Summer 2011

[Chocoholic]

f

 

Short and succinct. Deep and profound.

 

You missed an 'ucking, get in' there, somewhere.

[Mr Mojo]

Alberto Aquilani has given the Kop plenty of food for thought this pre-season, and looks to finally be playing to the level that was expected of him when he first signed. When the Romanista was recruited by Rafa Benitez two years ago, there was many a raised brow, due to the Italians injury record and the contrast in styles between himself and predecessor Xabi Alonso. Aquilani is more trequartista than regista. The Italian played sporadically during that first term. only clocking twelve hundred minutes, spread over twenty-seven appearances, or, on average, one half of football per outing.

 

Having been brought in for roughly £20 million, while still recovering from a serious injury, his lack of appearances, and effectiveness, upon recovery was a sore spot with many supporters. With sickness often being cited as a reason for his absences — homesickness maybe? — he soon wore out his Anfield welcome.

 

It was, in fact, the first time that the Italian had ventured from his homeland for a prolonged period of time. He is not the first talented player unable to function away from home. Jesus Navas forewent a place in the Spanish national team for several years because of severe homesickness. Still, even on top of Aquilani’s many injuries and relatively small time on the pitch, a record of two goals and six assists shouldn’t be dismissed easily. Especially when you compare it to his record of thirteen goals and nine assists in a hundred and thirty-six games for his boyhood club, Roma.

 

Many believed that the silky midfielder wouldn’t be able to do a job in a ‘traditional’ central midfield role, due to his slight build. Roy Hodgson subscribed to that theory, opting to send AA back to Italy, after featuring him throughout the pre-season. The doubters where very swiftly put in their place, though, as the Old Lady enjoyed Serie A’s best central midfield partnership in the early season. Felipe Melo and Aquilani combined well but everything went wrong for Juventus after the holidays. Well not everything; the loanee continued to clock up impressive performances; so many that he priced himself out of a permanent move to the Bianconeri.

 

You may think that having a midfield destroyer like Melo next to him would allow AA to continue pussyfooting around and not worry about going into tackles with intent, but, according to whoscored.com, AA had a tackle per game ratio of 3.0, third best on the side, behind defenders Fabio Grosso and Frederik Sorensen. Interestingly, he’d fit in exactly the same place with the Reds, as only Lucas Leiva and Martin Kelly, among players with more than one appearance, averaged better in league play last year.

 

So, given a chance, what can Alberto bring to Liverpool this season? As Andrew highlighted previously, the squad seems geared towards getting the best out of Andy Carroll, with midfielders that have high crossing percentages. I think this rules out the Italian, as he epitomizes the pass & move philosophy rather than the receive & cross disicpline.

 

Unlike Andrew, I see Carroll more as a tactical handicap than any sort of conundrum. The fact that the club has paid £35 million for him means that he has to be made the centre piece of the team, much like predecessor Fernando Torres has been at Chelsea. This will happen at the expense of Luis Suarez who is a far superior player to Carroll and, for me, the best player at the club. Carroll is a weapon to pulverize lesser teams that ‘park the bus’. Against any decent side, he’s not that viable an option and should only be used off the bench.

 

A front trio of Aquilani, Gerrard and Suarez would strike fear into any defence, but against obstinate bottom-of-the-table teams, penetration may be an issue, in a similar manner to Arsenal’s well-documented struggles. Much as Rafa Benitez once employed Peter Crouch, that is when Carroll would be most effective. Movement will unravel the vast majority of defenses and having Aquilani, Gerrard and Suarez constantly chipping away from different angles and positions, gives LFC movement in abundance. Players such as Maxi Rodriguez and the Geordie can only dream of being on the same wave length as such a sublime trio.

 

As firmly as I believe that, the reality is that Gerrard is unavailable until October (or later) and no one wants to see £35 million wrapped up in a down parka and blowing on its hands in the dugout.

 

Considering that team selection will predominantly be Carroll geared, it makes you wonder whether, when and where AA will feature. Lucas has the deep midfield slot firmly wrapped up and it’s looking like Charlie Adam will be taking another. Jordan Henderson is another significant investment that the hierarchy will expect to be trotted out fairly regularly, if not as often as Carroll. It would appear that he is ahead of the Italian in the pecking order, however.

