Cantrell20

I can't get my head around all this hype regarding Hodgson. I know he carried his side to respectable 7th position in the league and was just an inch from winning Europe League. That is success, no doubt about it. Still, Rafa is always criticised, and it based and well documented criticism, for the difference between great run in Europe and average or slightly above average displays in the league. Hodgson side ended league 13th, didn't they? Apart from last season, in previous three campaigns Rafa got Liverpool to the average semi final in CL on the annual basis, winning the competition in 2005. We only managed Europa League semifinal this year, playing shitty football, according to some worse than in Houllier's last campaign. Surprisingly, we still got 4 more points than in 2004, which is still horrible, but just 2-3 pts below Ged's average result. Some people mention Rafa riding his luck in Europe all the time. It's true to the certain extent, still Liverpool was unlucky not to progress at least once against Chelsea in 2008 or in 2009 or not to win CL in 2007 against worse AC Milan than in 2005. If only Benayoun goal wasn't disallowed in Madrid, we might be drinking champagne now and mentioning great European Rafa of underachieving in the league Rafa Benitez. Can you name me any other manager to get his team to European semis four times in last six seasons? Rafa is the only one I fear...

I sometimes can't stand fellow fans opinions and them instisting, that unless the board will be flush with cash this summer, there's no other way to survive than selling Monster Masch, Captain Fantastic or Torres, not to mention Aquilani and cutting our losses. Aquilani issue is probably the biggest forum saga in last years, maybe second to Lucas only. But apart from Aqua, who I think will be a cracking player next season, we have some reasons to be optimistic. Glen Johnson is on his day the best right back in the world, unfortunately a big defensive liability, at least he is a player with potential, who'll become more responsible with the passage of time, unlike lucas, who is extremely responsible, but has virtually no skill. Kyrgiakos was a smart buy in the circumstances we were in and deserved to be among 50 best buys of the season, not 20 worst (it reflects media attitude towards Liverpool btw). Maxi is at least decent and fills the hole left by Pennant. I believe, that in two years time last season transfers will be considered better than in the heat of the moment, especially with Wilson, Shelvey, Sterling and Toni Brito Silva landed in the academy. Next year we won't suffer from hard luck in injuries to key players as much as this one, the curse has to end some day. After World Cup and early start in Europe League we will be injury ravaged, but to the same extent as other league contenders. Aquilani will get his pre season preparation, Maxi too. What's more squad is likely to be bigger, with Pacheco, Kelly, Ayala, Wilson, Robinson, Mavinga, Eccleston and Dalla Valle covering high profiles. The ones, who didn't blosson into immediate superstars last term, like Insua, Lucas, N'gog, who were definitely overplayed this term, will hopefully learn from their mistakes. Half goals we conceded from set-pieces, almost the other half were Johnson and Insua mistakes, who are decent assistants (5 and 6 respectively to their names) and have many lapses of concentration, which will surely decrease. What I want to say is, factors like ref mistakes, set pieces, injuries, silly mistakes cost us several points, apart from being poor week in week out, but also damaged team confidence. Lack of CL next season might be a blessing in disguise if we look at previous campaigns stats. 68 points and CL final three years ago, 76 pts and CL semifinal two years ago, 86 pts and "only" CL quarters last year. Europe League is perfect for building confidence of the team. Quite easy wins in opening phase can build good team spirit and give youngsters a chance. Without distracting our attention from the league, too. Finally, it can't all go that bad as last season. Kuyt plays rarely on the right wing at last, with Maxi excelling at the end of the campaign. Lucas plays less, we plays 4-4-2 more often. Come rain or shine next term, we will better next term. Keeping the spine is crucial, but that will be hard without signings proving we still set ourselves goals high. I believe it's possible managing budget worth 0 quids. Here is the recipe. Cavalieri - surplus to requirements. Many goalies are out of contract, Reina has great injury record btw. It will generate around 2-3, let's say 2.5 million Degen -don't need to write anything. He is valued around 1-2, Stuttgart were reportedly willing to pay 2 for him in January, he may be sold for around 1.5 million Darby - you will never make it here, son. 1 million San Jose - sold for 2.6 million. Michaylov - sold for 1.5 million. Plessis - going backwars, I am sure that with stubborness applied to Lucas, he would be a better player than Lucas now. He seems lost now. 1.5 million El