I can see both sides of the argument here but for me: A) He's risk free in terms of temperament, ability at Prem level and there's no worries about "if he'll settle straight away". B) He's ****ing class...world class. C) If the keep ball philosophy is to stay ingrained within the fabric of future teams he would make an excellent coach for us after his playing days. D) Statement of intent. E) I agree we need more than Alonso but he would improve the look of our midfield unit 1000% F) If it becomes a question of a new centre back OR Alonso I'd have some serious ****ing issues with our transfer policy. G) Whilst I can see Lucas, Gerrard and Alonso as a trio would have issues against certain teams I'd say for the majority of league games they'd be spot on. H) I could go right through the alphabet with reasons why I'd love him back I) Would anybody really complain about wages if he came back? He can have all of Joe Coles we've saved...and all of Joe Allens...and Borinis...and Mandys.
neither skertl nor agger nor carra are domineering. for me if stelkr is off fine... just get me a hyppia!!! skertl is an ok sweeper like carra but he's as bad under high balls as carra... and agge ris weak on crosses/set pieces... hell if both wnet i'd not shed a tear. our goals conceeded is really poor and its why we're where we are
In their defence (pun intended) these are the same group who last season (for a large number of games) looked solid as a rock. As much as I agree we need another defender or two will it make a blind bit of difference if our defensive coaching stays the same?
Sounds like a fund game... Awesome Ball player Calm Determined Engine Freekick winner Got THE third Halfway line scorer Irriplaceable Jazz hair Killer balls Long shots Momentum Never gives up Owns the centre circle Passer Quick passing Relient Strong Two footed Untroubled Victorious Winner Xabi Alonso Youthful? Zabi-dozi huh
Yeah maybe but it shows they can do it and its not like we were a negative, defensive team last year...we were still creating a ton of chances. I just think last season we had the same back line but we DIDN'T look nervy and vulnerable from every ball into the box. Surely that means at least a certain part of this seasons frailties are down to the system/coaching and not just the players. Simple question (and obviously it is subjective), do you think we would have looked so frail if we'd still had Steve Clarke working with the defence this year and would that have had to have been at the expense of our attacking? Personally I think we'd be at least 8 or 9 points better off.
Definitely Lucas Alonso Gerrard Think that would work really well to be honest, I'd be ecstatic if we got him back!
Impossible to answer. We could have still had Adam in midfield with Henderson attempting to adapt to RM and Carroll still trying to make the box before the pub shuts! However, the 433 that BR has employed (with two attacking FBs) as certainly left the CBs exposed, especially when Lucas was out injured.
this is a good point. BUT, we have have the defensive weakness for a time, and last season too. they look solid then just throw one in but consistent every time we come up against a player like a benteke, a drogba or ANY big guy we struggle, we left hem in front, let them have the ball and let them dictate. We need someone to go compete, win the long punts but also just dominate the box. in other words its gone on long enough and reminds me of 1998/99 when we were crying out for someone and had bloody staunton back there. next thing you know up turns hyppia and henchoz (and hamann) Alonso coming would be great but add a CB for chuff sake. we'll improve just like putting a striker option in improved us. skertl = good but not top 4 good. just the way it is was and ever shall be and all the hard man love ins we do won't change it.
Well with Carra retiring we will be getting a CB, regardless of whether Skrtel stays or goes. No one knows what the budget is but I'm sure we can afford a CB, Alonso (10-15m?) and one other target - especially with Carroll's money
I agree. As I said before CB is without doubt the priority. My point is people shouldn't think just buying a better centre back will instantly solve all our problems...if the coaching and tactics aren't up to scratch it'll mean a slight improvement not a massive one. I just don't think there's a need to rip it up and start again. Try and add to what we've got rather than ripping it up and starting again.
Our entire defence is poor at jumping and heading. As well as Skrtel and Agger, both Enrique and Johnson aren;t that strong in the air - Johnson is quite surprising considering his size and height and he ought to be doing better. Agree with Billy - changing personnel won't completely sort our defence. I believe the tactics are the problem as it leaves our defence exposed.
-----------Lucas------------- ---------------Alonso--------- ------Gerrard----------------- -Erikson-------------Coutinho- -----------Suarez------------- So much creativity and every one great on and off the ball. But is Gerrard still best for that role?
i don't see Eriksson playing wide right! I think myself its a choice, alonso or eriksson. I see gerrard either playing deeper or being pushed up further. The fact is alonso, gerrard and eriksson are all first teamers so either you drop lucas.... let that sink in..... or you don't get both players in. Anyway i can't see us affording both in wages. ... re the tactics exposing the defence. I see and agree to a point. BUT you need to balance goals conceded against the level of exposure. We are not conceding on the break really, not much unless we lose tatcical discipline and go chasing. our goals are coming for set plays and crosses and worse, mistakes.... I genuinely think that we are losing tactical shape in games where se wee players not getting back or else getting ahead of play. if gerrard makes a run who covers? that type of thing. lucas cannot stand in and cover agger striding, or enrique AND johnson overlapping. you need two in there doing it and this is why i was raging henderson was dropped, why we lost to southampton with Allen in there and why rodgers returned finally to the 3 in the middle. however it won't stop the sloppy goals will it? we are weak off set pieces especially agger who lets everyone get a run (the one good thing about skertl is he's a toe rag in the box) any corsses and we are in trouble... if you get to the back stick our full backs give lots of joy to players.
