7 Things learnt from Liverpool vs. Indonesia Friendly

1. Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe will prove unbelievably important this season
   
   
   The reds started the match with a starting XI which Brendan Rodgers will feel is very close to his best XI, albeit without the likes of Luis Suarez. Yes, this is a great team, but eleven players cannot put together a great season in the premier league on their own. The youngsters must play a big part in this season’s campaign and both Raheem Sterling, 18, and Jordan Ibe, 17, have thrown their hats into the ring with impressive performances in the first two preseason matches against Preston North End and Indonesia respectively. Both of these young players have one attribute that is simply priceless and cannot be taught, speed. Watching Ibe put on the afterburners to beat 2 players down the line in the lead up to Liverpool’s second against Indonesia was simply brilliant, and was just a sample of what Ibe can provide to the first team this season. Speed, agility, enthusiasm, skill, confidence. The man who put the ball in the back of the net at the end of that move, Sterling, is by no means slow, and possesses similar attributes, with these two on the wings, fullbacks will be puffed out just watching them sprint down the wings of Anfield! These young players will provide great backup for the likes of Downing, Alberto and Coutinho who could all see themselves occupying wing positions at some stage this season.
2. Thank god for the pitches of the premier league
   
   
   It was almost like playing in someone’s backyard! The ball bobbling all over the place and strikers, namely Iago Aspas, having no choice but to simply blame the playing surface. Its times like this that you simply lay back and think to yourself, “thank god we don’t play in Indonesia every week!” The stadiums of the premier league are simple a godsend for football and their groundsmen simply do not get enough credit. Without these pristine green arenas, never could we see players ping long balls with the most remarkable of accuracy, never would we see goals struck from outside the box, a la Gareth Bale, and worst of all, players who dive would land on a rough and bumpy surface! Perhaps actually injuring them and saving them a yellow card for simulation!
3. Jack Robinson represents a viable option at left back instead of Jose Enrique
   
   
   Jack Robinson replaced Jose Enrique at half time against Indonesia, adding some much needed composure and structure and left back. Whilst Enrique is a quality left back whose attacking runs can bother even the best of defenses, he simply lacks the attributes in the very thing his position requires, defending. Robinson represents a young option who can be blooded for years to come as a starting left back at the Reds, possessing a cool head, great defensive skills and a mind for the game, if I were Brendan Rodgers, I would be giving him as much first team experience this season as possible, at the expense of the inconsistent Enrique.
4. Lucas must be replaced or challenged for a first team spot if Liverpool are to challenge for top 4
   
   
   Whilst Lucas Leiva has been a stalwart in the Liverpool midfield for many seasons, proving his doubters wrong in the process, he has simply lost his touch and has consistently been below par since the tail end of last season. To put it simply, he gives away more fouls than is acceptable and has less control over the midfield than Tiger Woods has over his libido. If Liverpool are to challenge for top 4 this season then it is imperative that a defensive midfielder is brought into the side. An enforcer would be preferred, someone who can provide that physical edge as well as taking control over the ball and the midfield. It is a shame Liverpool did not contest Southampton for the signing of Victor Wanyama, I believe he provided the perfect attributes to the fill this role. Hopefully Brendan Rodgers has realized this issue and will scour the transfer market to sign a player in this mould before it slams shut on the first day of September.
5. The Worldwide appeal of Liverpool Football Club
   
   
   Hearing You’ll Never Walk Alone ringing in Jakarta simply makes one realize exactly the world outreach that a club like Liverpool has in the modern age. Liverpool can travel to anywhere in the world and fill a stadium, even if it seats 88,000 and they are playing against the national team of the country in which they are playing stadium will still be overrun with support for the Reds and they will be cheered for until the final whistle. Nowadays, sport is a business and Liverpool FC is right up there with the world’s biggest brands, something that advertisers and businessmen and women are no doubt aware of, the worldwide reach of football is phenomenal. As Liverpool continue their tour of Asia and Australia expect to see hundreds of thousands more fans decked out in the Red and White of Liverpool to show their support to the 5 time European champions. 
6. Work on set pieces is desperately needed
   
