The Liverpool Captaincy
As Sami Hyypiä entered the latter stages of his Liverpool career, his brilliant play and guaranteed starting position in the side became slightly less assured. His role for the team had been phenomenal, and he had helped massively in building a defence, deserving of such a club. He took over from Jamie Redknapp as Liverpool captain (as injuries and form sidelined Redknapp), and led the team with brilliant professionalism throughout.
As the team entered the final stages of Gerard Houllier’s …
Time For Klopp to Make Some Tactical Changes?
Players dictate formations, and a system that is effective needs the components to fit as required. We saw last term (to the detriment of the side) players shoehorned into positions in order to maintain many an adapted team sheet. The patterns of play that are based upon the system suffered, and the team fell apart under the strain of calamity and poor form. The form of almost all the players suffered due to an inability to field certain players, and …
The Tsimikas & Robertson Rivalry
Competition is a good thing, and a comfortable player can be a potential risk in critical situations. To have two players vying for the same position can add intensity, urgency and quality to either players' performance. The ability to rotate also allows a few vital components, aside from fears of being dropped raising a player's game. The need to rest players (especially those that are flogged during international breaks) can maintain a level of freshness and thus added dependability throughout. …
Curtis Jones, his development and his future for Liverpool
Curtis Jones has been a bit of an afterthought this season.
Injured in pre-season, he missed the start of the campaign and then had to settle for a watching brief as Harvey Elliott claimed a midfield position for his own.
He’s made just one start this term and that arrived in the Carabao Cup. For the first half, he was operating as the deepest midfielder with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain flanking him. It was a new role for him …
Curtis Jones - An Unfortunate Opportunity
Opportunity can be a key instance in any elite form of sport. To be able to take advantage of certain scenarios (in order to achieve personal gain), can make a career in top level football. Patience, readiness, desire and a single-minded determination to succeed can carry one through to greatness, and within this moment, you have to be ready.
When Gini Wijnaldum departed this summer, there was an overwhelming sense of loss, given his enormous impact. Names were thrown about, …
Is Kelleher too good to be a back-up goalkeeper?
Liverpool might soon have a problem with Caoimhin Kelleher. If he keeps on developing at the rate he currently is, he’s going to be too good to be a back-up.
He’ll want a season as a starter and who can blame him?
Kelleher needs it if he’s to make that step up and fulfil his potential.
After all, It is one thing coming in and impressing in the odd game, but it is another playing on a regular basis under …
The Brilliance of Steve McManaman
When listening to Champions League matches on BT Sport, there’s perhaps younger viewers unsure of the ex footballer on co-commentary. For the past few seasons a certain Scouse voice has echoed through the midweek coverage, and everyone should be made aware of what this man was, as a player himself.
When thinking of the former Liverpool player, Steve McManaman, I try not to immerse myself too much into what he offers from the gantry, but the absolute brilliance he brought …
The Rearguard Solution
Centre-back partnerships can offer sublime foundations and turn teams into serial winners. Alessandro Costacurta and Franco Baresi jump to the front of that formidable list, as a partnership that allowed the rest of the side to dominate literally everyone.
In the modern game (especially within the Premier League), the ferocity of play and sheer culmination of games has now enforced adjustment to Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp’s thinking. The reds have started the season in an impressive manner, and the four …
Klopp’s Campaign Management
Stubbornness, single mindedness, arrogance and an absolute inability to adjust one's methods, can be the downfall of even the best managers in modern football.
In recent years we have seen the likes of Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho, unable to adapt to the modern needs of Premier League football, with both departing the division at relative low points. The signs are often evident, the fall off from brilliance usually gradual, but the reason for the decline always consistent. Football changes, …
Who is Liverpool transfer target Karim Adeyemi?
It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the noise around Karim Adeyemi.
The 19-year-old was named as a Liverpool target by Transfermarkt recently and it is believed Red Bull Salzburg are willing to cash in on the recently capped Germany international if they receive a bid of €30million.
At first glance, that price tag seems to be a little steep. However, the more you watch him, the quicker you realise you rarely get such a talent for that sort of …