Aquilani?

[Exiled_red]

Really? Wow, I'd say Parker hasn't got anywhere near the range of passing. He's decent but he's miles off Alonso. He can't even get into England's midfield, do you really think he'd get into Spain's?

[Maxiedge]

True, his range of passing is not at the same level as Alonso's but then he wouldn't cost 30 million. In hindsight, 'ready-made' was probably not the best turn of phrase, more 'adequate replacement'.

Alonso can't get into Spain's midfield either if I'm not mistaken.

[dww]

True, his range of passing is not at the same level as Alonso's but then he wouldn't cost 30 million. In hindsight, 'ready-made' was probably not the best turn of phrase, more 'adequate replacement'.

Alonso can't get into Spain's midfield either if I'm not mistaken.

In 2008-2009 he played 14 games scoring 6 goals (according to wiki) and he has played 8 world cup qualifiers in 2010 according to FIFA.com (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/st...528/index.html). So I think he can reasonable be said to be a member of Spain's midfield.

[Zapater]

Due to reasons in my personal life my viewing has been restricted the last 6 months and I've missed quite a few games. Although, from what I've observed that even though he hasn't shown that much in his opportunities he definitely gives us the option to knock short balls around the park and play around opposition. I like the way he's looked for quick short bursts and touched the ball on to play one twos or short balls.

He hasn't been fit, nor has he had the opportunities for us to be passing judgement. I do fully think though that if he plays more and isn't hampered by injuries there's a chance he can be an effective player for us. He's shown that he can play when he has time on the ball and has put in quite a few solid performances against lesser teams. I wouldn't be surprised once he has a higher level of match fitness if he can start moving some of that form into games against quicker and better opposition.

I've read Vieira and Gerrard say that it's virtually impossible to play against Scholes because of his busy movement and intelligent play rather than him getting in your face. Maybe Aquilani can be our sort of player like that in midfield. I do enjoy his movement and it can't be easy for other midfielders to track him.

That being said, he's no Alonso that's for sure.

[Roboklopp]

That's almost a 1 in 2 strike rate! How come it was about 1 in 20 for us ffs?

[banditos]

TBH, this season SG seems to have lost a bit of his pace/explosiveness. If this is a permanent thing (related to his getting old/injuries perhaps), then maybe he should switch back to partnering Masch in CM and sprayying the passes round, with aquilani playing in the hole.

Just a thought.

[Maxiedge]

In 2008-2009 he played 14 games scoring 6 goals (according to wiki) and he has played 8 world cup qualifiers in 2010 according to FIFA.com (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/st...528/index.html). So I think he can reasonable be said to be a member of Spain's midfield.

I would've got away with it if it wasn't for those pesky stats

If we're still on a tight budget over the summer then realistaically I think Scott Parker should be seriously looked at (also Dempsey at Fulham). I think these two are proper winners and will secure us more points next season.

[dww]

TBH, this season SG seems to have lost a bit of his pace/explosiveness. If this is a permanent thing (related to his getting old/injuries perhaps), then maybe he should switch back to partnering Masch in CM and sprayying the passes round, with aquilani playing in the hole.

Just a thought.

If we maintain the same style then Aquilani would have to get a lot better at winning the ball to make that system work. When the 4-2-3-1 system works well one of the features that are usually present is the chasing and harrying that are done by the front players. Admittedly this could be seen s as a real problem no matter where he plays but you can get away with intercepting rather than physically challenging if you are playing deeper and are partnered with a genuine defensive midfielder in my view.

This season the weakness of Benayoun, Aquilani, Babel and to an extent Gerrard (due to his lost mobility) in these areas have been a real problem.

I don't like Gerrard deeper in general as he is too prone to long, low percentage balls. If Aquilani steps up then him playing deeper and moving forward should ease some of the pressure on Gerrard whether he is as mobile as before or not.

