Master class by Liverpool sends Message to Title Rivals

Steven Gerrard after scoring his second penalty

Well what a performance that was! Last Sunday was a clear indication of the progression that the club has made on the field over the last twelve months. It also shows the rapid decline of Manchester United as a footballing force. For Liverpool, to go to your fiercest rivals and play them off the park for 90 minutes was something I did not envisage before the game.

From the first minute Liverpool’s pressing of the Manchester United’s midfield made it impossible for the likes of Mata, Rooney and Carrick to get and foot hold in the game. This was down to sheer perseverance and as Rodgers alluded to in his post match press conference as ‘a willingness to work’. This was evident in the first few minutes when Jon Flanagan disposed Juan Mata of the ball to create a chance for Daniel Sturridge. Liverpool exposed the frailties of Utd’s full backs, who had a torrid time in the subdued Old Trafford atmosphere.

Liverpool team celebrating their sides first goal

Steven Gerrard spoke after the game of how Rodgers is excellent at tweaking formations and tactics to suit specific games. This was in evidence again on Sunday. They played a diamond formation with Raheem Sterling just behind the two strikers. This added dynamism and fluidity to the midfield which confused the Utd back four. They decided to defend higher up the pitch which left gaping holes for the on fire duo of Sturridge and Suarez. This showed Rodgers awareness of where Utd’s weaknesses were and they were duly exploited.

Liverpool were awarded three penalties in the match and should have had two more. I said last week that Liverpool needed to use their pace if they were to win the game. They did exactly that causing ‘controlled mayhem’ all over the field. This was helped by the sublime passing of the likes of Henderson, Suarez and Gerrard. What about the great man himself Gerrard? The man of the match was outstanding throughout the game and orchestrated his team mates around the pitch. His spacial awareness and intelligence on the ball has been reiterated again in Gerrard’s second coming as football’s equivalent of the quarter back in American Football. He has been given a new lease of life in the twilight of his career.

After that stunning performance, attention turns to an away trip to Cardiff. They are languishing at the bottom of the table but their home form has been steady all year so Liverpool will proceed with caution. However I don’t see Cardiff derailing this rich vein of form I can only see the away side acquiring another three points.

What do people think of Liverpool’s performance against Man Utd? Here is a link below of that magnificent display the kopites will revel in for years to come.

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y70Fe1AsjAk

Core of English Players Bodes Well for the Future

With no Premier League game for Liverpool this weekend, my attention turned to the mid-week International friendlies. With an excellent display against Southampton last weekend, many of the squad on the day went into their International set ups. We have seen within the last year how the age profile of the squad has dramatically changed, with younger players being given a chance to shine in the red shirt. Many of these players have been English or through the academy. So on Wednesday night I decided to watch England vs Denmark at Wembley. For the first time since 1977, Liverpool had five English players on the starting Line-up. They included Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge. Some experts believe John Flanagan should have also been called into the squad, given his current form.

This achievement is a testament to Brendan Rodgers, who has put his faith in these players. England won the game 1 nil, with Raheem Sterling awarded man of the match and Sturridge getting the winning goal. As said previously, the last time England had five Liverpool players in the team was 1977, when Liverpool were at their height of football dominance. I’ve looked at other major European sides and there is a trend between success and a core of home-grown talent. Bayern Munich for example who are the current European Champions have a core of German players such as Philip Lahm, Toni Kroos, Sebastian Schweinstiger and Tomas Muller. Similarly Barcelona who have been the dominant force in European football for the last decade have Xavi, Busquests, Iniestia and Pique. Manchester United in their dominance of the English over the last twenty years have had since the famous class of 92 have always had English players at the spine of their. I believe it is important for successful teams to have players from their home nations. It brings a sense of team bonding, and making sure foreign Imports understand what it means to play for a prestigious club.

With the performances the English lads have put in at Liverpool this season, I see no reason why they will have a major representation in the England squad on the plane to Brazil. It’s time for Hodgson to pick these young players and give them a taste of major tournament football. The golden generation flopped at major tournaments, so maybe this Liverpool generation can inspire them to success. Next week it’s all about the biggest rivalry in British sport, Manchester United v Liverpool!!

Raheem Sterling against Denmark