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LFC: A side that cannot pass, and certainly does not move!

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Passing is certainly not one of Liverpool’s strengths at the moment. The current cycle is of man receiving ball standing still, soon under pressure, and giving it away. Simplistic though it may sound, this tried and tested formula really cannot function when a side cannot pass, and does not move!

Somehow, Mr Hodgson, or whoever else, needs to inject some pace and urgency into this team. In fairness, pace may be unavailable until John W Henry gets to open his wallet in January, but the lack of urgency is totally unforgivable, and an affront to the supporters of this great club. This side is not blessed with great speed, and less so with Fernando Torres clearly not operating at maximum throttle, yet it still seems unable to appreciate that games start with the first whistle and not after the Half-Time cup of tea.

It is easy for ‘armchair managers’ to sit and criticise Roy Hodgson, but his options are limited. Fernando Torres has proven that, at his best, he can operate as a lone striker. Well Roy, he is not at his best and he needs somebody playing closer to him. Raul Meireles is a central midfielder, so play him there. You gave Ryan Babel until Christmas to save his Liverpool career, so actually afford him the opportunity to do so, especially as he has that missing ingredient of pace.

You also need to teach this side to defend, because whatever combination is used at the back, they are unlikely to be able to keep a clean sheet. Soto Kyrgiakos has been by far the most impressive of any Liverpool defender this season, and with no disrespect to the big Greek, that has to be a concern. Hodgson has built his reputation around sides that were difficult to break down, but is finding that a rather awkward task at the moment.

If this appraisal seems a trifle negative, it truly is because there is little positive to be said about Liverpool Football Club on the pitch at this juncture. There are very obvious areas in which this squad lacks depth and quality, and expectation should reflect that. The players also have a responsibility to the supporters and themselves to work things out for themselves in a match situation, and adapt accordingly. However, the manager has a huge responsibility to put out a side with the right mindset and plans to win.

The buck stops with Roy Hodgson, and quite frankly, he should not be looking past Sunday unless this team can suddenly arise from its slumber. Liverpool supporters do not demand success, but they do stipulate passion and attractive football. For Mr Hodgson, I suspect that unless he soon realises this, it will be time for him to ‘pass and move’.

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8 comments

  • zam says:

    simply good point… afraid to have a ball that due to passing to each other without movement…

  • Jay Wright says:

    our first team right now if we want to see any ‘pass and move’ and attacking football should be:

    Reina
    Johnson-Kyrgiakos-Agger-Aurelio
    Gerrard-Cole-Meireles
    Babel-Torres-Jovanovich
    Subs: Jones/Kelly/Poulsen/Shelvey/Pacheco/Ngog

    The team tonight should be:
    Jones
    Kelly-Kyrgiakos-Wilson-Aurelio
    Shelvey-Poulsen-Spearing
    Babel-Ngog-Jovanovich
    (I would’ve liked to play Pacheco behind the striker, but Hodgson has left us with no quality in central midfield, so the 4231 is not a viable option tonight)

  • vinod says:

    very good point…need someone like mata and javi martinez in the midfield who can keep the ball control possesion..gerrard is kind of very explosive midfielder and hes qiute average in terms of controlling midfield…mata turan maritenez and keibling of byern levrkson…both mata and turan contracts end by 2012 so will be a good deal

  • red4life says:

    Totally agree with the article.

    2008/09 was the best season we had for playing as a team. Outclassing ManScum and Chelski.

    What happened in 2009/10 ???? Relatively the same team – minus Alonso ….. AND Paco

    Whats happening now 2010/11 ?????

    Players see to have no confidence, look lethargic and not interested.

    I still believe Paco was the man behind rafa that kept everything together ….. all due respect to Sammy (look what happened to him when he took over Bolton)

    The takeover is complete, so no excuses from anyone about how its affecting the players. We need a winner in charge .. King Kenny, Hiddink. Someone that is going to instill that pass and move philosophy back into the squad.

    If anyone from LFC is reading these threads please take note.

  • All great points, Rohan, and I agree 100%. Too many sideways passes, and no one with enough confidence to make a run and push forward. Really looking forward to seeing Shelvey, who starts vs Napoli tonight.

  • Red Side says:

    We’re playing like Fulham! …and that is NOT The Liverpool Way…

    Not Frank Rijkaard, but, King Kenny… We need to go back to OUR roots and blood players playing OUR football…

    and the time to do it is NOW… and it just isn’t in the heart of hearts of the man that is Roy Hodgson to do…

    Woy is Liverpool’s George Lazenby… he’ll never be refered to as “Hodgers” in a conversation in the pub, while you’re having a laugh… well, he might, if you’re having a laugh…

    The transformation or rather “debtlessness” of this new era should begin with The King at the helm…

    We are on the cusp of the return to greatness… surely we must be sensible.

  • Thanks for the comments guys. All of you make valid points.

    Vinod, in particular, I understand your thoughts on Stevie Gerrard. Stevie does so much so well, but he is not one who will necessarily control the game and its pace from the middle of the park as maybe a Pirlo. Not many would have the balls to say it though!

    Let’s hope the youngsters can do something in the 2nd Half tonight, and of course that something gets done prior to Sunday which will get this team playing like it can.

  • Jay Wright says:

    last night we almost ended up with the team that I suggested, and looked a far more cohesive unit for it when we had the ball (still a long way from where we need to be, but at least it was a small step in the right direction).

    However, I don’t understand why we continue to play with a four man midfield, with a lone man operating behind the striker, instead of pushing the wide men further up field and having the free man (Shelvey last night) drop back a bit to solidify the team through the middle.

    It is so difficult to put any pressure on the ball the way that we play; as it is easy for the opposition defence to pass the ball around the one or two forwards, and roll the ball into their midfielder’s feet

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