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Today will be one of the few days that I will go into the topic of our formation here on Two Liverpool Fans, but there are still other stuff to cover, so I’ll just get straight into the news.
Listened to The Anfield Wrap podcast earlier today. As usual, brilliant.
First of, it looks like youngster Jonjo Shelvey is set to be shipped out on loan again. According to a number of sources, the English U21 International will be looking to continue his fine form with the Seasiders should Steven Gerrard prove that he is 100% fit over the next few weeks. Shelvey scored 6 in 10 appearances in his previous loan stint with Blackpool, and is waiting on the green light to return to the Seasiders, with Liverpool prolonging his stay in the city for a week following Steven Gerrard’s injury suffered on International Duty last week.
Realistically, it is a move that has to happen to further develop the youngster’s game, with first team playing time very limited with the Reds. So that’s all for now with that development. Will keep TLF readers posted should he actually complete the move over the coming weeks.
Dirk Kuyt has come out and talked about disappointment following the Reds’ 2-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal FC, despite dominating proceedings at Anfield:
It’s very disappointing, I thought the team played really well. We should have scored at least three goals. I enjoyed linking up with Luis (Suarez) and we created enough chances but we need to kill those chances. To lose was just unbelievable. Without Van Persie they are a completely different team.
Dirk Kuyt on Liverpool’s defeat to Arsenal
Well, an interesting day of transfer rumours has gone by. I am very well aware of Liverpool’s policy of first of all not actually setting a transfer budget, and second of all, not talking about transfer rumours, but I have a story here that links Liverpool to Barcelona wide man Pedro Rodriguez.
Liverpool are rumoured to be tracking Barcelona star Pedro Rodriguez, who may be allowed to leave the Camp Nou.
To be honest, I like Pedro as a player. He does have that bit of ‘magic’ that Liverpool need. Good with the shot from outside the box and a good runner on the ball as well, so he would make for a fantastic signing. But the best thing Liverpool will also get out of Pedro is versatility. The Spaniard is able to use both feet well, along with play on both wings with ease as well. Furthermore, he has, on some instances, played as a target man for the Catalans. In my opinion, he would be a great signing for the Reds – although we must not overpay to secure his services.
Which brings me nicely to my topic on formations. In my eyes, our chances for fourth players have essentially diminished since defeat to the Gunners over the weekend, but there are still a bit of puzzling questions to remain about out formation. One player has been missing over the past few weeks, one that I’m surprised at being overlooked: Maxi Rodriguez.
He had a potent record in front of goal for the Reds towards the tail end of last season, and he has also taken most of his chances (although very limited) this season and is still missing from the Starting XI. He has that shot placement that Liverpool really need, furthermore, he has the knack of being at the right place at the right time, therefore I’m surprised by his exclusion from the squad in recent months.
And Kenny Dalglish must really know the type of side he wants to turn Liverpool into, because there doesn’t seem to be a clear direction at the moment. Andy Carroll didn’t start against Arsenal, Liverpool played with a 4-5-1 formation and Dirk Kuyt, rather surprisingly started. Dalglish needs to know who he wants in the summer, the type and form of player, not just giving a generic position to use his extensive network to scout from. He needs to know his playing style and the type of attributes required for success at Liverpool.
