Anyways, I'm writing this to give a verdict to my beloved football club Liverpool. Lots have happened and are still happening, but this is a verdict on their performance so far. Cut the crap about Tom Hick wanting to fully take over Liverpool, 'cause that's not worth talking about. All I want, no, all every Liverpool fan in the world wants, is to see HIS.ASS.BEING.KICKED. Period.
Don't mind telling you, I rarely watched Liverpool play before this, but this season I've watched at least 3 games, with some others coming from the highlights, and this is what I see:
There is no adventure.
I'm not talking about travelling to places, I'm talking about moving the ball forward, keeping it and being a threat. Liverpool only has number one, and they failed terribly in number 2&3. Look at the way Arsenal and Chelsea play. Do you know why they easily get goals? 'Cause they are adventurous. They try things like making a superbly slick pass, making EVERY move count. They pass the ball as quickly as possible. Hell they might even be guilty of walking the ball into the net one day.
And ohh. They got smart players too.
It's not that Liverpool don't; they even have something that some teams don't: hardworking players. Rare these days. Chasing the ball down, closing on opponents, get a steal or two maybe. But choosing the right pass or the right play? As far as I'm concern, only Gerrard, Torres, Cole and Meireless fit into that category. And ohh, Aquilani too. And probably Benayoun (but he went to Chelski and we've got Cole so equal). Other than that? Maybe Poulsen. But that's it.
Take a look at this: Arsenal having players like Nasri, Walcott, Chamakh, Van Persie, Fabregas, Arshavin, and now even Vela and Wilshere. Chelsea has Drogba, Lampard, Essien, Malouda, Kalou, Anelka, Ashley Cole and the latest addition: Ramires. And ohh Benayoun. XD
They carry the ball together; they go forward together. By the time the carrier of the ball reaches the box, the opposition's box would have at least 4 to 5 other teammates. More importantly, it's being confident on the ball.
Some may say it's Hogdson's style of football; others team selection. I'm more on the latter, 'cause when I look at the line up, all I see is players who can pass, but not bring the ball.
In every match I watched this season, there is not one match that felt exciting (except the Arsenal game where N'gog scored that amazing goal, and MU vs Liverpool). When they go forward, they end up losing the ball, making poor decisions, not taking chances etc.
Out of five matches, Liverpool only scored 4 goals. Out of the four goals, only two came from open play (Arsenal and West Brom). Yes I agree that it's a tough opening for any team. What's with playing Arsenal first, then away games to Manchester City and United, plus Birmingham. The only "relatively" easy game was West Brom, and even then Liverpool struggled to win.
Of course no one can say anything about Roy Hogdson choosing his line up, but if it was me, my line up would go something like this: Reina; Wilson/Kelly, Carragher, Agger/Skrtel, Konchesky/Aurelio; Johnson/Maxi, Lucas/Poulsen, Gerrard, Cole/Babel/Meireless, Kuyt/Jovanovic; Torres/N'gog.
Question number 1: Why Wilson?
So much for Young Player of the Year in the Scottish League, Hogdson doesn't seem to be trusting him just yet. However, I believe by putting him there he will grow, just like Arsenal players. By switching Johnson to a right winger, he can fully focus on attacking, 'cause that's his main (and only) deadly weapon. He's quite vulnerable at the back, but when he bombs forward is what scares opposition.
Question number 2: Why Babel behind Torres?
To be honest he looks good on the wing, threatening whenever he goes forward. However, judging from what I've read and heard, he's suppose to be a forward, but not exactly like a centre forward, so putting him as a second/supportive striker might work well for him.
Question number 3: Jovanovic on the wing?
I've questions about this too. For a man who previously played as a striker, it seems weird to put him on the wing. However, given that Riera is gone, there's no other left-footed players. Yes Kuty, Cole, Babel and even Aurelio can play there, but as far as Hogdson is concern, Jova is his man, so let it be. And he plays quite well too. Hopefully he'll start assisting/scoring soon.
New signing's verdict:
Poulsen's ok. Shaky start at first, but slowly adapting (duh).
Joe Cole: Besides his debut red card, he's doing quite well too. Scored his first goal for the Reds in the Europa League, and quite menacing when going forward. Who knows, we might not miss Aquilani after all. XD
Jovanovic: Hardworking player, though to me he's still playing out of position.
Meireless: Only two full games so far, plus that debut against the Brums. Like the looks of him. And ohh, the tattoos. Reminds me of Michael Scofield. Maybe he has a plan to help Liverpool "break" out of this mess. XD
Konchesky: Doing well (as expected). Loads of Premier Leauge experience, so no need for adaptation. Good in defending, but poor on the ball (apparently) Haven't seen him much, so can't really judge.
Wilson and Shelvey: Doing well with the reserves. Can only hope that Hogdson will play them one day.
Well, that's kind of a long post. Off to bed now. Liverpool's next three fixtures: Sunderland and Blackpool (both Home), and the Merseyside derby against Everton (away). Crucial.
~eNd~
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