You gotta wonder who is going to suffer the most if Stevie plays in the middle - Alonso, Mascherano and Sissoko will all be fighting for one spot next to him. Now thats what you call strength in depth
I thought Stevie did well last night, at times, but there were still times feyenoord played easily through our midfield with 1 or 2 simple passes. Thats why I think we need a sissoko or preferably a Mascherano to provide cover. Stevie doesnt do that, maybe 3 across the midfield is the answer, but then what about width??? One thing for sure, Stevie is wasted on the right, he needs a central role, but I do worry about our back 4. I though it looked very shakey last night
It was clear that with Xabi and Stevie in the middle it seems that the opposition has more time and space because no one from those two positions goes to press for the ball. With Momo or Smascher in the team they leave their position to actively win the ball where Xabi in particular waits until the play moves towards him. I do still believe however that we are more effective when someone presses all over the pitch. It unsttles midfields from the first minute and does not allow any rythym in the oppositions play. As for playing 3 in the midfield we may see something like Chelsea's tried and trusted formation with Xabi sitting deepest, Momo ofr Smascher ahead of him and Stevie ahead of either of them... The three positions up front is anyone's guess but no doubt it will include being able to switch to different formations with different players in different formations.
At last, Rafa's accepted I was right - mind you, I was willing to give him time to get one or two more midfielders in the team, after our last conversation I suspect we'll see 5 in the centre for some of the harder games, with either Tores or Kyut up front .... Stevie G just behind them, two wingers and two central (defensive) midfielders) http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N156598070805-2056.htm
Stevie anywhere is good for me, the man is an army. I really think that he can push us through lots of close games this year. Personall I think him in the middle of the three in a 4-2-3-1 formation will be the way to go for the massive games.
I agree with the sentiments aired. Stevie and alonso in centre doesnt protect back 4 enough. I think that stevie G maybe playing more likea psoition he occupied in the champions league final. Is that his best position though?
I think we'll be going with the 4-2-3-1 formation aswell for most games. Alonso & Masch/Momo sitting behind Stevie with 2 wide men and one up front, probably Torres
With Gerrard in the middle I fancy him to score quite a few goals this season and by looking at him in pre season this is going to be a huge season for him. Paddy Power have a handicap betting market on the top goalscorer in the premiership. Drogba is the favourite with (0) hdcp but at 18/1 u can get Stevie G (11.5) which I have to say is very very tempting! Example: If Drogba scores 20 goals this season and Gerrard scores 9 then add his 11.5 hdcp then Gerrard registers at 20.5 goals for the season!
What are the other hdcp's like, because Gerrard would have to beat every other person in the hdcp market, including Drogba... I'm going to have the usual punt on Stevie, and a side bet on RVP...
Nice to see Stevie G happy about this too: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N156612070807-0917.htm
SOC that's as fine a piece of research on bookie bashing as I've seen and a few Empire Trade Credits shall be spent.
Ye it is good and they are the markets that are the bit of value and interest for the season you know. There are some very good bets in the market, they can be found of Paddy Power website so have a look at then pop down to your local Paddy Power and back it. Drogba (0) 18/1 Rooney (+4) 18/1 Torres (+4.5) 18/1 Berbatov (+5.5) 18/1 Owen (+5.5) 18/1 Ronaldo (+6) 18/1 Van Persie (+6) 18/1 Bent (+7) 18/1 McCarthy (+7) 18/1 Da Silva (+8) 18/1 Thats the leaders in the market but the two I fancy are Robbie Keane (+10) and Stevie G (+11.5)! I probably cant post the link to the full page on Paddy Powers here so if you go onto the Paddy Powers site and down the left click on 'Football' then 'Premier League' from the drop down and the first round of matches appear but just above that there is 'Premier League Outright Betting' then there is a list and you click 'handicap betting' and its all there!
Me Too!!! I got the b**ls pulled off me at the start of last season about Stevie having to play centre, and now look, it took him a whole season to agree!!!!
happy days hope he stays in the middle will get the best out of him there and more goals and will be a good help 2 the 2 front men
He's looked class in pre-season and seems really up for it. Playing in his favourite position will only fire him up even more.