Sport Liverpool Football Club

[dizogg]

The best thing about Suarez after his superb form since joining the club is the way he has played alongside Kuyt. With Carroll injured and Kuyt playing up top with Suarez the two hit it off instantly. Kuyt scored 15 goals last year and looked impressive in his striking role alongside Suarez.

Carroll hasn't filled me with any confidence yet, I appreciate he is new to the club and was injured for pretty much all of last season but the small amount he played didn't have many positives. His work alongside Suarez looked awkward and obviously they haven't had any kind of preseason to form a partnership.

That is why I'm so happy about Kuyt's form since playing alongside Suarez. It means the club don't have to rush out to purchase another striker seeing as N'Gog doesn't seem popular with Dalglish.

Carroll hasn't looked fully fit. He did put in a great performance against Man City for instance though (who have as physical a defence as you could hope to play against pretty much). As he gets fitter and starts to form understandings, partnerships and just gaining experience I feel he has the natural ability to come good.

[dogsout]

His work alongside Suarez looked awkward and obviously they haven't had any kind of preseason to form a partnership.

They looked far from awkward in the game against City. Aside from the factors you have already pointed out, Carroll also had to overcome the small problem of playing in a team that was almost complete devoid of width and quality delivery from wide areas. Look at the signings we've made in the summer; it's clear we've attempted to address that particular weakness.

I do agree with you about Dirk, though.

[Adrock]

The Man City game, from memory, didn't stand out as an example of a burgeoning partnership from Carroll and Suarez. I'd like to be proven wrong because I desperately want Carroll to be a success at the club. For me, the interplay between the two isn't to a standard required to terrorise the best defences.

I'm still hopeful Carroll can adapt and learn to play short passing football, he has looked awkward when dropping back and trying to actually play. He isn't ever going to be a technical player, granted, but he definitely needs something more than he currently offers to become a great player for the club.

As for lack of width, that was a definite problem and has been for years. My concern is that with Carroll in the team people think the only option is to play long balls for him to knock down or chuck crosses into the area at every available possibility. There needs to be a lot more versatility than that.

I trust in Dalglish to not get bogged down in such a simple dilemma but the money spent on Carroll kind of dictates he has to start the majority of games.

[Hawkeye]

I'm still hopeful Carroll can adapt and learn to play short passing football, he has looked awkward when dropping back and trying to actually play. He isn't ever going to be a technical player, granted, but he definitely needs something more than he currently offers to become a great player for the club.

Watching the Hull game, Carroll provided a couple of smashing little lay-offs after dropping deep to Adam and Henderson. The lad can hold the ball up too, which depending on the formation will allow others to get forward to support.

I still think the club are two/three signing short, left back, centre half and another striker. I do understand to invest in those areas they need to shift the dead wood at the club, and sadly nobody seems to be in a rush to sign those players no longer wanted/required.

[dogsout]

The Man City game, from memory, didn't stand out as an example of a burgeoning partnership from Carroll and Suarez. I'd like to be proven wrong because I desperately want Carroll to be a success at the club. For me, the interplay between the two isn't to a standard required to terrorise the best defences.

I'm still hopeful Carroll can adapt and learn to play short passing football, he has looked awkward when dropping back and trying to actually play. He isn't ever going to be a technical player, granted, but he definitely needs something more than he currently offers to become a great player for the club.

As for lack of width, that was a definite problem and has been for years. My concern is that with Carroll in the team people think the only option is to play long balls for him to knock down or chuck crosses into the area at every available possibility. There needs to be a lot more versatility than that.

I trust in Dalglish to not get bogged down in such a simple dilemma but the money spent on Carroll kind of dictates he has to start the majority of games.

He's played 5 times for us in the league. He was struggling with injury since his arrival and walked into a team that was far from set-up to suit him. Despite what you say, he did link up well with Suarez that night against City - from zonalmarking's match report:

"On the other hand, Carroll and Suarez’s partnership looked extremely promising. In theory they are a classic duo – a tall, powerful number nine and tricky, quick player who moves into space – and the theory translated well to the pitch. Carroll may have got the two goals, but Suarez was superb – finding room throughout the game and distributing the ball well with first time passes out wide. Carroll’s passing chalkboard looks less impressive on first glance, since he recorded just a 50% pass completion rate. However, considering that many of these are flick-ons and knock-downs for his teammates, the low figure is excusable. If you click ’show numbers’ below, and see that he found Suarez six times in positions on the edge of the box, his contribution looks much better."

Give the lad a chance.

[ras el hanout]

I don't think he was writing him off.

[Takizawa]

I don't think he was writing him off.

Just judging him based on a handful of post-injury appearances.

I also think the claims that he's not technically gifted are a bit unfair, people might be surprised at just how good he is with a ball at his feet.

[dogsout]

I don't think he was writing him off.

Neither do I. But it is far too early to judge him. Let's see what he is like given a proper run in the side.

