Milan Jovanovic

[BigChief]

I was watching Jova thinking this is exactly what Babel does. Except Babel has a slightly better (not much) end product. So the obviously question was why didn't Babel just come on for him in the 2nd half? We wouldn't have been any worse off - might even have nicked a goal.

But then that would have shot Jova's confidence to pieces. He's being given a fair run which is the best thing I like about Roy's policy. Everyone gets a fair crack, then when they're dropped its all calculated (and self inflicted).

I think Lucas's sub for Miereles signals the end of Lucas (thank God) as a mainstay. Just Jovanovic left, and I reckon he's got another 4/5 games left to prove himself to Roy.

[little dave hedgehog]

I was watching Jova thinking this is exactly what Babel does. Except Babel has a slightly better (not much) end product. So the obviously question was why didn't Babel just come on for him in the 2nd half? We wouldn't have been any worse off - might even have nicked a goal.

But then that would have shot Jova's confidence to pieces. He's being given a fair run which is the best thing I like about Roy's policy. Everyone gets a fair crack, then when they're dropped its all calculated (and self inflicted).

I think Lucas's sub for Miereles signals the end of Lucas (thank God) as a mainstay. Just Jovanovic left, and I reckon he's got another 4/5 games left to prove himself to Roy.

please, god, no.

[Shaggy]

Well, I did tell you........

Such an attractive trait

[lackyboy]

Bit poo isn't he.

Seems to need to concentrate hard to keep the ball under control which means he isn't really aware of whats around him. Bit of a headless chicken, although he can beat a man.

Perhaps he's an out wide version of Titi Camara without the shooting boots?

He has reminded me of Milan Baros so far who had the exact attributes (or lack of them) you describe above.

Its early days and I am sure he will improve - just like the team. Question is, how much improvement is there to come? Certainly starting from a low base in both cases!!

[Mostar]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/jovanovic-s-reds-vow

Jovanovic's Reds vow

Milan Jovanovic believes Liverpool fans are yet to see the best of him - but the Serbia forward has vowed to do all he can to hit top form.

The 29-year-old produced perhaps his best performance in a Red jersey during Sunday's goalless draw at Birmingham City with an enterprising left-wing display.

Jovanovic feels he is making steady progress as he continues to find his feet in the Barclays Premier League following his arrival from Standard Liege in the summer, though he is adamant he still has much more to offer Roy Hodgson's contingent.

"I am much more positive," he said. "I am always honest. If I am bad, I will admit it and I will not be happy but I am at Liverpool and that means I will always, always give my best for this team.

"I was happy with how I played against Birmingham but I know I can do better. I haven't made an assist or scored a goal but I am trying to turn it around.

"I am disciplined and trying to build an understanding with the other players. I am not in the best form but I feel I am getting better and this is very important.

"I can play better than I have shown so far. I know I can score goals and make assists for this team. I'm sure I can. When it does, I will be the happiest, luckiest man in the world."

Sunday's stalemate in the Midlands left Liverpool in 13th position after collecting five points from their opening four league matches in 2010-11.

However, Jovanovic believes there were positives to be taken from the Birmingham draw and he is convinced he has seen enough to suggest the Reds will soon start to ascend the table.

"It was a difficult game but I think we did well," he reflected. "We controlled things well in some parts but need to improve in other areas. But we need to play with this kind of intensity.

"If we keep the ball and control the match, it will be much easier for us to make chances and we will become more dangerous in attack. Even still, I think it was better than the last two games.

"We played hard, we had discipline and we really tried to be dangerous in attack. It is going to take time because there are a lot of new players.

"But if we can keep getting the ball to Stevie, Liverpool will be much better. I have no doubts that we will climb the table. The Premier League is tough but we are Liverpool. That is what matters.

"We have got to try and win every game and hopefully we can start on Thursday night. It will be difficult but we will be doing our best as always."

[BigChief]

"I was happy with how I played against Birmingham but I know I can do better."

Nothing against Jova, he's new so fair enough. He definitely needs some more games to find his feet. But if he thinks there were any positives he can take out of Birmingham (other than getting a 90 minute run out) then we're in trouble. The first part of his sentence above just had me twitching nervously.

[danperkins]

Jovo ain't a winger, that bloody LM is a big problem maybe Cole is our best option there. IMO Jovo should be used sparingly there and maybe more in a squad role as a back up CF.

[wiw]

He would be fine/decent in a Malouda-esque role in Chelsea's formation but we're playing with a flat line of 4. I think we will see more from him if we learn to keep the ball longer than 5 seconds at some point this season, the same goes for the rest of the team though

[danperkins]

He would be fine/decent in a Malouda-esque role in Chelsea's formation but we're playing with a flat line of 4. I think we will see more from him if we learn to keep the ball longer than 5 seconds at some point this season, the same goes for the rest of the team though

Fair point

[DannyMan2006]

He would be fine/decent in a Malouda-esque role in Chelsea's formation but we're playing with a flat line of 4. I think we will see more from him if we learn to keep the ball longer than 5 seconds at some point this season, the same goes for the rest of the team though

That's what I keep saying. Get Meireles or Gerrard in midfield with one of Lucas or Poulsen and we could see a very different Jova.

[Buzzo]

The thing that worries me is how few of our players play with their heads up. Jova, is full of honest toil, but he gets the ball and seems to just head for goal - no subtlety to his play at all. And he has not a ****ing idea as to what his team mates are up to. Riera looked like Messi in comparison to this. Torres is becoming guilty on occassion of being a bit head down as well. We know you like a goal Fernando, but so do some of the other chaps as well - PASS TO THEM.

