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Spearing Leaves

9 Aug

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Spearing Leaves

 

Jay Spearing has left Anfield for pastures new as he completed his move to Bolton Wanderers after passing a medical. Spearing was loaned out to Bolton last season and has now made the move permanent as he takes the next step in his career.

 

Spearing is a local lad raised in Wallasey, Merseyside, a graduate of Liverpool’s Academy. Spearing captained the under 18 side that won the FA Youth Cup in 2007. He has been involved with Liverpool since the age of seven and was promoted to Melwood in 2007 to train with the first team after impressing in the club’s Academy.

 

Spearing made his competitive first team debut on December 2008 coming on as a substitute in a 3-1 Champions League win against PSV Eindhoven. Spearing also appeared in Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.

 

In 2010 Spearing was loaned out to Leicester where he made nine appearances for the Foxes scoring one goal before returning to Anfield.

 

He was included in Liverpool’s squad for the 2010-11 season and started and played the full 90 minutes against Rabotnicki in a Europa League qualifier. Spearing made his first ever start at Anfield against Steaua Bucharest in the Reds’ opening group game which Liverpool won 4-1. Spearing enjoyed a good spell in Liverpool’s first team due to the absence of Steven Gerrard and out of favour Christian Poulsen where his performances rewarded him with inclusion in England’s under 21’s provisional 40-man-squad for the 2011 Under 21 European Championship.

 

After ending the previous season a regular in Liverpool’s first team Spearing suddenly found himself down the pecking order when Kenny Dalglish signed Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing to strengthen his squad. Spearing found it difficult to feature in the first team with the new additions.

 

Not long after Brendan Rodgers’ arrival Spearing was loaned out to Bolton where he made 39 appearances last season. His performances have encouraged Bolton to make the move permanent.

 

Spearing leaves Liverpool after making 55 appearances for the Reds with an attitude that gained him much respect with his whole-hearted performances. Like most youngsters that come through the youth system Spearing found it difficult to play regularly after breaking into the first team. His hard working style of play which saw Liverpool use Spearing as a midfielder that plays just in front of the defence breaking up opposition attacks and protecting the defence, but Lucas seems the preferred player for this role for Liverpool, but unfortunately for Spearing the competition for places in Liverpool’s midfield is tough.

 

I think Spearing has made the right decision by joining Bolton although it must be difficult leaving your boyhood heroes, but to go to a great club like Bolton where he will get the opportunity to play regularly and possibly even be able to commute from Liverpool for training and games.

 

It is no good for any player who has ambition to sit on the bench with opportunities few and far between and Spearing loves his football and he is now at a stage in his career where he needs to be playing regularly and because he is a graduate from the Academy I think this saw him overlooked with manager’s bringing in their own players through transfers.

 

Spearing has never let Liverpool down when called upon and he will go to Bolton with the best of wishes from all concerned at Liverpool.

 

Liverpool have a brilliant crop of youngsters coming through at the moment with everyone connected to Liverpool anticipating great things from them. But will they play regularly for Liverpool ?

 

They will face the same problems that Spearing has faced with the competition for places at a club like Liverpool always tough. Clubs like Liverpool always bring in new talent through transfer dealings and this makes it even more difficult for youngsters to play regularly as managers always seem to play the players that they have paid money for.

 

It is happening at Liverpool just now with Jack Robinson loaned out to Blackpool and Suso being loaned back to Spain and Coady also being loaned out to Sheffield United. These 3 players have all experienced first team action and although the loan will benefit the players and give them more experience, it will be interesting if they will feature when they come back to Anfield, or be offloaded.

 

Wisdom and Sterling are the other two players who featured last season along with Suso but it remains to be seen how they will be used in the new season with the arrival of new players Aspas, Alberto and Toure who have strengthened the squad.

 

Jordan Ibe is another exciting prospect but at 17 it is a bit far fetched to expect him to play regularly. It would be tremendous if Liverpool’s youngsters can establish themselves in the first team similar to the team of youngsters that Manchester United were blessed with in the 90’s when Beckham, Scholes, Butt and the Neville brothers broke through. Those youngsters gave United the nucleus of a team that was to become more experienced with age and give them great success. So it would be great if Liverpool could see their youngsters mature and become first team regulars for years to come and not end up leaving Liverpool like Jay Spearing who had to leave Anfield for first team football.

