Jon Flanagan

[Assassin]

that is also a possibility.

I think its great that we have the likes of Kelly, Flanagan and others promising players coming through. But as Kenny says we must protect the youngsters not over expose them. Anything else would be pure madness

[JBOX]

So he's going to get experience of playing at the highest level stuck in the reserves for another season?(no disrespect)

He played last night because he's highly regarded, of course injuries in defence played a part but there still wasn't many expecting Flanagan to start, but he did and he was strong and composed.

You can only hold potential back for so long, there's many a players that have made their name at 18/19, so why can't Flanagan?

Besides, he would probably only be a 2nd choice, but at the same time he'd be properly involved with the first team and ready to step in when required.

Opinions, opinions.

But selling GJ would be crazy. If there happened to be an injury crisis next year and Flanno was made play in major games next season and make a couple of mistakes, it could damage his confidence and development. Maybe bringing him into games for the last half hour in the first half of the season would benifit him better. GJ can play RB, LB and right wing. Kelly can play RB and CB. Its good to have the 3 of them there with varying positions and experience. It can only be a good thing, so we shouldnt leave ourselfs short. If we start of next season with the sort of flexability they provide at RB, I'll be happy.

[Reece]

IMO, the ONLY reason Flanagan played last night was injuries. I get the impression that the coaches intended for him to spend at least a few seasons in the reserves before stepping up to the first team.

This is only his season in the reserves remember.

Absolutely. However highly Kenny rates him, had Johnson and Kelly both been fit there is no chance whatsoever Flanagan would have started - especially against a team such as Citeh.

[Rudo]

name me 5 defenders who made there name at 18?

All in the Premier League:

Michael Owen
Jack Wilshere
Wayne Rooney
Cesc Fabregas
Francis Jeffers(he was class when he was 18)


Probably a whole load of others.

And i mean by making a name for themselves, by being well known in the footballing world. Not that they're the finished article or anything by 18.

[Assassin]

All in the Premier League:

Michael Owen
Jack Wilshere
Wayne Rooney
Cesc Fabregas
Francis Jeffers(he was class when he was 18)


Probably a whole load of others.

And i mean by making a name for themselves, by being well known in the footballing world. Not that they're the finished article or anything by 18.

Which of these players are supposed to be defenders?

[Rudo]

Did i specifically say defenders?

[DannyMan2006]

It's fair to say that Glen has under performed since he's been here.

It's also fair to say that you see the best out of top players when you surround them with similar level players and the team starts winning on a regular basis. So if Liverpool improve next season then I expect to see the likes of Glen and Gerrard have much better seasons.

As for a combination of Flanagan and Kelly.............

There is no need to rush Flanagan. Let him grow in the reserves for a bit. In all fairness if we sold Johnson and then Kelly got injured we would be in a tough situation as JF has a long way to go to prve himself capable of a big 40+ game season.

There is no good planning that Kelly will be fit all next season and JF will just play the odd game - doesn't work like that. Especially as Kelly is seemingly picking up a few injuries.

[dww]

All in the Premier League:

Michael Owen
Jack Wilshere
Wayne Rooney
Cesc Fabregas
Francis Jeffers(he was class when he was 18)


Probably a whole load of others.

And i mean by making a name for themselves, by being well known in the footballing world. Not that they're the finished article or anything by 18.

Notably not a single defender on your list. Players like Ashley Cole or John Terry who did make his debut at a similar age tended to have loan spells and/or a gradual introduction via the cups .

I think it can be easier to give young defenders the odd game but in general they mature as players later.

In some ways I can see the concerns about Johnson but rushing young players into vital roles in the first team seems daft to me.

[Assassin]

Did i specifically say defenders?

The question put to you was "Name me 5 defenders who made there name at 18?"

How difficult is that question to understand?

[Rudo]

The question put to you was "Name me 5 defenders who made there name at 18?"

How difficult is that question to understand?

But how difficult is it for you to understand that i wasn't referring to defenders over midfielders of strikers?

If you're good enough, you're old enough regardless of your position on the pitch. Imo.

[Assassin]

...

[red g]

Did i specifically say defenders?

Well as Flanagan is a defender, it is sort of on point.

or are we going to start saying we should try and see if we can get Roy Keane to play for us as he is the same age as Edwin van der sar?

[red g]

But how difficult is it for you to understand that i wasn't referring to defenders over midfielders of strikers?

If you're good enough, you're old enough regardless of your position on the pitch. Imo.

well in that case name me 5 defenders who made there name at 18?

or are you saying Flanagan is the first defender in the history of football ever to be good enough at 18.

[Assassin]

But how difficult is it for you to understand that i wasn't referring to defenders over midfielders of strikers?

If you're good enough, you're old enough regardless of your position on the pitch. Imo.

Your opinion is worthless

[Shaggy]

All in the Premier League:

Michael Owen
Jack Wilshere
Wayne Rooney
Cesc Fabregas
Francis Jeffers(he was class when he was 18)


Probably a whole load of others.

And i mean by making a name for themselves, by being well known in the footballing world. Not that they're the finished article or anything by 18.

Not a single defender on your list.

I wonder why that is.