Dejan Lovren

[CAD]

At least you found another thread, CAD. Shame you still parp on about Gerrard though. I think you're looking to blame Gerrard for anything and everything and it's making my toes curl under my feet slightly.

Henderson passes Perez on to Gerrard just after the half way line, Gerrard tracks Perez's run and goes to meet the danger from the left with Sissoko. This run is to cover both Henderson, who has gone with the second ball, and the space Aaron is in around the 18 yard line. When the ball gets played back to Sissoko, Gerrard can't go tighter because he's confident that the entire back four is behind him (which they are). If he can hold up play and stay goal side without potentially giving a penalty away by going to feet, he's done the right thing. Surely he has enough confidence that we have the numbers back to defend our six yard line.

The issue, which Carragher highlighted correctly, is that Lovren steps out of the defensive line to nobody. I think he's tried to anticipate a square ball and looked to intercept. Unfortunately, Sissoko has disguised the pass and it's in behind him where Moreno is stretching so the ball doesn't get across. Lovren stays in position and he boots the ball out. Coutinho gets back and Perez isn't in so much space.ł

Gerrard is in no way at fault for the Newcastle goal.

Fair shout. I think you are right

And i did find another thread at least

[baitman]

is it possible that the scouts somehow mixed up lovren with fonte

[DannyMan2006]

is it possible that the scouts somehow mixed up lovren with fonte

Fonte is a worse player than Lovren. Southampton have two DM's whose main role is to defend. That's what they're best at. We generally play one whose best at being a playmaker. It does make a difference.

We would generally concede more & score more, but we've lost our way a bit this season and the balance has gone.

[baitman]

its very true that a schneiderlin and a wanyama in front of the centre backs will definitely divert some of the flak.

we need more beef.

[Maxiedge]

Obviously in the minority here but I think Lovren is a very good defender and will come good

What I can't defend is some of his reckless passing. Why does he always use his left foot when he's right footed?

I'd like to see a combination of Lovren/Toure. They did well on the whole against Swansea. Skrtel is not good enough on the ball in this system,

[Zapater]

Obviously in the minority here but I think Lovren is a very good defender and will come good

What I can't defend is some of his reckless passing. Why does he always use his left foot when he's right footed?

I'd like to see a combination of Lovren/Toure. They did well on the whole against Swansea. Skrtel is not good enough on the ball in this system,

Johnson also shares this unique phenomena. At his time with this club how many left footed shots has he had? I struggle to think of any going in apart from the one against Hull.

[EwarWoo]

Reckless passing is a disease which has spread right through the team. Everyone is guilty of it. We give the ball away so much through sheer stupidity.

I think its just more communication issues.

They're expecting movement which doesn't happen and pass without looking.

All our issues could basically boil down to communication.

[RedRum]

Obviously in the minority here but I think Lovren is a very good defender and will come good

What I can't defend is some of his reckless passing. Why does he always use his left foot when he's right footed?

I'd like to see a combination of Lovren/Toure. They did well on the whole against Swansea. Skrtel is not good enough on the ball in this system,

I'd agree Lovren over Skrtel as they are both similar but Lovren I hooe will calm down with a sustained partnership with either Sakho or Toure. Skrtel, just like my motorola Phones keyboard, will forever be erratic and unoredixatable.

[baitman]

I'd agree Lovren over Skrtel as they are both similar but Lovren I hooe will calm down with a sustained partnership with either Sakho or Toure. Skrtel, just like my motorola Phones keyboard, will forever be erratic and unoredixatable.

[Yozza]

The signing of defender Dejan Lovren, 25, may have backfired a little for Liverpool, with the Croat having made more defensive errors in the Premier League this season than any other player. Southampton, meanwhile, have not made any. (Metro)*

Taken from BBC...

[frank the tank]

its very true that a schneiderlin and a wanyama in front of the centre backs will definitely divert some of the flak.

we need more beef.

i think if BR was sacked and any other manager went in there, then Lucas would be straight in the team. (He might also be the first 1st teamer to be replaced in the transfer window, but at least it'd be a square peg in a square hole initially)

[Maxiedge]

Southampton are a goods side and they've done well but playing them doesn't have the same prestige it has of playing us. Do teams try harder playing us than they would Southampton? Well, that's not for me to say

[DannyMan2006]

Johnson also shares this unique phenomena. At his time with this club how many left footed shots has he had? I struggle to think of any going in apart from the one against Hull.

Lovren is decent with his left foot, same as Lallana.

On Glen, if you are a winger or full back it is a good idea to use your weaker foot every once in a while. Even if the effectiveness of it isn't that great, it means the opposing player can't just box off your stronger foot.

Not every player is as talented as Arjen Robben at making space for their stronger foot, so they have to rely on a bit of gamesmanship. Showing you're willing to use the weaker foot is one such way.

[DannyMan2006]

Anyway, on Lovren. He is actually a talented football player. He fits the mould of a ball playing centre back. His passing will never be perfect as he is expected to do the odd Hollywood ball to turn the opposition around and take pressure off the defence. Stevie is one of the best long passers of the ball around, but even he's hit & miss with them. So I imagine Dejan will frequently **** up the long ball.

Next question will be why doesn't he just play it short. You can't always do that because if you do you're predictable.

[Maxiedge]

Lovren is decent with his left foot, same as Lallana.

On Glen, if you are a winger or full back it is a good idea to use your weaker foot every once in a while. Even if the effectiveness of it isn't that great, it means the opposing player can't just box off your stronger foot.

Not every player is as talented as Arjen Robben at making space for their stronger foot, so they have to rely on a bit of gamesmanship. Showing you're willing to use the weaker foot is one such way.

Start of the season, I think we all envisaged our two £20m centre backs building a partnership; Sakho LCB and Lovren RCB. Captains of their respective national teams.

A bit of guesswork here really but, aside from Sakho's injury, it seems Lovren's insistence on playing LCB has put a spanner in the works.