If you have ambitions of being successful in the Barclays Premier League, the one attribute that is crucial is pace. Especially with the tempo of the English game, it is a highly prized commodity for every Premier League team. As Damien Comolli mentioned in an interview not too long ago, one of the biggest priorities for the summer spending was to introduce more pace into the team as both Comolli and Dalglish had noticed this was particularly lacking in the team in the 2010/11 campaign.
With the signings of Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique, the pace of the team increased dramatically and on the last day of the transfer window, the speed of the team was added to with the free transfer signing of Craig Bellamy from Manchester City.
Despite being 32 and having a knee injury problem, the Reds brought the player despite it being in contradiction to a statement from John W Henry earlier in the summer that the Reds wouldn’t be interested in players above a certain age. The reasons behind his signing were explained by Steve Clarke:
“Craig gives us plenty of options in the forward areas of the pitch. A lot has been said about Craig but his attitude on and off the training pitch is top. He demands high standards and we can have a good working relationship going forward. I knew Craig from before and so too did Kevin Keen so we had good background on him and so it was a no brainer (to sign him).”
The fact that he has pace is in addition to the fact he can player a number of positions. His ability to play wide right and wide left as well as a striker gives Kenny Dalglish a few more options he didn’t have before. In big matches especially, Liverpool could very easily play 4-3-3 with Suarez leading the line and Downing and Bellamy either side.
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i’d play
———————PEPE————————-
KELLY——-SKRTEL———AGGER———-ENRIQUE
————LUCAS———–ADAM—————–
BELLERS————-KUYT——————DOWNING
——————-SUAREZ————————-
Agreed, however I push Carroll up front with Kuyt coming off the bench. It’s time to give Carroll the confidence to show his talents. And trust me, Carroll will come good. The lad is still just a kid and requires some time, just as Rooney did when he went to ManU
I think Carroll will definatly come good given time, but a good start is paramount if we want to have a successful season. Playing in form players is the only way this is going to e acheived. I think Carroll needs to be eased in to take the pressure off him abit.
Bench: Doni, Coates, Aurelio, Hendo, Carroll, Spearing, Maxi
Red Burns, spot on. I might replace Skrtel with Coates but that’s about it. YNWA
I was thinking the same but I think Coates will probably be getting his debut against Brighton. Despite his undoubted ability, young players (particularly centre backs) need to be introduced gradually. I’m not sure sticking him in at the deep end against the likes of Spurs, who on their day boast a potent attacking force would be wise! Can’t wait to see him in action though!