 

 

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Gerrard’s Testimonial

3 Aug

The Kopite View Season 2012-13 Part 2 is now available on kindle format, buy it here at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kopite-View-Season-2012-13-ebook/dp/B00DP7UIGQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372521782&sr=1-2&keywords=the+kopite+view  All the money from the sales of both books will be going to help http://hfsg.co.uk/ please help them by buying my book JFT96

 

 

Liverpool 2-0 Olympiacos Match Report

 

Anfield paid tribute and showed their appreciation to one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players Steven Gerrard in his testimonial match against Olympiacos. Goals from Joe Allen in the first half and Jordan Henderson in the second half capped a superb day for the Liverpool Captain.

 

The Team

 

Although the match was Steven Gerrard’s testimonial it was still an important match in terms of match fitness for Brendan Rodgers and his squad as they prepare for the start of the new season. Rodgers started a team that looked like the one that could start against Stoke in Liverpool’s first game of the season. Mignolet, Enrique, Agger, Toure, Johnson, Lucas, Allen, Coutinho, Sterling and Aspas started alongside the man of the moment Steven Gerrard.

 

The Match

 

Steven Gerrard was welcomed by a guard of honour formed by both sets of players prior to kick-off and a standing ovation from the Anfield faithful as they saluted their hero.

 

Liverpool enjoyed plenty of possession in the early stages with loud cheers every time Gerrard received a touch of the ball. Joe Allen flashed a shot wide in the game’s first real effort.

 

Moments later Joe Allen pounced on a sloppy pass from the visitors before releasing new signing Aspas but the striker’s effort was blocked away.

 

Gerrard had the crowd excited when he lined up a long range drive but his effort was off target. Then Gerrard had a joke with referee Hasey when the unfortunate referee intercepted one of his passes.

 

Next Aspas showed a lovely bit of skill when he cleverly beat his marker before shooting into the side-netting with Joe Allen again providing the assist as his attacking runs forward were providing a big threat to the Greeks.

 

Liverpool continued to attack with Sterling and Coutinho combining in a counter-attack before Sterling’s weak shot was easily saved by the keeper.

 

Then Liverpool should have taken the lead when an extravagant flick by Aspas found Allen in the centre of the penalty area but the midfielder side-footed his volley over the bar.

 

But Allen made no mistake moments later in the 23rd minute when Joe Allen tapped home an Aspas low drive across the face of goal to give Liverpool a deserved lead.

 

Liverpool looked to be enjoying themselves with the goal encouraging them even more and next it was Glen Johnson to try his luck from long range but his strike just missed the far corner.

 

Brendan Rodgers continued with the same eleven players to start the second half and Liverpool continued to attack their visitors as Coutinho glided past a couple of defenders before shooting towards the far post but Olympiacos goalkeeper Megveri saved comfortably.

 

Then the lively Sterling curled a shot wide as he continues to impress this pre-season, before watching his lob go agonisingly wide of the post before the Anfield crowd showed great appreciation towards the introduction of Luis Suarez and Jamie Carragher.

 

Jordan Henderson also made his entry for Joe Allen and within seconds he made it 2-0 for Liverpool after finishing off a move involving good work from Raheem Sterling.

 

Henderson almost scored his second goal moments later but he shot straight at the keeper. Jose Enrique was thwarted by the keeper in the next attack after finding space in the box.

 

With 15 minutes remaining when the Kop saluted a former favourite when Robbie Fowler was introduced, and the crowd was on its feet when Gerrard slipped the ball through to Fowler but his quick strike was deflected wide for a corner.

 

Then with 6 minutes remaining Steven Gerrard was replaced by Jay Spearing to a standing ovation as he left the field and end an emotional day for the Liverpool skipper.

 

The match finished 2-0 in another impressive performance for Liverpool, but the day was all about Steven Gerrard.

 

Summary

 

The Liverpool supporters paid their respects with a tremendous turn out at Anfield for Steven Gerrard for his testimonial. But Liverpool treated the match seriously as they showed great energy and commitment from the start as Olympiacos were pegged back for most of the game. Rodgers started the match with eleven players that will probably start the match against Stoke and he gave them an hour before making the expected substitutions. Aspas looked lively up front and Sterling is showing great confidence in his play that lacked at times last season. Joe Allen was very impressive as he starred in an attacking midfield role and should have scored a hat-trick in the first half, but it was good to see him score and get into forward positions. Lucas is looking back to his best as he thwarted countless Olympiacos attacks. Great finish by Henderson after just coming on and he could be an important player for Liverpool this season as he looks more confident. Overall it was a good performance by the team and a special day for a special player Steven Gerrard.