 

The early forward line will likely be Suarez, Carroll and Stewart Downing. Still no sign of Christian Poulsen, Joe Cole (thank God on both counts!), AA, Raul Meireles, Maxi and Jay Spearing. Poulsen and Cole are very much excess to the squad and Spearing is the only capable replacement for Lucas. That leaves Mereiles, Maxi and Aquilani to battle it out for the attacking scraps.

 

The former Porto man has developed an excellent partnership with fellow Portuguese speaker Lucas, perhaps giving him the inside track and leaving the Italian and Argentine to fill gaps in the front three.

 

After accepting that he wouldn’t be able to stay in Italy, Aquilani has shown the professionalism to come back to Anfield and fight for a place. Unfortunately, it seems that circumstances have transformed Aquilani from an embarrassment on Rafa Benitez’ transfer record into a victim of Liverpool’s new-found embarrassment of riches.

 

Daniel Doran moderates the LFC forum on The Football Net.

[Mr Mojo]

This is the transfer speculation thread so ...

 

Liverpool are ready to hijack Arsenal's potential move for Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard.

 

According to Fanatix.com, the Merseyside club are eyeing one more attacking player and have already made an enquiry for Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay.

 

However, it is unclear how likely it will be to land the Dutchman as he was only signed by the Catalans in January. Therefore, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has turned his attentions to 20-year-old Hazard who is also a target for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

 

The Frenchman even admitted in January that the club were tracking him. He said: "We follow him. And personally I think he's a real talent and he's good enough to play for Arsenal, yes.

 

"In the offensive department we have many players. At the end of the season we'll have a look at the situation but at the moment it's completely ruled out."

 

The Lille midfielder has attracted the interest of a host of top European clubs following a season in which he was instrumental in his club's first league title since 1954.

 

Arsenal though, remain favourites to sign Hazard thanks to their close ties with Lille built during their successful negotiations over £10.9m forward Gervinho.

 

The Gunners are reportedly willing to meet the £20m asking price but will only make an offer with the proceeds of any possible sale from Samir Nasri or Cesc Fabregas.

 

This has given Liverpool a window of opportunity to make a move for the Belgian starlet, although they must also off-load players before making an official bid.

 

A number of players are expected to leave the Reds in the coming weeks with Alberto Aquilani, Milan Jovanovic, David N'Gog and Joe Cole all reported to be on the verge of moves. It is thought the departure of that quartet will free up enough space on the wage bill and generate enough transfer money to fund a move for Hazard.

[Dan Vito Corleone]

I think Hazard will stay at Lille this season and if we can get ourselves into the top 4 again we'll have a good crack at signing him next summer.

[el nino laff]

Radio City saying were in advanced talks with Newcastle for Enrique,it's not quite Andy Burton talking on his 2 phone's whilst jumping out of an helicopter on SSN and for that reason it might just be true.

 

His Agent was in Liverpool today

[INTORRESTING]

Shelvey and Zidane???????????????????????????????????????

In 100 years time the natives wont be passing to a hologram of shelvey

[Kopite Pete]

 

His Agent was in Liverpool today

 

How do you know that

[Lee909]

Alberto Aquilani has given the Kop plenty of food for thought this pre-season, and looks to finally be playing to the level that was expected of him when he first signed. When the Romanista was recruited by Rafa Benitez two years ago, there was many a raised brow, due to the Italians injury record and the contrast in styles between himself and predecessor Xabi Alonso. Aquilani is more trequartista than regista. The Italian played sporadically during that first term. only clocking twelve hundred minutes, spread over twenty-seven appearances, or, on average, one half of football per outing.

 

Having been brought in for roughly £20 million, while still recovering from a serious injury, his lack of appearances, and effectiveness, upon recovery was a sore spot with many supporters. With sickness often being cited as a reason for his absences — homesickness maybe? — he soon wore out his Anfield welcome.

