Raul Meireles

[dom9]

its actually ridiculous how glaring it is, to see how much we lack width and 2 out and out wide men.

We did with Rafa too.

In hindsight we can all see that it was to squeeze and suffocate the game, but that didn't stop everyone banging on about it all the time.

[danperkins]

In hindsight we can all see that it was to squeeze and suffocate the game, but that didn't stop everyone banging on about it all the time.

Yup we did but we also had Alonso in CM to dictate the play and Masch to clean up, both world class players at what they do, now we have Poulsen/Lucas/Merieles centrally, massive downgrade and highlights other problem areas.

You say we it was to squeeze and suffocate the game, is that our game or their game? Because all it does to our game is make us predictable, easy to defend against and gives us less options.

[red g]

We did with Rafa too. In hindsight we can all see that it was to squeeze and suffocate the game, but that didn't stop everyone banging on about it all the time.

and for the last 20 years to be honest !!

[Mike]

I like Meireles, one of the few players who wants the ball all the time, and looks like he gives a ****.

[dom9]

Yup we did but we also had Alonso in CM to dictate the play and Masch to clean up, both world class players at what they do, now we have Poulsen/Lucas/Merieles centrally, massive downgrade and highlights other problem areas.

You say we it was to squeeze and suffocate the game, is that our game or their game? Because all it does to our game is make us predictable, easy to defend against and gives us less options.

Under Rafa, the main thrust of the tactics was to squeeze and pressurise all over the pitch in order to control the game, which we did successfully for the most part. We were rarely outplayed, even when playing badly.

Under Roy, there is not enough pressuring in any part of the pitch, just sitting deep and inviting teams onto us.

[Fredo]

Under Rafa, the main thrust of the tactics was to squeeze and pressurise all over the pitch in order to control the game, which we did successfully for the most part. We were rarely outplayed, even when playing badly.

Under Roy, there is not enough pressuring in any part of the pitch, just sitting deep and inviting teams onto us.

[Exiled_red]

We did with Rafa too.

In hindsight we can all see that it was to squeeze and suffocate the game, but that didn't stop everyone banging on about it all the time.

and for the last 20 years to be honest !!

I think that it was no coincidence that we had our best season for years when we had Riera featuring regularly. He wasn't the best winger in the world (and he had attiutde problems towards the end) but he was the one player that allowed us to use the wide area of the pitch, and stretch the opposition. IMO when he was in the team we had a much better shape.

I don't necessarily believe we need two out and out wingers, but I believe we definately need one.

[RedReet]

I think that it was no coincidence that we had our best season for years when we had Riera featuring regularly. He wasn't the best winger in the world (and he had attiutde problems towards the end) but he was the one player that allowed us to use the wide area of the pitch, and stretch the opposition. IMO when he was in the team we had a much better shape.

I don't necessarily believe we need two out and out wingers, but I believe we definately need one.

He was also excellent at keeping possession. His first touch and close control were extremely good meaning not only was he a good outlet for receiving long passes, he could also hold onto the ball while others got up in support. I loved Benni when he was here and he was always a goal threat, but like Babel he would waste possession quite a bit. Riera made such a difference when he joined though allowing us to control games much more and dominate possession.

[Imy]

its actually ridiculous how glaring it is, to see how much we lack width and 2 out and out wide men.

How many teams play with two out and out wide men?

[Lecter]

Yup we did but we also had Alonso in CM to dictate the play and Masch to clean up, both world class players at what they do, now we have Poulsen/Lucas/Merieles centrally, massive downgrade and highlights other problem areas.

You say we it was to squeeze and suffocate the game, is that our game or their game? Because all it does to our game is make us predictable, easy to defend against and gives us less options.