 

 

 

 

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Brendan’s Youngsters

2 Aug

The Kopite View Season 2012-13 Part 2 is now available on kindle format, buy it here at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kopite-View-Season-2012-13-ebook/dp/B00DP7UIGQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372521782&sr=1-2&keywords=the+kopite+view  All the money from the sales of both books will be going to help http://hfsg.co.uk/ please help them by buying my book JFT96

 

Brendan’s Youngsters

 

Brendan Rodgers gave a number of Liverpool’s youngsters their chance in the first team last season to the delight of many supporters. With the coverage on Liverpool’s TV channel nowadays, Liverpool supporters can watch most youth games on TV and most supporters are excited by the talent that they see coming through the ranks, so it was extremely pleasing to see so many youngsters make an impression in the first team last season.

 

The likes of Andre Wisdom, Raheem Sterling and Suso to name but a few, featured quite a lot last season as Brendan Rodgers put his faith in them.

 

But did he really feel they were ready for the first team or did he just play them because he was left short of options after a poor summer transfer window. Rodgers lost a vast amount of experience last summer with Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Maxi Rodriguez all leaving for one reason or another, so Rodgers was left with a threadbare squad.

 

But Rodgers did play his younger squad members in place of some more experienced players and some big money signings from King Kenny’s reign. Big money signings Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson in particular found it difficult to get much game time in the early part of last season.

 

Rodgers’ use of the youngsters seemed to be the kick up the backside the likes of Henderson and Downing needed as they fought their way back into the team later in the season. But the addition of Sturridge and Coutinho and now this summer’s signings could make it difficult for the youngsters to feature much this coming season.

 

Liverpool have just finished their summer pre-season tour with many younger players receiving a great deal of experience by being included in the trip. But what will the new season bring as Rodgers now shapes his team into the team that he is looking for with his own signings.

 

It was the same when Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson, when Dalglish selected youngsters like Jon Flanagan, Jack Robinson, Spearing and Shelvey in his team before he could bring in his own players in the summer, then opportunities were far fewer.

 

I fear the same could happen next season to the likes of Wisdom, Sterling and Liverpool’s newest sensation Jordan Ibe. Many youngsters get a taste of first team action but then fall out of the reckoning as clubs like Liverpool frequently spend money in the transfer market.

 

Many players leave for pastures new like the talented Tom Ince as opportunities are limited and many players go out on loan which is great experience, but will they come back to Liverpool and become regular first team players on their return ? Time will tell.

 

Just as I started writing this article I’ve just heard that Jack Robinson is off to Blackpool on loan. Robinson is a player I rate highly and I thought he might feature more regularly this season in the first team. Conor Coady is another cracking prospect who is out on loan at Sheffield United, as is Suso who impressed many times early last season.

 

It will be interesting to see what happens to Liverpool’s youngsters as Rodgers has assembled a stronger squad than last season. Rodgers is a believer in giving youth a chance and if you are good enough it shouldn’t matter your age, just take a look at Messi and how many games he has played already.

 

Supporters have to trust the management with their treatment of the younger players as impatience to see them play is common. But there is a crop of young talent at Liverpool just now and although some are learning their trade at other clubs, the theory is that they will come back to Liverpool better players and be more beneficial to the team.

 

Liverpool have not been blessed with such promising young talent for many years and if this crop of youngsters fullfill their promise then Liverpool will be a better team for it. The future is bright for Liverpool Football Club and I think they have the right man in Brendan Rodgers to mature those youngsters into important players for Liverpool.

 

 

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No Way To Treat Reina

31 Jul

The Kopite View Season 2012-13 Part 2 is now available on kindle format, buy it here at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kopite-View-Season-2012-13-ebook/dp/B00DP7UIGQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372521782&sr=1-2&keywords=the+kopite+view  All the money from the sales of both books will be going to help http://hfsg.co.uk/ please help them by buying my book JFT96

 

No Way To Treat Reina

 

Reina came out the other day in an open letter to Liverpool supporters to explain his leaving of the club and express his displeasure at the way his move was handled by the club. Reina explained that he was happy to stay at Liverpool and fight for his place and would even have been happy to extend his stay at Liverpool.

 

But he claims that his loan move away from Anfield to Napoli was conducted without his knowledge. Many people believe Reina was trying to instigate a move to Barcelona earlier in the summer, but that fell through when Victor Valdes announced that he was staying at the Nou Camp.

 

Reina has been Liverpool’s number one goalkeeper for a very long time and has arguably been rated as the best Liverpool goalkeeper in the club’s history. Reina has been the perfect professional during his stay at Anfield during such turbulent times with a change of ownership and a revolving manager’s door. The Spaniard has showed superb consistency during his spell at Liverpool although his standards had slipped slightly in the last couple of seasons.

 

Reina has been Liverpool’s Player of the Year, he has captained the team, and has broken records for the Reds.

