Although we definitely should of bought a striker in the transfer window, has missing out on Dempsey been a blessing in disguise? It's allowed the likes of Sterling and Suso to continue with their progress and to give them credit, they've done superbly. I'm not saying Dempsey is a bad player or that he wouldn't of added something to the squad, but obviously Rodgers has a long term project and long term it's best to start introducing the youth and to give them a chance. Wisdom, Suso, Shelvey, Sterling have all done enough to warrant being in the squad and finally we're seeing the good work from everyone at the academy finally paying off, these players still have a long way to go but if they keep making the most of their opportunity's they could be massive players in the future. Credit to Rafa and the youth team coaches for turning our academy around and we're finally reaping the rewards.
When I see the likes of Sterling, Suso and Wisdom on the team sheet it gives me goosebumps. They are so comfortable on the ball. RIP Downing's Liverpool career.
I agree their ability and desire have really lifted the mood and I am sure they will only get better. My only concern at the moment is the physical strength of our squad in general. Suso,sterling,Pacheco even Assaidi are all quite small but it's in central midfield where my biggest concern is. You look at other players like Fellini,toure,dembele and I just think we might be outmuscled in some games. Would just like us to buy a big strong midfielder. I know Lucas will help but he's not that big. Dembele would have been a good signing and I don't know why we didn't go for him.
The point about physical strength is well made. It is a concern when players under 20/21 are asked to play for the majority of the season. However, Rodgers does have alternatives within the squad the rest the youngsters if form or strength start to suffer. As for the Fellini/Toure lookalikes I don't see that as being a given. The return of Lucas will add a bit more steel but if we can keep the ball for longer and longer periods it does not really matter.
I'm gutted that we let Thomas once go during hodgsons I'll fated reign as he would have been class at Liverpool
United are being linked with Tom Ince in the papers today, I hope he does'nt go to them and do well as we would look pretty stupid for letting him go.
I think kenny let ince go but rumours were he had attitude problems and his dad was causing hassles as well. Just hope we had a sell on clause in the contract.
His atitude was all wrong. He was another Anthony Le Tallec, he demanded a first team place. Sorry you just don't do that at Liverpool. The others have showed hunger and desire and a willingness to listen and learn. They've got the rewards for doing so. Let United sign Ince, its not the first time they signed a Liverpool reject. Owen, Gidman, Davenport to name a few. Rooney has to be a Liverpol reject, how else did he end up at Evertons academy?
I applaud Brendan for giving the likes of Sterling, Suso,and Wisdom a go. The like's of Downing and Henderson should look at there attitude, determination and commitment to the cause and realise how pathetic they are. In response to kph103's concern's about being overpowered in midfield, don't think size matter's if you have the desire and ability. Look at the most succesful team in the last 5-7 years in Europe to see size isn't everything.
You are all 10 years out of date over physical strength, you don't need it these days, football is a none contact sport now, and if they get touched, they get a free-kick, especially in Europe. You are not going to get barged off the ball by a Tommy Smith or a Billy Bremner, and they play on. The whistle blows and we have a free kick. When was the last time you saw a player shrug off a physial challenge and go on to score? They all fall down and take the free kick.
Exactly. Look at Joe Allen yesterday, he's one of the smallest players in the premier-league, and he can battle and scrap with the best of them. His ball control in wonderful. He was being challenged by two Norwich players yesterday, he remained composed and he side-stepped them. Lets look at Suso, I know its far too early to hail him up as a midfield genius, but this boy is class. He oozes quality. He just avoids challenges due to his overall balance and skill. An earlier poster mentioned Henderson, Henderson is a very good young player that needs to believe in himself a little bit more. He's the new Lucas. I just hope he develops in the same way Lucas did.
I think what you mean is that a player like Yaya Toure - who combines skill with bonus physicality - would be a huge plus. Which it would - if you watch him or Fellaini, no-one can get near them, let alone dispossess them.
I think Chelsea's midfield included Hazard, Mata and Oscar yesterday. Hardly man mountains are they? If you have the skill and technique you're good enough, especially in the system we are playing.
Lets use David Silva as an example. He's tiny, but he can give defenders wedgies with the way he turns them inside out. Defenders need to be huge physical man mountains, but midfielders don't necessarily need to be.
I certainly am enjoying seeing Rafa's youth plans come to fruition. Noblelox's point about Barcelona's midfield being skilful but diminutive, combined with the increasingly non-contact nature of the beautiful game, perfectly neutralizes the midfield 'size' query. The only time I'd wish for taller player's is for set-plays, both attacking and defending. But with large defenders such as Agger, Skrtel, Coates and Wisdom, who seem decent in aerial battles, we'll be fine.
Exactly. Look at Sterling, people say he is scrawny but he has outmuscled every defender i've seen him against so far. If you have the balance, speed and agility you don't need strength, like Nobelox says, it's a non contact sport these days.
Yaya Toure is over rated and believes he's the next Gerrard. Fellaini is **** and fouls all day. I've watched Lucas outmuscle Toure, size isn't everything, it's about using your body smartly to protect the ball or putting it in the right position to win the ball. Allen is similar, uses his body well to retain the ball. Happy with our midfield choices, they fit our system/philosophy much better.