No I think condensing the play does many things

Firstly the idea is that the ball is kept as far away from your own goal you dont invite pressure on

Secondly it shuts down the opposition high up the pitch and you then win the ball high up the pitch and turn it over quickly

The problem with Rafa was he never got the attacking players that can turn possession high up the pitch into goals. Some of that is his fault but I also feel those players cost bucket loads of cash in general so maybe, just maybe he had mitigating circumstances

Now we have a different central pairing so we are not going to control and dictate the play as high up the pitch as we did with Alonso et al BUT I'd rather keep the ball in the opposition half and press them and be predictable than give ground, retreat and let the opposition have possession and fire balls into our box at will

This isnt Zaire, we are not Mohammed Ali trying to rope-a-dope

We have a glass jaw one punch is enough to take our head off

[DannyMan2006]

I think he will either be a massive hit or just another average player. ATM he's decidedly average. His mentality and character is lacking and he needs to be far more aggressive to become a hit in this league.

For some players the penny drops (patrice evra is a prime example) and they suddenly click into gear. I'm quite positive the same will be said of Raul.

[wildman]

I'm willing to give him a chance but he's been pi** poor so far. His passing is awful, he can't tackle and he he's a pu**y who pulls out of challenges.

NEEDS TO DO MORE!

Thats a load of bollocks, he could be better but he's done ok, what do you want a miracle worker, not going to happen.

[danperkins]

Under Rafa, the main thrust of the tactics was to squeeze and pressurise all over the pitch in order to control the game, which we did successfully for the most part. We were rarely outplayed, even when playing badly.

Under Roy, there is not enough pressuring in any part of the pitch, just sitting deep and inviting teams onto us.

Not disagreeing with you at all mate but the point being we lacked and still lack any sort of width.

[Buzzo]

No I think condensing the play does many things

Firstly the idea is that the ball is kept as far away from your own goal you dont invite pressure on

Secondly it shuts down the opposition high up the pitch and you then win the ball high up the pitch and turn it over quickly

The problem with Rafa was he never got the attacking players that can turn possession high up the pitch into goals. Some of that is his fault but I also feel those players cost bucket loads of cash in general so maybe, just maybe he had mitigating circumstances

Now we have a different central pairing so we are not going to control and dictate the play as high up the pitch as we did with Alonso et al BUT I'd rather keep the ball in the opposition half and press them and be predictable than give ground, retreat and let the opposition have possession and fire balls into our box at will

This isnt Zaire, we are not Mohammed Ali trying to rope-a-dope

We have a glass jaw one punch is enough to take our head off

You have posted some good stuff today

I think that being on the front foot is essential in almost all success in modern sport (the fore mentioned rumble in the jungle being a notable exception). Few if any teams are successful by playing passively and allowing the opposition to dictate terms. The way Roy Hodgson has us set up will only ever bring limited success even if we are performing the system to the best of our abilities precisely because it allows the other team to have the ball and play their game. The style Roy wants us to play perfectly suits the majority of clubs he has managed because they have needed to be successful in stopping the opposition play and mediocrity has been acceptable, he is now at a club where the exact opposite is the expectation and it is glaring that he does not have the ability or tactical nous to play the game this way.

Good teams will punish you sooner or later. Hodgson chosen tactics are designed for teams and clubs of limited means, not teams challenging for honours. Until he sets us up to become the team pressing play and turning over the ball we will achieve only limited success (semi finals, 7th/8th in the league). Roy may well be a nice man etc. but the move to Liverpool has highlighted his deficiencies and is proving that his preferred style of play will not gain great results. His getting Fulham to the Europa Cup final has proved an exception in his career and not a rule, besides... (A) it is the Europa Cup. And (B) they got beat in the final.

[danperkins]

How many teams play with two out and out wide men?

Teams need width, they need players who can beat a man, get down the line and get balls in. Are you suggesting we don't lack width? Or that we don't need more width?

United,Chelsea, Barca, have or have had the likes of Ronaldo/Nani/Giggs/Iniesta/Pedro/Messi/Malouda etc we have precisly "0" out and out wingers, which means zero productivity from the wide areas. Kuyt does his best fro out width and over the years has had a decent level of production but we need more options at RM, and take the "LM" position for example, when was the last time you could say that we have have a successful left midfielder at Liverpool F.C.?

In an team that already lacks pace and guile, adding the problem of zero wingers or width = Bad News