 

It was, in fact, the first time that the Italian had ventured from his homeland for a prolonged period of time. He is not the first talented player unable to function away from home. Jesus Navas forewent a place in the Spanish national team for several years because of severe homesickness. Still, even on top of Aquilani’s many injuries and relatively small time on the pitch, a record of two goals and six assists shouldn’t be dismissed easily. Especially when you compare it to his record of thirteen goals and nine assists in a hundred and thirty-six games for his boyhood club, Roma.

 

Many believed that the silky midfielder wouldn’t be able to do a job in a ‘traditional’ central midfield role, due to his slight build. Roy Hodgson subscribed to that theory, opting to send AA back to Italy, after featuring him throughout the pre-season. The doubters where very swiftly put in their place, though, as the Old Lady enjoyed Serie A’s best central midfield partnership in the early season. Felipe Melo and Aquilani combined well but everything went wrong for Juventus after the holidays. Well not everything; the loanee continued to clock up impressive performances; so many that he priced himself out of a permanent move to the Bianconeri.

 

You may think that having a midfield destroyer like Melo next to him would allow AA to continue pussyfooting around and not worry about going into tackles with intent, but, according to whoscored.com, AA had a tackle per game ratio of 3.0, third best on the side, behind defenders Fabio Grosso and Frederik Sorensen. Interestingly, he’d fit in exactly the same place with the Reds, as only Lucas Leiva and Martin Kelly, among players with more than one appearance, averaged better in league play last year.

 

So, given a chance, what can Alberto bring to Liverpool this season? As Andrew highlighted previously, the squad seems geared towards getting the best out of Andy Carroll, with midfielders that have high crossing percentages. I think this rules out the Italian, as he epitomizes the pass & move philosophy rather than the receive & cross disicpline.

 

Unlike Andrew, I see Carroll more as a tactical handicap than any sort of conundrum. The fact that the club has paid £35 million for him means that he has to be made the centre piece of the team, much like predecessor Fernando Torres has been at Chelsea. This will happen at the expense of Luis Suarez who is a far superior player to Carroll and, for me, the best player at the club. Carroll is a weapon to pulverize lesser teams that ‘park the bus’. Against any decent side, he’s not that viable an option and should only be used off the bench.

 

A front trio of Aquilani, Gerrard and Suarez would strike fear into any defence, but against obstinate bottom-of-the-table teams, penetration may be an issue, in a similar manner to Arsenal’s well-documented struggles. Much as Rafa Benitez once employed Peter Crouch, that is when Carroll would be most effective. Movement will unravel the vast majority of defenses and having Aquilani, Gerrard and Suarez constantly chipping away from different angles and positions, gives LFC movement in abundance. Players such as Maxi Rodriguez and the Geordie can only dream of being on the same wave length as such a sublime trio.

 

As firmly as I believe that, the reality is that Gerrard is unavailable until October (or later) and no one wants to see £35 million wrapped up in a down parka and blowing on its hands in the dugout.

 

Considering that team selection will predominantly be Carroll geared, it makes you wonder whether, when and where AA will feature. Lucas has the deep midfield slot firmly wrapped up and it’s looking like Charlie Adam will be taking another. Jordan Henderson is another significant investment that the hierarchy will expect to be trotted out fairly regularly, if not as often as Carroll. It would appear that he is ahead of the Italian in the pecking order, however.

 

The early forward line will likely be Suarez, Carroll and Stewart Downing. Still no sign of Christian Poulsen, Joe Cole (thank God on both counts!), AA, Raul Meireles, Maxi and Jay Spearing. Poulsen and Cole are very much excess to the squad and Spearing is the only capable replacement for Lucas. That leaves Mereiles, Maxi and Aquilani to battle it out for the attacking scraps.

 

The former Porto man has developed an excellent partnership with fellow Portuguese speaker Lucas, perhaps giving him the inside track and leaving the Italian and Argentine to fill gaps in the front three.

 

After accepting that he wouldn’t be able to stay in Italy, Aquilani has shown the professionalism to come back to Anfield and fight for a place. Unfortunately, it seems that circumstances have transformed Aquilani from an embarrassment on Rafa Benitez’ transfer record into a victim of Liverpool’s new-found embarrassment of riches.