 

But after eight years service, Reina claims Liverpool shipped him out behind his back and he feels, in his words, he “deserved better than that.”

 

The alarm bells were ringing when Liverpool paid big money for Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet. Brendan Rodgers claimed his signing was for competition for the goalkeeper’s jersey. But Liverpool don’t have the money to pay big money for a back-up goalkeeper and it was obvious Reina was going to leave.

 

In fairness to Rodgers he didn’t want to be stung again like last summer when he was left without many strikers after loaning Carroll out to West Ham at the end of the transfer window. Reina was rumoured to be looking for a move back to Spain and Barcelona in particular, and Rodgers was making sure that he was going to bring in a goalkeeper before losing one. I don’t agree with Rodgers’ reason for buying Mignolet as competition for the goalkeeper’s position, Rodgers and the club should have been honest and explained that they wanted to cut the wage bill and they should have showed more respect to a tremendous servant to the club.

 

But with Reina’s move to Spain falling through Rodgers was left with two top class goalkeepers and one had to go, no way could it be Mignolet after his recent big money arrival, and Reina was reportedly Liverpool’s second highest earner at Liverpool and Liverpool’s recent managerial strategy is to cut the wage bill, so Reina had to go.

 

 

It is strange how Liverpool have treated a man like Reina who has never let the club down so badly, while they are basically pleading on their hands and knees to keep Suarez who has never been out of trouble since his arrival to Anfield.

 

Both players have great values, but only one seems worthy of fighting for, disappointingly Reina was surplus to requirements for all his ability and sevice to the club. But Reina’s exit from Liverpool deserved to be more dignified.

 

Liverpool are looking for loyalty from Suarez, where Reina looked for loyalty from Liverpool.

 

One thing is for sure Reina will always have a place in the hearts of Liverpool supporters.

 

 

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Liverpool’s Rich Goalkeeping Tradition

25 Jul

The Kopite View Season 2012-13 Part 2 is now available on kindle format, buy it here at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kopite-View-Season-2012-13-ebook/dp/B00DP7UIGQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372521782&sr=1-2&keywords=the+kopite+view  All the money from the sales of both books will be going to help http://hfsg.co.uk/ please help them by buying my book JFT96

 

Liverpool’s Rich Goalkeeping Tradition

 

Liverpool have been blessed with great goalkeepers throughout their long and successful history, and their goalkeepers have been vital in helping the club to the success that they have achieved over the years.

 

Liverpool added a new name to their list of goalkeepers with the signing of Simon Mignolet from Sunderland. The 24 year old Belgian international comes to Anfield with a glowing reputation and it will be interesting to see how he will adapt to the pressures of a club like Liverpool. Pepe Reina has been a great goalkeeper for Liverpool but with his recent departure to Napoli the stage is set for Mignolet to continue a rich tradition of great goalkeepers.

 

The goalkeeper position is such an important position to any team and good goalkeepers are difficult to find, especially in this modern era when goalkeepers have to be as good with their feet as they are with their hands. A good goalkeeper can save a team so many points during a season and over the years Liverpool have understood the importance of this by having a history of top class keepers.

 

Ned Doig is a name from Liverpool’s early years as he became Liverpool’s oldest debutant at the age of 37 and 307 days on the 1st September 1904. Doig played his last match for Liverpool at the age of 41. Doig played a staggering 1,055 games in his illustrious career that included 14 years with the successful Sunderland side of the 1890’s.

 

Sam Hardy played 240 games for Liverpool and made his debut way back in 1905 and was a tremendous keeper for Liverpool and was appreciated by receiving a benefit match in 1911 which 20,000 supporters paid their respects. Hardy was a regular keeper for England for 14 years and was regarded as a better keeper than Ray Clemence by 76 year old supporter Bob Evans in 1983.

 

Elisha Scott was possibly the greatest keeper in the history of Liverpool Football Club, the great man played between the years of 1913 and 1934 and made 468 appearances for the Anfield side. Scott received rave reviews on his debut performance away to Newcastle in a goalless draw, but the outbreak of the First World War deprived him of 4 years football. Scott won back to back league titles in the early twenties and had a great rivalry with the great Everton striker Dixie Dean, who rated him as the best keeper of them all. A survey was conducted among Liverpool supporters in 1939 to name Liverpool’s greatest ever player and Elisha Scott was named number one.

 

 

 

Arthur Riley played in goal for 14 years during 1925 and 1939 for Liverpool and played 338 games for the Reds. Riley was from South Africa and played during a tough time for Liverpool as their highest league position during his time was 5th but his performances were outstanding during this difficult period.

