Looking back at the performance against Blackpool at the weekend, even though it is hard to say considering his acrimonious departure, Liverpool are missing a player in the style of Javier Mascherano. Especially with a make shift defence with Jamie Carragher at left back, somebody who can track back from midfield and provide good cover for the back four was essential. Protection for the defence is the one thing that Masch assured us of while in the team, using his pace and tenacity to break up opposition attacks. Roy Hodgson’s replacement for the Argentinean captain was one Christian Poulsen.
The signing of the Dane was much criticised but after his performance against Manchester United in the 3-2 defeat, it seemed to be unjustified as he appeared to be settling into the English game using his anticipation to make up for his lack of pace, making some key tackles and initiating counter attacks for the Reds. His performances since, and especially against Blackpool at the weekend, seem to suggest otherwise though. He was seen ambling back after being caught out of position for the second Blackpool goal on Sunday, and was substituted on 60 minutes as Roy Hodgson looked for more attacking options.
His lack of speed clearly is an issue in the Premier League, a flaw that was never a problem for his speedy predecessor Mascherano. So who should be picked to replace him if he continues to perform poorly? Looking at the best of a bad bunch, the only man with any real experience to play the defensive midfield role is Lucas Leiva. A much maligned figure, h is conversion from attacking midfield to holding role has not been easy, the Brazilian has played enough times in the position now though to be the only real credible alternative in the current squad.
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my thoughts exactly ,why did he buy poulsen anyway when we have lucas and spearing ,we didnt need him then and after his performances we cerainly dont need him now ,he was a waste of whatever he cost ,even on credit hes crap and shouldnt be allowed to wear the red again
YNWA
Never mind Poulsen,,,, Jonhson was shocking against Blackpool and Carragher is pasted it,,,,, we need some class in the squad. To have any chance of being the side we all dream of we need 6+ quality players.
what we need is for the manager to play to our strengths and play without fear – here is the answer and the paradox, our back players need to push up and come further forward and our front players need to play further futher back (especially torres)he is wasted. if torres played along a line just inside the opposition half he has options – playing off others – using his pace running at defenders – running forward into space, running across this line making space. these are hard to do stood still with a defender up your backside and double marking with no space to run into near the penalty area. rooney did it last season, ronaldo does it, messi does it, rush did it. stevie would find it much easier to find him. stop wasting torres and stop torres from wasting his talent.
I think given the chance he will do a great job for us in the holding midfield role and for the doubters they’d do well to remember it’s not his natural position.
For me he was one of the better performers last season without any question, the lads got a bit of the Kuyt about him, never lets his head drop, never gives up despite the abuse he may recieve.
Whatever he is or isn’t he’s got the bottle which seems to be lacking in some!
HAPPY DAYS!!
I half thought the weekend would have been Lucas’s fault despite not getting on the pitch.
“a bad bunch” In my opinion that’s an unjustified hyperbole. A large number of players in our squad are full internationals. Most have proven their abilities at other clubs. In general we have a squad with a fair number of good players, who are performing poorly by comparison to their own record and abilities when representing LFC of late. They are “a decent bunch” at the very least performing “very badly”.
I support Lucas every time he plays. I support every player LFC chooses to play for the club.
Lucas had a poor game last time out in the Europa League by his standards. Perhaps his confidence is worn thin. It must be distressing for Lucas, who is so clearly and obviously professional in his approach to be involved in a squad which is performing so poorly. It must be shattering to be dropped from the first team considering the acute shortcomings of the performances he watches from the sidelines.
Similar things could be said about Ryan Babel. He does not feature in any way, despite the fact that the players who are keeping him off the pitch put in such completely anonymous performances.
what a terrible display by liverpool lately ,the club has lost respect of itself and it breaks my heart .the media constintely batter us ,all the other premiership clubs are laughing coming to anfield thinking they can get a result now ,everyday i wear red n il always be one !we have brought joy to the masses with our football surely there must be some rich billionare out there that can save us !!!
Atleast he can!!!
I would choose Lucas over Poulsen any day of the week cause Poulsen’s just too slow, he’s got no creativity and can’t pass the ball well enough. On top of that, against weak teams at home, I don’t think we need a defensive midfielder so it’s best to play with Gerrard and Meireles in the centre of the park with Joe Cole just behind Torres. In addition, we have Jova and Kuyt out wide, this would be a more offensive formation as opposed to Hodgson’s defensive approach to games which have seen us just picking up one win out of seven games.