Zhar - 24 years old and that says it all. 1.5 million if possible. Riera - 5 million will be maximum we can get I think. It's around 17 million already. I believe, that Maxi contract isn't paid directly from money for Dossena and Voronin. They were sold for 6.2 million in common, I reckon 3 million from winter can strengthen our transfer kitty. So it's already 20. Getting rid of Skrtel or Kyrgiakos we could obtain 8-9 and 2 million respectively. I would sell Kyrgiakos for 2 and sign Micah Richards, who will be available for no more than 6-7 million according to the reports. He can cover both full-back and centre-back positions. He has also an eye for a goal, 3 in this season. And only 22 years old. Simon Kjaer has a similar market value as Skrtel because of Dane's release clause, 12 million euros, selling one and getting another is a nice option, not necessity though, as we need some continuity in the back four. Taye Taiwo has a contract running out in June 2011, Liverpool should get his signature for no more than 6 million. Bearing in mind Wilson, Sterling and Shelvey purchases, that may only partially have come from winter sales, that would leave us with 5-6 million to spend. Is Jay Spearing still any prospect? And Duran? Both of them can't stay any more, as the club needs to generate more funds. Another 1.5 million. Instead, Liverpool should try to sign Ignacio Camacho from Atletico or Jonathan dos Santos from Barcelona - both of them are prodigies aged 20 declining latest contract offers. I think, that after good WC someone might meet 9 million valuation of Babel. With 16 million once again. Liverpool should think of the left wing. Gonzalo Castro, who is definitely better than Nunes and Mark Gonzalez combined, is available on a free transfer, He scored 6 goals in La Liga and got some assists. Another 8-10 million ought to be spent on a proves Premiership winger. Charles N'Zogbia isn't a world-beater, but is better than our whole wingers stable. Milan Jovanovic coming as a free agent can also take a wide role. Maxi and Yossi can play on the right, with Micah Richards and Kelly able to play as RB Glen Johnson can also play on the wing in the hour of need. Not to mention Dirk:) I almost forgot, Dida or Jamo are free agents and would replace Cavalieri nicely. I checked Banega contractual situation and chatted my friend from Valencia and apparently Banega can be really available for a bargain of 9 million. Gerrard and Mascherano are our backbone, Aquilani is skillful and has cutting edge to make a difference, so I wouldn't sell him. Three above-mentioned DMs have all something special, can provide team with something different and are unique to a certain extent. Lucas is the obvious choice for me. He score one goal, gained one penalty and had 2 assists in all competitions last season. He scored 3 last term and had one assist playing less. Has he improved that much... Insua has 6 assists in the league and gets less criticism than Lucas. Speaks for itself. Unlike Lucas lovers, I think he is very average at best and we wont get more than 6 million for him at best. We would have 3 million once again and still positions to cover I sacrifice David Ngog and Krisztian Nemeth. They can provide another 6 or 7 million. Ngog wont be a world beater, Nemeth is injury prone. Investing in youth we also need to eye future of the team and accumulate as much money as possible for the coming summer. If ten million is not enough, I would get rid of second of Duran and Spearing pair. Amoo as well, cant see any talent in him besides speed. two more million I hope. With 12 million I believe we could get Oscar Cardozo. If Yossi still wants to leave then, replace him with Mesut Ozil, who has a deal expiry next year. 8 million will be enough for him, its also possible to get that money for Yossi. Raul and Joe Cole are on Bosman, I would take one of them to bolster squad depth. So with a net spend of 0 pounds, we get Reina Dida Gulasci Richards Kelly Johnson Carra Agger Wilson Ayala Skrtel or Kjaer Insua Taiwo Aurelio if we can pay him his money Maxi Aqua Gerrard Banega Mascherano Camacho or Dos Santos NZogbia Castro Benny or Ozil Joe Cole or Raul Jovanovic Kuyt Dalla Valle Torres Cardozo

He is intelligent, as he is one of PL top 5 tacklers, even though he has no Mascherano stamina and pace, he also lacks Sissoko height and strength. Lucas and Babel played some good football in pre season, as we played 14 players in 18 months who got fucked up, and Lucas was one of those not exhausted. His passing improved, Burnley and Atletico assists recently. Still, I rate Cattermole, Dorrans, Stephen Irelad, James McCarthy, Banega and Ignacio Camacho higher (the last one's deal expires this June) and would like them to come instead of Lucas. We wanted to ship Alonso two years ago to raise some funds, why not do the same with Lucas this summer? I know, no one will come with a succulent offer. Watch Banega compilations on youtube against Valladolid or Real Madrid. Banega has 8 assists and 2 goals, Lucas will never match his skill.