 

Cyril Sydlow played 165 times for Liverpool and was heralded by the great Bob Paisley who played alongside him. Paisley recollected that Cyril lived in Wolverhampton and trained during the week with Wolves and played with Liverpool on the Saturday, and as fate would have it during his spell with Liverpool the league title went down to the last game of the season with Man Utd, Stoke, Wolves and Liverpool all with a chance of winning the league and Liverpool beat Wolves at Molineaux 2-1 to win the league with Sydlow making some great saves to win the title for Liverpool. Sydlow kept goal for most of the next 3 years and helped Liverpool to the FA Cup final in 1950 but it ended in disappointment with a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

 

Tommy Younger played for Liverpool in the late 1950’s and was a Scottish international having come to Liverpool from the successful Hibernian side that won the Scottish League two years running in 1951 and 1952. Younger played a total of 127 games for Liverpool.

 

Tommy Lawrence was an important part of Shankly’s resurgent team of the 60’s. The “flying pig” played 11 years for Liverpool and was a key part in Liverpool’s return to the top of English football. Lawrence played 390 games in his spell with the Reds. Lawrence was the first keeper to be used as a sweeper as Shankly deplyed Lawrence in this unique role which he excelled at and enjoyed flattening onrushing strikers as they looked to penetrate Liverpool’s defence.

 

Ray Clemence played a huge part in Liverpool’s success of the 70’s after being signed by Shankly to replace Tommy Lawrence. Clemence is regarded as one of the best English goalkeepers ever and represented his country 61 times. No Liverpool goalkeeper has played more games for the club with his 665 appearances in 13 years. Clemence helped Liverpool to 3 European Cup wins in his time amongst many other honours and his last game for the club was the 1981 European Cup Final win over Real Madrid.

 

Bruce Grobbelaar had the difficult task of replacing the great Ray Clemence but he did so in his own style, which was rather more eccentric than Clemence. Grobbelaar was a terrific goalkeeper in his own right with great agility and capable of pulling off acrobatic saves, he regularly came for cross balls to aid his defence and his distribution at throwing created many attacks for his team. Grobbelaar did make a few mistakes especially in his early days as he frequented from his penalty area from time to time, but these mistakes became less with experience and kept goal for Liverpool for 13 years and played a staggering 628 games, with only Clemence playing more times in goal for Liverpool.

 

Pepe Reina is the latest in a long list of great goalkeepers to serve Liverpool. Reina arrived from Spain in 2005 months after Liverpool had won their 5th European Cup and he helped Liverpool win the FA Cup in his first season as he became the hero in the penalty shoot-out win over West Ham in Cardiff. The following year Reina played a big part in helping Liverpool return to the Champions League Final only to lose 2-1 to AC Milan in Athens. Reina has been a terrific servant to Liverpool and his agility and consistency has seen him rated as possibly the best keeper in Liverpool’s history. Reina has made 394 appearances for Liverpool and he will be sadly missed by all connected to Liverpool after leaving this summer.

 

Simon Mignolet is only 24 years old and with the signing of a long term contract it will be interesting to see if we will be adding Liverpool’s new signing to the club’s list of great goalkeepers in the years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Melbourne Victory 0-2 Liverpool Match Report

24 Jul

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Melbourne Victory 0-2 Liverpool Match Report

 

Liverpool continued their pre-season tour with another win as they beat Melbourne Victory 2-0 thanks to goals from captain Steven Gerrard and a late Aspas strike at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match was watched by an amazing 95,000 sell-out crowd.

 

The Match

 

The match started without much in the way of goal mouth action as Liverpool looked happy to concentrate on keeping possession in the early stages. Sterling had the first meaningful effort on goal but unfortunately his 25 yard effort sliced wide of target before Andrew Nabbout tested Brad Jones at the other end.

 

Gerrard had a long range effort well saved by Nathan Coe after connecting on a pass from Sterling. But the Victory goalkeeper was helpless to prevent Gerrard scoring moments after the half-hour mark when the Liverpool captain slotted past the keeper after great work by Joe Allen to create the chance.

 

The goal came at a good time for the Reds with the hosts enjoying their best spell of possession of the match. Youngsters Sterling and Ibe looked lively down the flanks and created Liverpool’s best chances, but too often Liverpool lacked numbers in the box to take advantage.

 

Gerrard managed to get on the end of one of Sterling’s crosses but his effort rose over the crossbar just before half-time.

 

Liverpool continued to look for goals in the second half and Skrtel almost made it 2-0 shortly after the re-start when he produced a looping header from a Gerrard corner which Coe managed to tip over the bar.

