Not reading anything into it...

[Marky]

Rafa Benitez has revealed skipper Steven Gerrard will feature more as a central midfielder this season.
Speaking after his side missed out on the Port of Rotterdam trophy on Sunday night, the Spaniard revealed Gerrard would play less games on the right following the arrival of Yossi Benayoun and the continued good form of Jermaine Pennant.

"Yes, normally he will play more games in the middle," said Benitez. "He enjoys playing there and I think he will play a lot more games there this season."

The Reds rounded off their pre-season preparations with a fiery 1-1 draw against Feyenoord in the De Kuip Stadium. The result meant Porto claimed the silverware following their 3-0 victory over Shanghai.

"The team was alright," Benitez added. "We had some chances and, okay, we could have scored more goals, but in terms of football it was okay. We are ready now for the season. We have competition for each position and now we need to decide after training who will start.

"We have confidence. We are prepared, we have a better squad, and hopefully we'll start by winning next week."

The Liverpool boss also revealed Harry Kewell was taken off during the second half as precaution.



It's not Rafa's style to say things like that so i bet he's just saying this to **** with the press guys minds, taking it with a pinch of salt.

[Craig_H]

I doubt it, it's hardly some elaborate trick...

[Kopite_Colin]

Finally, some sense at last....

[JohnDoe]

I think Rafa has two formations in mind for the new season:

Gerrard Alonso Masch XXXXX
Two Strikers

And

Alonso Mascherano
XXXXX Gerrard XXXXX
Striker

I doubt he'll start many games with Gerrard in the middle and two strikers.

[desertscouser]

I doubt it, it's hardly some elaborate trick...

[Marky]

Finally, some sense at last....

Cheers mate

[Shaggy]

I think Rafa has two formations in mind for the new season:

Gerrard Alonso Masch XXXXX
Two Strikers

And

Alonso Mascherano
XXXXX Gerrard XXXXX
Striker

I doubt he'll start many games with Gerrard in the middle and two strikers.

I think our 'strongest side' would look something like this:

Reina

Finnan
Carra
Agger
Riise (or new left-back if one is purchased)

Mascherano
Alonso

Benayoun
Gerrard
Babel

Torres

[Rich]

We should replace "Gerrard 8" on his shirt with "Fulcrum 8" and get him in the centre of things...

[stevie_gerrard_8]

I think our 'strongest side' would look something like this:

Reina

Finnan
Carra
Agger
Riise (or new left-back if one is purchased)

Mascherano
Alonso

Benayoun
Gerrard
Babel

Torres

Like the look of it, but would feel sorry for Pennant. Maybe put swap Pennant for Babel and put Benayoun on the left.

I want Beabel to be eased in, unlike Gonzalez who was rushed in because if the injury to Kewell.

[kop-al-74]

I think our 'strongest side' would look something like this:

Reina

Finnan
Carra
Agger
Riise (or new left-back if one is purchased)

Mascherano
Alonso

Benayoun
Gerrard
Babel

Torres

Imo Kewell in place of Babel and Pennant ahead of Benayoun.

[Shaggy]

Like the look of it, but would feel sorry for Pennant. Maybe put swap Pennant for Babel and put Benayoun on the left.

I want Beabel to be eased in, unlike Gonzalez who was rushed in because if the injury to Kewell.

Imo Kewell in place of Babel and Pennant ahead of Benayoun.

Well yeah, y'know.....the wing choices weren't really important to the point I was trying to make. Those four could be chopped and changed but the fulcrum of the side is very strong and reliable.

[paulcooper4]

I think Rafa has two formations in mind for the new season:

Gerrard Alonso Masch XXXXX
Two Strikers

And

Alonso Mascherano
XXXXX Gerrard XXXXX
Striker

I doubt he'll start many games with Gerrard in the middle and two strikers.

[Marky]

I do however think Gerrard will play more centrally this season.(back 4 and keeper picks itself at the minute)

This formation and team excites me very much:

---------- Gerrard ----- Mascherano ----- Alonso

---- Benayoun ----------------------------------- Babel/Kewell

--------------------- Torres -----------------

Mouthwatering.