Three Into Two

[univofchicago]

To be fair though, rupert is exactly the same on that score, although he is doing a good job exposing a conman, hes pretty similar to fatman if you dare to disagree with him on anything

Paul - Perhaps you feel that way because you've had differences of opinion with Rupert. I don't feel the same way about Rupert, maybe the reason is because I agree with a lot (not all may I add!) he has to say.

But whether Rupert is right or wrong, at least he DISCUSSES the matter. With Fatty around, discussion is a non-starter.

[paulcooper4]

Paul - Perhaps you feel that way because you've had differences of opinion with Rupert. I don't feel the same way about Rupert, maybe the reason is because I agree with a lot (not all may I add!) he has to say.

But whether Rupert is right or wrong, at least he DISCUSSES the matter. With Fatty around, discussion is a non-starter.

Yes I have had differences of opinion with rupert, and I also agree with a lot of what he has to say. But he certainly doesnt like it when you disagree with anything mate. Never mind, at least WE can agree to disagree

[Peter Delvechio]

Back to topic -

For some time I've quietly nursed concerns about Xabi without airing them for fear of being too negative.

The truth, I feel, is that he's certainly an elegant player and an indispensable part of the squad but I really think he could improve his overall contribution to the team.

This seems ludicrous considering he played a great ball for the winner just last night but I think we've all seen games (even last season) when for one reason or another he's been anonymous and has failed to impose himself on the opposition. It's extraordinary considering how well he settled in his first season.

I'm a big fan of Xabi though so I reckon he could improve his game further and perhaps this threesome competing for 2 places in the middle will be the catalyst he's needed. I think only Chelsea have the kind of competition for places in the middle that we have.

BTW, am I right in assuming that Zenden is behind Gerrard, Alonso and Sissoko for a slot in the middle and that he's behinf Gonzalez, Kewell and Aurelio for the slot on the left? If that's so I think we should get rid (3m quid?) and move for Graveson or someone half-decent like that.

[Don Quixote]

Don't know about anyone else, and this is not based on last nights game, but I feel Momo is becoming just as important to us as Xabi (if not more).

There were times last night when I wanted Rafa to change it, to throw Crouch on and push Gerrard into a deeper role (withdrawing Alonso), though Xabi popped up at the end with the vital piece of vision, only he is capable of..

The problem with Gerrard is that as part of a front two, or a central midfield two, he's confined in what he does. Playing on the inside right he has less defensive responsibility (just covering the full back), and has more licence to roam, like Zidane and Nedved do on the opposite side of the pitch.

We now have Pennant, who holds his position well, sticks wide and has two good feet meaning he's not restricted to cutting inside or out, he can do both, which is exactly what we've been lacking in recent years.

So is it a good dilema? I dunno.. That's three VERY important players we need to keep happy in Gerrard, Alonso and Sissoko, a nice luxury to have some might say, but in reality, for the good of the team, sacrifices might need to be made somewhere in the longrun...

I wouldn't like to be Rafa..

We can't be upset because now we've got *too many* first team contenders. It's positive if Rafa learns when to use which combination. I'm not pretending I have it completely sussed.

But, as usual, I'm pretty close.

[Ryan]

The only way you'd get £3M for Zenden, would be to sell off parts of his body for medical research.

Starting with that big hefty arse of his.

[Peter Delvechio]

Ha ha... well you never know.

Frankly, I think it would be hard to turn down even a million for someone who's fourth choice in his 2 'best' positions.

[mark1975]

Haha, he really is poor mate, I can't see what he offers other than being a 'slight' improvement on Vlad

[mark1975]

We can't be upset because now we've got *too many* first team contenders. It's positive if Rafa learns when to use which combination. I'm not pretending I have it completely sussed.

But, as usual, I'm pretty close.

*I've read that before*

welcome RH

[Ryan]

*I've read that before*

welcome RH

Fcuk off RH.

[BobTheCharmer]

this for me is why Alonso is sellable. We need Gerrard & Momo more.

[Ryan]

Haha, he really is poor mate, I can't see what he offers other than being a 'slight' improvement on Vlad

He's like a fat Leonhardsen.

[Redspin]

Pennant was terrific yesterday on the right, but I still prefer Stevie G.

Out of curiosity, if you start Pennant on the right where would you put Stevie G?

Rafa likes to play two in front of the back four, so that would be where Alonso and Momo play, and he likes two wide players with a central attacking midfielder, so that's where Gerrard will usually play. I think we're unlikely to see 4-4-2 very often, so will usually have just one up front, as Rafa has done all his career. When asked about his fondness for this formation once he said that it wasn't a question of how many strikers you play, it's more a question of how many players you get into the box at the end of a move, hence his liking for a big man holding play up (John Carew/Peter Crouch) and laying balls off to supporting midfielders. The trick is getting the players coached to do this properly. It's worked for him for years so he's not going to change now.

[Don Quixote]

Fcuk off RH.

Oh, you don't really mean that now, do you.

[Ryan]

Oh, you don't really mean that now, do you.

You'd think wouldn't you.

Seriously though, was enforcing your miniscule responsibilities and duties over there not enough for you?

[Don Quixote]

I'm a pretty laid back mod, thanks very much.

You're not bitter cos I said that you were behaving like you had a chip on your shoulder about something, are you? No offence Ryan, but I just called it how it was.