Bruce has come out and said he now considers Sess as a striker, probaly in a free role just behind Gyan, so does not think we are desperate for a striker. This is probably true in the sense that Sess played his best in the last few games of last season is exactly that role. However, I think a striker is still needed, and Bruce has come out and said this so other clubs dont try to screw us and charge us extra cos they think we are in a desperate need. http://www.journallive.co.uk/safc/s...gnon-adds-his-weight-up-front-61634-29030123/ Gyan has also come out and said, once again, he has not intention of moving on unless sunderland want to sell him. "Now I am a player of Sunderland and so far there is nothing concrete - it's just rumours," he told GHANAsoccernet. "I am happy at Sunderland but the people from Sunderland would have to decide whether I'm leaving or staying." http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/933492/asamoah-gyan-not-seeking-sunderland-exit?cc=5739
I read a Gyan interview somewhere, he was aksed about playing upfront on his own, and said although he does it for Ghana, he would prefer to play as a 2 at Sunderland, or words to the effect. I'm buggared if i can find the interview mind, but i hope Bruce has taken note, and will play to peoples strengths and preferences.
First 2 names on the team sheet, 2 best players at our club and are the difference is Sunderland just being another Stoke/Blackburn/Wolves in my opinion. Building a team around these 2 is what Bruce is & should be doing.
I may be alone here, but I think the creativity of Sess in a free role behind the main striker Gyan (Wickham as sub) is something we should be building our whole team around. Unfortunately I don't see our team as being defensively strong enough to cope with having just one holding/defensively minded midfielder, so the only only other option is to sacrifice a 2nd out and out striker. I think a top quality left winger or a good striker who knows how to play off that left wing would give us some of the best attacking options we have seen in years. I just have an inkling the team for Liverpool will look like this: --------------- Mig. --------------- Bardo - Brown - Bramble - O'shea ------------ Cattermole ------------ Larsson ---- Gardner ---- Welbeck --------------- Sess --------------- --------------- Gyan --------------- If I'm right, I will be over the ****ing moon!
I think an important thing is that Gyan ans Sess seem to like each other and like playing together, a vial cog IMO
That's a decent looking team, but harping back, not only is there STILL no left footed player, but by playing that system without one, the team would be so narrow Liverpool's back 4 could play in their slippers. O'Shea to CB and Ricco in left back, Brown benched UNLESS we sign a LB/LM with a left foot, and it's a decent side.
Completely agree Brucey, we need at least a left footed left back or winger to go on the left otherwise the attacks just break down and fade with eevryone cutting in on their right. I wouldnt mind Welbeck playing there as long as he had an overlapping fullback (Richardson?) getting the crosses in but we dont. I heard Bruce on about the balance of the squad is looking good but its still weak on the left.
Valid point Brucey, backed up admirably by......Bruce.... Whilst I agree and would love us to sign a high quality left back/left winger, I just can't see it happening. And the main reason why is that there simply are not very many out there that are either available or would be attracted to us. The team I posted is simply my guess based on a gut feeling
I know a lot of people don't like Ricco as a left back, but the cold hard facts show that when he was played there at the start of last season, we were winning games, and we were conceding few. He's not a great tackler (in fact he's ****ing woeful), but he is quick, and this makes it difficult for people to 'skin' him, he's very much like Glen Johnson,a decent footballer who often underperforms, and can't defend. As you mentioned, he is comfortable providing an overlap and giving us an outlet, i genuinely expect him to start at Anfield, if fit. I think Whickham will be used from the bench Comm.
Our best left back is Bardo, I am not convinced that he will switch him back to right back. When he cuts in from the left he is dangerous and will get the odd goal. Yes, we need a left footer in front of him, still might be Richardson (I think we will see a different Ricco this season if he stays fit). I think the back four are right, just wrong order: Brown, O'Shea, Bramble and Bardo on the left. Larson, Gardner, Cattermole and Richardson across midfield and Sess playing off Gyan Can't wait!!
Depends on how he does pre-reason.. One thing is for sure a certain young Mr Henderson is gonna have a field day with our left side at the moment.. With Gerrard and Adam alongside him.
I just don't think it is in the boys best interest to get thrown in the deep end right from the start. Let's give him some time to settle in, try and relieve the pressure of his price tag. I also don't expect to see much of Henderson on the opining round. In fact, I actually don't think he will play much part all season to be honest.
I don't fancy Henderson to have an impact. He never shows up for big games, and this is a big game for him.
Agree to disagree mate, i think he's gonna be a revalation there, and playing alongside those players will help him, and i wish him all the luck in the world (after the first game off course)
