Liverpool Res 2 Crewe Res 1 - Friendly (Sep 11 2007)

[TLW]

LIVERPOOL RES 2 Crewe Res 1

Report by Dave Usher at the Academy

Scorer(s) Xabi Alonso (pan), Ray Putterill Half Time – 1-0 Venue – The Academy, Kirkby Date - Tue 11 Sep 2007 Star Man – Xabi Alonso & Dani Pacheco

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xabi Alonso and Ray Putterill were the scorers, and Spanish starlet Dani Pacheco made a big impression as Liverpool overcame a hard working Crewe Alexandra side at the Academy this afternoon. Rafa Benitez used this hastily arranged friendly to give run outs to all his senior stars not on international duty, meaning the likes of Alonso, Sissoko, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Pennant and fit again Fabio Aurelio all started the game. The reds changed all ten outfield players at half time, with only keeper Dave Martin completing the full ninety minutes.


Lucas Leiva and Sebastian Leto also started the game, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if this line up is similar to the one we will see at Reading in the Carling Cup. There will be a few changes obviously, as I doubt we'll see Alonso lining up at centre back like he did in this game, and if Jordy Brouwer is anywhere near the squad I'll be amazed. Jack Hobbs may well feature however, given that Paletta has now left the club and we are short on centre back cover.

This game was little more than a glorified training session, especially in the first half when Crewe seemed happy to just be on the same pitch as some of our star names. In truth nobody really stood out for us, and the first half was pretty boring with very little goalmouth action. Pennant was lively on the right, without ever getting into third gear. Benayoun had some nice moments but was not on the ball enough, and Leto and Leiva didn't do much to be fair.

Alonso was imperious at the back, rarely having to break sweat and enjoying the freedom on the ball to pick out some nice forward passes. He didn't have to defend much, and I doubt we'll see him in this role ever again, but there were definitely flashes of Big Jan about him. Xabi is obviously slimmer, and ever so slightly quicker, but seeing him back there did evoke memories of when Kenny used to play the Great Dane in that role.

I was especially looking forward to seeing Leiva in action, as he's come with a big reputation and I liked what I saw from him against Toulouse when he came on as a sub. It's difficult to know what to make of him, as he's not your typical Brazilian player that's for sure. He's neat and tidy, works hard and looks to be a good all rounder, but I'm sure there's a hell of a lot more to his game than what was in evidence in this kick about.

The first half was so uneventful I didn't even bother taking any notes. The only real incidents of note I can remember are a couple of free kicks from Alonso and Aurelio that were narrowly off target, and the penalty that gave us a half time lead. It was a good move that led to it, as Pennant cut inside and played a neat one two with Benayoun before he was bundled over inside the box.

Alonso stepped up and scored with ease, although even I would have put that pen away as the keeper had dived to his left more or less as soon as Xabi started his run up. He saw the keeper move and just put it down the middle.

Pennant put a couple of decent balls across the box but there was no-one to get on the end of them, and Leto had a shot easily saved. That's about it for the first half. Rafa got the players together on the pitch and had a chat with them, before telling them to get on the bus. Except Hobbs and Brouwer, who for some reason were made to do laps around the pitch. I know they're reserve team squad members and the other lads were first teamers, but it seemed a bit harsh to me like!

The second half team performed slightly better than the 'big heads' had done in the first half, but they did let a soft goal in. A mix up on the left gave possession away, and Crewe switched the ball to the other flank where the left winger escaped the attentions of Darby and crossed low across the box for the right winger to tap in from close range.


The reds threatened regularly, with young Dani Pacheco looking especially lively and tricky. The kid looks so much like Saviola when he's running with the ball, and some of his touches and close control were a joy to watch. He was involved in the winning goal when he sent in a dipping cross from the right, and Putterill capitalised on some confusion in the Crewe defence to volley in at the back post. Interestingly, most of his team-mates opted not to go and congratulate him. Clearly they were worried about being snogged

'Razor' didn't have the best of games in truth, it looked like he was trying too hard to impress. Rumour is Crewe are interested in taking him on loan, and with Benitez there watching as well maybe he was trying to do too much. He can play much better than this, but he still got the winning goal so fair play to him.

The reds were controlling the midfield, with Spearing his usual busy and influential self, and new boy Damian Plessis slotting in nicely alongside him. This is the first look I've had of him, and I was impressed. He's a very big and athletic looking, but has a nice touch and kept things simple.

The other new lad, Mikel San Jose, had a steady game at the back but didn't have much to do. He's pretty good on the ball, but then anyone would look good on the ball compared to Ronald Huth. The word 'uncomplicated' sums Ronald up nicely. He's great in the air, extremely strong and is a good marker, but he doesn't mess about with the ball at his feet, that's for sure. Huth by name, Hoof by nature. He does a good job though to be fair, and not much gets past him.

Lindfield had a weak shot from a tight angle saved, and also had a improvised backheel blocked by a defender, but the reds couldn't manage another goal and in the closing stages Crewe finally started to apply some pressure from set pieces. One almighty scramble at the end saw Martin make a save, and then the rebound was headed onto the bar before the danger was scrambled away.


Anything but a Liverpool win would have been a travesty, as both Liverpool sides were in control of the game. Star man in the first half was between Alonso and Pennant, with Xabi just getting the nod. Second half, there were some decent displays. Lindfield worked hard and was unlucky not to score, Spearing and Plessis did well in the middle, but Pachecho was the pick for me. He was always dropping off looking for the ball, and when he laid it off he would go looking for it again. He's very busy, and very skillful. It's going to be fun watching him this season.


For exclusive photo's from this game, click here


Liverpool (1st half): Martin; Arbeloa, Hobbs, Alonso, Aurelio; Pennant, Sissoko, Leiva, Leto; Benayoun, Brouwer:

(2nd half): Martin; Darby, San Jose, Huth, Threlfall; Flynn, Plessis, Spearing, Putterill; Pacheco, Lindfield: