It’s been a steady start to the season thus far, with some great passages of play in certain matches and a lack of creativity highlighted in others. The first half of the opening match against Sunderland highlighted some fluidity within our play reminiscent of the old days. Sterling performances against Bolton and even Stoke despite the loss have illustrated our return to playing “proper football,” something we have not seen since the introduction of Gerard Houllier. Certainly is refreshing to see, but there are still flaws.
Up front with Andy Carroll not fully firing yet, we lack a cutting edge. Luis Suarez is not an out and out striker in the mould of Fowler, Owen and Rush. He is more of a creative forward, someone who can create space, chances and chip in with his fair share of goals. Whilst we have until the end of the season to hopefully watch this strike force blossom, I still feel a forward with pace is required even with the timely arrival of Craig Bellamy.
This past Sunday also saw the timely return of captain marvel Steven Gerrard. There were some reservations of how the team may play and what the shape of the team would be like, but the Reds really took the game to United in the second half. Carroll and Bellamy were not even used and Jordan Henderson looked far more comfortable in a holding central role than he has done on the right-wing.
We have yet to fully see the introduction of late arrival Sebastian Coates, in spite of his brief appearance at the mauling we suffered at Tottenham, but he looks promising. The return of Craig Bellamy was a welcomed one because of what he can offer in regards to his pace and versatility up front. I was sad to see Joe Cole go, with him having a great start in France and showing glimpses of his former self, I really think he would have been a regular starter on the right hand side, with Henderson struggling with that role.
Jose Enrique has really been the player that has surprised me the most. Not only has he made the position his own, but he has shored up our defence and given us great attacking width on the left flank. Stewart Downing I feel hasn’t lived up to his billing yet. But we have the entire season to go and one can only hope that things gradually improve.
Charlie Adams has also been a breath of fresh air. Whilst possessing the passing ability of Xabi Alonso he also has a decent burst of speed over five to ten yards enabling him to carry a ball deep into the oppositions half. This was remonstrated against Rio Ferdinand when he skipped past a few players and was softly brought down. All in all, another two astute signings in the January transfer window, hopefully a quality winger on the right side and another striker, I personally think we will be ready for a championship assault next year.
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don’t sign inkoom