Liverpool FC Forum

[JoeTerp]

UNDER 18S IN FIVE-STAR DISPLAY
Paul Hassall 12 December 2007
Liverpool got their defence of the FA Youth Cup crown off to a flier on Wednesday night with an emphatic victory over Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.
Hughie McAuley's side dominated throughout what was a very one-sided third round tie and secured a 5-0 victory courtesy of goals from David Amoo, Nathan Eccleston (2), Gary MacKay Steven and Marvin Pourie.

pics

And in more detail:

HUGHIE HAPPY AS REDS CRUISE THROUGH
Steve Hunter
Hughie McAuley today praised his players after the Reds’ youngsters reach the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup after an emphatic 5-0 win at Wycombe Wanderers on Wednesday night.
Nathan Eccleston took his goal tally to 12 for the season as he scored twice, while Marvin Pourie, David Amoo and Gary MacKay Steven were also on target.

FA Youth Cup holders Liverpool now face a home tie in the fourth round against either Burnley or Arsenal, which will be played at Anfield in mid-January.

"It was a very pleasing win and we now look forward to the fourth round which will give our lads the chance to play at Anfield," commented McAuley.

"We did really well on the night and we could have scored more than the five we got. We had to battle hard for the first hour of the game but from then on we played some really good football.

"David got our first goal when he broke through the Wycombe defence and finished really well, and Marvin made it 2-0 early in the second half when a mix-up let him in.

"Nathan then scored two smashing individual goals and the one he put into the top corner of the net had real quality about it. Nathan could easily have had three or four goals himself on the night, and Gary completed the scoring with a good finish from the edge of the box.

"It's been a really good week with the first team winning, the reserve team going top of the league and the youth team doing well in the FA Youth Cup."

Liverpool team: Dean Bouzanis, Steven Irwin, Shane O'Connor, Martin Kelly, Joe Kennedy, Sean Highdale, David Amoo, Astrit Ajdarevic, Marvin Pourie, Nathan Eccleston, Gary MacKay Steven. Subs not used: Michael Collins, Martin Hansen, Alex Kacaniklic, Mattone Awang, Ben Parsonage.

[JoeTerp]

U18S HIT ANOTHER HIGH FIVE
Paul Hassall at The Academy 15 December 2007
Nathan Eccleston hit a superb hat-trick as Liverpool Under 18s followed on from their FA Youth Cup success in midweek with a stylish display against West Brom on Saturday.
Hugh McAuley's men edged a closely fought first-half courtesy of a Marvin Pourie strike on 26 minutes before pulling clear in the second period with further goals from Eccleston (3) and substitute Michael Collins leading them to a 5-0 win at the Academy.

The Reds coach was disappointed with his side's display in the opening 45 minutes but was quick to praise the quality of Eccleston, who hit a second-half treble.

"Nathan took his goals well," said McAuley.

"His finishing has been very impressive this season and after the New Year he needs to keep working hard and keep scoring goals. If he does that then who knows what he can achieve."

While McAuley was frustrated by his side's first-half performance he admitted they had turned it around following the interval and was more than satisfied with another high-scoring triumph.

"I'm not pleased with the first-half because I didn't think we played like we can," he continued.

"But we sorted some stuff out at half-time and the response in the second-half was very good. We scored some well taken goals and I thought Alex Kacaniklic came on and gave a very useful contribution.

"He gave us some life and like I say, we scored some good goals and finished the match strongly.

"We set ourselves a target ahead of the three matches we have played this week - against Crewe, Wycombe and West Brom - and we have achieved it by winning all three. So I'm very pleased with the lads and we can now look forward to the New Year with confidence."

In freezing conditions the home side made a fast start and could have taken the lead within the opening 10 minutes.

First a penalty appeal was turned down after a goalmouth melee on six minutes before Marvin Pourie saw his strike from the edge of the box smash against the woodwork.

Gary MacKay-Steven then had a shot well stopped by West Brom keeper Gavin Carlin as Liverpool carved out the more clear-cut opportunities early on.