Xavi's certainly a better player, Banega had no dips in form anyway. He's a revelation is Spain this term. I know last year and a half he was hit and miss, still Lucas lovers have to admit first two years of Lucas were disastrous. I remember all his good touches from then, because there were just a few. To Lucas admirers, I only like and don't rate him higher than Masch as some of lucas lovers do, you think that any top club will be willing to sign up Lucas? I've heard interest about Mascherano, Torres, Gerrard, Reina, Benny, Aqua, must have missed the obvious bidding war not leaking to the media:)

I know that any critical point against Lucas means scapegoating him, but I said at the beginning, that I quite like him and rate him. The problem is, Banega can be available for a similar price, and with recurring Aqua injuries and Gerrard turning 30 this month, we need someone to set the pace of the game and create chances. Banega has 8 assists this season and is sensational for his team. Ozil, whose contract expires next year, got 12 assists for the second consecutive year in the Bundesliga. If anyone watched those three playing, Lucas will be always places as the last. Lucas is useful, combative, intelligent, but has little skill, little pace, lighteweight body, end of story. I've never heard of any interest from any other club in him:)

I know Gerrard and Monsterano, if he is still here after summer, will regain their form in October, I expect start as slow as last season. More will depend on Aquilani, I think he will handle it and hope he becomes such an impact player as Yossi was in the latter part of 2008-2009. Yossi can also play as a playmaker, so I think we need either Mascherano equivalent, but more composed, or someone to turn the game, as Aqua can play in the CM against lesser opponents. As Plessis and probably Spearing won't make it here, I'd rather Banega, because, to put it simple, he is a much better player.

Banega got 8 assists this term. I know some Latin American players didn't cut the mustard here, Leto (really?:), Gonzalez, Pellegrino and mostly Vitor Flora:) Banega has more pace and better stamina than Lucas (I checked, he runs more), if Mascherano, Aurelio, Alonso (much slower than Banega), Garcia or Torres did, why not then? Still think we could get rid of Lucas, not to scapegoat him for terrible campaign, just need more quality and fresh blood. Sign Ozil or Van der Vaart then to play in the hole, not necessarily in the starting line up. I would also try to play San Jose instead of Lucas, he has much better passing range.

Don't get me wrong, I rate Lucas. Would like him to be our 4th, 5th choice centre midfielder, a useful squaddie with decent quality. He seems to improve with every week in last twelve months, last year was arguably our best performer of the preseason and was a consistent fairly good player in the season, the one that apart from Reina less disappointed, not only because of little expectations. Still, he has limited technique, has an eye for a pass, which he showed in last month of the season, but can't get more than 2-3 assists per season. He can't dribble and lacks drive of Stevie to play a more attacking role. He is a decent tackler, still has no pace and no height, Sissoko qualities. He is intelligent, his tackling is based more on the game reading then uncompromising style. Anyway, this will be our make or break season, we have to secure top four spot and need best players available. Ignacio Camacho deal expires, Lass might be sold, more offensive and extremely gifted Mesut Ozil has just one year on his contract. Banega may be sold due to big Valencia financial problems. He has better passing, tackling and dribbling ability. Has more pace and can go past opponents, so there wouldn't be a big gap between formations without Aquilani or with disinterested Gerrard. I think, that Babel would be the one to join Valencia in a swap deal, but just want to know, who you rate higher? With Maxi, Banega and Insua, perhaps Otamendi, Masch might be more willing to stay:)

Keep Rafa, if he fails once again, bring Guardiola next term, whose contract expires then.