   
   Put simply the set pieces against Indonesia were of a level which could be rivaled by my grandmother…. or any other woman over the age of 75. Whether it was a corner or a free kick, whether it was taken by Steven Gerrard or Allen or anyone else, it simply never found a Liverpool player nor the back of the net. In a match against opposition of substantially less quality then themselves, Liverpool should have been looking to find the back a good amount, say at least 4 times, especially as the same side conceded 7 to Arsenal just last week. Liverpool’s set pieces were an absolute let down and often a bigger waste than the signing of Paul Konchesky. Brendan Rodgers will no doubt have realized this problem in his side and will hopefully work on it in training throughout the week in order to give a better showing against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday night at the MCG.
7. The importance of Luis Suarez staying or being replaced by a similar player
   
   
   The impotent goal scoring tendencies of last night’s Liverpool attack showed exactly why Brendan Rodgers is giving his all to keep the walking controversy, striker Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan finished as the Premier League’s second top scorer last season, with 23 goals in 33 appearances. He was absolutely clinical on his way to this impressive goal tally, righting the wrongs of his previous disappointing returns in past seasons. Suarez has states his preference to leave Merseyside this window, with Real Madrid and Arsenal, who have already had a £30m bid rejected, lurking in the shadows, he could perhaps be on a plane to Madrid or London rather than to join the Reds in Melbourne if he has his way. However, Rodgers and Ian Ayre will do their best to secure his support for this season as his goals will be absolutely key to Liverpool’s cause, attempting to retake their rightful place in the top section of the Premier League. If Suarez was to leave, then he must be replaced, options touted lately by the tabloids include Galatasaray’s Burak Yilmaz and Arsenal target Gonzalo Higuain.
   
   
   That’s Rosey’s wrap on the lessons from Liverpool vs. Indonesia,
   
   
   Thanks for Reading!
   
   
   By Jake Rosengarten
   
   

4 things learnt from Fulham vs Liverpool (12/5/13)

1. Daniel Sturridge can be England’s top striker

On a marvellous afternoon at Craven Cottage, one man outperformed the rest. Lightning quick, ex-Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge stamped his name all over a potentially dull match with a triad of marvelous finishes. Goals in the 36^th, 62nd and 85th minutes - all which showed off all of his best assets, his pace, trickery and finishing, comprised his first ever premier league hat trick. This mercurial performance could well have caught the eye of England national team manager Roy Hodgson. In addition to Sturridge, England have recently used all of the likes of Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney, but Sturridge will be looking to beat these players to a permanent spot in the first 11.

At the age of 23, if Sturridge were to be given a chance by Hodgson and he added to his current international goal tally of 1, scored in March’s 8-0 demolition of San Marino, then he could potentially set himself up for a long illustrious career at the highest level of the game. However, one thing is for sure, Sturridge certainly has the skills to play at the very highest level and to forge himself a reputation as a consistent goal-threat. His current tally with Liverpool is 11 goals from 15 games, a tally which would be envied by the very best.

2. Fulham desperately need a quality central midfielder

One thing looked certain to me as Liverpool’s midfield dominated the likes of Greek international Giorgos Karagounis and Ajax loanee Eyong Enoh, Fulham could be a very good side if they were to sign a top notch central midfielder. Considering Liverpool were missing their greatest midfield asset Steven Gerrard, this should be an issue of great concern to Fulham manager Martin Jol.

Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva passed the ball around at will, as they played 61 and 67 passes respectively, whilst successfully controlling the midfield battle. Overall, Fulham did not put up a bad fight on the day, carving out a couple of good chances and only finding themselves going down due to a few moments of brilliance from Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. The midfield was where Fulham lost the match, and had they not been so overwhelmed in this area the match could well have resulted in 3 points for Fulham and not the unwanted record of their first ever 4-game home losing streak.

If Jol were to look to strengthen this aspect of his side then there would be a few options out there for him. One name that leaps to mind is Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who, since arriving on Tyneside has proved himself as one of the top playmakers in the premier league, however he could prove a bit dear for a side like Fulham. Another one to watch could be Wigan Athletic’s James Mccarthy, who could come on the cheap if Wigan are unable to stave off the drop.