The visitors battled well but rarely tested Martin Hansen in the Liverpool goal and their only chance of note came on 23 minutes when Stefan Morrison fired just wide of the post.

It was a scare for the home side but they duly responded by going in front three minutes later, when a good move down the left saw MacKay-Steven deliver the perfect pass to Pourie who made no mistake with a smart shot from just outside the area.

It was a lead McAuley's men held through to the interval and it wasn't long before they doubled their advantage with a goal on 55 minutes.

Half-time substitute Alex Kacaniklic skipped past two challenges down the left before picking out Nathan Eccleston, who made no mistake with a simple finish inside the six yard box.

It was the goal that killed off the visitors' resistence and for the remainder of the match Liverpool laid siege to the West Brom goal.

There was certainly an air of inevitability about the third and it arrived with an element of deja vu involved, as Kacaniklic once again served it up on a platter for Eccleston to fire home his second of the match, after more good work down the left flank.

Only some last-ditch defending stopped the Reds from running riot and Steve Irwin, Joe Kennedy and Astrit Ajdarevic all went close before substitute Michael Collins struck the goal of the game on 72 minutes.

The young forward had replaced David Amoo just after the hour mark, and didn't take long to get on the scoresheet, bringing down a raking ball from the left with an exquisite touch with his heel, and racing through to slot the ball beyond the onrushing keeper.

All that was left was Eccleston to grab his hat-trick and after he had a goal disallowed for offside in the final moments, he wrapped up the win with seconds remaining, when he finished cooly after being played through by Sean Highdale.

Liverpool U18s team: Hansen, Irwin, O'Connor, Wooton, Kennedy, Highdale, Amoo (Collins 62), Ajdarevic, Pourie (Scott 70), Eccleston, Mackay-Steven (Kacaniklic 46),

[JoeTerp]

10 Goals in two games, this team might be better (certainly in an attacking sense) than the two that won the two FA Youth Cups.  Tough test against (probably) Arsenal in the next round though.

[holylamb2006]

10 Goals in two games, this team might be better (certainly in an attacking sense) than the two that won the two FA Youth Cups.  Tough test against (probably) Arsenal in the next round though

Definately Arsenal will be a test ... will be good match all the same

[JoeTerp]

LINDFIELD NETS FRIENDLY WINNER
Steve Hunter 17 December 2007
Craig Lindfield netted the winner as Liverpool Reserves came from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in a friendly encounter on Monday night.
The striker, who has recently returned to Melwood after a one month loan spell at Notts County, headed home Jay Spearing's cross to seal the win for Gary Ablett's side.

Defender Martin Kelly had earlier cancelled out Tottenham's opening goal when he scored from close range after a Krisztian Nemeth free-kick was saved.

The match was played at Leyton Orient's Brisbane Road in freezing conditions but Ablett was delighted with his team's display.

"I am really pleased with the lads and we showed fantastic character and a great attitude," enthused Ablett.

"Tottenham scored first through a penalty but we kept playing our football. We scored two late goals and the win was thoroughly deserved.

"The only downside to the night was Francisco Duran picked up a knock and he had to leave the field after 20 minutes, but we are hoping it won't be serious and we'll assess it on Tuesday."

Liverpool team: Peter Gulacsi, Martin Kelly, Emiliano Insua, Mikel San Jose, Ronald Huth, Francisco Duran (Daniel Ayala 20), Ryan Crowther, Jay Spearing, Craig Lindfield, Daniel Pachecho (Krisztian Nemeth 60), Ray Putterill (Jordy Brouwer 70).

[Buzz HUFC]

Good evening folks,
I'm a Hereford fan and I'm new on here, so go easy on me.
A quick update on your loan players...
Robbie Threlfall made his debut for us in early November in our 5-1 win over Darlington, and I've been very inpressed with his performances, but he suffered a nasty ankle injury in our FA Cup win over Hartlepool (damaged ligaments and a chipped bone), he's returned to Liverpool for treatment and likely to be out of action till mid-January. According to our gaffer Robbie is keen to return to us on loan until the end of the season. He's a very good player and I'm sure he'll make your 1st team one day!
The other lad Ryan Flynn, is yet to feature in our 1st team, but he has played in a reserve behind closed doors friendly, but he too has been suffering from a slight injury.
Best of luck for the rest of the season, and see you in the 4th round of the FA Cup.
Buzz.

