Okay, I know it's silly season for rumours but there is activity on the net regarding Ash, Arsenal and Liverpool. Whilst the predominant view of Liverpool's fans is a resounding "NO" to his signing, many calling him one-paced and overweight, there is no doubt that Rodgers would like him and we all know how Ash feels about Brenda. However, whatever the merits, or otherwise, of that situation, it seems that the Liverpool Echo is warning that "Arsenal are serious about bringing the 28 year old to the Emirates next season", going on to say that "the Gunners are ready to step up their interest and are now ready to make a formal offer". I then came across a set of statistics, which make interesting reading comparing Ash with the centre backs already established at Liverpool and Arsenal. I have extracted some of the info for you guys to take a look. TACKLE SUCCESS %: Ash 70: Skrtel 82.76: Agger 55.56: Merteshacker 72.22: Vermaelen 84.85. GROUND DUELS: Ash 55: Skr 57: Agger 66: Mert 69: Verm 65. AERIAL DUELS: Ash 56: Skr 70: Agger 60: Mert 69: Verm 59. PASSING ACCURACY: Ash 87: Skr 91: Agger 90: Mert 91: Verm 87. According to these figures, Ash comes bottom in every category except tackles and I have to wonder if Agger's percentage isn't a misprint being as low as it is. On the other hand, there are no figures for interceptions and blocks which we know Ash is very strong at. Anyway, make of them what you will, it's always fun to compare, but the other message I am getting from various sources is that, even if Ash did sign for either of those clubs, he would be far from being an automatic starter. That said, would he worry when he could be doubling his wages? The other statistic, which might go some way to explaining our horrendous record of conceding set piece goals, is Ash's decided weakness in the aerial duels. He is not a tall centre back and that gives me even more shivers when I read about young Ben, who is 5" shorter, being moved there in the future. No way for me - unless, as I said in a previous post, he turns out to be another Carlos Puyol. But even he is 3" taller than Ben. So, some food for thought. I know stats can be manipulated to prove a point but these figures reflect some pretty basic stuff and would have a decided effect over a full season. I'm thinking that perhaps Michael Laudrup wouldn't be that dismayed if Ash did opt to move on, particularly if we could cash in to the tune of £12 million or so. We could buy a tall, quality centre back from abroad with that and still have lots of change to chuck in the transfer kitty. Thoughts anyone?
Bring on the "tall,quality centre back",plus a fistful of change to go buy another Michu before Charlie Chan buys him.
I said that in my post, Phil, but however you look at it, there is some merit in them and they should not be ignored. Identifying weaknesses then working on them is the way to improve. I'm sure that Michael Laudrup will have similar stats on all his players and will make sure that their individual training is geared to concentrate on strengthening weak areas of their game.
