Pennant Interview (daily post)

[Jack D Rips]

Pennant epitomises out attacking weaknesses under Benitez. He cannot go past people so puts his foot on the ball and passes backwards and sideways most of the time, going nowhere. He's supposed to be an attacking player but he's just a competent shuffler of the ball and nothing else. The only time he gets to the endline to put in a cross is if he's picked out by xabi or stevie with a long pass and he can run in behind. He HAS pace but that's about all.

We have the same problems on the other side IMO, alot was made of us getting the ball to the flanks this season but we've bought guys incapable of beating defenders and delivering good crosses. So the problem persists...

I think we are much worse off on the left. Pennant puts in far more crosses than we get from the left. The problem is not so much that his crossing is poor. It is more down to the lack of bodies getting into the box.

[certifiable]

I wish Pennant would stop talking in the media.

I have to say I agree.

Am I the only one who slightly winces when he comes out with this bravado on the basis of a non-spectacular start to his liverpool career.

I would much rather hear these type of comments from established LFC players who have proved themselves time and again, SG, carra etc.

Just doesn't sit right with me. I'm happy for him to continue to prove himself capable of performing to liverpool fc standard, but since he joined there's the feeling he feels like he's finished article rather than someone starting a top level career.

[Johnny]

I have to say I agree.

Am I the only one who slightly winces when he comes out with this bravado on the basis of a non-spectacular start to his liverpool career.

I would much rather hear these type of comments from established LFC players who have proved themselves time and again, SG, carra etc.

Just doesn't sit right with me. I'm happy for him to continue to prove himself capable of performing to liverpool fc standard, but since he joined there's the feeling he feels like he's finished article rather than someone starting a top level career.

I dont see any bravado or feeling of being the finished atricle in these quotes.

“If you’d told me in May that I’d have the chance to line up against Ronaldinho, Deco, Xavi and Carlos Puyol this season, I wouldn’t have believed you.

“But I’d honestly say that it’s only in the last six to eight games that I’ve really found my feet and started to get close to what I know I’m capable of".

.

[lfc4ever]

I think he's improved recently.

He frustrates me because he has all the talent in the world. I'm sure Rafa will get the best out of the lad and he clearly wants to play for Liverpool.

Yup, and he'lll still be here next year, along with Crouchy, and who knows, actually competing for the title.

[bazza76]

He has improved, but he needs to improve quite a lot more if he is going to be our no 1 right sided player next year.

Good to hear him sounding confident, now do it on the pitch

I normally don't mind confidence. But when it is coming from a player who is inconsistant, it kinda reminds me of complacency. As has been said, he aint that god to be going to the Camp Nou and running rings around Ronaldihno and Messi and co.

[certifiable]

I dont see any bravado or feeling of being the finished atricle in these quotes.

I take your point in this instance, it's more a general feeling since he's signed that he believes he's made it before he has.
He talks about the last 6 to 8 games, but tbf he's not fundamentally improved us in anyway in latest games either, albeit seems to be slightly improving.

[The Glove]

"The games against Barcelona are going to be fantastic to be involved in"



I hope his only involvement is sitting on the bench.

[Red_hot]

"The games against Barcelona are going to be fantastic to be involved in"



I hope his only involvement is sitting on the bench.

Hehehehe.

[tomasjj]

"The games against Barcelona are going to be fantastic to be involved in"



I hope his only involvement is sitting on the bench.

Well...let us see if he sets up another goal.
Shaggs says he can't beat a man...but he should take a look at our last game then.

[Shaggy]

Well...let us see if he sets up another goal.
Shaggs says he can't beat a man...but he should take a look at our last game then.

Isolated incidents. He doesn't consistently go past people. There isn't a full back in the country who, when Pennant is facing him up, thinks "oh ****, it's Pennant!". He doesn't get opposing left backs on the back foot. He cuts inside incessantly, which is baffling given his dire lack of a left foot, and invariably knocks the ball sideways.

[The Glove]

Well...let us see if he sets up another goal.
Shaggs says he can't beat a man...but he should take a look at our last game then.

If he plays then that probably means that one of Gerrard, Alonso and Sissoko doesnt, now Im all for rotation when we are playing against ****e in our league but I want our best players out against Barca. Pennant isnt one of our best players.

[tomasjj]

Isolated incidents. He doesn't consistently go past people. There isn't a full back in the country who, when Pennant is facing him up, thinks "oh ****, it's Pennant!". He doesn't get opposing left backs on the back foot. He cuts inside incessantly, which is baffling given his dire lack of a left foot, and invariably knocks the ball sideways.

Aye, I agree he doesn't do that consistently, and that is what we are looking for in a winger. However, that is one of the toughest things to do in football, so players that are supposed to do that should be cut some more slack than others.
But I agree on the fact that he cuts inside too much, and what is even worse is that he is terribly one footed, a la Riise and dare I say, to an extent, Kuyt (not a pop, before anyone gets hizzy fits or what you call it).

Still though, our right is much more potent than our left at the moment.

[tomasjj]

If he plays then that probably means that one of Gerrard, Alonso and Sissoko doesnt, now Im all for rotation when we are playing against ****e in our league but I want our best players out against Barca. Pennant isnt one of our best players.

He isn't, and I also want our best players in there, including the midfield trio you mention.
I reckon that means Momo and Stevie G in front of Xabi and wing backs and 3 centre backs. Not sure though.

[Shaggy]

Aye, I agree he doesn't do that consistently, and that is what we are looking for in a winger. However, that is one of the toughest things to do in football, so players that are supposed to do that should be cut some more slack than others.
But I agree on the fact that he cuts inside too much, and what is even worse is that he is terribly one footed, a la Riise and dare I say, to an extent, Kuyt (not a pop, before anyone gets hizzy fits or what you call it).

Still though, our right is much more potent than our left at the moment.

Sad but true, although I still have hopes for Gonzalez. The lad has barely had a run in the side, what with the injuries and settling in period. I think...or is it hope...he'll come good.

I'd be very concerned if we started with Pennant in the Nou Camp. Can't see it though.

[Joey Jones]

Sad but true, although I still have hopes for Gonzalez. The lad has barely had a run in the side, what with the injuries and settling in period. I think...or is it hope...he'll come good.

I'd be very concerned if we started with Pennant in the Nou Camp. Can't see it though.

Gerrard on the right then?