Ford Super Sundays, a mainstay in houses across the country, when children and pensioners suddenly become experts and the taste of the Sunday roast depends on whether your team wins or not. This Sunday will be no different, but there will be some extra spice with two matches that really matter. The Merseyside derby- Everton vs Liverpool- is often called the 'friendly derby' but I can assure you, it will be far from that, proof of which lies in the fact that this fixture has seen more red cards than any other fixture since the start of the Premier League. Manchester Utd travel to Stamford Bridge in a 1st vs 3rd clash, facing a Chelsea side that has only dropped 2 points all season, with Man Utd determined to win the title back from their 'noisy neighbours' Man City, but Chelsea stand in their way.
Saturday 27 October 2012
Who Can Solve Liverpool's 'Striking Crisis'?
The first issue that needs to be addressed is whether Liverpool really have a 'striking crisis' or not. Since the end of the transfer window, the club has seen three first team attacking players leave, in the form of Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll (who it seems may have played his last game for the Reds). Only Fabio Borini has been bought to fill one of these positions and so far Brendan Rodgers has to rely extensively on the youth team for reinforcements, with tennagers like Suso (18), Raheem Sterling (17), Adam Morgan (18), Samed Yesil (18), and Jerome Sinclair (16) all playing parts in senior fixtures. As talented, as these young players are, Rodgers has stressed the importance not to 'overplay' these players, tempering fan's expectations. The recent injury to Fabio Borini, who will be out for around 3 months after breaking his foot has further limited Rodgers' attacking options, exacerbating the disappointment of the transfer deadline day. Luis Suarez, remains Liverpool's most potent goal threat, having scored 5 goals in 8 appearances (in the Premier League), yet averaging over 6 shots/game, which can hardly be described as clinical. Anyone that has watched Liverpool's performances over the course of the season will be aware of the dominance the team has shown, averaging 57% possession/game with 27 shots on goal , yet they only have a lowly 9 points to show for this. The manager himself as admitted the need to bring in new recruits in January stating "There are still areas we want to reinforce- and we have to reinforce as soon as we can".
So here's a list of Realistic transfer targets for January that could solve Liverpool's attacking problems, and be the possible 'missing link' to Brendan Rodgers' revolution.
Theo Walcott
Liverpool have regularly been linked with the Arsenal speedster, who seems unsettled in North London, with contract talks dragging out longer than a black and white Bollywood film.
The 23 year old seems to be ever improving, having bagged two goals and an assist in just one start and five substitute appearances in the Premier League, having only had seven shots on goal. He also boasts an impressive pass completion rate of 86.5%, which may suggest he could adapt to Liverpool's revamped passing style.
There is also the small fact that he is a boyhood Liverpool fan, which could sway his decision (if there is any passion left in football).
However, there are several snags in this seemingly flawless plan. Walcott's contract talks have been scuppered due to his desire to play in a central strikers role, a chance he may not also be afforded at Anfield due to the need for the central striker to push back deeper, whilst the wide players make runs on the inside under Rodgers' system. Furthermore, there is Arsene Wenger's insistence that Walcott WILL sign a new contract, telling ESPN "My determination has always been to extend his contract and that other clubs are interested or not the determination is the same." For now, this can only be regarded as a slight possibility, with a sprinkling of cautious optimism, though the situation could change in the January 'Jungle' transfer window.
Daniel Sturridge
The second player in the list, is of the same ilk as Walcott, in the form of out of favour Chelsea forward, Daniel Sturridge. Liverpool were rumoured to have been interested in a loan move for the England international with a view to a permenant deal, though nothing materialised (as was the trend for much of Liverpool's summer business). However, the former Bolton loanee has only featured three times this season, all as a substitute, and with Liverpool in desperate need of numbers, the rumour has re-emerged. Sturridge has shown his pedigree, having scored 11 goals in 30 appearances last season, and would also fit in with Liverpool's transfer policy, being only 23 years of age.
However, similarly to Walcott, the Chelsea man has voiced his desire to play in a more central role, whilst Brendan Rodgers may seem him as more effective cutting in from the right onto his favoured left foot, though he has shown greater consistency than Walcott playing from a central position.
