Liverpool FC Forum

Bad Bob wrote:

s@int wrote:

Bad Bob wrote:

Sabre wrote:

Bad Bob wrote:

heimdall wrote:I'll settle for a 2-1 in this game, we shouldn't get carried away after the Besktas game. In any case Rafa will prbably start with Kuyt and Voronin 

Am I the only one who though Riise had a good game against Besiktas but then he his much more comfortable in left midfield but never gets played there enough.

Put the Norwegian-tinted specs aside, mate.  Riise is a significantly limited left midfielder.  He's got a great engine, tracks back well and has a powerful shot (when was the last time he scored, though?).  BUT, he rarely beats a man, cannot cut inside onto his right foot effectively, is frustratingly inconsistent with his crossing and doesn't have usually the guile to play in teammates with passing in and around the box.  On present form, he'd be my third choice LM behind Kewell (who's streets better than the Norwegian when fit) and Benayoun (who's got more in his locker offensively).  I shade him just ahead of Babel, at the moment, because of his experience and because the Dutchman probably is better suited to playing up top.

Bit harsh there on Heimdall, I hate it when people thinks I defend a Spaniard for being Spaniard!!

Riise is a limited left midfielder yes, it's true he doesn't cut inside onto his right foot, it's true he has an iron waist and thus no dribbling, but I think you forget some of his pluses.

His long shot has been proven very dangerous not as an accident but quite regularly in previous seasons, regularly enough to plant a doubt in the defender that doesn't know whether to leave his back four line to address him. his good engine make runs that make a lot of harm in the second halves, he's our official throw in taker and not few goals have come from these kind of situations the last one against Besiktas. His long throw ins are equivalent to a corner almost, and that in leagues like the Spanish one is fundamental as many goals come from set pieces. Useful in England aswell that aspect of the game, underrated or not.

I've explained several times that playing 2 strikers, Gerrard lurking in the area trying difficult things, and a Pennant on the right, leaves just Mascherano OR Alonso to do  lot of recovery work. IMHO Riise's given a defensive balance in many games, and I'd highlight the Barcelona away game as a proof that he can compete at highest level. Many times a left back has been praised because the work Riise has done upper.

I think Riise is not and will never be a key player, but IMHO, Rafa offloads the deadwood soon enough, Riise was a legacy of the past, and he stayed, so that means something.

I'm not Norwegian, just a bit happy clappy with players

I'll grant you the point about the long throws but I stick by the rest.  Heimdall thinks he doesn't get enough games at LM.  I think he gets far too many games there.

I have always thought of Riise as a great squad player, he is versatile, so is always handy to have on the bench. He always works hard, and although he lacks a few attributes to ever be considered top class, also possesses a few attributes that are of great value to the team.

Admittedly he hasn't been the most consistant performer over the last couple of years but he has still at times put in some valuable performances.

Maybe the team is begining to outgrow him a little, and with the return of Kewell and Aurelio we may see less of him in the future, but unless someone offers silly money for him I feel he is still worth a place in the squad. Certainly there will be games when a more defensive minded player than Kewell will be required ,possibly even games when Kewell might be injured (however unlikely that may be)

Maybe he has played more often than a player of his limitations should have with a top side, but whilst he will never be classed as a star, he is certainly no mug either.

I definitely agree with that, mate.  And, for what it's worth, I think LB is his best position and one he's still in with a shout of being in the rotation mix for (although I would prefer Aurelio for most games if he were to stay healthy). Riise's prone to lapses in concentration there but when his mind's in it, he is very solid whilst also offering a good deal going forward (particularly in terms of his shot).  As a LM, though, he's just too blunt an instrument to be helping carve most teams open going forward.

redtrader74 wrote:What four changes from the side that started against Besiktas? Why rotate now?

redtrader74 wrote:What four changes from the side that started against Besiktas? Why rotate now?