[username]

Guthrie played all 90 mintues
Hammil played 68 minutes
Anderson played 59 minutes in which he got an assist in a 3-0 victory for swansea
Antwi played all 90 minutes in a Hartlepool 3-0 victory
Peltier played 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory

[username]

Guntrie played all 90 minutes in boltons 3-0 win while Carson was part of Aston Villa's 1-1 draw
Antwi played all 90 minutes in a 1-0 loss for Hartlepool
Peltier played 90 minutes where he was booked in a 0-0 draw for Yeovil

[JoeTerp]

Oppo thread meets loan watch (finally)

ME:
Congratz on your league performance so far this season. I am a Liverpool fan and was wondering what you thought of Paul Anderson. I am going to copy your responses and post them on my normal LFC message board www.liverpoolfc-newkit.co.uk Anyway, here are my questions:

Please describe what kind of player Paul is to the fans of LFC who have not been able to watch him play in the reserves or win the FA youth cup in 2006:


What are his strengths?


Where does he need to improve?

How long (if ever) do you think it will be before he is ready for the Prem/LFC?


How much would you be willing to pay to make the loan deal permanent?

Thank you in advance.




KevinE:

His strengths are certainly his lightening pace and skill to beat a man with ease down the right wing, also can whip in good crosses as well. He seems to fade out of games later on though, whether that's fitness or something else I don't know.

There's obviously improvements he needs to make but they're hardly obvious when he's playing! he doesn't make many errors/mistakes and is a huge handful for full backs.

I can't see him making it to the Premiership with you though, just doesn't look THAT special. He's extremely good but that doesn't have extra something you need at the top level.

Personally, I'd pay 3-400k for him. We're not the club to go splashing huge amounts for players.





jack hammers:

Like Kev said his pace and ability to beat players are his strong points and you would have to be searching for his weaknesses as he is a model professional as soon as he steps over the white line. He is mature way beyond his age! I can see him making it in the prem in 2 years when we get there! Again like kev, I cant see him playing in the prem for you but a season in the championship next year would do him well. I'd be willing to spend slightly more than Kev for him but I can't see Martinez doing that.

[JoeTerp]

Some other Bloke:

As quick as they come
turns defenders
crisp passer of the ball
positionally sound
hard worker
brilliant control

weaknesses :
cannot find any

ready for the premier leauge not just yet

he is worth a lot of money 450k at the most he has seemed to like it here so maybe a deal could be brokered between the two spaniards


southstandjack7:

everybody seems to be looking for the next wonderkid of english football cant see it being paul yet but he definetely has ability,maybe prem sometime in the future but not yet. some games he runs a defence ragged even against quick defenders,then other times he has been almost afraid to go past someone,hes still young and could be a big star in the future hope he stays with us but if the prices above are placed as his value cant see him staying with us.

[JoeTerp]

From a Bolton Fan: (About Danny Guthrie)
What are his strengths?
He's very calm when on the ball and always screaming for it when he isn't. He's always looking to start an attack. When he gets the ball, he doesn't panic, but considers his options.

Where does he need to improve?
His all round game still needs improvement. Whilst he is looking to be inventive, it doesn't always come off, and that could cause problems in this league.

How long (if ever) do you think it will be before he is ready for LFC?
It could be some time before he'd hold down a place in the first team, but he's definitely improving all the time.