I'd be less radical and divide Aqua struggle into Benitez's fault and injuries. If he starts against Hull, he'll have just the same amount of starts as he did last three seasons in Rome, 27 in three campaigns, so 9 in each of them. He wasn't ready until Birmingham, when he got his debut, maybe Blackburn or Wigan home were proper games to let him start. Still he played against Bolton, Wolves, Spurs, Reading in a short space of time, Wolves away, he should be in the side, big Rafa mistake. He got two little ankle injuries and was simply ill at least twice, so didn't get many games. And Rafe reverted to 4-4-2 against Blackburn, Wigan, Sunderland, West Ham and and Birmingham, so no chance he could fill instead of Masch/Lucas. Instead of Gerrard, why not?:) He is still prospective, next season I expect double figures in assists from him, already 6 in 8 starts:) He can be a monster of a player:)

You know that if Pool wins tomorrow and so does Arsenal, we will have the average of 75 points in last five campaigns, Arsenal in last three years managed to get more only once, whereas we three times:) I would praise them for two title challenges, as they got 83 in 2008 and we got 82 in 2006, whereas we did never get credit fot it. This year they stayed in the title race until three weeks ago, still they will get less points than we achieved in 2008. In our poorest season in years with a win tomorrow we will exactly match Ged's average amount of points in his tenure here, Rafa averagely gets more than 9% more points than Ged and several % more than Arsene in last five years. From four of best results in common three would come from Liverpool, yeah!!

"When you are at a big club and things go bad, it is normal for the pressure to be put on the manager. Rafa has done a great job and we are trying not to look at what has happened in the past. We have tried to do our best but it hasn't been good enough. Rafa has proven himself. He is a big manager. The people above will make the right decisions." That's Yossi. I remember Pepe interview, when he said, that one of the factors persuading him to stay at Liverpool was "Rafa building special there". And Mascherano saying that Rafa made him and rescued him from hell at West Ham. And that he liked Barcelona, but Rafa is a great manager and he wanted to stay. Carra usually hailed Benitez, several times said that Liverpool has much better squad than under Houllier and there's more spirit in the side. And was grateful for making him a top CB in the world. Torres admitted it's not Rafa to blame and he came for Liverpool also thanks to his admiration for Rafa. Same as Garcia. Dalglish and Rush are still Rafa supporters, so he might not be that bad...

Watched him several times, looks like Sterling three years older. Isn't any type of Affellay or Walcott type pacy winger with limited ability and tactical sense. He's Patches size and would love to watch them combining together, alongside Dalla Valle, Ince, Amoo or Ecclestone, with Lucas behind them:) Frankly, our right wing has trickery Benny, hard-working Kuyt and decent Maxi who seems a really good player with total lack of genuine pace. With Wijnaldum on the wing, we could sell Riera with no regrets and put Kuyt up front. Securing Wilson and Wijnaldum should be a priority for long term future.

I' d rather see Liverpool being linked with Bordeaux (Chamakh already signed up and Gourcuff), Naples (Hamsik and Lavezzi) or any Valencia star duo, featuring Mata, Villa, Silva or Pablo. Still my by far the most exciting would be Porto duo, including extremely prolific for a debut season, already netted 17 in Portugal, Radamel Falcao Garcia, and Hulk. I know, that after full-backs winger is another backheel of Benitez assessment, alongside drawbakcs of Pool scouting net. Right wing seems well occupied, maybe a bit old with Maxi, Benny Onion and Kuyt, with age average 29.7. With any luck Amoo and Eccleston will fill in their shoes in the future, in particular as Kuyt seems to play up front once again. But left wing needs reinforcements, as Benny and Riera, not to mention Aurelio, are injury-prone. Babel should finally take off next term and would like to see him flying like he did against Sunderland, Pompey, Lille or Unirea. Riera is on his way, as he isn't promising anymore at 28, whereas Babel still can hit it at top level. Unless Liverpool needs a big money injection offers bigger than his transfer fee should be accepted. Versatile attacking player, winger striker and media punta in one person should be a priority, and as Arda Turan hasn't proved at top level and Silva seems to be out of reach, I think Hulk would solve many problems. Maxi, Kuyt, Babel and Benny, all our wingers available are versatile, same as Hulk, so no injury crisis could destroy attacking flair of the Reds then. With Riera, Aurelio, El Zhar and Benayoun injured for a long time Liverpool had no movement and virtually no wings. With Johnson and Aquilani, two quickest and best techniqually player apart from Gerro and Nando, we had no chance of breaking opposition and capitalising on chances we didn't have. Hulk is a blend of Gonzalez pace, Riera trickery from Mancs and Villa games and some Macca runs. He is 24 this year and impressed against Mancs in CL. He is left footed but can play on either wing. And can be a shadow striker we are screaming for. Hulk can cover positions Garcia did, but with much more flair. From selling Riera and Degen, still having some cash from Voro, Dossena and Michaylov deals, we should afford him. N'zogbia is a cheaper and also valuable option, still rate Hulk higher though.

