That's like us with goalkeepers at one point. They'd come in with fantastic records and then go to pieces, never to recover whilst at our club.
True - I'm assuming teams will underestimate him like they did with Silva and Mata when they first came onto the scene. 'That small, weak Spanish kid won't do much ...'
Suso may have only been on the pitch for about 10 minutes tonight, but he is miles ahead of Pacheco in quality.
The run at the heart of their defence and the set up for the cross was class. Very good goal and an excellent performance from everyone.(bar the Jones howler, but he recovered to have a decent game)
Suso 18 months ago was possibly ready for the first team squad, but he got lazy, sloppy and sulky. He's definitely as good as Fabregas was at the same age. The difference between Suso and Pacheco is simple, its atitude. Suso is doing what he was doing at under 18 level, and what he didn't do for the reserves until recently, that is take the game by the scruff. Its what has got him noticed. He's getting the rewards now. He really looks a player. I've been saying all along Nuri Sahin is an exceptional footballer, and he was one of our star performers. However my man of the match has to be Seb Coates.
Seb was outstanding On Sahin,he was the one in the middle of the park always looking for the forward pass through their midfield,really classy performance.
Pacheco and Suso don't play the same role. Pacheco always played ahead of him (in front) of any attack and as such his work ethic is a lot different. People say his mentality is all wrong (it is) but I don't think it's due to laziness or mental weakness. I think it's due to the fact that despite excelling like Sterling did, or Suso did in the youth, he never got offered a real chance under Rafa or Hodgson or Kenny, and was loaned out/about to be flogged off to who knows where every transfer window. He's getting chances now but lets wait until he gets a few starts under his belt to judge him fully. He looked good today for example. Suso however should be fast-tracked and he really looks like a star in the making. He's very composed on the ball, much like Suso and that really is a good thing, he skips past challenges, knows EXACTLY where to pass the ball (look at his pass to Assaidi for the assist) and that is honestly a skill you don't see often in young players.
I thought that was Pacheco's best performance in a Liverpool shirt. He kept the CBs honest all evening, pressed very effectively and showed no little skill in stealing the ball. He worked his socks off and both supported and created space for others. He deserves a big pat on the back from Rodgers for his performance.
Suso on twitter before the match: Way to the stadium soon. We'll win 2night. Enjoy the game! Gotta love the lads confidence
And then after the match: Thanks to every1.Amazing 10 mins and we could win the game.Now looking forward for the next game against Norwich.We'll get another 3 points Hopefully its catching
I was happy with Pacheco - I was expecting a little more if I'm honest, but he played well. His tracking back and pressing was top notch. Suso - this lad is going to be special. He could our Mata/Silva. Who will be our midfield trio? Allen is a starter. Gerrad is most likely to start. Sahin/Suso for the final spot?
I'd go with Sahin, he did score 2 goals and we struggle for goals so its a no brainer for me. Suso to come off the bench. He'll be an excellent player for us though, particularly if he can score goals regularly, which I think he will once he's had a few more games given some of the goals he scored for the reserves and u18's.
Gerrard has played better than Allen last 2 games I would say. Nice problem to have though, Suso shown he can make an impact coming off the bench last night so thats where I'd have him, bring him on last 20-30 mins if needed
I've got to admit, having only watched half a dozen reserve games I wasn't that excited about Suso but liked what I was reading, but having seen him three times in a week I am fully over to the converted. An eighteen year old that can come off the bench when we are a man down against Man Utd and cause problems will always get my attention, but it is also his ball control, movement and positioning, he can pass the ball and has an eye for a pass. His shooting seems fairly accurate too. It is very early days for me to judge him fully but he has certainly got my attention now