It seems that if Rodgers is offered a deal that suits both parties, this deal could very well happen, although this could prove harder than seems with the Liverpool board seemingly concrete in their desire not to overpay for a player.
Heung-Min Son
Perhaps a less well known name than the previous two targets, the Korean international has begun the season in scintillating form for Hamburg bagging 4 goals in 8 games in the Bundesliga. He is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in Asian football, and as this compilation video shows, he can play with both feet, header, dribble, finish with composure..oh yeah..and even ping in the odd free kick. Sound too good to be true?..It gets better! Son can play either as central striker, or from either wing, and has supposedly been quoted saying "I don't care where I play. The main thing is I'm in the game. I can play right, left, as a forward or behind it. What the coach says, i'll do. I don't have a favourite position. I'll be anywhere and always on the throttle." Also, did I mention he is only 20 years of age?
Convincing Hamburg to sell one of their brightest talents may be another issue, however, if they are willing to sell, it is possible that it could be for less than £10million, making him a much cheaper alternative than either of the English lads above.
I know i'm putting myself up for some criticism by saying this- but I have a background in Economics, so I see the business side of things as well- he may well be a good acquisition in terms of increasing Liverpool's market share in Asia. I am in no way suggesting that this should be the sole determinant in his signing!..but in the current footballing world, it is something that has to be considered..to a degree.
Keep a close eye on this one, because he seems like a very realistic target, even if not the marquee signing everyone expects.
Gary Hooper
The Celtic forward has recently been linked with Liverpool, but then again, who hasn't? Liverpool-Kop has claimed that the Reds are favourites to sign the Bhoys star striker, but I think its safe to say we can take what they say with a pinch of salt- Jaimie Kanwar-someone who defended Hicks and Gillet- I think that sums it up, but that's just my personal opinion.
The 24 year old is undoubtedly a natural goal-scorer which many commentators would agree is the missing link in Liverpool's season. He has a enviable scoring record, with 47 goals in 71 appearances for Celtic and although he is known for his ability to hold the ball up, he also has an underestimated passing ability and can link up well with the midfield, whilst running through the channels to finish with composure. There is one last thing, he is English, but hasn't pledged his allegiance to any international team which will reduce the likely-hood of injury in those Godforsaken international breaks.
However, he isn't quick to say the least and is most definitely a central striker, a position Rodgers seems adamant to make Luis Suarez's. As well as this, he can be seen as a 'traditional' British striker, which may not be what Liverpool's new style play needs. Furthermore, many of these rumours have sprung up due to the fact that he is yet to sign a new contract with Celtic, however, manager Neil Lennon has stated "We are still in negotiations at the minute and I don't think we are too far away" and in typically eloquent fashion suggested he would "poo-poo that", in reference to a link with Liverpool.
Whether Hooper would be the right player for Liverpool, or just another knee-jerk signing has to wait to be seen, but there rumours won't go away until he signs a new contract. In my personal opinion, Hooper is undoubtedly talented, but there may well be better, cheaper alternatives out there.
The Celtic forward has recently been linked with Liverpool, but then again, who hasn't? Liverpool-Kop has claimed that the Reds are favourites to sign the Bhoys star striker, but I think its safe to say we can take what they say with a pinch of salt- Jaimie Kanwar-someone who defended Hicks and Gillet- I think that sums it up, but that's just my personal opinion. The 24 year old is undoubtedly a natural goal-scorer which many commentators would agree is the missing link in Liverpool's season. He has a enviable scoring record, with 47 goals in 71 appearances for Celtic and although he is known for his ability to hold the ball up, he also has an underestimated passing ability and can link up well with the midfield, whilst running through the channels to finish with composure. There is one last thing, he is English, but hasn't pledged his allegiance to any international team which will reduce the likely-hood of injury in those Godforsaken international breaks.
However, he isn't quick to say the least and is most definitely a central striker, a position Rodgers seems adamant to make Luis Suarez's. As well as this, he can be seen as a 'traditional' British striker, which may not be what Liverpool's new style play needs. Furthermore, many of these rumours have sprung up due to the fact that he is yet to sign a new contract with Celtic, however, manager Neil Lennon has stated "We are still in negotiations at the minute and I don't think we are too far away" and in typically eloquent fashion suggested he would "poo-poo that", in reference to a link with Liverpool.