3. Liverpool are capable of playing good football without Suarez, Gerrard and Agger.

Liverpool fielded a new look team in this match, employing a 5-3-1-1, with some seemingly odd positional changes, and the absence of key players Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, and obviously, through suspension, Luis Suarez. In doing this, Brendan Rodgers showed his trust in his youth players, such as Jonjo Shelvey and Andre Wisdom who returned to the starting lineup after a long layoff. 

This match also showed just how deep Liverpool’s roster can be, in previous years, without the likes of Gerrard especially, Liverpool have struggled to gain any penetration in midfield. However this was not the case in this match, with Lucas and Henderson providing the influence deep, and Philippe Coutinho supplying the attacking prowess. This showing could prove strong for Rodgers if injury were to strike next season, as he ponders who to trust in the absence of usual starters.

4. Liverpool must sign a centre back if they are to be top four contenders

The scorecard seemingly reflects a reasonably comfortable afternoon for the likes of Jamie Carragher and Sebastian Coates, however this wasn’t the reality. Both Struggled at points to distribute from the back as well as to keep the dangerous Dimitar Berbatov and former Liverpool academy player Alexander Kacaniklic. One incident springs to mind in which, Coates could potentially have received a red card after colliding with Kacaniclic as last man.

This told me one thing, if Liverpool hope to reinstate themselves as one of England’s fabled top four, then they must strengthen the centre back position, especially with the impending retirement of Jamie Carragher. Names that have been rumoured to be on the table are that of Swansea’s Ashley Williams and Feyenoord’s Stefan de Vrij. Only time will tell if Rodgers can emulate his achievements in January’s transfer window by pulling off another coup to the heights of their illustrious past.

That’s Rosey’s wrap on Liverpool vs Fulham,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Merseyside Derby Preview: In form Liverpool side attempt to close the gap on their neighbours from across the park.

For Liverpool supporters, there are two fixtures which they immediately search the premier league fixtures list for upon its release every season. The first is against recently crowned premier league champions of 2012/13, Manchester United, and the other is against cross town rivals Everton. This game reserves particular importance and always proves to be one of the most entertaining fixtures of the season.

This season has been a tough one for Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool side who have been very erratic with their form throughout the campaign, however they will see Sunday's fixture as one in which they attempt to gain bragging rights over their neighbours whilst simultaneously moving within two points of leap-frogging their opponents into sixth spot on the table. For Everton, a victory in this match at Anfield will surely see them secure sixth spot on the table, and well and truly post themselves as the most successful Merseyside club of this campaign, much to the discontent of Liverpool supporters everywhere.

Of course, Liverpool will be lacking their top scorer Luis Suarez who was banned for 10 matches last week by the FA after his infamous bite on Branislav Ivanovic. However, Liverpool showed with a 6-0 away thrashing at Newcastle in their last match that they are by no means a one man team and can find the net without talisman Suarez. Young Brazilian Philippe Coutinho will be looked to as play-maker in the final third as he looks to continue his exciting recent form. Daniel Sturridge will be the key man up front for the reds, most probably deployed as a lone striker, as he looks to add to his impressive tally of 8 goals in 13 games for Liverpool since joining in the January transfer window.

For Everton, there are many danger men when it comes to finding the back of the net, the likes of Nikica Jelavic, Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas have all been in good form this season, contributing to the scoreboard frequently. Both teams will be hoping for a solid showing in this match as they attempt to maintain form for the final two games of the Barclays premier league season which for Liverpool are away at Fulham (13/5) and welcoming QPR to Anfield (20/5); and for Everton, at home to West Ham (13/5) and away at champions league hopefuls Chelsea (20/5).

Strength at the back will be key for both sides as they attempt to gain a hold on this match. For Liverpool, the back line seemingly picks itself, with Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique unchallenged for their spots at fullback. Whilst Daniel Agger should partner the man with two games left in his illustrious Liverpool career, Jamie Carragher. For Everton, the likes of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Dystin will be expected to retain their spots at centre back. Whilst Seamus Coleman and the impressive Leighton Baines should start in the fullback positions for the Toffees.