 

Daniel Doran moderates the LFC forum on The Football Net.

 

I am getting seriously fucked off with some of our fans,you would have thought Carroll had played for a numer of years and done nothing the way people talk about him.Its not like he is a 22 year old with only a full year of premier league games behind him and record off 3 in 6 for us and 11 in 19 for newcastle.

 

The team will be built round Carroll at the expensive of Suarez,fuck off.

Aquilani, Gerrard and Suarez would strike fear into any defence.Were is the width coming from.

[Unrighteous]

That Daniel Doran guy needs IRL negging with a stick. Embarrassing article.

 

[Guest Jon Snow]

That Daniel Doran guy needs IRL negging with a stick. Embarrassing article.

 

 

Yes he really is a massive.......

 

[Juan Galonso]

Aquilani's performances priced himself out of a move to Juve?!?! They signed every other loan player they had last season permanently this season. All except one. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out why despite what Daniel Doran whoever he is says.

[Lee909]

Yeah,his performances priced him out of a move.Its not like the fee was allready agreed or we dropped the price after is it.

[MLB]

Kenny at Bolton's game last night, apparently. Swap deal featuring N'Gog and maybe another?

[Aldonose]

Kenny at Bolton's game last night, apparently. Swap deal featuring N'Gog and maybe another?

 

You'd think it was Cahill. Honestly haven't seen enough of him to have an opinion either way about him.

[capablanca]

wtf? is it true City have signed Sneider?

 

Football Italia - the Italian football website for English-speaking football fans

[gingerhulk]

wtf? is it true City have signed Sneider?

 

Football Italia - the Italian football website for English-speaking football fans

 

City have just said it's bollocks. So expect a deal in the next 24 hours.

[Guest davelfc]

Kenny at Bolton's game last night, apparently. Swap deal featuring N'Gog and maybe another?

 

We play them soon.

[King Gheedorah]

Jose Enrique starting for Newcastle against Fiorentina today.

 

Newcastle United: Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Jose Enrique, Fabricio Coloccini ©, Steven Taylor; Dan Gosling, Yohans Cabaye, Haris Vuckic, Jonas Gutierrez; Peter Lovenkrands, Leon Best.

 

Newcastle United | News | Latest News | Latest News | Newcastle v Fiorentina: Team News

[Joso]

How much are we getting for Ayala? The fee has been agreed.

[Wor Horse]

500k

[liverpoolsno9]

This is not a wind up, but a mate of mine who wouldnt bullshit, went the ground today and said he seen Mata there as well. He wouldn't bullshit. Looks like we might be getting him after all.

[fowler9]

Dann on the bench for Birmingham today, possible move in motion?

[usernameunknown]

He's missed most/all of pre season so just not ready I think.

[ThewaytoRome]

This is not a wind up, but a mate of mine who wouldnt bullshit, went the ground today and said he seen Mata there as well. He wouldn't bullshit. Looks like we might be getting him after all.

 

hahahahhahaa funny. prick

[Beantown Red]

An agreement has been reached with Anderlecht for the transfer to Chelsea of striker Romelu Lukaku.

 

The move is now subject to the player passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

 

Speaking after the win against Rangers, Andre Villas-Boas said:

 

'He [Lukaku] is a very interesting young prospect and we have to be able to position ourselves to be able to get this kind of talent.'

 

The son of a former Belgian professional, Roger, 18-year-old Lukaku was born in Antwerp in May 1993, and joined the Lierse academy as a 10-year-old, scoring more than a goal a game in their youth team before being signed by Anderlecht at 13.

 

He signed a professional contract with the Constant Vanden Stock side on his 16th birthday, and wasted no time in making an impression on the first team, making his debut shortly afterwards and contributing 15 league goals in the title-winning 2009/10 season while still only 16.

 

Standing 6ft 4ins, Lukaku is a powerful presence with a dangerous left foot, and helped himself to 16 league goals last term, while also scoring his first international goals for Belgium. He has 10 senior caps.

Chelsea FC