Is it time to bring back an old favourite?
As Liverpool fans will all know, we’ve struggled in the left back position for a couple of years now. We had Emiliano Insua who filled the position competently and was growing in to a very important player; learning his trade week on week. However, Roy didn’t like what he offered and he was moved on and while it appears temporary, unless Hodgson leaves soon it will most likely be permanent. To replace the young Argie, he brought in Paul Konchesky. Even Hodgson must be able to see by now that the man is suffering and is clearly well out of his depth and with the talented and popular Fabio Aurelio pretty much permanently injured, we have a shocking lack of options in a very key position. So why not go out on a limb; take a chance and re-visit old, familiar territory by bringing back an old favourite: John Arne Riise.
It may seem odd to suggest Riise but there isn’t exactly a wealth of attacking, defensively solid full backs in world football at the moment. I doubt that many knowledgeable fans would argue with the fact that Ashley Cole is the best full back in the world. But let’s be honest, he doesn’t have a great deal of competition for that accolade. Who would be the alternatives? Patrice Evra? Gael Clichy? Dani Alves? Hardly a who’s who of the world’s greatest. Yet, you would probably pay well over the odds for any one of them, as the full back role has changed over the last 5-10 years (largely thanks to attacking full backs like Carlos, Lizarazu, etc.) and most top sides operate with at least one fullback with the stamina and ability to spend most of his time supporting the attack but who also has the ability to perform last ditch tackles and perform like an old left back in a flat back four. Apart from a small handful, these days, you either get one or the other (see Glen Johnson for proof) and will usually pay twice their actual worth (see Paul Konchesky for proof of this).
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Newcastle News 24/7
November 21st, 2010
Could not agree more, he strolls through Roma games last few seasons so would be fresh. Chelsea at the peak of their buying wanted JAR.
I imagine he would come in at 2M and could play for a few seasons. Not to be underestimated is he was part of a back 4 that conceded almost nothing, he also marked Drogba for long kick outs in CL because of his strenght and his ability in the air. I don’t see how 5ft 8 full backs can compare to 6ft+.
As for the og goal, anyone can score an og, look at JC and SG scored one in a final.
Warnock and JAR were the full backs to keep, not Dossena as for the present guy from Fulham, what a joke, just not a bad a joke as Polston.
Aurellio is good when we see him, insua was good to get to this level but with his lack of pace is probably better suited to Sapin or Italy.
We should play Kelly at right back and push GJ to right side of midfiled.
Need Roy to go first though.