How much would you be willing to pay to make the loan deal permanent?
Tough question. Transfer prices are silly right now. Bent goes for £16.5m, but they are quoting as low as £8m for Anelka if he goes in January.......£8m for player who is the leagues top scorer in a poor Bolton team?? But the signs are that Gary Megson will do what he can to bring Guthrie to the club on a permanent deal. A way for GM to tempt him might be that he could spend 2-3 years with us, learning his trade and if he's good enough, a top 4 club may come in for him? But i also suspect that Guthrie will want to ensure we are in the top flight next season.....so he could wait until Summer to decide.

could you see Guthrie being adequeate enough next season to fill in this role of 3rd/4th CM behind Gerrard, Alonso, and Lucas?
One day, Guthrie could be a star....a top, top player. But he's not there yet. I think he's good for Bolton, but there's a danger that he'll hardly get a game for Liverpool. that isn't great for Liverpool or the player. So no.....I genuinely don't think he'll be good enough for a guaranteed first team place at Liverpool, but maybe the season after.
Finally, I'd just say that he's enjoying his football at the Reebok and last weekend, he seemed very comfortable commanding the Dioufy in the centre of the park. If he carries on with his current level of improvement, he'll be a class player in 2-3 seasons.

And I am pretty sure this guy was trying to be funny:

Danny Guthrie has been completely useless

he's slow, cant pass, cant tackle, cant head - he's

but we will take him off your hands if you like

£2million enough?

ok being serious for a minute i think for his age he is superb

its a sad state of affairs but IMO he is the best midfielder we currently have at the club

Campo, Nolan, Stelios, McCann are all very mediocre

Guthrie has only played a handfull of premiership games but what amazes me is the confidence he plays with - he always wants to ball and doesnt look to get rid of it like a hot potato when anybody challenges him - he plays like a 28 year old

i genuinely think he could be an England player in 2 or 3 years - i have heard other Liverpool players called 'the new Gerrard' before but i do think he has the potential to be as good

he needs to leave the free kick taking to others though - not his bag at all!

at this stage i would say £3million would be a fair price and if it was down to me i would make it happen whatever it takes

[JoeTerp]

Still about Guthrie:

Danny Guthrie has all the skills needed to be a top class midfielder.

He has good control, can beat and man and passes well. However you need a bit more than this to succeed.

He is somewhat lightweight ie he gets knocked off the ball too easily.

He can dissappear in games. He deson't dominate the midfield ie demands the ball etc.

He is no Gerrard. He doesn't have his physical strength. That may come as he grows!

I've mistaken him for the mascot a few times!






IMO, he has the potential, to be a good player for the futue.  As others have posted, he his still a bit lighweight,  floats in and out of games.  Workrate, reminds me of similarities with Freddie Hill, who needed to take breathers during games.

Am not saying this won't change, as he matures, I think that it will, as long he his willing to keep learning, and stop trying to do too much in games.  It is not a one man show.

Southampton supporters down here, when on loan, said that he had potential, but his games were either good or .  Not my words, Southampton supporters.

[JoeTerp]

Back to Anderson:

I think Anderson is an outsanding player and for me, our player of the season so far. He has electric pace an almost nearly beats his man. He has a great eye for goal. He does sometimes tend to make the wrong decision when it comes to final ball but he is young and that will change.
I personally think in the next 2 seasons he has a chance to make it at Liverpool. Who have they got ? Jermaine Pennant. IN 2 seasons i think Paul could better penannt. I would love him to stay with the swans and would pay 500k no problem, maybe a little more, but i think he wants to go back to prove himself, which you cant really blame him, but if the chance came up to sign him, we should grab it with both hands.



He has definately ousted Britton! Start of the season like southstand said he was incredible, now we have Bodde and Pratley in the centre spraying passes everywhere and running over the entire pitch, Monk, Rangel and Painter have given us some sort of stability at the back and De Vries has been outstanding. Alltogether at this point of the season the whole squad deserves credit but we wouldn't be top had Anderson not played in the earlly part of the season.



i cant see anyone else playing on the right wing for swansea as long as anderson is hear.

[JoeTerp]

from .tv


Scott Carson

Scott is enjoying regular first team football with Aston Villa and has proved to be a big success for Martin O'Neill's team. He also won his first England cap this season against Croatia.

