Next Season

[kurtangle01]

Luck came into both Finals between us and AC.It balanced itself out in the end!!!!!

Depends how you define luck. How did luck come into it 2 years ago?

[Johnny]

Depends how you define luck. How did luck come into it 2 years ago?

xabi`s return shot from the Peno for one.

[zimbo]

[QUOTE=CharlieMansonsSquint;466040]In the middle alongside Mascherano seems a logical conclusion. But then what of Alonso?[/QUOTEoonight


Exactly.

And it doesn't seem like Rafa believes he can trust Gerrard in that position, particularly in the big games. Certainly don't think he's suited in the supporting striker role he was given tonight. Like it or not, he's not got the footballing brain for that position.

[Johnny]

[QUOTE=zimbo;466061]

In the middle alongside Mascherano seems a logical conclusion. But then what of Alonso?[/QUOTEoonight


Exactly.

And it doesn't seem like Rafa believes he can trust Gerrard in that position, particularly in the big games. Certainly don't think he's suited in the supporting striker role he was given tonight. Like it or not, he's not got the footballing brain for that position.

He`s proved he has in the past!!!!!!

[kurtangle01]

xabi`s return shot from the Peno for one.

Fair enough. I don't remember much luck in 2005 though. What I remember is the team working their bollocks off to overturn a 3-0 half time deficit. It all depends how you see it though I suppose.

[zimbo]

[QUOTE=Quinncy;466068]

He`s proved he has in the past!!!!!!

Can't remember too many occasions when Gerrard's excelled playing off the main striker. Just seemed tonight as though he was too keen to live up to his 'superman' image, and wanted to win the game single-handed. Cue speculative 30 yard shots when other players were better placed. Just wasn't canny enough in my opinion.

A Dalglish in that position would have won us the game tonight, but I suppose that's asking a bit much

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

[QUOTE=zimbo;466061]

In the middle alongside Mascherano seems a logical conclusion. But then what of Alonso?[/QUOTEoonight


Exactly.

And it doesn't seem like Rafa believes he can trust Gerrard in that position, particularly in the big games. Certainly don't think he's suited in the supporting striker role he was given tonight. Like it or not, he's not got the footballing brain for that position.

But what about the second leg at home against Chelsea? Rafa trusted him there.

I do think your point about the big games is valid, at least at this current time. Looking at it from Rafas perspective our biggest strength is in midfield. We lack top quality in the final third, and like it or not Gerrard is by far and away our most gifted attacker, albeit he's not as effective as a second striker. If anything his versatility counts against him. Lets be honest he's certainly a better bet than a Bellamy or Kewell.

I'm pretty sure that next season Stevie will play most if not all his games from the centre of midfield. It's the way forward. That and better forwards and attacking midfielders.

[alunevans]

For me, Rafa's biggest challenge is finding Gerrard's best position. It just seems like he's not entirely sure where to play him; he doesn't trust him in the middle and on the right he's too quick to abdicate responsibility.

He was, for me, the biggest disappointment tonight. His decision-making was woeful and it was like watching a 10 year old kid who wanted to do everything on his own. I'm not slating him lightly, just that I'd have hoped for a more mature performance from him if he is to become the legend that we want him to be.

Its not that big a challenge for me. Play him in the centre alongside Monster Mash.

He's not a back to goal player at all.

We need to buy four class players and they need to be left wing, right wing, and two strikers.

If we can do this then it will change us enormously.

The central midfield choice is the best we've had in years. The defence is the meanest in the league. Where we are lacking is as an attacking force. That's where the quality needs to be brought in.

[zimbo]

[QUOTE=CharlieMansonsSquint;466088]

But what about the second leg at home against Chelsea? Rafa trusted him there.

I do think your point about the big games is valid, at least at this current time. Looking at it from Rafas perspective our biggest strength is in midfield. We lack top quality in the final third, and like it or not Gerrard is by far and away our most gifted attacker, albeit he's not as effective as a second striker. If anything his versatility counts against him. Lets be honest he's certainly a better bet than a Bellamy or Kewell.

I'm pretty sure that next season Stevie will play most if not all his games from the centre of midfield. It's the way forward. That and better forwards and attacking midfielders.

Yes, but that Chelsea game was very much the exception (even though it was ultimately a successful, though maybe unexpected tactic). Personally I'd agree that Gerrard has more to offer operating from the middle, but Rafa is obviously not convinced. It seemed tonight as though it was a case of shoehorning him into the starting 11, then giving him pretty much a free role.
Unfortunately he didn't have the nouse to exploit it.

Rafa knows he has to have Gerrard in his strongest starting 11. I just don't think he's worked out the best place for him. After 3 years that has to be a worry.