Hunter of the Guardian writes in Tuesday morning’s paper that “FSG are expected to offer a contract extension this summer.”
Liverpool are in fine form this season, sitting fourth in the Premier League after 25 games, and having just beaten Arsenal 5-1 with arguably one of the club’s best performances in the last two decades.
When asked if there was any movement on Rodgers and his backroom staff being offered new contracts by Liverpool, he is quoted in the Guardian as saying, “Nothing whatsoever. I have, after this year, one more year to go. I have always said I am very happy here and we’re just over halfway through that contract and it is not something that comes into my thinking.
“If I was to never get offered one, I would give my life to the last day of that contract.
“In the meantime, until anyone says otherwise or wants to reward the staff or myself for our work, then we keep working as normal and see where it takes us.”
Rodgers also denied there is a trigger in his current deal to initiate a fourth year, and that he was hopeful of staying on because he is happy on Merseyside.
“I have regular contact with the owners and it is never mentioned,” he added. “I talk more about players
“My ambition is more for the club so I want the players tied up so we can keep the best players and get players in.
“The club knows my feelings in that I love it here and hopefully – if I can progress and be good and everyone is happy – stay here.
“If it’s not to be for the owners and they want a different direction at the end of it, I will have done my best.”
Liverpool are now looking ahead to Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage, though a statement over planned tube strikes threw the game into doubt on Monday night.
A decision on whether Fulham vs Liverpool will go ahead will be made on Tuesday.
Brendan Rodgers has revealed that there have been no discussions between himself and Liverpool’s senior management over a contract extension.
Brendan Rodgers is all smiles as his side score the fifth against Arsenal. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Northern Irishman is now half-way through his three year deal, which began in the summer of 2012, though Rodgers hinted he is keen to stay.
Andy Hunter of the Guardian writes in Tuesday morning’s paper that “FSG are expected to offer a contract extension this summer.”
Liverpool are in fine form this season, sitting fourth in the Premier League after 25 games, and having just beaten Arsenal 5-1 with arguably one of the club’s best performances in the last two decades.
When asked if there was any movement on Rodgers and his backroom staff being offered new contracts by Liverpool, he is quoted in the Guardian as saying, “Nothing whatsoever. I have, after this year, one more year to go. I have always said I am very happy here and we’re just over halfway through that contract and it is not something that comes into my thinking.
“If I was to never get offered one, I would give my life to the last day of that contract.
“In the meantime, until anyone says otherwise or wants to reward the staff or myself for our work, then we keep working as normal and see where it takes us.”
Rodgers also denied there is a trigger in his current deal to initiate a fourth year, and that he was hopeful of staying on because he is happy on Merseyside.
“I have regular contact with the owners and it is never mentioned,” he added. “I talk more about players
“My ambition is more for the club so I want the players tied up so we can keep the best players and get players in.
“The club knows my feelings in that I love it here and hopefully – if I can progress and be good and everyone is happy – stay here.
“If it’s not to be for the owners and they want a different direction at the end of it, I will have done my best.”
Liverpool are now looking ahead to Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage, though a statement over planned tube strikes threw the game into doubt on Monday night.
A decision on whether Fulham vs Liverpool will go ahead will be made on Tuesday.
Liverpool’s trip to Fulham in the Premier League this Wednesday night could be postponed due to planned public transport strikes, it was revealed on Monday.
The Reds are due to play the Cottagers at 8pm, but planned strikes by tube workers on the day could effect matchday plans.
Fulham are concerned that staff and stewards would be unable to get to Craven Cottage if the tube strikes go ahead, and said a final decision on whether the game would go ahead will be made on Tuesday.
The club say in a statement:
[sic] The Club has concerns over the potential impact that the strike may have on the ability of its safety staff to attend the ground in sufficient time and numbers to ensure that it is able to open the ground and effectively operate it, from the time that the gates are open to the public until the departure of all supporters.
A statement from Transport For London (TFL) on the planned strikes reads:
The RMT and TSSA unions have called a strike on the Tube which will affect services from 21:30 on Tuesday 11 February. Some services will operate between 07:00-23:00 on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 February with last trains departing Central London from around 21:30.
Arsenal vs Manchester United also takes place in the capital on Wednesday night, however there has been no indication that this could potentially be postponed from either club.
Should the game go ahead, Fulham go into this week’s game off the back of a 2-2 draw with Man Utd at Old Trafford, whilst Liverpool are buzzing from their 5-1 demolition of Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.