 

The game became pedestrian with no keeper called into action until the hour mark when Borini executed a vicious volley which Coe did well to smother before Connor Pain produced a swerving left-foot drive that Jones managed to parry away.

 

Borini became more involved in the second half and improvised to produce an overhead kick which bounced just wide of the post.

 

Rodgers made wholesale changes with about 20 minutes remaining with most eyes on Suarez whose future is shrouded in mystery.

Substitute Aspas put the icing on the cake with a second goal for Liverpool in stoppage time after trademark trickery from fellow substitute Luis Suarez.

 

Liverpool will now travel to Thailand for the last match of their three-match summer tour against a Thailand X1.

 

Summary

 

Liverpool recorded another win and another clean sheet in Melbourne. Gerrard looked much better in a dominant first half capped by a brilliant goal. Jordan Ibe and Raheem Sterling showed great appetite and sharpness down the wings with Borini looking much better in the second half after a quiet first half. Liverpool should have won by more than 2 goals but it was another good match for Liverpool although the future regarding Suarez remains unclear even though he managed 20 minutes game time.

 

 

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Indonesia X1 0-2 Liverpool Match Report

21 Jul

Indonesia X1 0-2 Liverpool Match Report

 

Coutinho and Raheem Sterling were the scorers in a good testing workout against an Indonesian eleven. Coutinho scored early in the match before Sterling finished off the resilient Indonesian side late on before an excited Indonesian support in Jakarta who enjoyed the visit from their heroes.

The Match

 

Liverpool must have felt like that they were back home at Anfield with the unbelievable support behind them in Jakarta. Steven Gerrard made his comeback from injury and was warmly welcomed by the tremendous support.  Liverpool inspired by the vocal and passionate support rewarded them with an early goal when Brazilian Coutinho found the net after a lucky ricocheted allowed him into the box before sliding the ball under Meiga.

 

The match provided Liverpool with a more difficult test than the previous week against Preston as they had to work harder to maintain their lead in the extreme heat against an industrious Indonesian side.

 

Liverpool came close to extending their lead when Downing met an Enrique cross with a side-foot volley, but Meiga did well to smother. Moments later Luis Alberto beat Meiga but not the woodwork.

 

Liverpool continued to threaten the Indonesian goal as Aspas created space for himself before smashing a shot off the top of the crossbar.

 

The hosts nearly equalised when Sergio Van Dijk’s audacious strike called Mignolet into action. The striker drilled a 30 yard effort which Mignolet did well to glance wide of his post.

 

10 minutes into the second half almost brought a second Liverpool goal but as Aspas rounded Meiga the ball bobbled up and the striker fired high and wide. Coutinho was having another impressive display and he almost scored his and Lverpool’s second goal of the match when Aspas created a chance for the Brazilian, but for once Coutinho lacked composure as he scooped his effort over the crossbar.

 

Rodgers made wholesale changes with 25 minutes to go as match fitness is so important at this stage of the season. Raheem Sterling was one of those introduced amd made an immediate impact when he skipped past an opponent before firing a 30 yard effort that soared just wide.

 

Sterling became the second player to hit the crossbar when he powerfully hit the top of the crossbar after Borini had failed to make contact from Assaidi’s cross. Sterling was causing all sorts of problems for the Indonesian defence with his movement and next he smashed an effort into the side-netting after running behind the Indonesian defence.

 

But the youngster wasn’t to be denied his goal after good work by Ibe found Assaidi with only Meiga to beat but the Morrocan unselfishly slipped the ball to Sterling who tucked the ball into the gaping net.

 

The match proved a good test for Liverpool as they step up their pre-season and now move onto Australia where they will face Melbourne Victory on Wednesday.

 

Summary

 

A good test for Liverpool against an industrious Indonesian side in difficult conditions with the heat. Steven Gerrard making his comeback was very pleasing for Liverpool supporters, but he did look a little rusty as he began his pre-season which can only be expected. Mignolet was more tested and looked impressive in what he had to deal with a few good saves and commanding his penalty area at cross balls. Toure was solid at the back and made some good interceptions. Coutinho was once again very impressive and can pick out those defence splitting passes at will. Aspas is a good addition to the side and a tricky player that can conjure up chances on his own. Alberto showed some good work that showed his value to the team and was unlucky not to score. But like last weekend Raheem Sterling impressed when coming off the bench with his energy and attitude and directness to attack defenders with his pace, his goal capped a fine performance as he must be impressing Brendan Rodgers with his sharpness. Liverpool’s pre-season is gradually building momentum and the trip to Australia will be another good test in this busy pre-season for the Reds.

