Liverpool need to address this sticking issue soon
BRENDAN Rodgers has already called for a strong finish to the season following that heart-breaking Europa League exit against Zenit St Petersburg.
Jordan Henderson also said the top 4 is still very much up for grabs. With 10 points to make up, and a fair few games still remaining, that’s certainly possible.
However, to make that happen, Liverpool may want to address a sticking issue first.
The wing area has never been evenly threatening for the opposition to have to deal with. They usually focus on defending down one flank and that seems to cancel out the threat from the wingers.
Rodgers has already said Raheem Sterling may be suffering from fatigue, Henderson hasn’t done much as a ‘winger’ and Assaidi hardly plays. That being said, perhaps it would be a time to give Glen Johnson the license to play as an out and out right-winger.
Andre Wisdom’s been more than capable of playing at right-back, and with Martin Kelly’s return, there are even more options for the manager. The sticking matter however remains with the central attack. Not the strikers, but the midfielders attacking the ball in the 18 yard box.
Liverpool need to step it up a fair few notches to keep getting goals consistently. Many were rejoicing over the 3-1 win against Zenit, but we have to bear in mind they including two set-pieces – converted by a bit of luck on the first occasion, and sheer class on the second. That’s not going to happen every day.
How was the second goal scored by the way? Joe Allen’s darting run into the box. It may have needed a double-take from the Welshman but good fortune like that will be coming along more often if the midfielders attack the ball more.
It’s all well and good reminiscing about Steven Gerrard’s wonder strike against Olympiakos from 25 odd yards out, or even his 35 odd yard bullet of an equaliser in the 2006 FA Cup final. Those days don’t come as often as they used to.
Even if they were as regular as 5 years ago, Liverpool have to start getting goals from other midfielders and more often. That’s one thing Raul Meireles and Xabi Alonso were great at, as was one Dirk Kuyt.
The Dutchman shouldn’t have been let go in my view. Had he had more faith shown in him, he would’ve stayed, and he was priceless at coming off the bench and nicking a winner or just doggedly dragging the ball away from defenders.
The current squad needs to fill those boots now. Without it, we can talk all we want but the results will continue to scale up for a couple of games before dipping back down again.
Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge can’t be the only two players we look at for goals.
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March 8th, 2013
Have to respectfully disagree. We’re scoring goals for fun. We have the second highest total goals scored since the modern premier league began (1st is 95-96). If this was written a year ago I would agree but now? No.
March 8th, 2013
Agreed with the above comment.
We have been scoring goals for fun.
And they have been coming from all over the park from late.
So I think this article is a year too late.
March 8th, 2013
I have always believed Glen Johnson would be as good as John Barnes as an out right winger… He has more skills than most English players and in fairness his strength isn’t defending.
March 9th, 2013
Were you around when Barnes was playing ? Johnson as good as Barnes on the wing is the most ridiculous comment I have read !! Stop taking drugs !
March 9th, 2013
Johnson couldn’t lace Digger’s boots if his life depended on it.
March 8th, 2013
Yawn…people have been banging on about this for about 4 years. It hasn’t happened and if it hasn’t happened by now – it will never happen.
Obviously Johnson doesn’t fancy it ,- so let’s forget about it