In his column for the Liverpool Echo today, John Aldridge stated he wasn’t surprised that Raul Meireles left for £12million because he didn’t fit into Kenny Dalglish’s 4-4-2 system:
“Meireles left just before the deadline and I wasn’t surprised. I always thought one midfielder would move on and he was the most likely. Meireles, like Joe Cole, Dani Pacheco and Alberto Aquilani, can’t really play in the 4-4-2 structure that Kenny likes. He was used out wide but everyone can see he’s no winger. Meireles needs a role in a three-man central midfield – that’s the way Chelsea play.”
So far this season, it must be said that Aldridge is correct in stating that Kenny prefers to use the 4-4-2 system. In the majority of matches so far, Dalglish has opted for a four man midfield with Downing wide left and Henderson tucked in on the right hand side. Meireles during Dalglish’s reign has played wide right and wide left on a number of occasions, and as Aldo mentions he is not always comfortable in these positions.
I feel however it is too simplistic to explain the departures of Meireles, Pacheco, Aquilani and Cole solely because they didn’t fit into Kenny’s system. After all, in his time in charge, Dalglish has demonstrated his flexibility in changing the system. As well as playing 4-4-2, he has played many variations of 4-3-3 such as 4-2-3-1 as well as 4-5-1. He has even on occasion used 3-5-2 to great effect and may even opt for such a system against Stoke this weekend.
Moreover, Meireles did play in attacking central midfield in a fair few matches last season under Dalglish, rather than out wide, suggesting he could fit into King Kenny’s plans. For the other three, Alberto Aquilani’s departure from the club seems to have been more to do with family reasons than anything else as it was implied after he was loaned back to Italy.
Wrong on all counts Aldo. Much as I admire his legendary performances on the field, off it he shows an amazing lack of understanding. His quotes (if he really did say them…?) would be laughable even if it came from a Manure follower. Quite honestly he often comes out with stuff that shows an amazing lack of understanding of how tactics work on the pitch. He’s better off talking about characters and motivational issues (which he is very good at) rather than making a fool of himself as he has done several times over the last two years – and by direct connection, making a fool of all of us Liverpool fans.
Where as Redtrain wouldn’t embarrass us Liverpool fans with any idiotic statements?
So why was Meireles sold? Why not in KDs plans? Why on the bench when he was clearly fit?
Come on genius …..
Another Internet know it all that knows f all ….
we ll find out why wen he tells us. we dont need him anyway, i just dont think sellin him to chelsea wor a good move but kenny knows wot hes doin
i agree 100% with Redtrain!! Good one mate!!
its simple numbers. if we wanted coates and bellamy in people had to move out. only this summer could we get 12mil for raul cos with him not playin his value would plumit. joe cole had to go as much of a statement of intent no longer can we have hangers on in the squad and pacheco as much as i rate him it just doesnt look like its gonna happen ffor him but if he does well in madrid at the very least it will add a few mil to his selling price. really good summer for lfc.
do you honestly think hell play in the najority of chelski games.ynwa
why he left? well simple psychology! How do you find out who are the best and commited midifielders in your team. simple, by having loads and seeing who first jumps cos he cant hack the competition, then see who is best when they play. Mireles was good but was his commitement to work hard and prove he was the best of the bunch, no! I hope he has a glorious chelsea career like torres and benny!!