@TonyBarrettTimes - Brendan Rodgers says Lucas is likely to be out injured for between two and three months.

Imno break down in 3...2...1...

Yeah, BR mentioned it in his presser.

Real shame, but with Allen, Sahin and Gerrard we have 3 quality midfielders to cover.

When asked about Walcott he just grinned. Ha. I'd love us to sign him.

But, if those 3 are played in midfield surely there has to be a big worry about them defensively.

I wouldn't. Allen can play Lucas' role.

For me Allen comes with a watered down defensive side that is not to dissimilar to what Lucas provides, i also believe that Henderson is very much capable of being groomed into a Lucas type player thanks to his very good athletic and technical abilities.

Allen's tackling isn't that much better than Adam. He's ok as a deep distribution man, but we need someone to cover in front of the back four. Sahin will be called on to cover it.

I'd love to have Walcott here, but how much is he going to set us back? I remember we were linked with him back when he was first being talked about joining Arsenal...that's got to be 6-7 years ago now.

Theo's gonna set you back even more now seeing as the club seem to not want to sell him.

As for Sahin covering infront of the back four, wouldn't that be limiting his effectiveness? Sahin's always been at his best when he's been in the centre of midfield next to someone more defensive.

Apparently he signed a 12 month extension last night, so that pretty much kills that rumour.

Haven't heard anything about a new extension yet, but word is that after speaking with Arsene he's staying and is set to sign a new 5 year deal.

Re: Sahin: I think the school of thought is more a case of fitting the best player to the system rather than the system to the best players. Which would mean Sahin in that screening role.

Allen's tackling isn't that much better than Adam. He's ok as a deep distribution man, but we need someone to cover in front of the back four. Sahin will be called on to cover it./quote]

Allen's tackling is excellent IMO. Twas against City, in any case. Far better than Adam. He had a pretty high amount of successful tackles last year. I'd be fine with Allen-Sahin-Gerrard.

1/3 successful tackles is excellent?

Allen was defensively better than both Song and Carrick last season, both players who play a similar role in that they are expected to create/keep possession while also being the most defensively minded of the midfield.

Allen's ability to keep possession is equally as important as being able to win the ball back in this role.

The only defensive stat Allen beat Carrick in last season was tackles per game, and even then that was only by 0.1 tackles per game. Carrick made more interceptions per game, gave away less fouls, was dribbled by opponents less, made more clearances and made more blocked shots.

:-$

They don't count because he is Carrick ;)

Okay, yea i only referenced tackling stats for which he made more per minute, attempted more pm and won more 50-50 duels pm so i shouldn't have said he was defensively better.

However he does seem to be statistically better at passing and tackling(while being right up there interception wise if i recall) than both Song and Carrick so i see absolutely no reason why he wouldn't be able to play a similar role to them in our system.

EDIT: If Carrick played any CB last year than that could affect his stats.

Edited by parraboi: 30/8/2012 03:25:58 PM

All the talk about Sahins defensive abilitys or lack of are jack shit right now till we see what he actually does on the pitch in the coming weeks.

I stand by Allen/Sahin/Gerrard being more than fine. In fact, that's a fucking boss midfield. I'd love to see them start v Arse, but it may be Shelvey instead of Sahin (who was brilliant v City to be fair)

yer if only Shelves shot went under the cross bar instead of just over ;)

Wonderful video from the excellent ElAlonso... thanks for the memories Dirk!

http://vimeo.com/48374599

Allen/Gerrard/Sahin is a great midfield, no matter how you spin it.

Hang on, the self appointed expert has not had his say yet. ;)

Thanks imno enjoyed the many Kuyt Highlights ! :(

Shelvey's movement v City was very good. His execution left a little to be desired. He needs another season out on loan to a lower-EPL team.

So what is the anticipated line up for the return leg against Hearts?

Nevermind the money is already on. :d


Edited by spathi: 30/8/2012 11:52:56 PM

From what Rodgers has said it seems it will be similar to the first leg with the inclusion of a couple of 'first 11' players.

Cheers

@TonyBarretTimes "Liverpool are set to sign Samed Yesil, an 18 year old forward, from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee in the region of £1 million."

Would be yet another 'out of the blue' signing.

German u/18 international, silver ball winner at u/17 world cup, apparently he has scored 72 goals in 92 games at youth/reserve level over the past three seasons.

We've signed him, confirmed. Very happy with that, only 1mil.

This morning... result is what counts, annoying to see our impotence in the final third again. Allen was the best player out there, once again.

Downing at LB worked really well actually :lol: Hendo impressed also.

Gerrard put in a mammoth shift, dunno whether he'll be able to start on the w/e. Sterling looked good again.