While I'm not a huge fan of Parker he is decent and I do think we need an extra option in midfield. That said I would rather someone more mobile or at least with more consistent drive. Parker has excelled in weaker teams where the demands are different but struggled at Chelsea. I don't think he has progressed as a player since then enough for it to seem reasonable to expect him to have a big impact on us if he came.

[the rev leeroy brown]

we badly need to drop the 4-2-3-1 system in my opinion.

there is a reason why up untill that weekend gone 3 of the bottom 4 teams had scored more than us away from home. 2 defensive midfielders does not work. either switch to a 4-4-2 and play aqua and mash or aqua and ste at home or a 4-3-3 where mash aqua and ste can all play together.

[Redspin]

we badly need to drop the 4-2-3-1 system in my opinion.

there is a reason why up untill that weekend gone 3 of the bottom 4 teams had scored more than us away from home. 2 defensive midfielders does not work. either switch to a 4-4-2 and play aqua and mash or aqua and ste at home or a 4-3-3 where mash aqua and ste can all play together.

It's nothing to do with 4-2-3-1. Many top teams use two defensive midfielders. Man U always do when playing big games, such as when they play us. Even at their ground they play two DMs and one up front against us. Arsenal also usually play two DMs.

It's more that the attacking three of the midfielders - Gerrard and the wide men have either been out of form all season (Gerrard in particular) or in and out of the team because of poor form, inconsistency or injuries (Babel, Riera, Benayoun etc etc)

[red g]

Sort of agree we have lost 10-15 goals from stevie this year, if we had them we certainly wouldn't be competing fir 7th with everton

[dww]

It's nothing to do with 4-2-3-1. Many top teams use two defensive midfielders. Man U always do when playing big games, such as when they play us. Even at their ground they play two DMs and one up front against us. Arsenal also usually play two DMs.

I remain unconvinced that both players in a lot of these cases (including our own) are reasonably called defensive midfielders. Many of them are much more balanced than that and often the two play distinct tactical roles.

It's more that the attacking three of the midfielders - Gerrard and the wide men have either been out of form all season (Gerrard in particular) or in and out of the team because of poor form, inconsistency or injuries (Babel, Riera, Benayoun etc etc)

I tend to agree that the problem has been having a lack of goal threats in the attacking four on too many occasions and not having enough options from the bench. Whether you argue we needed another striker or different/better options in the attacking midfield slots is something I think is open for question.

[Mostar]

I think he has shown glimpses of what he is capable of. Considering the season he's had with injury, adapting to the premiership, the weight of being Alonso's replacement, and lack of first team football... I think its fair to assume that we haven't seen the best of him.

I would like to see him get a run of games to judge him properly. I'd like to see him stay, and I think his name should come before Lucas' on the team sheet.

I also would like to see him play a string of games. It is very difficult to rate him one way or another without seeing him play full 90 minutes and in the few games in the row.

[kris90210]

I would've got away with it if it wasn't for those pesky stats

If we're still on a tight budget over the summer then realistaically I think Scott Parker should be seriously looked at (also Dempsey at Fulham). I think these two are proper winners and will secure us more points next season.

I think Parker is an excellent player. Although he's far more like Mascherano than Alonso in my opinion. Would be a replacement for Lucas if anyone.

[einar]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/aqua-set-for-free-role?

Alberto Aquilani could be deployed in a more advanced role in future, Rafa Benitez has revealed.

The Italian claimed three assists when asked to operate just behind Dirk Kuyt against Burnley on Sunday.

Two of those were for Steven Gerrard, who was pushed back alongside Javier Mascherano to give Aquilani a free role.

Benitez said: "It is an option. He can play in both positions.

"In the first year, especially because he has been injured for a long time, to manage him and find the right position for him was not easy because the Premier League is very strong and physical.

"But in this position he has freedom and with Gerrard behind him they can pass to each other.

"Aquilani can pass the ball and when the game is open like in the second half (against Burney) he can move and give good assists."

sounds good to me.