This fixture tends to bring about the best in legends for both clubs, and they don’t come much more legendary than Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard who will attempt to further add to his remarkable goal tally against this opposition. Gerrard has been incredibly important for the Reds this season, playing every minute of the season up until he was finally substituted for the first time last week at Newcastle.

Form generally goes out the window for this fixture, and making a prediction generally shapes up as a random stab in the dark, but here goes nothing:

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Everton.

That’s Rosey’s preview of Liverpool vs Everton.

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Match Report - Liverpool vs Chelsea (21/4/13)

Anfield was abuzz for the returns of ex-talisman Fernando Torres and former manager Rafael Benitez whose Chelsea side was eager to take three points and post themselves as firm favourites to secure a champions league spot for next season. For Liverpool, eyes were fixed firmly on Luis Suarez as fans looked on in hope that he would find the back of the net, something Liverpool had failed to do in their previous two fixtures, at Reading and West Ham. Suarez did not disappoint though, he featured heavily in the match and will surely make headlines for his soon to be infamous bite on Branislav Ivanovic in the second half.

The match opened tentatively, with both sides looking to cement their defensive positions and not leak goals early. Chances were few and far between in the first half, with the scoring opened in the 26^th minute as Oscar nodded in at the near post from a Juan Mata corner. Liverpool’s usual creative dynamo, petite Brazilian Philippe Coutinho failed to make his presence known, as he struggled to even get a touch of the ball. Chelsea midfielders Ramires and John Obi Mikel controlled the middle of the park as Liverpool attempted to hold onto some possession in the hope of gaining some penetration in the final third. However, it was not forthcoming, as the first half came to a close Chelsea were firmly favourites to secure three points from this fixture while Liverpool were seemingly struggling to put together anything resembling a foray at goal.

The half time break proved pivotal as Brendan Rodgers made his first substitute of the match, replacing the out-of-sorts Coutinho with ex-Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge. This proved a master stroke for the Reds as Sturridge proceeded to make the lives of the Chelsea defenders a nightmare, hitting the post, playing in Steven Gerrard and finally finding the back of the net, within 7 minutes of his arrival. The goal was expertly manufactured as Stewart Downing controlled a Daniel Agger long ball, finding Luis Suarez who dinked the ball over the head of the defender to Sturridge who found the back of the net in true style. Liverpool well and truly found themselves back in the game, and even with momentum, looking like they could even grab all three points.

Luis Suarez came to the fore once more as a corner in from Juan Mata found Suarez’s hand and referee Kevin Friend had no choice but to point to the spot. Eden Hazard stepped up for the visitors and slotted home past Pepe Reina in the 54^th minute. With Chelsea’s lead restored, Liverpool attempted to step up the tempo and find an equaliser, a challenge which they continued until the final kick of the ball.

The moment which the match will surely be remembered for took place with 20 minutes to play, as Luis Suarez seemed to lunge at and bite Chelsea’s Serbian centre back Branislav Ivanovic. Controversy ensued, as the incident was missed by the officials but certainly not by fans nor by the television cameras. Suarez will surely be in a great deal of trouble with the FA, and could well be handed another multi-match ban. The premier league’s current top scorer may well miss the rest of the season and could even miss some matches next season if he remains with the Merseyside club.

As the match wore on, both Benitez and Rodgers made changes to their sides. For Chelsea, former-Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun replaced Eden Hazard in the 78^th minute, and Nigerian Victor Moses replaced Oscar in the 83^rd. For Liverpool, Jonjo Shelvey replaced Stewart Downing in the 80^th minute, and received a yellow card for catching Oscar just one and a half minutes after his introduction.

Liverpool had many chances to find an equaliser in the final minutes as they again lacked the final product until the 7^th minute of stoppage time when a brilliantly weighted Daniel Sturridge ball from the right found none other than the infamous Luis Suarez whose header beat Petr Cech at the near post to secure a point for Liverpool. Capping off a truly eventful performance from Suarez whose goal is his first in over 400 minutes of premier league football.