[Adrock]

I'm not judging him as a finished product. Just making my observations on his performances since joining, which I clearly stated were after injury. I'm new to posting in this Liverpool thread but over at NTSC-UK I did post up until awhile back. I think my posting history there details I'm definitely not the kind of person to write a player off after a single season, let alone half a season blighted by injury.

I pray Carroll manages to live up to his potential, because if he does Liverpool would have secured a lethal strike force that has youth on its side too.

Now, another important topic is left fullback. Whats the general opinion here? Johnson showed he was definitely capable of doing his job there and Kelly has more than filled in down the right hand side. With Jack Robinson also coming through I'd be inclined to purchase a veteran left sided defender to cover Johnson and allow Robinson time to develop. Johnson has had quite a few niggling injuries throughout his time at the club and I think pressing Robinson into action too much could be detrimental.

Someone like Baines has been touted in the media but I dont think that'd be beneficial in the long run.

[Takizawa]

If my Football Manager game is anything to go by, we just need to bring Danny Wilson into the starting 11 ASAP, and sign Benoit Tremoulinas and Iker Munaian, the title will be back at Anfield within 2 years

[Takizawa]

Now, another important topic is left fullback. Whats the general opinion here? Johnson showed he was definitely capable of doing his job there and Kelly has more than filled in down the right hand side. With Jack Robinson also coming through I'd be inclined to purchase a veteran left sided defender to cover Johnson and allow Robinson time to develop. Johnson has had quite a few niggling injuries throughout his time at the club and I think pressing Robinson into action too much could be detrimental.

Someone like Baines has been touted in the media but I dont think that'd be beneficial in the long run.

Are we any clearer on the Insua situation? I'd be more than happy to see him back in a red shirt as our starting left back for the season.

[Stig]

If my Football Manager game is anything to go by, we just need to bring Danny Wilson into the starting 11 ASAP, and sign Benoit Tremoulinas and Iker Munaian, the title will be back at Anfield within 2 years

If we wanted it within 1 year we need to use Pacheco and have bought Young, Sanchez and Sergio Ramos

[Takizawa]

If we wanted it within 1 year we need to use Pacheco and have bought Young, Sanchez and Sergio Ramos

Man City had already bought them in the first few days

[Stig]

Man City had already bought them in the first few days

Ah well I guess my names more appealing in the world of footy manager

On a serious/Liverpool note, there's a few stories today.

Weve signed pre contract deals for youngsters Marco Bueno and Nacho.

Pacheco has come out with being unhappy and wants more games or a move away.

John Aldrige had his phone hacked by NOTW.

[Hewson]

Looks like Aquilani is off on loan to Fiorentina

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/26/liverpool-alberto-aquilani-fiorentina-loan

[Das]

Looks like Aquilani is off on loan to Fiorentina

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/26/liverpool-alberto-aquilani-fiorentina-loan

Fucks sake...he's looked our best player in pre-season

[Adrock]

Something had to give with the midfield, another sale wouldn't be surprising either considering the sheer numbers the squad contains. I've always liked Aquilani but Dalglish has just purchased Henderson, Adam and Downing so there definitely is no space for him even in the squad when you take into account Meireles, Lucas, Gerrard and Spearing all able to do jobs with varying degrees of success in central areas.

Meireles has been touted to leave too, which would be another shame as I really appreciate what he brought to the team last season. Maybe Adam can do the job Meireles did, I really do hope Adam manages to find his best form and contribute to some excellent passing and moving this coming season.

[Guest]

I bet by February we'll have a long injury list of midfielders and be crying out to have more

[SMD]

Gerrard won't be fit for the start of the season, Poulsen isn't fit for purpose and Joe Cole just isn't fit.

So that leaves us with Lucas (missing the start of the season thanks to Copa America), Henderson, Adam, Spearing and Meireles for 3 midfield berths, unless Shelvey stays. If Gerrard's injury problems are still dogging him, we shouldn't really be letting Aquilani go unless we're signing another attacking midfielder/forward.

[bradigor]

Fucks sake...he's looked our best player in pre-season

So did Cheyrou

[Adrock]

Gerrard won't be fit for the start of the season, Poulsen isn't fit for purpose and Joe Cole just isn't fit.

So that leaves us with Lucas (missing the start of the season thanks to Copa America), Henderson, Adam, Spearing and Meireles for 3 midfield berths, unless Shelvey stays. If Gerrard's injury problems are still dogging him, we shouldn't really be letting Aquilani go unless we're signing another attacking midfielder/forward.

You haven't included Kuyt in your list. I take it when mentioning 3 berths in midfield you've already accounted for Downing taking the fourth spot? If so that means Kuyt could be included as a right winger, he has been effective there for some time.

If not then a 3 man midfield with Downing included in the list and Kuyt playing a part of a 3 man strike force that'd mean 6 players not including Shelvey or Coady or Pacheco. All of whom could do a filling in job much like Robinson and Flanagan did last year.

Losing Aquilani or Meireles will not be a problem. Losing both could be, though.

[Takizawa]

I think Downing and Kuyt will be considered forwwards in how we line up.

