http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/150944-dalglish-sometimes-suarez-is-just-a-joy Kenny Dalglish felt the slightest twinge of sympathy for English defenders when last week's World Cup draw paired the Three Lions with the Barclays Premier League top scorer, Luis Suarez. Roy Hodgson's England will meet Uruguay - for whom the 26-year-old stars in attack - at next summer's tournament in Brazil, as part of a Group D which also includes Costa Rica and Italy. So far in 2013-14 the Liverpool No.7 has notched 14 times in just 10 appearances, including an outrageous four-goal haul of supreme quality when Norwich City visited Anfield. His performances have naturally been watched closely and enjoyed hugely by Dalglish, the man who wore the same shirt with such glorious success and has described the forward as 'a real joy'. The Scot told Liverpoolfc.com: "I would have thought that when the World Cup draw was made, there were a few English defenders thinking 'Oh no, I've got to play him again - it's bad enough twice during the season.' "You couldn't write the script. People glossed over the second goal he scored against Norwich because of the brilliance of the other three, but the technique for the second goal was fantastic as well. "Luis has been fantastic. He's a great entertainer and he's a humble guy. He's somebody that really enjoys working in training, he is never a problem in training. And he's fantastic on the pitch. "It's a real joy to see him play sometimes. The goals he has scored have been hugely influential on the position that Liverpool are holding in the league at the moment." Dalglish can take equal pride in the re-emergence of Jon Flanagan in recent weeks - the 20-year-old has started five of the Reds' last six fixtures and performed admirably at left-back. The two-time former Liverpool manager handed the No.38 his debut for the club in April 2011 and believes the defender can prove to be a dependable player for Brendan Rodgers. He added: "Flanno is a good player, he's got the belief in himself. Left-back might not be his favourite position but it's better than playing for the reserves. He has done really well since he came in. "It was a big call for Brendan to play him at left-back; if you look at the game on Saturday, he was in at left-back and Aly Cissokho was on the bench - which tells you Flanno must be doing well. "You cannot get a game because of your birthplace, you cannot get a game because you're a Scouser - you get a game because you're good. But when you're a Scouser, it helps as well when you play well. "The fans are fantastic to him because he's one of their own; they can relate to that and he can relate to them - as long as he continues to concentrate and do well. "Flanno is a good lad and a good player. He'll be helpful for Brendan to have in and around the squad."
I can't deny I found the decision to play Flannel on the left a strange one but he's come in and done well. He's looked like the better of our two full backs although that's not too tough given Johnsons recent form. Certainly looks a better option than Cissokho. I'm not sure he's a long term solution in that position but great to have a young player who is versatile, confident and who looks desperate to wear the shirt. Nothing else to say about Suarez that hasn't already been said. My biggest fear is that he'll get targetted even more second half of the season by both the media and English players wanting to make a name for themselves by injuring him.
Maybe not the long term solution, but then again, we used to have another young scouser playing at Left Back - not his best or natural position - because Right Back was taken by Markus Babbel. He proved to be a sound defender and very difficult to beat, despite being a right footer on the left.
That's the key for Flanagan he has to concentrate we all know what happens at this level if you make a mistake. He's done well so far and that Cissokho fella will be on his way.
I think his run in the team has taken us all a bit by surprise but he seems to have a lot of confidence in his own abilities so all you can ask of a young player is to give 100% and try to learn eh Young players often have bad spells and some never manage to recover from them fully so it's refreshing to see a lad come back in and play well. Fair to say he'll have sterner tests than he's had so far (Arsenal apart) and so we can judge him when he's played against the best players but it would be a bonus for us to have another lad challenging for a spot and who'll fight for his place once he gets his chance Let's hope he can keep it up.
flanno can be our new carra given time imo, has the balls of a gorrila and doesn't seem to want to hide in games. wish him all the best, he may not be there yet but we all know how that extra bit of desire can compensate for ability.
If anyone can remember from the Being Liverpool show, Flanno was staying after training a lot to work on extra fitness, his touch, etc. Similar stories are out there about having to pry Henderson away from the training fields. He is still not the best but it is probably a big reason why Hendo is playing loads, constantly improving ( and long may it continue).
when flanno and Robinson got their chance under Kenny I thought they did well myself considering age and the games they played in so it's nice to see at least one of them getting another chance to impress imo, at least br is brave enough to throw in young player's and give them a shot, it must be good to know that you will get a chance if you're good enough and show a thirst to get in the 1st team and long may that continue also
Yeah is Robinson at Blackpool on loan atm? know Wisdoms at Derby County and hes up for young player of the month award
Ok, I fear that Championship may be his standard. Spearing is Championship or league one? He is still with Bolton right?
falanagan is only filling in. we all know that. so was carra... but finally.... cissohko is unimpressive so i odn'don't mind the filling as long as its soild.
