One option could be to play Johnson further forward and join the midfield unit – he certainly has the attacking quality and composure. However the ever-dependable Dirk Kuyt now seems to have won his place back in the starting line-up after initially losing it to new signing Jordan Henderson at the start of the season. Many were mystified by Dalglish’s preference for youngster Henderson over the experienced Kuyt, but it now seems the Dutchman has worked his way back into the starting line-up at the £20 million man’s expense.
Henderson can have little complaint due to his performances thus far, but maybe it is a slight on the management team for rushing the youngster into the first team instead of allowing him to acclimatise slowly – was there pressure from above to play him, with his huge price-tag? Either way Henderson is not yet ready for the starting line-up, especially whilst there are other more experienced, proven options available who have also contributed more on the field of play this season than the former Sunderlandman.
That just leaves the front-line which was made up of £58 million pair Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll for the entirety of the derby. The two striker’s were bought together back in January to form a dream ‘little and large’ partnership, but of the two, only Suarez has shone. The Uruguayan has been far and away Liverpool’s best player since pulling on a red shirt and his place in the starting line-up is cemented. Contrast that with Carroll’s very inconsistent, stop-start career at Anfield so far which has seen the Geordie giant’s abilities called into question every time he plays.
A severe lack of goals has added to the scrutiny, but Dalglish is standing by his man, publicly defending the youngster from the media’s criticism. Carroll repaid the managers faith with a derby goal, and there is little doubt he is still a huge ‘work in progress’. But both strikers scored on Saturday in a 2-0 win, their jobs done. Will the team that was on the field of play whilst both goals were scored be given a chance from the off?
Written by Jimmy Areabi for FootballFancast.com. If you want to read more from myself including news, thoughts and views you can follow me on Twitter @fantasista1077 thanks!
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Well, whoever is chosen Adam should be left out! Completely average in all departments.
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Reina
Johnson_Skrtel_Agger_Enrique
Gerrard_Lucas_Downing
Kuyt_Suares_Bellamy
I LIKE THIS LINE-UP. AT LEAST TO START THE GAME. I BELIEVE BELLAMY WOULD GIVE VIDIC/FERDINAND A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH HIS PACE AND POSITIONAL PLAY.
Liverpool fist team is Reina, kelly, enrique, carragher, agger, lucas, adam, gerard, downing, suarez, bellamy.
My LFC lineup:
Reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique
Kuyt Gerrard Adam Downing
Suarez Carroll
or
Reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique
Gerrard Lucas Adam
Bellamy Carroll Suarez
yeah Kelly’s been great but i still have hope that Johnson will make it at Liverpool.when we bought him from Portsmouth he was one of my favorite players and i remember him being a top class right back for them.i also expect Carroll to make it at Liverpool as he should be starting to get 100% fit.he hasnt even finished a whole season for us yet and he was GREAT at Newcastle last year,dont forget that.Downing yeah the last 2 games he’s been invisible but he’s an experienced winger and i think he’ll be great for us too.what i want is a new winger signed in January and some small moves for the squad to strengthen even more.i find the squad way stronger than last season’s.
Reina
Johnson Coates Agger Enrique
Lennon Gerrard Adam Downing
Suarez
Carroll
Bench:Doni Kelly Skrtel Carragher Robinson Henderson Lucas Spearing Maxi Bellamy Kuyt and some young talented players coming
YNWA
Reina
Kelly,carragher(Agger),Coates,Enrique
Johnson,Gerrard(Adam),Lucas,Downing
Saurez,Bellamy(Kuyt)
The best and strongest line up we can play with at the moment who would be a match for any side in the premiership and would have taken the game to Tottenham instead of being put to the sword, like we were is:
in the 4 2 3 1 formation
Reina, Kelly/Johnson, Skrtel/carragher, Agger/Coates, Enrique, Lucas, Adam, Gerrard, Bellamy, Downing and Suarez.
But in January, 4 players are desperately needed in:
A Next centre back: G Cahill Of Bolton £5-£8m
A Defensive Midfielder: Moussa Sissoko Of Toulouse Or M’Villa Of Rennes. £10-£15m
An Out and Out pacey, lightning quick right winger: Jesus Navas Of Seville Or Aaron Lennon Of Tottenham £10-£18M
Another forward: G Agbonglahor Of A Villa,speed, pace, power, creativity, goals and would be a future prospect. £12-£17M