 

 

 

 

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Liverpool’s Best Signing

16 Jul

Liverpool’s Best Signing

 

Liverpool made their biggest signing of the summer this week when Steven Gerrard put pen to paper on a contract extension. Forget about the signings of Aspas, Mignolet, Alberto and Toure, Gerrard’s signing is the most important one.

 

Gerrard has been a figure head for the club for as long as most Liverpool fans care to remember and his contract extension will probably tie him to the club for the rest of his playing career. Gerrard is such an important player for Liverpool, he is the captain of course, and of England. His ability is renowned across the globe, but it isn’t just his ability that is admired, but his leadership and inspiration to galvanise Liverpool when they are looking beat. He has inspired Liverpool to many amazing comebacks over the years, that amazing goal against Olympiakos in the Champions League, the Gerrard Cup Final against West Ham where he produced 2 stunning goals, and the first goal in Istanbul to start the unforgettable comeback to win the Champions League in 2005.

 

Gerrard is getting on a bit now and is in the twighlight of career but his importance is still unparalleled by any other squad member. Last season Gerrard played in nearly every Premier League match for the Reds and proved that there is plenty miles left in the tank.

 

With the loss of Carragher through his retirement from football, Gerrard’s experience and importance has never been more needed and his contract extension hopefully sets an example to others that he is still as determined as ever to help his beloved Liverpool.

 

His loyalty to the club will influence other players who might be thinking of moving away and could also encourage new players to sign who might have been undecided on coming to Anfield, the rest of the summer will prove if Liverpool can attract more new players, but if they do, then I’m sure Gerrard will be a big influence in tempting them.

 

Liverpool have many youngsters breaking into the first team and Gerrard has helped them along the way by setting an example in training and now he can help continue their development into the first team as the likes of Sterling, Morgan, Wisdom, Ibe but to name a few are being inspired by Gerrard’s attitude and his dedication.

 

Gerrard’s role in the team has changed slightly in a deeper midfield role, but he seems to be thriving on it with more space than by playing further up the park. The return of Lucas from injury has been a major help for Gerrard as his industry frees Gerrard up to play the “American Quarterback” role, where he can spray passes all over the park and influence games with willing runners upfield. Gerrard’s delivery at dead ball situations are lethal and provide so many goals and create so many chances for Liverpool and his calmness at taking penalties highlights his responsibility of being captain of Liverpool.

 

See what the rest of the summer brings, but I’m sure you will agree that Gerrard’s signing is the best Liverpool signing of the summer.

 

 

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Reina Must Stay

13 Jun

Reina Must Stay

 

Good goalkeepers are as hard to find as are top class strikers, but Liverpool are in danger of losing a very good goalkeeper in Pepe Reina if you are to lead the national tabloids. Liverpool have been blessed over the years with top class keepers from the days of Elisha Scott, Tommy Lawrence, Ray Clemence, Bruce Grobbelaar through to Pepe Reina.

 

Reina joined Liverpool in the summer of 2005 to replace the hero of Istanbul, Jerzy Dudek. The Spaniard has not disappointed with his excellent displays in goal highlighted by his own heroics in the FA Cup Final penalty shootout against West Ham United in 2006.

 

Reina has been as consistent a performing goalkeeper in the Premiership in the last 10 years, but in the last couple of seasons his standards have dropped slightly encouraging some so-called experts to criticise the Spaniard and deem him not good enough for Liverpool.

 

Reina did made a few uncharacteristic mistakes in recent years but goalkeeping mistakes are always highlighted more than any other player. For people to think Reina is not good enough for Liverpool need their head looked at. His record and consistent number of clean sheets over the years is second to none and Liverpool will be a lot poorer without him between the sticks.

 

Pepe has amazing agility and commands his penalty box with confidence as he consistently helps his defenders out by coming off his line to collect high balls. Reina must be the best keeper in European football at distributing the ball to set up attacks with precise accuracy with both feet and by throwing to colleagues which is a unique talent in a goalkeeper’s repertoire.

 

People have taken Reina’s talent for granted and like all good things, you don’t miss it until they are gone. But Liverpool have a relatively young team and the loss of Jamie Carragher is huge loss for Liverpool’s defence, and if Liverpool were to lose Reina’s experience too then you would fear for Liverpool next season.

 

Since the end of the season the rumour mills go into overdrive and Reina has been in constant speculation of a return to his homeland. Barcelona were the favourites but the news that their number one goalkeeper Valdes seems to be staying for another year was music to the ears of most Liverpool fans, and hopefully Reina will stay at Anfield.

