Houllier's best XI

[RedReet]

Albeit it was the year Finnan left, don’t forget Degen.

[Shaggy]

We tried for Alves, remember, so it was clear what the idea was. Finnan was very good in a 7/10 sorta way but wasn't dynamic enough going forward.

I know we ended up signing mugs like Josemi and Kromkamp but still

[kev776]

He was alright, had some excellent performances over the years. The refusal to work on his weakness was shocking though and maybe cost us another CL Final.

Rubbish, his lack of skills had nothing to do with that goal, it was a mix of bad luck/tiredness etc, could have been anybody in that position.

[kris90210]

We tried for Alves, remember, so it was clear what the idea was. Finnan was very good in a 7/10 sorta way but wasn't dynamic enough going forward.

I know we ended up signing mugs like Josemi and Kromkamp but still

That's true. God, imagine we had signed Alves. He's a total prick, but an incredible footballer. Would have taken us up a huge level.

Saying that, I remember convincing myself at the time that he would have played Alves on the right of midfield as opposed to right back. Can you imagine him in a Rafa team? A free role from right back? He even makes Johnson look defensive! The fact that the alternative we ended up with - Pennant () - suggests this also.

[Chris]

Rubbish, his lack of skills had nothing to do with that goal, it was a mix of bad luck/tiredness etc, could have been anybody in that position.

Some own goals cant be helped but thats complete nonsense. The whole situation would have been no problem if he wasn't frightened to death of using his right foot. All it required was a simple clearance with his right but he was scared to use it and instead headed it in to his own net.

[little dave hedgehog]

finnan was the best wrong-footed crosser in the league.

[dww]

finnan was the best wrong-footed crosser in the league.

But was pretty poor when tested in the air. He was a really good player but I think he was generally over rated.

[Phoenix07]

I thought Finnan was great going forward in terms of keeping width and crossing the ball. Quite suspect defensively and slow at times, but he did a good job.

Like kris, I thought Alves would come here and play on the right wing. I used to get excited thinking about a Finnan/Alves right wing.

[Roboklopp]

I thought Finnan was great going forward in terms of keeping width and crossing the ball. Quite suspect defensively and slow at times, but he did a good job.

Like kris, I thought Alves would come here and play on the right wing. I used to get excited thinking about a Finnan/Alves right wing.

Season before Gerrard had that spot on the RW a fair bit with Xabi & Momo in the centre. Then we moved to 4231 the following summer as far as I remember. How would it have worked once Torres came? Cant see Rafa having dropped Kuyt...

[Mattshark]

Season before Gerrard had that spot on the RW a fair bit with Xabi & Momo in the centre. Then we moved to 4231 the following summer as far as I remember. How would it have worked once Torres came? Cant see Rafa having dropped Kuyt...

Especially as the other formation we used often in 06/07 was 433.

[kris90210]

Season before Gerrard had that spot on the RW a fair bit with Xabi & Momo in the centre. Then we moved to 4231 the following summer as far as I remember. How would it have worked once Torres came? Cant see Rafa having dropped Kuyt...

Gerrard on the left?

[Daniel 7]

Gerrard on the left?

"That was the worst game of me career"

Name the match

[kris90210]

"That was the worst game of me career"

Name the match

Hmm, thought it was the one where he had to mark Ginola?

[Daniel 7]

Post match interview after we knocked Arsenal out of the champions league

(The Walcott / Babel game)

[wiw]

That's true. God, imagine we had signed Alves. He's a total prick, but an incredible footballer. Would have taken us up a huge level.

Saying that, I remember convincing myself at the time that he would have played Alves on the right of midfield as opposed to right back. Can you imagine him in a Rafa team? A free role from right back? He even makes Johnson look defensive! The fact that the alternative we ended up with - Pennant () - suggests this also.

I think he would've played right mid initially, but surely would've gone to right back when we really nailed the 4-2-3-1, fullbacks pushed up and the two holders

"That was the worst game of me career"

Name the match

Was it Arsenal in CL?

If it was, I remember that match vividly cos I went. We played a really odd 4-2-4 with Gerrard pushed right up on the left. Strange tactics