sean
19-07-2007, 11:45 PM
So after one of the most exciting 2 weeks transfer wise for the Reds, it looks like Rafa might finally be done with his spending spree until January at least, especially with the announcement that Heinze will definitely not be gracing the hallowed turf of Anfield on a regular basis this coming season.
So where does all this leave us? Obviously we’ve beefed up our attack – an exchange of Fowler, Bellamy and Garcia for Torres, Voronin and Babel looks like a nice piece of nifty business. Indeed who’s to say Benayoun won’t turn out to be an astute buy, and prove to be one of our vital cogs during the season providing ball after ball for a hungry attack.
But what is to become of our FA Youth Cup hero’s and the new players brought into the academy? We’ve heard plenty noise’s from our new American owners about a new model being put in place where a focus on youth will be a major factor, an idea with which Rafa is only too happy to follow. A quick look at the youngsters players at our disposal certainly does give us plenty hope for the future. A case can surely be made for Jay Spearing to become 2nd choice right back behind Finnan based on his showing against Man Utd last season, and on praise coming from the youth coaching staff. Paletta made a few first team appearances last season, though admittedly didn’t shine and struggled at times. Insua gave a decent show at Craven Cottage in May for the seniors, while El Zhar showed a glimmer or two of a possible star in the making with lively sprints down the right wing. Craig Lindfield and Robbie Threfall were two players who had absolutely fantastic campaigns in the youth cup last season, with Lindfield in particular looking to have the physique to stand his own ground in the premiership. Jack Hobbs and Miki Roque are two others who will be hoping to make an impression in the coming season, possibly with a view to replacing the legend that is Sami Hyypia when old limbs finally cause him to call it a day. And if hype from Eastern Europe is to be believed, we’ve secured a few gems in Mihaylov, and the two Hungarian lads.
The major key to their development will ultimately be down to how much of a run out they get in the senior team. And for the new American model to work, we are going to need to see two or three players making a fair few substitute appearances over the course of a season, with one of these players actually making a position his own.
So what do you think? Can we actually bring in a few youths this season, allowing them a decent chance (like Carra and Stevie were given) while still allowing us to maintain a title challenge? Or are we obliged to just play our strongest 11 all season long, hope we can nick a title from Man Utd and Chelsea but ultimately disrupt the development of our potential talent?
So where does all this leave us? Obviously we’ve beefed up our attack – an exchange of Fowler, Bellamy and Garcia for Torres, Voronin and Babel looks like a nice piece of nifty business. Indeed who’s to say Benayoun won’t turn out to be an astute buy, and prove to be one of our vital cogs during the season providing ball after ball for a hungry attack.
But what is to become of our FA Youth Cup hero’s and the new players brought into the academy? We’ve heard plenty noise’s from our new American owners about a new model being put in place where a focus on youth will be a major factor, an idea with which Rafa is only too happy to follow. A quick look at the youngsters players at our disposal certainly does give us plenty hope for the future. A case can surely be made for Jay Spearing to become 2nd choice right back behind Finnan based on his showing against Man Utd last season, and on praise coming from the youth coaching staff. Paletta made a few first team appearances last season, though admittedly didn’t shine and struggled at times. Insua gave a decent show at Craven Cottage in May for the seniors, while El Zhar showed a glimmer or two of a possible star in the making with lively sprints down the right wing. Craig Lindfield and Robbie Threfall were two players who had absolutely fantastic campaigns in the youth cup last season, with Lindfield in particular looking to have the physique to stand his own ground in the premiership. Jack Hobbs and Miki Roque are two others who will be hoping to make an impression in the coming season, possibly with a view to replacing the legend that is Sami Hyypia when old limbs finally cause him to call it a day. And if hype from Eastern Europe is to be believed, we’ve secured a few gems in Mihaylov, and the two Hungarian lads.
The major key to their development will ultimately be down to how much of a run out they get in the senior team. And for the new American model to work, we are going to need to see two or three players making a fair few substitute appearances over the course of a season, with one of these players actually making a position his own.
So what do you think? Can we actually bring in a few youths this season, allowing them a decent chance (like Carra and Stevie were given) while still allowing us to maintain a title challenge? Or are we obliged to just play our strongest 11 all season long, hope we can nick a title from Man Utd and Chelsea but ultimately disrupt the development of our potential talent?