Migs is fine. We didn't know if Reina was coming or going so we had to buy. We did and Mignolet will keep improving as he players more. He's still young for a keeper. I feel safer with Mignolet in goal and don't worry about silly mistakes as much - anecdotal I know, but that's how I feel. That kind of thing can rub off on defenders too.
Disagree with the hoofing thing in part. Mignolet, moreso in the last few weeks, has really tried to look for passes out but usually there really aren't many options or the opposition are pressing right back to our 18yard. Against West Brom especially, I remember the ball going out to the fullbacks, who then had to turn backwards to the CBs who then had to turn back to the Keeper...and then hoofed out. I'd look at the midfield, personally. Where are they? Where are the triangles? Since we lost Lucas and Allen, we've lost control of the midfield and rely solely on counter attacking football and Gerrard's long, through balls to get goals. Unfortunately, you can expect more long balls from Mignolet until those two are restored to the starting line up.
I can't remember who mentioned Skrtel along with hoofing (as is the common misconception), and I countered that argument last season with stats - well, here's some more for this season.
http://www.squawka.com/news/2013/11...-shows-just-how-far-he-has-come/2013111234290
November, Martin had the highest pass completion rate in the squad. You don't get that by hoofing the ball. His passing is great, he has even started dropping the shoulder and carrying the ball alot more than he used to, stepping up to the halfway line looking for a better option.
Cissokho, fine. He's been awful for us, but he played ok the last two games and at least he tries unlike a certain other RB. So I'll back him over Johnson, just for that reason.
Gerrard making us play deeper. Kind of agree. He seems to almost play along side the CBs lately, but I wouldn't say he's playing bad. Last two games he's done well in the position. Yeah, we play deeper overall, but I think that's just one of the things we'll have to accept with starting Gerrard in this role. He's no spring chicken...
I think Sterling has been great lately. We used to knock him for his strength and lack of confidence to run at people, his decision making and his final ball. Now he's much stronger and helping more successfully defensively because of it, he runs at and past people again and his decision making of when to hold and when to pass or run is much improved. That's a huge improvement in 6 months to a year. Final ball will come. He's a great little player who works hard and keeps on improving.
but the way we play, we need a more complete keeper. Just my opinion of course!
what a waste of money then!
