i agree in that i've said a number of times (and got pilloried for it) that he should not be playing every 90 mins cos frankly if he played less he could give bigger performances over 70 mins or even just 30mins.... go ramage and then come off. I would seriously buy 2 midfielders as you say. we just need to be a lot better.
The problem isn't Gerrard on the ball - it's off it. It's the lack of mobility and energy that is hurting us.
I, like many, criticise Allen not for his ability but for his performances. I watched Allen at Anfield last season where he absolutely bossed Toure, De Jong and Nasri all game. His start to last season was the only bright spark for us at the beginning. But whether it was his injuries, his confidence took a knock, or both, as the season went on he played ****e. He frequently was eased off the ball, often in dangerous positions, constantly picked up possession facing the keeper and seemingly only shuffled the ball between the CBs. It was so infuriating because we saw him playing so much better. Hopefully, he will get his chance again and actually do something with it because I doubt he will have many chances left before he is well and truly labelled a bust.
i agree. when we don't have the ball he does switch off and then he'll burst to life. its like the alonso v masch discussion on the transfer thread. it looks good to slide in from a long way or make a last ditch tackle but its way better to be in position before that last ditch occurs
Defensively Joe "The Welsh Xavi" Allen is pretty sound. His positioning and work-rate is fantastic. Despite this, I believe Henderson is far more effective than him, majority of the time.
I agree that we need more options in the middle. Whether that's buying in Jan or getting more from Allen time will tell. I don't agree with taking Gerrard off though. If we're losing we need his threat (reduced as it may be) if we're winning it's essential to be able to counter quickly and a player who can stick a 60 yard pass onto a pinhead is a bigger asset than many give credit for.
