Mascherano

[BrooklynRed]

told ya

Xabi and Mascherano should be our first choice central midfielders with Gerrard playing as an attacking midfielder. Xabi played higher up the pitch today than he usually do and that is because Mascherano is good enough to help out the back four on his own.

When Mascherano and Momo played TOGETHER (Mascherano's first game in the side? Can't be bothered to look), many on this board argued with me when I said that Rafa should play one or the other and not both. I also said I thought Mascherano was preferable because he was better with the ball; Despite Momo's disruptive qualities, he was too often a liability going forward.

"No," it was argued, "Mascherano and Xabi play the same position and will share time between them."

Hrm. Well, I never get to do this, but.... I TOLD YOU SO! I think Mascherano will continue to grow playing in front of the back four and offers us a much more controlled presence anchoring the midfield. I like Momo quite a bit for his passion and energy, but Mascherano is simply a better football player and brings a more diverse set of skills to the side; He should play with Xabi and Stevie, freeing Gerrard and Alonso to spread the ball around and attack. Today being an example.

EDITED: http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=14679 (OK, I could be bothered...Thread re: Mascherano's first match...)

[Johnny]

All in all i`m very happy with the team today.The team as it stands could win the league next yr and we have more money than ever to improve the team in the summer.If only we`d been better for the 1st 10 games this season we`d be up their with both scums.IF...........................











roll on next yr after we win the CL again.

[DannyMan2006]

All in all i`m very happy with the team today.The team as it stands could win the league next yr and we have more money than ever to improve the team in the summer.If only we`d been better for the 1st 10 games this season we`d be up their with both scums.IF...........................

roll on next yr after we win the CL again.

Aidy Boothroyd summed it up today. "On our day we're capable of beating anyone, over 38 games reality sets in".

He spoke of Watford, but this applys to all teams.

[Johnny]

Aidy Boothroyd summed it up today. "On our day we're capable of beating anyone, over 38 games reality sets in".

He spoke of Watford, but this applys to all teams.

Aidy Boothroyd uses hindsight very well..................

[Redlife]

We haven't really seen enough of Mascherano yet to form balanced opinions on him, as far as I'm concerned. He does appear to have far better ball skills than Momo though, even on such sort evidence. His passings is tighter, his control more sure. I really like the look of him.

[Johnny]

We haven't really seen enough of Mascherano yet to form balanced opinions on him, as far as I'm concerned. He does appear to have far better ball skills than Momo though, even on such sort evidence. His passings is tighter, his control more sure. I really like the look of him.

Me too.



But Sometimes Momo`s physicality wins games against strong midfields like Chelseas.

[Redlife]

Me too.



But Sometimes Momo`s physicality wins games against strong midfields like Chelseas.

True. Like someone on here said, Momo's a wrecking ball.

[Fiddy]

We've finally replaced Hamann properly.

Top stuff.

And Cheyrou was the next Zidane.

Jesus, the guy's done well so far but let's not go OTT eh?! Not to mention disrespecting Didi, who did the business for us for years and was fundamental to a certain trophy that now sits gleaming in our cabinet...

[Johnny]

True. Like someone on here said, Momo's a wrecking ball.

Swings and roundabouts

[Kopite_Colin]

Horses for courses....

[Parm]

Hamann's game wasnt about passing with any great creativity though, he got involved, broke up play and kept it neat and tidy, unfussy. Like JM.

[Craig_H]

And Cheyrou was the next Zidane.

Jesus, the guy's done well so far but let's not go OTT eh?! Not to mention disrespecting Didi, who did the business for us for years and was fundamental to a certain trophy that now sits gleaming in our cabinet...

Oh FFS, what a melodramatic cry baby response.

As in the type of player he is, the role he performs.

And as for comparing Cheyrou to an Argentine INTERNATIONAL with 20 odd caps....

[Sir Bob]

Its clear form Mashers credentials, he's a top quality player. The only question is will he settle into the English league. If he does then he will be first choice in my book ahead of Alonso & Momo. Its early days so far of course but its looking very promising. He really does look a real quality player.

[Marky]

Bit early to compare him to such a Liverpool Great as Didi Hamann but yes he's a similar player to Didi in terms of winning the ball,
passing it short and giving it to our more attack minded players ala Gerrard, Pennant, Crouch etc.

He did a brilliant tackle on Fabregas(i think) early doors which set the tempo for us for the rest of the game.

Impressive display.

[Shaggy]

I don't think DJS is comparing them in terms of stature as an LFC player - in fact I know he isn't. He's clearly talking about the type of player he is.

There are too many people on this forum willing to jump straight down DJS' throat, regardless of what he posts and however valid and worthwhile the post may be. Stop it - it's tiresome.