by stmichael » Tue Sep 06, 2005 5:48 pm
As for right wing, that indeed is a problem if Rafa allows it to be. We have to be creative. If I'm perfectly honest, I think we had the best central midfield in the Premiership anyway but now we’ve added the stand-out performer so far this season: Sissoko, we're even stronger in that area. Though young, at times rash, his boundless energy, enthusiasm has already won him several MOTM awards. Now here’s a simple question: who is the best right winger in the squad? I think it’s Steven Gerrard. Play a 4-5-1 with Crouch up top and a midfield quintet of (from right to left):
Gerrard Sissoko Alonso Zenden Garcia/Riise/Kewell
How good does that look? Play Zenden where he’s most effective, where he won Middlesborough player of the season: central midfield. Sure he’s not a Gerrard in the middle but Gerrard on the right would be devastating. Or play Hamann if you want to go defensive. Or play the enigmatic Garcia in his best position. Play Kewell if he’s ever fit otherwise play Riise. In fact, this formation is as solid as anyone in Europe, dare I say. That midfield has tons of energy, creativity, passing ability, defensive nous to match anyone in the premiership or Europe.
I would prefer Crouch up top simply because he has better ball control than Cisse (whose enthusiasm is infectious when he fights for the team instead of moaning). This is crucial in a 4-5-1 formation and allows him to bring others to play. Or play Crouch and Cisse at home when we play 4-4-2 against ‘lesser’ opposition.
We were never going to win the league this year and in a way I’m glad we didn’t get the men for these two positions because expectations would have been too high – seems they are already! People seem to have forgotten what type of team Rafa has turned into world beaters. Remember the Traore of 2 years ago. Even Riise. Maybe now expectations will be dampened a touch and this team will be able to grow into a more effective unit and come January/June when we can bring in new players, we’ll be in a better position to challenge. To beat Chelski and their deep pockets, we must be patient. This season might be a quiet one but I do believe we're moving in the right direction and we have the right man at the helm.
Last edited by
stmichael on Tue Sep 06, 2005 5:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.