Soccer

--- In lfc@yahoogroups.com, Bill Thomas <anfield@...> wrote:
>I know many feel that Gerrard's best place is up with Torres and that might be,
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Gerrard/Meireles look a good combo but ...

Gerrard is our single most dynamic player. Tho he does influence game with his passing from deep and late runs, given our lack of dynamism upfront I'd rather he's in free attacking role, where IMO he will be a bigger influence. Also I worry about him getting injured or sent off (Sunderland) as he puts in tackles trying to win back possession as that is a primary function of a centermid.

Why don't we stabilise the team and build from what we already have from last season? The problem was someone to replace Alonso - Meireles? Also left wing was ineffective - Cole? Centerback not dominating aerially - Soto-Skrtel, our 2 best headers? LB - I prefer Agger there. Poulsen to replace Masch.

We already have a good team with a style players are familiar with. Why are we messing with that? Roy is making a reasonably good side look like crap.

I am not a fan of Roy's tactic of retreating into defense mode whenever we lose possession. We used to push-up and press (as a team) higher up field.
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>but right now we need to go with the best players and can't afford ineffective players in those spots.
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Our best attacking players are Cole Gerrard and Torres. Why not place them in attacking roles in close proximity so they can link-up and create chances.
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Dull predictable attack.
IMO to improve we need to move the ball around much faster. This requires much better movement and - pace. Gerrard, Torres are fast and Cole is not bad but Kuyt is very slow and somewhat static. I believe if we have a front 4 with pace (and some abilty to take on defenders) we can develop a more fluid and dynamic attack. Milan at LM and Cole at RM?

Milan has 'quick feet', a bit of pace and likes to take on defenders. He is always looking to make forward runs past the main striker (Vs Steaua, scored a goal!). In Liege, his goal average was 1 in 2.2 games.

For years our problem has been ineffective widemen. Tho not 'ideal' widemen, both are clever players with a bit of pace. It's step in the right direction.
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I'd like to see us try:

--------Torres
Milan---Gerrard----Cole
----Poulsen Meireles
Agger Soto Skrtel Johnson