Liverpool’s attacking play was the real improvement in this game, as they managed to find the net, thanks largely to Daniel Sturridge who could prove instrumental in the run home if indeed Luis Suarez finds himself on the end of a length ban. Chelsea will be ruing a missed chance to steal a march in the champions league race over against Tottenham and Arsenal, and now find themselves in 4th place, just one point above tottenham and one under Arsenal. Benitez and the blues supporters will be hoping that they can come home strong.

That’s Rosey’s roundup on Liverpool vs. Chelsea!

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

Match Report - Liverpool vs Reading (14/4/13)

0-0. A score line very familiar to Liverpool fans of late. On a rainy afternoon at the Madejski stadium, a fantastic display from Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, which Brendan Rodgers described as “arguably the best goalkeeping performance [he has] ever seen,” kept Liverpool scoreless for the full 90 minutes. As far as nil all draws go, this match certainly did not disappoint, with a combined total of 20 shots on target and countless attacking opportunities for both sides.

The first real chance of the match fell to Luis Suarez in the 13^th minute after a defence splitting ball from Philippe Coutinho, Suarez succeeded in chipping the keeper but had his effort cleared off the line by Chris Gunter. Liverpool piled on relentless pressure for the first half hour maintaining 60% possession and winning no less than 4 corners, it seemed as though it was just a matter of time until they broke the deadlock and secured a victory. However a story reminiscent of seasons past transpired, with a Liverpool side being unable to secure full points at a side placed well below them on the table.

Reading were kept in the game by keeper McCarthy who was forced to make 4 important saves in the first 35 minutes to deny Liverpool’s attacking force comprising of Suarez, Steven Gerrard, Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge.  Frustration soon became visible in Liverpool’s attacking play with Sturridge resorting to a half way strike, a la Luis Suarez last season at Norwich, which sailed wide and resulted in jeers from a pleased Reading crowd. The first half came to a close with the score board unchanged as Liverpool were left wondering what it was they had to do to beat this keeper and break their duck.

In the first 4 minutes of the second half, Liverpool had the ball in the net as Gerrard found Coutinho whose neat flick beat the goalkeeper only to be ruled offside by the linesman. Liverpool introduced their first substitute on the hour mark as Stewart Downing replaced Jordan Henderson in an attempt by Brendan Rodgers to add some width to his team.

As the second half continued, Reading managed to hold onto some possession as players like ex-Liverpool man Danny Guthrie, striker Noel Hunt and speedy winger Jobi Mcanuff attempted to manufacture a goal which they hoped would provide Reading with an upset victory. It might have been in their grasp had Hunt not been denied by Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina from a good chance in the 66^th minute.  Reina was forced to tip over just 10 minutes later as Mcanuff tested from inside the box.

Luis Suarez came tantalisingly close to giving Liverpool the lead in the 79^th minute as his long range free kick whistled inches past McCarthy’s far post. The last 10 minutes saw a barrage of shots on goal for Liverpool and subsequent saves to deny them by the brilliant McCarthy, strikes from Gerrard, Suarez and Gerrard were all denied in the space of approximately two minutes. As the match entered stoppage time, Liverpool continued to search for an opener with more strikes from the likes of Sturridge (90th), Suarez (92nd) and Gerrard (94^th) which prompted more brilliant glove work from clear man of the match McCarthy as the game drew to a close with the scorers unbothered.

Reading, whose defence is the worst in the league having already conceded 63 goals this campaign, managed to notch up their first clean sheet of 2013 and only their fourth of the season. Liverpool were left licking their wounds as their attacking impotence cost them once more, in a match which has surely cost them any chance which remained of European qualification for next season. With a game against Chelsea at Anfield next Sunday in the offing, Brendan Rodgers will be well aware of the need to make changes to his side if he wishes to secure points in this game.

