Harry Kewell

[Ritchi3]

Kewell's too slow and too weak to play up front.

The same argument could be used for Kuyt and Crouch.

[Joe King]

Kewell slows counter attacks down- not a good thing if we are exposing the other teams defence.

[Reece]

Kewell's too slow and too weak to play up front.

He's not THAT slow though, we already have a man with pace up front so the other guy doesn't necessarily have to be quick as well. And it's not exactly a pre-requisite to be "strong" to play in the support striker role.
People have advocated playing Benny there (maybe not you) - well I would suggest he is weaker than Kewell.

[Skillz]

Until now I’ve agreed with and understood Rafa’s reticence to start Babel, but I think now the time has come now to let him off the leash a bit and start him. Babel is clearly destined to be a striker, but when your alternative on the left wing is an almost-finished Harry Kewell, Babel has to start more games more often.

Kewell needs to adapt/change his game IMO if he is to maintain a career at the highest level. He still keeps the ball quite well but struggles to actually make things happen, and going past his full-back simply isn’t an option anymore. Maybe he could become a 2nd striker/attacking midfielder but I don’t believe he could fulfill that role at the highest level.

He has already adapted his game, we saw it a lot in 05/06. I have watched Harry at every opportunity (albeit on Aus TV) since his career started. I called it after his last appearance (Wigan?) that he was injured again.

Basically his groin is ****ed IMO and last night is a good example of what he offers now. Good link play, hold the ball up but no acceleration. He still has the skill and good vision and he played pretty well yesterday considering. He will also play better than that but if you want "the Harry Kewell" I am afraid that ship has sailed.

If we sign him on minimal wages he could make a good option but we need class and speed, basically the old Harry.

BTW it breaks my heart to say this

[Skillz]

One thing is clear when it comes to class wingers...they're few and far between so you either spend big or you get mediocre.

Very good point and why Rafa has tried to cheat and get one from South America twice. It's also why he has shown so much faith in Harry. If harry got back to 80% of his best he would be the best left foot winger in the league IMO.

[The Erectile Banana]

Very good point and why Rafa has tried to cheat and get one from South America twice. It's also why he has shown so much faith in Harry. If harry got back to 80% of his best he would be the best left foot winger in the league IMO.

It doesn't look like he will though.

He looks the shadow of the player he used to be.

You can see his football brain is still sharp but physically he's had it.

I can't see him remaining at the club beyond the summer.

It's sad as he had the potential for greatness. Another career destroyed by injury.

[tomasjj]

Kewell, when we want to use him, should be moved inside and play behind Torres.

I reckon it is only a real lack of left mid options that is keeping him out there.
the boss must reckon Babel is not ready yet.

[Subby]

I think he's past it tbh. Yeah pains me to say it but he's borderline squad player/first team player now for me imo.

I'd like to see Leto get another run about as he's like a younger Harry but a bit raw still.

[Skillz]

It doesn't look like he will though.

He looks the shadow of the player he used to be.

You can see his football brain is still sharp but physically he's had it.

I can't see him remaining at the club beyond the summer.

It's sad as he had the potential for greatness. Another career destroyed by injury.

I think I conceded that earlier

He will play better games than last night, maybe, but he will never reach 80% of his best IMO. He was effective enough though last night, just not what we want or expect.

[Subby]

I think I conceded that earlier

He will play better games than last night, maybe, but he will never reach 80% of his best IMO. He was effective enough though last night, just not what we want or expect.

[Jazzmaster]

Kewell is well past it. Well past it. It was clear as day to anyone that saw the match last night. He is nowhere near the level required. He would be fine at fulham or pompey but not at LFC.

[Craig_H]

The same argument could be used for Kuyt and Crouch.

Crouch scores goals.

[dww]

He's not THAT slow though, we already have a man with pace up front so the other guy doesn't necessarily have to be quick as well. And it's not exactly a pre-requisite to be "strong" to play in the support striker role.
People have advocated playing Benny there (maybe not you) - well I would suggest he is weaker than Kewell.

I think it is something that would be worth trying late in a game as an option. It could work out but as a starting selection I think it would upset the balance of the team. He doesn't look capable of holding the ball up the way he once could. However if it worked out his guile could be a very useful option to have there.

[anfieldanfield]

If Kewell is the answer, what the **** is the question ?!

He's not good enough. Sell.

[Skillz]

If Kewell is the answer, what the **** is the question ?!

He's not good enough. Sell.

He's a giveaway now

Might aswell keep him till Summer IMO.