Of course, we're unlikely to stick to one formation, but as part of a 4-3-3, most definitely.

Johnson - Skrtel - Carra - Insua

--- Gerrard - Lucas - Adam ---

- Kuyt --- Carroll --- Suarez -

Yum!

[SMD]

You haven't included Kuyt in your list. I take it when mentioning 3 berths in midfield you've already accounted for Downing taking the fourth spot? If so that means Kuyt could be included as a right winger, he has been effective there for some time.

If not then a 3 man midfield with Downing included in the list and Kuyt playing a part of a 3 man strike force that'd mean 6 players not including Shelvey or Coady or Pacheco. All of whom could do a filling in job much like Robinson and Flanagan did last year.

Losing Aquilani or Meireles will not be a problem. Losing both could be, though.

Dirk won't ever play in the middle 3 though. As for Downing, I didn't want to include him because we have a lot of players who cover more than one major position. As you said, Dirk can play right wing or he can play through the middle. Suarez can go down either flank or also play as a striker. If he's on the left then I imagine Downing would be in the middle but push him up and Downing can play wide.

The problem in squad terms is when people go 'oh we don't need a left back, Johnson can play there' but you're then not taking into account right back. In terms of lasting this season without European competition it might not be a big deal but in general it's not something we should bank on.

Meireles isn't quite like Aquilani, he gives us thrust going forward but he doesn't have the same incisive passing and doesn't dictate tempo.

[Adrock]

I think Downing and Kuyt will be considered forwwards in how we line up.

Of course, we're unlikely to stick to one formation, but as part of a 4-3-3, most definitely.

Johnson - Skrtel - Carra - Insua

--- Gerrard - Lucas - Adam ---

- Kuyt --- Carroll --- Suarez -

Yum!

Agger would be my first defender on the team sheet. Apart from that I cant dispute much of of anything else you've put up. Apart from Downing and Henderson who, at those prices, surely will get a look in.

Meireles isn't quite like Aquilani, he gives us thrust going forward but he doesn't have the same incisive passing and doesn't dictate tempo.

I agree entirely on your point about Johnson, a left full back is definitely required.

Also, I would say Adam is the Aquilani replacement. He'll be the one to get the ball and dictate the pace of the game with his passing when included in the team. Adam is an interesting one for me, his level of fitness at Blackpool wasn't as high as it will be at Liverpool. With that additional fitness will his game evolve into a more energetic style when defending? With an increased level of defensive work Adam could be an excellent signing.

[Chewylegs]

Fucks sake...he's looked our best player in pre-season

Indeed and if we loan him out again I can see him being sold for something silly like 5million next season. What a waste of money if that happens.

[SMD]

Also, I would say Adam is the Aquilani replacement. He'll be the one to get the ball and dictate the pace of the game with his passing when included in the team. Adam is an interesting one for me, his level of fitness at Blackpool wasn't as high as it will be at Liverpool. With that additional fitness will his game evolve into a more energetic style when defending? With an increased level of defensive work Adam could be an excellent signing.

Adam plays better deeper though, Aquilani is better outside the box.

[Liamness]

Bit odd that about Aquilani. You need someone to thread it together, maybe Adam's that man maybe not. I would've thought you'd let him have a run in the team, then ship him out on loan midseason if it really wasn't working.

I think Downing and Kuyt will be considered forwwards in how we line up.

Of course, we're unlikely to stick to one formation, but as part of a 4-3-3, most definitely.

Johnson - Skrtel - Carra - Insua

--- Gerrard - Lucas - Adam ---

- Kuyt --- Carroll --- Suarez -

Personally I think Downing is much more likely to play where you have Adam there. From there he could overlap with Suarez when you have the ball. Yes there was a season IIRC where he was Middlesbrough's top scorer, but that says more about how crap they were up front than it does his credentials as a striker. I also really doubt Dalglish is going to put his trust in Insua.

[Sng]

I really hope the rumours about Lucas leaving aren't true. He's been my favourite for ages now, even back when everyone was laughing/booing at him when he got subbed on a couple of seasons ago. I STOOD STRONG!

I'm not convinced by the signings, not just the players (and £ spent) but where. We surely need to improve our defence and we still really only have two strikers. I guess Kuyt counts as well but nothing would disappoint me more than seeing Ngog upfront.

Friendly or not we've conceded NINE goals in our last three matches. Something's not right there!

As for Aquilani, I'd rather someone we could count on for a full season. In the Prem especially I just can't see him lasting. His injury proneness must be pretty bad as surely that's the only reason we can't bloody seem to sell him!

[Takizawa]

Adam plays better deeper though, Aquilani is better outside the box.

Perhaps with Carroll being able to hold up the ball, and Suarez providing a lot of creativity high up the pitch, we don't need an Aquilani? I'm not disputing his talents, but I think we have other players that can achieve the same thing in different roles.

Shame though, he was a big signing and i'd love to have seen him given a season.

[SMD]

Friendly or not we've conceded NINE goals in our last three matches. Something's not right there!