it is... though just think of it like this... If gerrard got the ball FAST off the likes of allen, lucas, toure, agger whoever and pings balls like that about he can play in the pirlo area and deliver a "gerrard" brand of playmaking. One of gerrard's greatest assets is his attitude to playing positively and he always looks for the attacking optin.... in contract others sideways or back pass. I think gerrard deeper = gerrard playing for longer is all. those passes show what we could still be doing in 5 years time frankly. I'm hopeful.
oh and should not play every 90 minutes, sometimes coming off at 70 will help him sustain over the season. I thought he ran out of season i nmarch... maybe the injury but maybe tired too. Still hopeful Rodgers can sensibly rest his one remaining world class talent over the course of the season. bring on alberto for example.
and finally... sorry about this but count how many are to sturridge and the value of a man capable of running the channel and holding it up. suarez comes deep, he stays up there. gives gerrard options. he is also positioned perfectly for a midifelder, not ahead of the ball as in previous times... charging. he's there to take that ball and play it. in my view a real midfielder will play where he is showing in these clips. its all about not getting a head of the ball and giving himself time to play those. every one he's got 5 yards space to go do it.... great!
Every time I hear Lawro say Pirlo I think he wants a polo Stevie G = koala tea As I've said before (to his regular critics) enjoy him while he's around because we won't see the like again for a long time.
yeah... I still say play him less in some games and save him for bigger games. You are right though won't see his like for a while. I'll maintain if he is sensible himself (which generally he is) and his boss is too he can give us 5 years more.. all about appetite and saving those legs. if teddy sheringham can play to 40 or gordon strachen or dennis bergkamp then so can he. He's got enough about him thats not about pace ad sprinting 50 yards to do it.
I'd like to give Hendo a mention here too. His tireless running, movement into space and chasing down helped Gerrards game a lot last season.
Exactly. I would go as far as saying he was a pivotal cog in our midfield - not so much from a technical point of view, but his drive, energy and attitude were desperately needed.
That sort of passing compilation video would be enough for the entire career of a good player. The fact that this is a summary of just one season is astounding, I have been extremely impressed with Gerrard in his new role lately as well as his new found fitness. Looking forward to seeing him dictate our play for the next 4-5 years.
Hear, Hear. But for him to fully represent his new continental-style deep lying play maker role (like Alonso) he needs to grow back that beard he was sporting at the beginning of the month (like Alonso).
Who is our CM's then for the new season? Lucas, Gerrard, Hendo, Allen, Spearing? ANyone feel that is light/not enough? Gerrard is known for the hollywood balls but when he is on, he can absolutely ping them.
I'd add Alberto to that list, and Spearing is more than likely off. Meh, it's not the worst but it can be improved.
Hate to do the comparison (as no-one wants another Gerrard vs Lampard debate), but that's certainly what was happening to Frank last season, and I guess this coming season it will continue. Not playing every second of every game, and playing deeper. Can still be an important player (particularly with new/young players around) and will have an impact over the season. Should be used more sparingly and adds great value to the team/squad off and on the pitch - same words apply to both players.
There is a spanish saying when translated to english is " Show me your midfielders and I'll show you your team" it does ring true for the most case but as United have shown, if you are strong elsewhere you can get away with it ( up to a point). No coincidence our best seasons were with Masch, Alonso, Gerrard, Sissoko, Hamann, etc plowing through the middle. I understand your point though, just think we could do with a Banega for example if we aren't going for steel ( although him being ARgie, he could provide that as well).
With the system we play I'd say we have enough players personally. Whether they are of the right calibre however is a different matter. We play 3 in central midfield usually, with hopefully Coutinho taking up the attacking position of the trio leaving two players behind to mop up and play it forward. In Hendo, Gerrard, Lucas, Allen and Alberto surely that is enough options for 2 spaces? Any more players and we'd have some extremely dissatisfied players sat on the bench every week (especially considering we have less matches this season with no Europe).
indeed may i just say that as lampard ages his game goes... he doesn't have the range or vision of gerrard so he cannot sit back deeper. his talent is like tim cahill who also went off. joining the box and scoring. at his best his abilty to get about the pitch was also important.