Danny Guthrie

The former Liverpool reserve team captain is enjoying life at Bolton under Gary Megson. He was signed on loan by Sammy Lee at the start of the season but it is under Megson that he has started to flourish. Most notable displays include the victory over Manchester United in December and he also got high acclaim for his performance against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup. He was recently named as one to watch in 2008 by Setanta Sports.

Godwin Antwi

Godwin is currently at League One side Hartlepool United until the end of this campaign and has proved to be a model of consistency for Danny Wilson's side. The Ghanaian centre half was sidelined for a spell through injury but he has bounced back to become a regular member of the team who are 15th in League One.

Anthony Le Tallec

The French Under-21 star is back in his homeland with Le Mans until the end of the season. The team are doing pretty well so far and currently lie in fifth place in Ligue 1. Le Tallec recently scored in the 3-1 win at Lens.

Paul Anderson

The winger is on a season long loan at Swansea City and has been in fantastic form. He has scored eight goals so far for Roberto Martinez's side who are sitting proudly at the top of the League One table.

Adam Hammill

The winger is on a season long loan at Southampton and has been a regular member of George Burley's squad. He has produced a series of dazzling displays for the Saints who are currently 15th in the Championship. Former Red Gregory Vignal is also at Southampton. The Saints are currently six points off the play-off zone.

Robbie Threlfall

The left back is on loan with Hereford United until the end of January and is currently on the sidelines with an ankle problem, sustained during the FA Cup win over Hartlepool United in December. He is expected to return to action in two weeks and a notable performance during his loan spell at Edgar Street came in an FA Cup giantkilling victory over Leeds United.

Miki Roque

Miki is on a season long loan at Spanish Second Division side Xerez CD and has been a regular member of their team. Unfortunately it has been a season of struggle for the Spanish side who are currently second from bottom in the league table.

Besian Idrizaj

The season hasn't gone as well as expected for the former Austrian Under-21 player of the year. He started the campaign with a hat-trick for the first team during a friendly win at Wrexham and then Peter Taylor took him to Selhurst Park on a season long loan. However, under new boss Neil Warnock, Idrizaj has been out of favour and has found himself in their reserve team. His last appearance for the Eagles first team was in a goalless draw away at Scunthorpe in November.

# Meanwhile Lee Peltier is back at Melwood after a successful loan spell at Yeovil Town.

[JoeTerp]

PACHECO ON TARGET IN FRIENDLY WIN
Steve Hunter 16 January 2008
Spanish starlet Dani Pacheco scored his first goal for the reserves as Gary Ablett's side beat Bury 3-1 in a friendly at the Academy on Wednesday afternoon.
A strike from Ryan Flynn and an own goal completed the scoring for a Liverpool side that could easily have registered double figures.

The match was organised to give the players some much needed match practice ahead of next Tuesday's league meeting with Wigan Athletic, at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington which you can watch live online on LFC TV.

Jack Hobbs played the full 90 minutes while Jay Spearing had another impressive game in midfield.

"It was our first game of 2008 and in all honesty we should have scored 10," said Ablett. "Our finishing was very poor. I know we haven't played a game for a month but the finishing needs to be improved.

"I was pleased to see Dani score his first goal but he could have had four or five himself."

Since the turn of the year Ablett's team have dropped down to second place in the Barclays Reserve League North. Sunderland now occupy top spot but a victory or a draw against Wigan would see the Reds leapfrog the Black Cats back into first place.

"We worked so hard in the first part of the season to get to the top of the table and now we need to show we are good enough to lead the way again," he added.

"The players have worked hard in training and we want them to keep improving and maintain that winning attitude."

Liverpool team v Bury: Dean Bouzanis (Peter Gulacsi 45), Stephen Darby, Emiliano Insua, Daniel Ayala (Ronald Huth 45), Jack Hobbs, Damien Plessis (Mikel San Jose 45), Ryan Flynn, Jay Spearing, Jordy Brouwer (Krisztian Nemeth 45), Dani Pacheco, Ray Putterill.