Fabio Aurelio hopes our absence from European football could help him stay fit and answer Liverpool's left-back conundrum this season. The Brazilian is one of the most technically gifted defenders in the country but injuries have restricted him to 131 appearances in five years at Anfield. A calf problem kept Aurelio in the treatment room for much of our pre-season programme but he returned during the 2-0 win over Valencia on Saturday. Afterwards he told Liverpoolfc.tv: "My problem has been the injuries and I'm aware of that but I still believe I can be better than in the past and more available. This season we have our games mostly once a week so it could be a good season for me to have a run of games and fill that gap. "I had an injury to my calf at the beginning of pre-season so I've been working in the gym and on the bike. I have been involved with the team in the last week. I'm very pleased to have time on the pitch, especially because I felt very well. It was a good test after just one week with the team. Physically I didn't feel behind the others." Aurelio enjoyed an instant footballing camaraderie with new boy Stewart Downing down Liverpool's left at Anfield. The 31-year-old thinks our new No.19 is exactly the kind of player we needed to buy this summer. "It was the first time we've been together on the pitch and we coped well - there were good signs for the future," said Aurelio. We needed players like him with pace on the wing. Especially because of his pace and technique, I think he'll be a very good addition for us." With our pre-season fixtures complete, Aurelio and co will now put the finishing touches to their preparations for 2011-12 before taking on Sunderland at Anfield next Saturday. Our cultured full-back thinks getting back into the Champions League has to be the goal this term. "The first target is getting in the Champions League and once we get that, then we can look for more," he said. The mood among the players is excitement. I think everyone is anxious to start the season. Everyone is expecting a lot from us with the signings but we have to look at the long-term as well - a few new players have arrived and they'll need time to settle in. Some of them already feel good in the red shirt so hopefully we can do well from the start of the season." I believe that, if fit, he would sort out our left-back problem. It's such a shame that he cannot stay fit. Thoughts?
I hope he stays fit and plays every game this season, fixing the left back problem for years to come (Then we can keep Enrique )
Yeah, I would like Aurelio to stay fit all season. It's just doesn't happen which is a shame. He's also 31 so I don't think he's got too long left. Any more news on Enrique from your end?
It would solve our left-back problem in an instant if he stayed fit. An excellent left-back if he stays fit. Hopefully he can!
Not a bad idea.Maybe just maybe we could forfeit the left back until either January or next summer at the latest and go after a centre back. I think getting in a centre back is more important,we don't want a situation when our only fit centrebacks are Carra and Soto. Soto doesn't fill me with confidence at all.
Agree, he would solve the problem. He would be first choice, Johnson can easily cover and Robinson is waiting in the wings as well. Adam & Aurelio taking free kicks. Think how many goals we'd score from either direct free kicks, or crosses from out side.
I really hope that when Stevie G is back that he steps aside esp on corners but also some free kicks.His corners are pretty awful and we need more variety on free kicks..can't remeber too many we have scored from recently,not directly anyway.
I reckon due to the options we've got we won't have one designated corner or free-kick taker. We have a number of options for both. Joe Cole. Aquilani Adam Mereiles. Downing. Gerrard.
I was ready to let him go. He could have a point about games but he got injured pre-season so not a great advert. I was concerned about anybody who's still injury-prone because the Aussie medics have had an extended training warm-up in place all last season to cut down injuries. It's possible they spent last pre-season waiting for the World Cup stragglers and getting to know the club and players, so maybe a full pre-season under Brukner can do the job on Agger and Aurelio.
I wouldn't say he is fully sharp but the way he was FINALLY bombing about yesterday ( much better team though so another reason he looked better), but he is getting there. Also think we are still not sure on where he is going to lay the ball off once he heads it down, or back into the box. A lot of balls there to be won, have a strike, continue the attack, etc but we weren't quite reading it yet. Stevie will thrive off of those chances.
You also have Suarez to add to the equation. If we can add at least one more player, for me preferably a centre back,we will have had one hell of a summer. Some reports are suggesting that Newcastle are resigned to losing Jose Enrique,they are lining up a replacement.
Enrique will be good, especially if we get him at 5.5, could be an absolute steal. I would also like a CB too but not sure where we are leaning with that, we went foreign with our last bid (Zapata) but not sure if we will look British or not.
I agree. However there could be something happening with regards to Gary Cahill. Bolton are apparently still sniffing around Ngog. Maybe a Ngog plus cash deal may be in the offing. We would then have to bring in another striker as back up to El Pistolero and Big Andy. However it seems finding a 4th choice striker may be easier than finding a centre back.
I think Kuyt fills the 3rd striker role perfectly and with the amount of midfielders we have it will be easy to play 1 up top. not sure on the fourth striker, maybe bring up one from the youth? not sure who is making that grade but you never know, look at Flano, didn;t see him coming. Also anyword on Suso? I hope he doesn't turn out like pacheco.....
Suso has time on his hands,He's only 17. I reckon his big test will be the nextgen series for the under 19s. The ones that shine in that will be the ones that have the best chance of making it.
Enrique deal doesnt look certain just yet, no bid accepted and he's in line to play against Arsenal this weekend. Then again we are meant to be looking at Erik Pieters as a potential replacement.
