Balance / Square pegs in square holes

[Randy Marsh]

With the Enrique signing now as good as done, I think it's fair to say that whilst some of our business this summer has maybe underwhelmed a few people who probably unrealistically expected we'd competing for the 'big name' 'blockbuster' players, we've still definitely recruited smartly and will be undoubtedly stronger for it.

 

One thing which stood out for me is the amount of left footed players we now have in key positions at our disposal.

 

Pepe

 

Johnson Carra Agger Enrique

Gerrard Lucas Adam

 

Suarez Carroll Downing

 

 

The team above is what I'd consider as roughly our strongest XI currently on paper (I know very little about Henderson and Lucas has impressed me greatly in the past 18months.

 

The glaring positive for me is that we now have a great balance of left and right footed players. In the past we've largely deployed a few square pegs in round holes in a few key positions. The midfield especially has been devoid of left footed players, and too often we've had to require players to 'do a job' on the left rather than have the ability to call on a specialist. Even at full back in the second half of last season we called on Johnson and Flanno to play the role, and although they did a great job it's a far from ideal situation.

 

The balance of the team is far better with the Enrique signing. We now have specialists playing on the left, square pegs in square holes. Both players have the ability to get to the bye line and deliver a cross, both are comfortable with defensive duties. Keep Fabio Aurellio fit and with the emergence of Jack Robinson, what was a massive problem position for us suddenly looks like one of our biggest assets. The right hand side is the same, whoever Kenny chooses to play be it Kelly, Flanno, Stevie, Henderson, Dirk, Raul, Maxi or even Joe Cole. 433, 442, 4231, it doesn't matter as we have options and enough balance to deploy any formation comfortably.

 

Whatever happens now I think we can all be pleased with the summer's dealings. I think that the key weaknesses have been addressed and this will only benefit us over the coming season. We finally look to have assembled a balanced squad with a good degree of depth, premiership experience, and youth. We have 2 and in some cases 3 (particularly at full back) quality players for all positions. If we can flush away some of the turds in the coming weeks I'll be delighted, and whoever we recruit on top would be an added bonus. A good summers work!

[Section_31]

Good post.

 

At the game on sat I thought the parallels with Blackburn were there with downing and Henederson down the flanks, neither spectacular or with explosive pace, but there was plenty of width I though for the first time in a long time.

[Dave D]

With the Enrique signing now as good as done, I think it's fair to say that whilst some of our business this summer has maybe underwhelmed a few people who probably unrealistically expected we'd competing for the 'big name' 'blockbuster' players, we've still definitely recruited smartly and will be undoubtedly stronger for it.

 

One thing which stood out for me is the amount of left footed players we now have in key positions at our disposal.

 

Pepe

 

Johnson Carra Agger Enrique

Gerrard Lucas Adam

 

Suarez Carroll Downing

 

 

The team above is what I'd consider as roughly our strongest XI currently on paper (I know very little about Henderson and Lucas has impressed me greatly in the past 18months.

 

The glaring positive for me is that we now have a great balance of left and right footed players. In the past we've largely deployed a few square pegs in round holes in a few key positions. The midfield especially has been devoid of left footed players, and too often we've had to require players to 'do a job' on the left rather than have the ability to call on a specialist. Even at full back in the second half of last season we called on Johnson and Flanno to play the role, and although they did a great job it's a far from ideal situation.

 

The balance of the team is far better with the Enrique signing. We now have specialists playing on the left, square pegs in square holes. Both players have the ability to get to the bye line and deliver a cross, both are comfortable with defensive duties. Keep Fabio Aurellio fit and with the emergence of Jack Robinson, what was a massive problem position for us suddenly looks like one of our biggest assets. The right hand side is the same, whoever Kenny chooses to play be it Kelly, Flanno, Stevie, Henderson, Dirk, Raul, Maxi or even Joe Cole. 433, 442, 4231, it doesn't matter as we have options and enough balance to deploy any formation comfortably.

 

Whatever happens now I think we can all be pleased with the summer's dealings. I think that the key weaknesses have been addressed and this will only benefit us over the coming season. We finally look to have assembled a balanced squad with a good degree of depth, premiership experience, and youth. We have 2 and in some cases 3 (particularly at full back) quality players for all positions. If we can flush away some of the turds in the coming weeks I'll be delighted, and whoever we recruit on top would be an added bonus. A good summers work!

 

Agreed. For too long, stretching back to Houlliers days we had centre forwards playing on the wing, constantly cutting in and offering no natural width.

 

Kenny has addressed what were the obvious flaws, and also he has done it with proven quality, which is easier said than done.

 

Im absolutely made up that we may well have a subs bench that actually looks good! I remember 2 seasons ago (I think) when we started away at Spurs, when Carra and Skrtel collided, and our bench looked like something you would expect to see in the championship. The Spurs bench on the other hand looked very strong and you could sense they were about to overtake us.

 

Not anymore! Its such a good feeling.

[toneloc]

Yep- I'm getting quite giddy about this season, so much so, I've had 3 shits today.

[Jennings]

It is important that the vertical balance is also correct - i.e. the balance between attack minded and defensive minded players...and I think that looks good in your team too.

[Randy Marsh]

Since 2005, probably our two strongest teams were the 07 side (Athens) and the 09 side (League Runners Up). For me, it's no coincidence that we had two proven left sided players who played a key role in our success in Zenden and Riera. Both had their obvious limitations, but they still offered natural balance to the side. I'm made up Kenny has addressed this.

[MLB]

I think the significance of having a number of natural left footed players with good delivery in the side can't be overstated. The team now has a natural balance that it hasn't really had for ages. With Carroll as the focal point and the Suarez playing off him we will be dangerous from both sides of the pitch. Adam, Downing and Enrique are technically accomplished players who can cross from the left and Kelly, Johnson, Gerrard and Henderson can all do likewise from the right. We can also adapt our style of play with the likes of Kuyt and Maxi coming in if need be, operating either side of Suarez as they did towards the end of last season. We really are looking strong.

[Barnesey]

Good post.

 

At the game on sat I thought the parallels with Blackburn were there with downing and Henederson down the flanks, neither spectacular or with explosive pace, but there was plenty of width I though for the first time in a long time.

 

I used to feel Downing lacked pace. The last 12 months has convinced me this is actually a strength. Apparently, until Jose signs, he is the quickest player at the Club right now.

 

Let's hope we confirm this view in the forthcoming weeks