Guardian Premier League preview No9: Liverpool

[Skillz]

How do we lack width?

We get our width the same way Manure and the Arse do. Through the full backs. We've just brought into two players who are essentially wing backs.

We have two wide forwards who are constantly sitting in high wide positions.

I just don't see how that equates to having no width?

It's the new "zonal marking" or if you like "rotation"

[El Jefecito]

It's the new "zonal marking" or if you like "rotation"

I get the impression that people think that if it doesn't look like Giggs / Quaresma that it's not width.

I'm of the opinion that you get "better" width from full/wing backs annyway.

[el matador]

I dont think we need barry but maybe im beginning to see rafa's perspective on things.

He wouldnt play central but would be one of the middle three - presumably on the left of the trio in a 433. I can also see how he would link well with dossena's running power and the duo could add serious firepower to the left hand side, with barry finding dossena's runs, and even whipping in crosses himself for the forwards from the left.

Additionally, i think generally speaking we are a faily young side and that you need experience and furthermore leadership on the pitch to win the league.

Both barry and keane are captains of their teams and are both good talkers, organisers and leaders during games. Add these two to carragher, gerrard and masher (and of course sami when he plays) then that means we have enough people to stand firm if things go pear shaped, which in the past I dont think we have had.

Yes we would all prefer david silva, a younger more talented player but he would need at least a season to get used to the EPL and wouldnt give us Barry's physical and mental toughness, and general savvy of the premier league. Not forgetting that he can score and create goals and takes excellent set pieces from the left or right.

A final point for buying experienced players is that their shelf life is restricted to no more than 3 at most 4 seasons, and with the number of good younger players coming through the academy, maybe rafa doesnt want to stall their progress by buying 23 year old's that will be 1st team fixtures for the next 5 years or so.

[ineednewfootwear]

Behind them, of course, is Pepe Reina, a quality keeper who has the concentration level required for the least busy custodian in the division: last season Liverpool restricted opponents to just 90 shots on target in the entire league campaign, the meanest rate in the country.

the lord giveth, and the lord taketh away

what a ****!

[Angryred]

Apartn from the "inflated price for Alonso" and "Dossena not as good as.." comments id say that was a pretty accurate summary.

Wecould win the league. But no one will roll over and let us win it.

It is exactly the **** how united won it the year before!

[Deano73]

the lord giveth, and the lord taketh away

what a ****!

In defence of Doyle here, I think what he’s saying is that it is easy for a goal keeper who hasn’t much to do to lose concentration and that Pepe doesn’t fall into that trap.

That's how I read it anyway.

[Parm]

ok fair enough keeps the pressure of us, allows us to quietly go about our business,.
in fact i love it hen we are written off, it's almost when we are at our best it seems

[dww]

In defence of Doyle here, I think what he’s saying is that it is easy for a goal keeper who hasn’t much to do to lose concentration and that Pepe doesn’t fall into that trap.

That's how I read it anyway.

I thought it was a complement too.

[Ferrrrnando]

It is exactly the **** how united won it the year before!

United are a bigger games for most teams than we are. We cant use that excuse.

[ineednewfootwear]

In defence of Doyle here, I think what he’s saying is that it is easy for a goal keeper who hasn’t much to do to lose concentration and that Pepe doesn’t fall into that trap.

That's how I read it anyway.

that would make more sense.

the lord giveth, and the lord taketh away

what a ****!

[Rashid]

That's a blood good article from a bloke who is well respected in journalism. He also writes column in European football for the Guardian so he knows the Italian and French leagues. He said nothing there that we don't know and appears to know us pretty well. The abuse is pretty immature really isn't it?

Wes Brown played right back for most of the season in a double winnning team, and even scored the winner against us. Putting aside our prejudices, Brown is probably better than Arbeloa - he is certainly quicker and better on the ball.