Brendan Rodgers’ system did not take shape in this match, seen in a distinct lack of wing play, with 65% of their attacking coming down the middle of the pitch. Perhaps, the re-introduction of Raheem Sterling into the side could fix this issue as well as providing more pace and skill in the final third. In regards to their goal scoring issues, perhaps a higher role for Sturridge with Suarez playing off him could provide more space for Suarez and shooting opportunities for the usually clinical Sturridge.

That’s Rosey’s roundup on Liverpool vs Reading,

Thanks for reading,

By Jake Rosengarten

An Analysis of Liverpool's tactical failings - Liverpool vs West Ham (7/4/13)

While watching Liverpool and more specifically Luis Suarez struggle at the hands of lowly West Ham, who may I add haven’t won a match at Anfield for the past 50 years, I realized something. The fact is, that Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool are unbelievably hit and miss, and this is exactly the reason why they are languishing in 7^th place in the Barclays Premier League.

Against West Ham, Liverpool controlled 65% of possession, and were still unable to find the net despite unleashing 20 shots on goal. It dawned on me in this match that Liverpool are far too over reliant on the flashy tricks and flicks of Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho; they lack a striker who can command time and attention from opposition centre backs in order to allow Luis Suarez to roam the area and shark as many goals as he wishes. Sure, Daniel Sturridge was a welcome addition to the Liverpool strike force, but he simply does not add anything, aside from a slightly better conversion rate, than that of what Suarez and Coutinho already bring. This is why I believe that if Andy Carroll can maintain some sort of form and touch he could be exactly what is needed for Brendan Rodgers’ system to take Liverpool to the summit of English football. A big body, who can hold up the ball, add aerial prowess for the likes of Stewart Downing to find in the box and at times someone who can storm through a defence and strike when needed, as he did twice for West Ham against West Brom last week. Yes, Carroll doesn’t necessarily fit the Rodgers system but what he does do is add an extra dimension to the system, he would give time to the wide men, tie up a centre back and provide an extra target.

Another thing that I noticed was the ineffectiveness of Lucas Leiva playing in the holding midfield role; he simply hasn’t been up to par in the last few matches. If Liverpool are to win big matches, and for that matter matches against mid-table opponents like West Ham, they must stop leaking goals and they must have someone who can provide physicality in the midfield, without committing needless fouls like Lucas has been guilty of in recent times. It may just be a poor patch of form for Lucas, but one thing is for sure, Rodgers must provide competition for him in the squad and think long and hard about dropping him if he wishes for an improvement in results. A look at Liverpool’s current squad provides the reason why Lucas has been an almost ever present figure in the side since returning from injury. The other players capable of filling a holding role in midfield in the squad are Steven Gerrard, who is far too valuable further up the pitch to play in this role, and Jordan Henderson, who I would like to see in this role but is currently preferred in a more advanced role alongside Gerrard.

Liverpool are a side who have struggled against top opponents this season, something that they hadn’t been guilty of under the likes of Kenny Dalglish. I put this down to a simple lack of consistency as well as a leaky defence who have conceded cheap goals far too often this season. Albeit, against West Ham they managed a clean sheet but they almost managed to gift West Ham a goal when Lucas Leiva coughed the ball up to Carlton Cole and Daniel Agger managed to save the day with an outstanding block.  Against the current premier league top 6, Liverpool have managed one victory against Tottenham just a few weeks ago. Why is it that a side of the calibre of Liverpool simply hasn’t managed victories in these games? The answer is simply consistency. The current system employed by Brendan Rodgers has far too much of a reliance of Luis Suarez who can be stifled by a very strong or very skilled central defender. There is quite simply no plan B. Luis Suarez is always the target and thus good teams are fully aware that if they stop Suarez, they stop Liverpool.

Overall, Liverpool lack two things. A physical holding midfield presence, similar to the likes of Mohamed Diamé for West Ham, and a strong centre forward, the likes of Andy Carroll conveniently or Christian Benteke. If Rodgers hopes for a top four finish or better next season he must sure up these areas of his squad in the upcoming transfer window and add an extra dimension to his sides attacking play that doesn’t revolve around Luis Suarez’ fancy footwork.

That's Rosey's roundup on Liverpool vs West Ham, 

By Jake Rosengarten