I would like to see that even we didn't get rid of Adam, but it's not a realistic target for us unfortunately. Which is why I mention M'Villa instead.
I seriously think fans underestimate Jay's impact on a game. He's certainly no world beater, but he has alot to his game and is more than capable of being a regular starter in a few years time. We herald Lucas as the best thing since sliced bread, but look how long it took him to get there? DM is a role which takes time and experience to be effective, as shown with Lucus, and for me, Spearing has a more rounded game at the moment than Lucas did at a similar age. He also has a range of passing which goes largely unnoticed and of course, that local passion which really kept Carragher/Gerrard driving forward. Don't also forget how well the two worked together towards the end of last season as a midfield duo. The passing 1-2s they did which kept our midfield ticking, and the high tempo/effort level was a big factor in our form. Depends on the formation, but if we had a 4-2-3-1 formation next season, I'd be more than happy to see Lucas/Spearing as a pairing. Edit- more on topic...I think it's the quality in the final third which needs working on over the january/summer, not our defensive third. Suarez and Gerrard as assumed starters means there's two more spots to fill. Bellamy will probably play less next season and Maxi/Kuyt look to be on their way out. If Downing picks up form, we still need one other. Would love a Shaqiri type player...
Basically I'm saying we need a quality defensive mid if we want even a chance of getting in the Champions League, Spearing's returning but I don't think he offers enough cover or presence in that role. In regards to your other questions (sorry I don't know how you do that fancy multi quote format) Sterling looks amazing but I'd not want to bring him through in this current team, probably scar him for life having to play with Charlie Adam & Andy Carroll, also he still looks a little too light weight, I think a loan's the best for him and us although you wouldn't hear me cry about it if he was. I'm not saying sell charlie adam now but definitely in the summer. What does he bring to the team ? nothing that Henderson, spearing or Jonjo cannot contribute. All those mentioned do not lose the ball half as much as Adam & seem better players to me. Therefore he is not required and I'm sure we could recoup the money on him.
I sort of agree, i dont think spearing is good enough just yet I think with time he will be but that is something we dont have this season, time. A player like M'villa would be a fantastic coup. And one which will improve the squad. I like spearing and jonjo and for me they offer more than Adams limited game in the centre. So that's why i suggested selling him in the summer. 100% agree regarding bringing through the youth it has to be in the right environment.
Think the criticism on Spearing is harsh, bar Lucas he's a load better than anyone else we've got as a CDM. There aren't many players better than Spearing who would play second fiddle to Lucas TBH. When he's in our lineup, especially against the bigger teams, I feel a lot more re-assured than a midfield of Gerrard/Adam!!
As do i. My team for tonight is http://footballformation.co.uk/team/created.php?f=19041 Not going to happen though, Kenny is too pussy.
I like the lineup apart from Carragher. He would add nothing apart from the odd hoof to carroll and we can't afford to sit back all day and defend one poxy goal. We need to go out and play to win.
I actually got Agger and Carra the wrong way round. So would be Carra and skrtel at cb. And agger in cm with Stevie.
I think we need to play either three in the middle or three at the back to counter their movement since we have no holding player (Spearing still out, right?). I really hope Shelvey gets a run out in the second half if we lack a bit of inventiveness upfront and need a goal. He's impressed me this season so far and can change a game more than henderson/adam/downing can currently.
