Passing

[red_phantom]

Is it me, but considering the money thats being paid to some of the superstars today, passing a ball 10 yards to your team mate (is it that difficult).

The other night in the first half I was tearing my hair out at the amount of mistimed, overhit passes, you know basic stuff. Now I know passing it around ala Arsenal won't always get results, but a certain Mr Shankly always used to say 'pass it to the nearest pair of red socks'.

Now we all know that Rafa is a fantastic tactician, but is it me or is something missing here. Are we really progressing football wise, oh and by the way I think we are, Rome was'nt built in a day.

Because they talk about the big four, I think the next level the top 2 is the hardest to break into, we are going to have to change our style of play, not dramatically but passing the ball to the next man might be a start.

[Nic83]

On the subject, one of the world's supposed best players in indeed one of the very worst passers of the ball around. I'm talking about one Samuel Eto, keep an eye out for him next time......

[TheStig]

Yeah and it amazes me how many "world class" players are one footed too.

[Nic83]

Yeah and it amazes me how many "world class" players are one footed too.

Ah come on mate, in fairness, most of
us are born one footed and no matter how hard you try and improve your bad one, it may never be done to a decent standard!

[wiw]

Do you go to the game? Our tickets in the Paddock are about 5 rows back, and it's only then you really appreciate the tempo and time on the ball (or lack of) players have nowadays, TV just doesn't do it justice. I agree our passing can be sloppy, Weds wasn't the best example though. Wet pitch, pissing it down, CL semi-final with a Chelsea playing hacking away at you isn't easy

[red_phantom]

Is that an excuse, I know I get your point, I,m talking about Liverpool FC here, it really saddens me to see teams like Arsenal and Barcelona play 'the Liverpool way' and before you say why don't you support one of the above, I actually think we're more than capable of matching these teams, hell we've proved it, I just wish we could be a little bit more confidant about our own abilities and a little less hit and wish sometimes.

[wiw]

Is that an excuse, I know I get your point, I,m talking about Liverpool FC here, it really saddens me to see teams like Arsenal and Barcelona play 'the Liverpool way' and before you say why don't you support one of the above, I actually think we're more than capable of matching these teams, hell we've proved it, I just wish we could be a little bit more confidant about our own abilities and a little less hit and wish sometimes.

Sorry I think I misread your point, do you mean you wish we'd hit less long balls and concentrate more on slick, short passes? I see what you're saying but I like that we mix it up. I think our summer signings will decide this, and I can only see us going for players who can pass and move and are good on the ball. We all know we need wingers and a playmaker, so we will find out next season I guess

[Tee]

Totally agree about the passing - must improve. Come on Rafa, much more 5 a side please!!!!

Some players also have awful control and first touch - shocking considering how much they train/play. It was forgiveable on Wednesday because of the weather but generally it needs to improve.

[red_phantom]

Sorry I think I misread your point, do you mean you wish we'd hit less long balls and concentrate more on slick, short passes? I see what you're saying but I like that we mix it up. I think our summer signings will decide this, and I can only see us going for players who can pass and move and are good on the ball. We all know we need wingers and a playmaker, so we will find out next season I guess

Fair comment. Yea I do go to the game, although not as much these days. I just think some of our players have got a bit more in them. This summer, and I say it every year 'who doesn't' I hope we sign the right players to take us to that next level. I suppose its because we care.

[Dessy]

Ah come on mate, in fairness, most of
us are born one footed and no matter how hard you try and improve your bad one, it may never be done to a decent standard!

Beg to differ.

Full time occupation, training week in week out (and hopefully enjoying it!) - professional footballers (especially the elite) should be able to pass and shoot with either foot to a fairly decent standard.

The way the games played today any generally decent two footed player would stand out a mile imo. Lets face it sometimes it aint even making a pass its just positioning your foot right to guide the ball in the right direction (take note Mr Riise) - not rocket science and should most definately be a pre requisite before signing.

[Joe King]

We can't do proper triangles, its frustrating. Our football doesn't have a proper style, its a mish mash thrown in together.

Its about time our players moved more around the pitch. Our team is too static and slow. For a team to break down opposition, players need to pass and move. All the great Liverpool sides have won with this philosophy. Pass and move or as Ronnie Moran used to say, 'Pass and move, ya bugger' Not only does it create gaps for yourself but for each other.

[wiw]

Fair comment. Yea I do go to the game, although not as much these days. I just think some of our players have got a bit more in them. This summer, and I say it every year 'who doesn't' I hope we sign the right players to take us to that next level. I suppose its because we care.

Didn't mean to sound a prick when I asked if you go the game btw I think some of our players have more in them too. The difference Torres made to other players confidence is IMO clear, esp Gerrard (specifically his confidence in his team mates improved), and a couple of others of his class would make the world of difference

[Whelan5]

i think the most annoying aspect of our passing is how often the player receiving the ball has to slow down, stop or even turn back to receive it. This happens even when the player making the pass is under no pressure, particularly happens with passes to the full backs.

Slows down our momentum something awful.

[Joe King]

i think the most annoying aspect of our passing is how often the player receiving the ball has to slow down, stop or even turn back to receive it. This happens even when the player making the pass is under no pressure, particularly happens with passes to the full backs.

Slows down our momentum something awful.

Carragher, Kuyt and Riise are obvious candidates of bad decision making when having the ball. Its either hoof, back or hopeless.

I wonder whether our players do any sort of passing exercises in training. The awareness, vision, creativity of our players is shocking. I can only see Benayoun, Gerrard, Babel, Torres, Alonso keeping the ball and moving it forward instead of checking backwards and waiting for more players to come forward.

[red_phantom]

Didn't mean to sound a prick when I asked if you go the game btw I think some of our players have more in them too. The difference Torres made to other players confidence is IMO clear, esp Gerrard (specifically his confidence in his team mates improved), and a couple of others of his class would make the world of difference

'Didn't mean to sound a prick when I asked if you go the game btw'

No I understand, its our team and we all have differing opinions and we should air our views no matter how right or wrong they may seem. As I mentioned its because 'WE CARE' unlike certain chairmen who shall remain nameless.