Average age og their starting line-up is around 26.7. Or just 26, taking into account not all of them had their birthday so far this year. Most of them debuted at very young age, so their actual footballing age is higher than real one. And it means they won't get so much better than they're now. Two years ago they got 6 points from top 4 challenges, last year their own record 9 (chelscum played down to ten men, united had no pressure of winning with them, they humiliated them in the Champions League 4-1 in a draw, our 4-4, when we should have won 4-0), this season they have so far 3 points. The backbone of their team isn't younger than our, except for Fabregas who will depart in the summer probably. Their three key players are older than our Spice Boys. And their transfer record, not bad, comes from selling players to Chelsea and City, club Liverpool fortunately doesn't want to have anything in common with. And most times they fail to impress anywhere far from London. If they haven't stolen Fabregas, their expenditure would exceed ours. And we have had poor management with Parry selling players well below their value. Arsenal managed to squeeze 35 million from Barca for Overmars. They play decently this term because of lack of injuries of key players apart from Persie, who is overhyped IMO. Take Fabregas and Arshavin out and they are as mediocre as we are, labelled two man team. If we are like that, then they're a one man team, who can't turn the games like Gerrard did and I believe still does. Their second playmaker is Nasri, while we have Benny and Aquilani. All in all Insua isn't much worse than Clichy, who is only pacy and Johnson is streets ahead of Sagna, who failed to play one decent ball last game. And as far as I am concerned, Arsenal has one or two oldest centre-back sets in the league - Campbell 36, Silvestre 33, Gallas 33, Vermealen 25. Arshavin is 29 this year, no Fabregas and poor creativity from Diaby and Song comparing with Masche and Aquilani on their positions.

Arteta is ready, but unlikely to start. Osman and Fellaini will surely play in the midfield. Cahill ahead of them. Similar strength to our CMs, without Aquilani on the bench, Mascherano daily form and Gerrard's spark of genius, so everything that can decide tomorrow match. Training photos showed Lucas, Gerrard ans Masch on the pitch. What worries me is lack of, as usual and as simple as that, creativity there. Mascherano has an eye for a pass and some drive and, what not many notice, gives the ball awat very rarely. Lucas similar, but 30% of each. I fear the situation we might defend a lot. We used to have a well deserved reputation for a team defending the the result the best and eventually able to score vital goals at the end. It is no more like that and what half a year ago seemed unprobable - playing counter-attack against Everton, can happen this time. Maxi and Riera have no pace, isn't Babel the only proposition for through balls and quick attacks? Kuyt, Maxi and Riera, likely to perform tomorrow, virtually are extremely slow for their positions. Maybe Aquilani will come on the pitch in second half with Babel to turn the game. Aquilani has a decent record of an assist per start this calendar year in the league. I guess he starts against Arsenal, when the game will be less physical and more open. Mascherano stamina and sacrifice can never be put into question, but if we are to break the deadlock some time in the game, he has to play a bit more in front of Lucas. Can Lucas cope with Cahill, Fellaini or Osman? Can he win headers? Isn't Aquilani taller, almost Torres' height? Benitez will start like this way: Reina Carra Gyros Skrtel Insua Maxi Lucas Monsterano Gerro Riera Kuyt I'd start this way: Reina Carra Skrtel Gyros Insua (Aurelio if 120% fit) Maxi Mascherano Gerrard Riera Aquilani Kuyt Lucas is clever and outsmarts opponents, can't see him stopping Fellaini or any tall and strong player. Gerrard used to be a centre midfielder and can do it for this single, even last time. Aquilani has nice understanding with Dirk. Two assists in two starts. Not bad, is it?