by stmichael » Thu Oct 07, 2004 12:29 pm
my views on anthony le tallec:
Strengths: Vision in abundance and, rare for that kind of deep-lying striker, also exceptional in the air. Can score goals and create them. Not afraid to tackle either.
Weaknesses: Inexperience (of course), and still finding his feet in both first-team football, and football in this country. Sent back to France on loan to get some first team football.
Verdict: Excelled in the reserves playing off the main striker - the role we bought him for (but a role which GH never seemed to favour). He needs to come to terms with the pace of the game over here, but there have been some very encouraging signs, even if only in fleeting glimpes for the first team. No lesser man that Zidane said recently that Le Tallec will do well at a club like Liverpool. While it may still be a year or two too soon to see ALT excel, he could still be the surprise package of next season, depending on the formation Benitez opts for. Once it clicks into place, he will soar. As Arsene Wenger (who was livid at missing out on him) said of David Bentley but which applies equally to ALT and FSP, players of this age present a dilemma:
"We have a big squad of young players. The biggest difficulty I have is when you have to manage them between 19 and 22. Do you get him out on loan or put him in the squad? Do you put him in the first team straight away? It is very difficult. I would like to get him some experience. He is a great talent and he needs to play now.”