Whether Hooper would be the right player for Liverpool, or just another knee-jerk signing has to wait to be seen, but there rumours won't go away until he signs a new contract. In my personal opinion, Hooper is undoubtedly talented, but there may well be better, cheaper alternatives out there.
Martin Harnik
My final target is the 25 year old Austrian, who has become famous for his 'Thor's hammer celebration'. Harnik, currently plies his trade for Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart, predominantly playing from the right. He began his career in the centre, and still believes, much like Walcott and Sturridge, that this is his natural calling. However, he has undoubtedly been most effective from the right forward position- with 17 goals in 34 appearances in the Bundesliga last season and 3 more in the first 7 games.At 1.85 metres, he is tall and has a good aerial ability, but don't let this detract from his pace and dribbling ability. His early experiences as a central striker, mean he is good at finding space and creating it for others, something which could be vital within the new Liverpool set-up.
A potential link up with Luis Suarez could be a mouth-watering prospect for Liverpool fans, however, he recently signed a new deal with Stuttgart lasting until 2016, meaning any potential acquisition could prove very costly, so admittedly this may be more hopeful than realistic, but the opportunity to showcase his talents on a bigger stage may be too tempting for the forward.
Conclusion
There have been lots of names banded about in reference to Liverpool's attacking targets, and if they signed everyone they were linked with, the squad would have around 467 forwards. Only once it gets to January will the situation clear up, but I personally feel one of these five players is the most likely/most suitable- but you can decided for yourself. There are other names that are possibilities, such as Adrian Lopez, Stefan Kiessling, Darrent Bent, but Adrian has a poor scoring record, Kiessling has traditional been a target man (which seems to defy the whole reason Andy Carroll went away on loan) and Darren Bent-who has a natural goalscoring ability and seems unsettled at Aston Villa- may not have the ability to link up well enough to play in the Liverpool system.
Feel free to comment and I look forward to hearing your opinions!
My final target is the 25 year old Austrian, who has become famous for his 'Thor's hammer celebration'. Harnik, currently plies his trade for Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart, predominantly playing from the right. He began his career in the centre, and still believes, much like Walcott and Sturridge, that this is his natural calling. However, he has undoubtedly been most effective from the right forward position- with 17 goals in 34 appearances in the Bundesliga last season and 3 more in the first 7 games.At 1.85 metres, he is tall and has a good aerial ability, but don't let this detract from his pace and dribbling ability. His early experiences as a central striker, mean he is good at finding space and creating it for others, something which could be vital within the new Liverpool set-up.
A potential link up with Luis Suarez could be a mouth-watering prospect for Liverpool fans, however, he recently signed a new deal with Stuttgart lasting until 2016, meaning any potential acquisition could prove very costly, so admittedly this may be more hopeful than realistic, but the opportunity to showcase his talents on a bigger stage may be too tempting for the forward.
Conclusion
There have been lots of names banded about in reference to Liverpool's attacking targets, and if they signed everyone they were linked with, the squad would have around 467 forwards. Only once it gets to January will the situation clear up, but I personally feel one of these five players is the most likely/most suitable- but you can decided for yourself. There are other names that are possibilities, such as Adrian Lopez, Stefan Kiessling, Darrent Bent, but Adrian has a poor scoring record, Kiessling has traditional been a target man (which seems to defy the whole reason Andy Carroll went away on loan) and Darren Bent-who has a natural goalscoring ability and seems unsettled at Aston Villa- may not have the ability to link up well enough to play in the Liverpool system.
Feel free to comment and I look forward to hearing your opinions!
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Happy birthday Sheffield FC
The world's oldest football club celebrates its birthday today, having been founded on the 24th October 1857. The South Yorkshire club- not to be confused with Sheffield utd or Sheffield Wednesday- currently ply their trade in the Northern Premier League Division One South...(breathe!) and have been bestowed with the FIFA Order of Merit and commemorated by the English Football Hall of Fame for their place in football history.
Tactical Sunder takes it's hat off to you.
Happy Birthday Sheffield FC.
Tactical Sunder takes it's hat off to you.
Happy Birthday Sheffield FC.
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