Post Bolton Match Robbie Keane quote

[Neil Young]

I don't see there's much difference at all. And I don't want to sound a tool but I've played in that position (in a 4-4-2) and, although no team I ever lined up in used a 4-2-3-1, I cannot for a minute imagine how it could be any different playing in 'the Gerrard role'. It is the same. You support the centre-forward, link play between him and the midfield and make runs beyond the striker.

That's what I thought. Of course I don't have the benefit of your vast experience in the role.

Naturally I played various positions in my playing days but then the only system there was was 2-3-5, etc.

IMO it depends on how flexible the three in the 4-2-3-1 is. For us I suspect the difference is minimal. I posted an article in general football about the rise of 4-2-3-1 the fall of 4-4-2 in which the 4-4-2 formation United played to win the cup winners cup in the early 90's is seen as a direct precursor of the 4-2-3-1 in terms of how the front players were used.

That's what I thought.

So it would appear Keane was bought as an alternative to Torres in a 4-2-3-1, and as an alternative to Gerrard in the same system as well as being part of a possible 2-man attack when we want to play a strict 4-4-2 or even a 3-5-2.

[dww]

So it would appear Keane was bought as an alternative to Torres in a 4-2-3-1, and as an alternative to Gerrard in the same system as well as being part of a possible 2-man attack when we want to play a strict 4-4-2 or even a 3-5-2.

Who would have ever thought such a thing

(By the way in that French football magazine article Rafa said the three at the back system we use is 3-4-3 - I wonder if that is the origin of the previously odd statement that he could play on the left - although he did seem to use him on the left of a 4-3-3 mid way through the Inter friendly and in one other game IIRC.)

[Marky]

There is so much ****e talked about all these positions and roles in football these days.
At the end of the day good players can adapt to any position and show their quality.

[Vermilion]

And he so obviously said he enjoyed playing "in the hole" in that interview. Almost every single fecking media outlet last night was carrying "Keane prefers solo role" or "Keane enjoys being a loner up front for Liverpool", completely bloody ridiculous (although it is a good lesson in not taking everything you read at face value I suppose).

It's **** stirring, they are trying to imply that there will be a problem when Torres returns imo. Tossers. When Torres is back it'll be "oh Keane has said he prefers the lone role" well i just hope the pair of em bang goals in for fun...from any position.

Beardsley on Talk Sport now saying the Omens are good for us...top on Christmas day was good for him, so hoping it will be the same for us. Cheers Pether.