Are you going to the Fulham v Liverpool game on Wednesday? Let us know your thoughts on the possible postponement of the fixture in the comments below, on Twitter @thisisanfield or in our forums .
Liverpool’s trip to Fulham in the Premier League this Wednesday night could be postponed due to planned public transport strikes, it was revealed on Monday.
The Reds are due to play the Cottagers at 8pm, but planned strikes by tube workers on the day could effect matchday plans.
Fulham are concerned that staff and stewards would be unable to get to Craven Cottage if the tube strikes go ahead, and said a final decision on whether the game would go ahead will be made on Tuesday.
The club say in a statement:
[sic] The Club has concerns over the potential impact that the strike may have on the ability of its safety staff to attend the ground in sufficient time and numbers to ensure that it is able to open the ground and effectively operate it, from the time that the gates are open to the public until the departure of all supporters.
A statement from Transport For London (TFL) on the planned strikes reads:
The RMT and TSSA unions have called a strike on the Tube which will affect services from 21:30 on Tuesday 11 February. Some services will operate between 07:00-23:00 on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 February with last trains departing Central London from around 21:30.
Arsenal vs Manchester United also takes place in the capital on Wednesday night, however there has been no indication that this could potentially be postponed from either club.
Should the game go ahead, Fulham go into this week’s game off the back of a 2-2 draw with Man Utd at Old Trafford, whilst Liverpool are buzzing from their 5-1 demolition of Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.
Are you going to the Fulham v Liverpool game on Wednesday? Let us know your thoughts on the possible postponement of the fixture in the comments below, on Twitter @thisisanfield or in our forums .
Luis Suarez is “loving life at Liverpool,” according to his international teammate and close friend Edinson Cavani.
Luis Suarez celebrates scoring the first goal against Norwich City earlier this season. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
After a fiery summer last year when Suarez believed he was entitled to leave Liverpool since they hadn’t qualified for the Champions League, the Uruguayan international is now having his best season yet for the Reds.
Furthermore, the 27-year-old signed a new long-term contract with the club in December, and seems a happier, more mature figure on the field as Liverpool look to finish in the Premier League’s top four.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Cavani said Suarez is much happier on Merseyside these days.
“I speak with Luis most weeks – and he is loving life at Liverpool,” Cavani is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying. “When I speak with him now it sounds like a different man to that of last season.
“You can hear it in his voice how happy he is compared to last season. He has always loved Liverpool – things have not always gone well for him in England – and he told me how humbled he was by the way the club and the fans stood by him.”
Cavani and Suarez look set to make an exciting partnership for their country at this year’s Word Cup, where they face England, Costa Rica and Italy in the group stage.
Cavani added that he believed Suarez simply wanted to be at a club with a high ambition when the Liverpool forward tried to force his way out of the club last year.
“When he asked to leave people thought there was an ulterior motive like a financial one – but it was not true. All he wanted was to be at a team which matched his ambition, where he could play Champions League Football, and where he can compete for major trophies,’ Cavani added. ‘Now Liverpool are in that place he is happy to stay.”
Luis Suarez is “loving life at Liverpool,” according to his international teammate and close friend Edinson Cavani.
Luis Suarez celebrates scoring the first goal against Norwich City earlier this season. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
After a fiery summer last year when Suarez believed he was entitled to leave Liverpool since they hadn’t qualified for the Champions League, the Uruguayan international is now having his best season yet for the Reds.
Furthermore, the 27-year-old signed a new long-term contract with the club in December, and seems a happier, more mature figure on the field as Liverpool look to finish in the Premier League’s top four.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Cavani said Suarez is much happier on Merseyside these days.
“I speak with Luis most weeks – and he is loving life at Liverpool,” Cavani is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying. “When I speak with him now it sounds like a different man to that of last season.
“You can hear it in his voice how happy he is compared to last season. He has always loved Liverpool – things have not always gone well for him in England – and he told me how humbled he was by the way the club and the fans stood by him.”
Cavani and Suarez look set to make an exciting partnership for their country at this year’s Word Cup, where they face England, Costa Rica and Italy in the group stage.
Cavani added that he believed Suarez simply wanted to be at a club with a high ambition when the Liverpool forward tried to force his way out of the club last year.
“When he asked to leave people thought there was an ulterior motive like a financial one – but it was not true. All he wanted was to be at a team which matched his ambition, where he could play Champions League Football, and where he can compete for major trophies,’ Cavani added. ‘Now Liverpool are in that place he is happy to stay.”
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