Sami wants to stay a scouser

[glynner]

I actually think this is a load of crap. Sami is actually a very good long passer and an excellent defender. He isn't a great short passing posession player but as a reserve centreback I'm not convinced that is a huge problem.

I don't think it's a load of crap. I have the height of respect for Hyppia, he's been a rock for us at the back over the years, but he does boot the ball forward hopelessly on occassion in search of a long range target.

[Skillz]

Privileged to have been there for his debut.

Being from OZ and not having had the honour of gracing Anfield I can only dream.

[Skillz]

I don't think it's a load of crap. I have the height of respect for Hyppia, he's been a rock for us at the back over the years, but he does boot the ball forward hopelessly on occassion in search of a long range target.

Tell me a central defender who doesn't?

[Kenneth]

I don't think it's a load of crap. I have the height of respect for Hyppia, he's been a rock for us at the back over the years, but he does boot the ball forward hopelessly on occassion in search of a long range target.

He boots it long, but they're usually in the right place; long balls to the left wing most of the time.

[dww]

Tell me a central defender who doesn't?

[AFII]

Agger
Mexes
Heitinga
Puyol
Marques
Cannavaro
Toure
Richards
Nesta
Chivu

There is a lot of central defenders that don't hoof the ball.

[glynner]

It's not like it's an anomaly for a centre back to boot the ball upfield, I just feel like Sami does more frequently than most - sometimes when it seems like there is an easier option in the form a short pass to the midfield.

[glynner]

He boots it long, but they're usually in the right place; long balls to the left wing most of the time.

I just don't feel like they are "usually in the right place". A lot of times it results in lost possession.

[dww]

Agger
Mexes
Heitinga
Puyol
Marques
Cannavaro
Toure
Richards
Nesta
Chivu

There is a lot of central defenders that don't hoof the ball.

The point is all defenders in the PL and also in general should and do if they are any good kick the ball long to clear their lines. I will agree that all of those mentioned are better short passers than Sami. This doesn't mean that Sami hoofs the ball which in my opinion implies aimless balls upfront as opposed to a long pass with a specific target whic I think he does do.

I also see none of the above coming as a reserve CB - which is what Sami would undoubtedly be next year.

It's not like it's an anomaly for a centre back to boot the ball upfield, I just feel like Sami does more frequently than most - sometimes when it seems like there is an easier option in the form a short pass to the midfield.

To some extent this is true. But to a large extent this is because Sami is a better long than short passer. It may not be always the %age choice but I don't believe that Sami aimlessly punts the ball upfield in the way that some players do all that often (contrasted to say Riise who to my mind does this when put under pressure).

[AFII]

Sami is also to slow.

We play more attacking football now and that includes a higher defensive line.

Everyone has seen how much our attacking play has been affected with Agger out and Hyypia in.

Rafa's tactic is suited to Agger, not Hyypia.

[dww]

Sami is also to slow.

We play more attacking football now and that includes a higher defensive line.

Everyone has seen how much our attacking play has been affected with Agger out and Hyypia in.

Rafa's tactic is suited to Agger, not Hyypia.

No one is arguing that Sami should be 1st choice just that a new contract would be justifiable in terms of the fact he is a very good 4th choice CB.

[glynner]

I'd go along with that.

I'd take Sami over, say, Paletta any day of the week

[AFII]

No one is arguing that Sami should be 1st choice just that a new contract would be justifiable in terms of the fact he is a very good 4th choice CB.

I don't think Sami would be happy to be fourth choice. He said in an interview that he probably wouldn't have stayed if we had signed another central defender that would have made him fourth choice.

He is third choice now.

[Mumsafan]

Sami is lovely. End of.

[dww]

I don't think Sami would be happy to be fourth choice. He said in an interview that he probably wouldn't have stayed if we had signed another central defender that would have made him fourth choice.

He is third choice now.

But next year he is a year older and he says he wants to stay in Liverpool. So he may be happy now to consider being 4th choice after this season and possibly looking to do some coaching.

There is a difference between the argument that we should offer him a contract and whether he would take it anyway. The article at the top indicates that he would probably be very tempted to take the deal.