I disagree with your view on Enrique. I think he is one of the best LB's in the league and just need competition for his position. I never claimed Flanno was a long term option either, but I'd prefer to stick with him than bring A.Cole in!
I don't agree with that one bit! He didn't do much wrong and IMO he was one of our better performers again, he was certainly much better than the other fullback we had on the pitch!
I would prefer to get a young, talented and natural left back in. Moreno/Ricardo Rodriguez would be good shouts. As MITO says - it's a never-ending pursuit of perfection. And I would definitely agree Gez that Flanno has really shown Johnson up. There are certainly other priorities such as midfield but 3 out of our backline need upgrades/competition. Enrique certainly has his moments of quality - however, he lacks game intelligence but can still contribute. Defensively, he's like Johnson - can play well for large periods but is prone to lapses in concentration - he's poor in the air and his positioning is weak. The only thing he can do is shield the ball, and there is far more to defending than that. Not saying he's a useless player, he's a very squad player to have.
Most of Cardiff's attacks came down the right flank - he was targeted and it worked. Noone got the better of him.
I agree about his positioning but his pace and strength are second to none which allows him to make these errors because he can recover. Three of the four is a bit harsh consider we have no less than eight players that can play at CB I do expect to see Coates, Skrtel and possibly Agger leave though, plus Ilori, Kelly and Wisdom are untested at CB for Liverpool too. that leave Sakho (obviously the one of four) and an aging Toure.
Of course he was targeted, he has been in every game and will continue to be because he is a young lad playing on the wrong side. I was getting at bit the bit highlighted.
Both fullbacks need competition/upgrades and so does the RCB ... Even before Enrique was injured, Rodgers wanted another left back. I agree about Enrique and his pace and strength - not saying he's a liability and I was probably a little harsh in my assessment. He's a decent player to have and I wouldn't mind seeing his name in the starting line up. But just feel we need added competition. But as MITO says - there are other areas that need strengthening first - i.e. midfield.
You see, I think both those bits are true. He is still a quality player but negates our style and system. It is no coincidence that we have been performing better as a team since Stevie got injured IMO.
Are you telling me that we're better off despite missing his world class set pieces, regardless of his impact in open play for 90 mins??
I think we miss his set-pieces but then, I'd never pick someone purely for that attribute. It is all about what is best for the team and IMO, the team is performing as well as we've seen in a long time ATM.
Yep, only messing with you mate. I think everyone knows my thoughts on Gerrard. However, the stats against Cardiff was an exact carbon copy of the game against Crystal Palace in which Gerrard was playing (and this was a game where I criticised our midfield). This has altered my thinking somewhat - rather than focusing on Gerrard/Lucas, I mnow believe that the impact of introducing Allen is far greater than the exclusion of Gerrard. Having said that, I do like our new look midfield - full of energy, mobility and we can effectively play the way Rodgers wants.
I know your thoughts on this so I knew you were pissing about too. Not sure about Allen having a greater impact mind. I'd be happy if Gerrard came back in in the more advanced role but wouldn't change things as it stands.
I think Allen has given us a bit more control and composure in the middle. He and Gerrard are a better fit than Gerrard and Lucas.
Anyways, back to the OP: Hughes is pretty much nailed on to join LFC, either in January or in the summer. DM will be either Fernando or M'Vila. Perfect scenario would be we sign M'Vila in January, and secure Fernando in the summer on a free. Attacker - Mohammed Salah is pretty much nailed on as well. Would be happy with his signature. Full back positions are still up in the air but Ryan Bertrand's name seems to be popping up once more. Looking forward to January - the squad is shaping up nicely.
Jimmy, don't get me wrong, would love to sign those guys come Jan, but until they're leaning against a goal post at Melwood I'll refrain from getting too excited
