One step back to take two steps forward?

[Tee]

Don't want to start a war here guys, it is just a thought on a boring Friday!!

Should we, supporters and the owners, be prepared to cut Rafa some real slack over the next couple of seasons and risk CL qualification by allowing some of our promising reserves and youngsters more opportunities.

Ther ejust seems to be so much pressure on Rafa he probably cannot even risk some of the younger players right now because every result is so important it seems.

Maybe it is time to sell 1 or 2 (or even 3) established players. This would allow the fringe players, some of whom look to be genuine prospects (Hobbs, Lucas, Insua) more of a chance to be involved in the first team.

Arsenal sort of sacrificed a couple of seasons without contesting to blood young players, and they seem to be getting it right.

[AFII]

I think our young players will get a chance when we sell some of our squad players like Crouch, Riise, Sissoko and when Hyypia and Finnan retires.

I wouldn't sign another striker to replace Crouch. I would give Pacheco the chance instead as our fifth striker and replace Sissoko with Lucas.

[Parm]

I think our young players will get a chance when we sell some of our squad players like Crouch, Riise, Sissoko and when Hyypia and Finnan retires.

I wouldn't sign another striker to replace Crouch. I would give Pacheco the chance instead as our fifth striker and replace Sissoko with Lucas.

not the worst post you've ever made! I do like Momo, but I do think despite his efforts, he still has limitations to his game. I dont see the point of spunking 8mill on Lucas but then not look to blood him wherever possible.

[Pacman]

I think our young players will get a chance when we sell some of our squad players like Crouch, Riise, Sissoko and when Hyypia and Finnan retires.

I wouldn't sign another striker to replace Crouch. I would give Pacheco the chance instead as our fifth striker and replace Sissoko with Lucas.

Last nights performance said to me he's not ready yet.

[AFII]

Last nights performance said to me he's not ready yet.

Sissoko has played a lot of games for us and he isn't ready yet either

[mersey86]

Its always a boost to the supporters when the youngsters come through and make themselves indispensable, but I can't see many opportunities in the near future. Don't forget that Momo is still very young and has already put in some extraordinary performances for us .. admittedly with some less stellar displays thrown in. Insua would appear to be the next in line.

[Parm]

Its always a boost to the supporters when the youngsters come through and make themselves indispensable, but I can't see many opportunities in the near future. Don't forget that Momo is still very young and has already put in some extraordinary performances for us .. admittedly with some less stellar displays thrown in. Insua would appear to be the next in line.

and possibly Lucas as well.

[friedk]

Don't want to start a war here guys, it is just a thought on a boring Friday!!

Should we, supporters and the owners, be prepared to cut Rafa some real slack over the next couple of seasons and risk CL qualification by allowing some of our promising reserves and youngsters more opportunities.

Ther ejust seems to be so much pressure on Rafa he probably cannot even risk some of the younger players right now because every result is so important it seems.

Maybe it is time to sell 1 or 2 (or even 3) established players. This would allow the fringe players, some of whom look to be genuine prospects (Hobbs, Lucas, Insua) more of a chance to be involved in the first team.

Arsenal sort of sacrificed a couple of seasons without contesting to blood young players, and they seem to be getting it right.

It's a lot easier to do that with a few league titles under your belt.

[mersey86]

It's a lot easier to do that with a few league titles under your belt.

.. and without having spent 50m on new players over the summer.

[redlancer]

Arsenal sort of sacrificed a couple of seasons without contesting to blood young players, and they seem to be getting it right.

thay haven't won anything yet.

although the departure of Henry could also be a big part of it.

If the youngsters are good enuff they will get there chance.

funny one minute we're on about getting the youngsters involved then when we do ala Leto and he has a bad game amongst others he's the scape goat

[friedk]

I actually think our team might be younger than theirs, it was interesting to note that Torres is younger than Van Persie for example.

[Diego]

thay haven't won anything yet.

although the departure of Henry could also be a big part of it.

If the youngsters are good enuff they will get there chance.

funny one minute we're on about getting the youngsters involved then when we do ala Leto and he has a bad game amongst others he's the scape goat

a mate of mine has now been saying for sometime that we should sell gerrard, basing his opinion that it would be much easier to build a team with out him, and his tactical unawareness seems to be troubling. not saying he right, but it's an opinion that deserves some thought, especially if he has another season like the last one. i don't want to sell him personally, probably it's cause of sentiment but i also believe he's one of the best in the world, he just has to start showing it again...

i have full faith in rafa and his plans, youngsters will be knocking on first team doors soon, insua, lucas and maybe leto might start doing it soon, and then there are fantastic strikers that maybe ready in a few years time...

[Pacman]

Sissoko has played a lot of games for us and he isn't ready yet either

Sissoko has played some great games for us.

Lucas is one for the future but he isn't ready yet and when he is there is no-way he should play just behind Torres.

[mersey86]

a mate of mine has now been saying for sometime that we should sell gerrard, basing his opinion that it would be much easier to build a team with out him, and his tactical unawareness seems to be troubling. not saying he right, but it's an opinion that deserves some thought, especially if he has another season like the last one. i don't want to sell him personally, probably it's cause of sentiment but i also believe he's one of the best in the world, he just has to start showing it again...

I can see where he's coming from, but I think a backbone of local talent is important and, whatever Stevie is worth to another team, he's worth more than that to us.