re: Liverpool FC 2012/13 Season Long Thread

I came to this realization sometime last week. It does hurt, because besides Shanks, he is widely regarded as the 3rd most beloved Scouser in the club's history. Even Kenny said that Steven's reputation and accomplishments for the club were more important than his own (which is crazy, IMO, but goes to show you).

Unfortunately, he doesn't seem like he'll be able to change his habits. His insistence on dropping deep for possession is wrecking this team right now. In doing so, he basically renders Sahin useless, and negates Allen's role. He also strands Suarez by himself, crippling our already depleting attack. If Steven can't begin to trust the team and hold his role and position then he will ruin his chances of further playing time, and drive this club into the ground this year.

At this point he is arguably the weakest link out of the 11.

quote:

---

you are insane.

---

Really? Name another player who is a more visible weak link to the team as a whole.

Borini? Arguably, but he's had little to no touches (the least on the team) and not much in the way of service, mainly because Steven isn't present.

Reina? Also arguable, but Steven's losing possession has led to both of Pepe's mishaps so far this campaign. Without those errant passes, those would never have happened.

The back line? I think our defense has been decent. Other than Martin's anomaly, they've played pretty well.

Suarez? He's so ineffective because Steven is off in no-man's land. He needs the support Gerrard should be giving him.

So my question is, who do you think is weaker? I can understand Borini, and you may be right, but other than the Italian no one else has looked so out of place so far. I know it seems blasphemous, but at some point we as fans need to step back and ask ourselves if we want a player to succeed or the club to succeed. There is no name above that of Liverpool. Not even Steven Gerrard. If he can't improve his game to fit the system then he must go.

Remember, no player is bigger than the crest they wear.

My analysis in no way diminishes my love for the man or what he has given this club.

quote:

---

you could not possibly let gerrard go, you would alienate an entire fanbase, steven gerrard IS liverpool.

you make a system fit him.

---

For how long? The dudes old. And it shows. Kenny fit the system to Steven's play style and we've seen how that works. Its time to move on. I'm not saying let him go and drop him from the wage books. But he needs to see diminished playing time if he can't fill our needs for the club to get better. LFC is forever. Our players unfortunately are not. We must adapt so the club can progress forward. Gerrard would be the first to tell you that if his playing is to the determent of the club he loves, he would pack his stuff up immediately. Hell Kenny said the same. This is the ethos of what a football club should strive to produce in its players.

There is nothing greater than the shirt you wear. No player, no manager, no system, nothing.

Gerrard may be slow to adapt, but he's far from past it... Again, I'm not going to disagree with a whole lot of what you're sayin, but I'm willing to let him play through it...

On another note, I'm watching Fox Soccer News and some goon named Danny something has Joe Allen as the 2nd worse transfer of the summer (EPL) behind Olivier Giroud... Says he won't fit the system, too many players just like him moron

This production staff needs to go outside of fricking Canada for on-air talent...

quote:

---

Gerrard may be slow to adapt, but he's far form past it.

---

The game hasn't passed him, but unless Suarez or someone is consistently putting the ball in the back of the net, he looks pedestrian to most. He still has great creativity, and I'm sure is a hell of a leader. I think you have to get that TRUE number 9 to make Stevie look like the player he is. Now Lampard, on the other hand, looks like the game has passed him. Chelsea is much more crisp in attacking when he is away from the ball. As soon as the ball touches Frank, the pace slows dramatically. This doesn't seem to be the case for Stevie.

ETA:I really wanted to add a picture of Charlie Adam at the end, but you guys sold him and makes it useless.

quote:

---

This doesn't seem to be the case for Stevie.

---

No Gerrard looks done. He just doesn't seem to fit in what the rest of the team is doing. If Suarez had someone to play off of with some quick one twos and little slip through balls he would be a lot more efficient. Gerrard has probably been the worst player in the starting 11 this year for Pool. Like Beast said square peg round when it comes to Gerrard. Pool needs a Kagawa, Cazorla, Mata type to get the best out of Suarez and would also benefit the whole team.

quote:

---

I still think Stevie offers the best chance to win over Shelvey or Henderson...

---

You may be right his replacements are young but I really like the look of Shelvey. I think he could develop into a quality player. I just don't see that spark or extra bit of quality from Gerrard that he has been known for. Patience could be the answer and Gerrard may find his form but there is no way I would tailor my system around him at this time in his career.

quote:

---

Borini may help with the pressing, etc... but he offers nothing going forward...

---

Yea why doesn't Rodgers put Suarez out right and he can drift inside while Johnson will add width. That would allow Borini to play centrally. Maybe that will get the best out of him.

I ain't mad at ya.

Was hoping I would return from honeymoon to discuss better results and happenings with you all. Oh well. Maybe they'll get it put together in time for Sunderland..........