Our midfield made Barry Ferguson look like Xavi on Sunday... Only Gerrard (when he moved back) seemed to have a clue as to how to retain possession AND move the game forward. Lucas and Poulsen are way to similar. They keep possession - but about 40 yards too deep. On that - the whole team needs to play higher up the pitch and more compact.

Jova looks willing, but seems in no way capable of playing the role we need him to. To that end I am going to agree with Dan Perky () and say that JC could be the solution. Park Jova on the bench he looks like he would make a good impact player with 20/25 minutes to go (yes 20 to 25 not 5 Roy you ****ing annoying *******).

Jesus I could go on, but the lack of quality running through the team was staggering. I don't want to be alarmist... or (god forbid) blame Roy, but I thought we were dire. A lot of pressure on Merieles to be a bit of a player for us this season. We need the entire squad to put in a shift at Old Trafford, in this instance we just need to avoid defeat - no doubt the Mancs will smell blood, but it could be he perfect time for us to get a result and kick start the season. On the other hand - we get humped and the pressure on Roy goes up a few notches and we see how he handles it. He has had the good grace of the press so far but I'd imagine an Old Trafford thrashing would alter that. I will be watching with fear and trepidation.

Oh and plus, we have to play Agger at centre back. He is the only one of our CB's who can bring the ball out of defence, and give the opposition something to think about.

Other than that we were ****ing outstanding.

[Buzzo]

Maybe should have posted the above in the match thread - but it has taken until now for me to gather and organise my thoughts

[MrMichael]

The thing that worries me is how few of our players play with their heads up. Jova, is full of honest toil, but he gets the ball and seems to just head for goal - no subtlety to his play at all. And he has not a ****ing idea as to what his team mates are up to. Riera looked like Messi in comparison to this. Torres is becoming guilty on occassion of being a bit head down as well. We know you like a goal Fernando, but so do some of the other chaps as well - PASS TO THEM.

Our midfield made Barry Ferguson look like Xavi on Sunday... Only Gerrard (when he moved back) seemed to have a clue as to how to retain possession AND move the game forward. Lucas and Poulsen are way to similar. They keep possession - but about 40 yards too deep. On that - the whole team needs to play higher up the pitch and more compact.

Jova looks willing, but seems in no way capable of playing the role we need him to. To that end I am going to agree with Dan Perky () and say that JC could be the solution. Park Jova on the bench he looks like he would make a good impact player with 20/25 minutes to go (yes 20 to 25 not 5 Roy you ****ing annoying *******).

Jesus I could go on, but the lack of quality running through the team was staggering. I don't want to be alarmist... or (god forbid) blame Roy, but I thought we were dire. A lot of pressure on Merieles to be a bit of a player for us this season. We need the entire squad to put in a shift at Old Trafford, in this instance we just need to avoid defeat - no doubt the Mancs will smell blood, but it could be he perfect time for us to get a result and kick start the season. On the other hand - we get humped and the pressure on Roy goes up a few notches and we see how he handles it. He has had the good grace of the press so far but I'd imagine an Old Trafford thrashing would alter that. I will be watching with fear and trepidation.

Oh and plus, we have to play Agger at centre back. He is the only one of our CB's who can bring the ball out of defence, and give the opposition something to think about.

Other than that we were ****ing outstanding.

Pretty much agree with all of that.

I think the pressure is big time on both Merieles and Joe Cole to be the overall quality we badly need to add to Gerrard and Torres in the midfield and going forward. If those 4 can stay healthy, find form, adapt as necessary, and develop some real understanding, the likes of Kuyt, Jovanovic & Poulson should be able to fit in around them and provide supplementary solidity and work rate. Otherwise we just look impossibly average, and our two best outfield players look frustrated and lack real effective support on the pitch.

Personally I'd quite like to see Jova considered as either a back-up striker, substitute for Kuyt, or possibly playing wide left in a 4-3-3. In a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, just like Dirk, well, he is not a midfielder, and looks as such.

Agger - yep, no brainer for me too, and about 99% of our fans it seems, especially as Skrtel looks very very dodgy at the moment. I suppose we should just be thankful that he is mostly fit right now, and expect that his obvious class will show in team selections sooner rather than later.

[DannyMan2006]

Pretty much agree with all of that.

I think the pressure is big time on both Merieles and Joe Cole to be the overall quality we badly need to add to Gerrard and Torres in the midfield and going forward.

This reminds me of all the posts about Alberto Aquilani last year.......... I hope this time we see results. There is no doubt in my mind that the failure of Aquilani cost Rafa his job.

Quite simply LFC do not have enough quality without Alonso in the team. I think last year the midfield and attack failed to link up and it cost us massively.

We have to hope that Roy finds the right balance in midfield and attack this time round. If he does it doesn't matter how well Jova does, though he would get more chance to impress with the right balance.

[Shanks]

Strange comments...


http://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/64...ield-Jovanovic


Liverpool forward Milan Jovanovic is contemplating leaving the club just two months into the new Premier League season.

The Serb, signed on a free transfer in the summer from Standard Liege, is seemingly unhappy about his lack of playing time under Roy Hodgson and warned he is getting itchy feet.

"I am starting to find the time dragging on,"

"I'm a fighter but if things do not sort themselves out I will change club - even though it is too soon to think about it yet.

"I'm on form, I'm working hard and I have started eight competitive games.

"But I've not been in the starting XI for the last few matches - and I've not even come on as a sub."

He continued:

"I have to adapt to a new system over here. I have to defend all the time.

"Just three or four teams in the Premier league play attractive football. The others set great store by commitment, discipline and defending.

"I miss Standard and the city of Liege."