 

Names as replacements for Reina have been Stoke’s Begovic and Sunderland’s Mignolet, but with the greatest of respect they are not as good as Reina and like many players lost to Liverpool in recent years, Liverpool will be poorer off. The loss of Alonso, Masherano and Torres to name the most notable has left Liverpool slipping out of the top four and out of the Champions League. Suarez has provided a touch of quality that Liverpool need but he looks like the latest world class player to leave Anfield as Liverpool struggle to hold onto their best players.

 

But great teams are built around a strong defence the loss of Reina would be a massive loss for Liverpool. Reina is in his prime in terms of a goalkeeper’s age and his experience will be invaluable to Liverpool over the coming season as he knows what is required at Anfield.

 

The summer will come and go and so will many players but hopefully Pepe Reina will not be one of them as Liverpool try to improve on last season after an encouraging second half to the season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Suarez Owes Liverpool

11 Jun

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Suarez Owes Liverpool

Luis Suarez has been a sensation in terms of footballing quality since his arrival on Merseyside, and the Liverpool supporters have taken them to their heart. But with all his world class footballing ability, there is also heavy baggage that weighs him down.

Suarez has never been out of the headlines since his arrival from Dutch side Ajax, and unfortunately mostly for controversy. The English media have found great delight in highlighting every misdemeanour the Uruguayan has made with little mention of his wonderful play on the park for Liverpool.

The English media made Suarez public enemy number one since his infamous role in the 2010 World Cup Quarter Final, when he got sent off for saving Dominic Adiyiah’s goalbound header with his hands on the goal line, which would have been the game winner. Gyan hit the crossbar with the ensuing penalty kick before Uruguay won the penalty shootout 4-2 to advance to the semi-finals.

It was despicable treatment from the world’s media for Suarez’s action, when any footballer would have done the same thing with an instinctive save to prevent a goal. Suarez was punished by receiving a red card and also missed the semi- final through suspension, so why the outcry, it was hardly similar to Maradona’s handball against England in the 1986 World cup was it ?

But although the media had an agenda against Suarez, he hasn’t helped himself with his diving, although he has worked to clean up his act in recent months. The Evra controversy still seems mysterious to me but he was punished rightly or wrongly, one man’s word against another man’s word but he was found guilty.

But his latest misdemeanour was his worst yet and possibly his last in a Liverpool shirt. There was no excuse for biting Chelsea defender Ivanovic and he was rightly punished.

Suarez has missed many games through suspension since joining Liverpool as the FA have joined the nation’s media to hammer English football’s public enemy number one and make an example of him to others.

Suarez was banned for 8 games for racially abusing Evra whereas Chelsea’s John Terry only got 4 games for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, with much more evidence of the offence on offer.

The Uruguayan’s latest ban is 10 matches for biting Ivanovic and I believe the punishment is for the man and not for the crime as Suarez has previous convictions.

Like I say Suarez has not helped himself, for example not shaking Evra’s hand the next time the two players’ met after his ban was not the brightest thing to do and caused more trouble. But throughout all Suarez’s troubles and strife Liverpool Football Club has consistently defended and backed their star striker even though he has dragged the good name of the club through the mud at times and tarnished their great name.

But previous manager Kenny Dalglish constantly defended Suarez, even getting his team to wear T-shirts in an act of support for Suarez, and Brendan Rodgers has been singing off the same hymn sheet in regards to protecting his star player.

So how can Suarez betray the loyalty of Liverpool Football Club and more importantly his worshippers that stand in the Kop, by saying in a recent interview in his native land that he wants to leave Liverpool.

Suarez owes Liverpool at least another year to see if they can achieve a top four place in the league and qualification into the Champions League after the loyalty they have shown throughout his troubles.

Suarez’s excuse for wanting to leave Liverpool was blaming the media, like I said they have treated him disgracefully and I feared some time ago that they would drive him out of this country, but come on Luis you didn’t help yourself and just tell us the real reason that it is because you want to play in the Champions League and Liverpool can’t offer that and although the truth may hurt, Liverpool supporters will at least understand this excuse. But to blame the media no I’m sorry Liverpool deserve better.

I think Suarez is vital to Liverpool’s challenge for a top four place next season and without him I fear they will struggle, yes they will be compensated with good money, but losing a world class player is extremely difficult to replace and Liverpool will be a poorer team without him.

But no player is bigger than the team and Liverpool will go on with or without Suarez. Suarez is a great player but nowhere near the best to grace the hallowed turf of Anfield but he is certainly one of the most controversial and anybody that endeavours to tarnish the name of Liverpool Football Club is better away from Anfield.

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