This season is a breakthrough year for Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan, and after a series of impressive performances, there's even talk of a late push for England's World Cup squad. That's probably unlikely now at this late stage, but West Ham legend Tony Gale is convinced that Flanagan is an England star in the making.
In an interview yesterday, Gale praised Flanagan's performance against Manchester United. He told Sky Sports:
"It's a coup for Liverpool to have an outstanding youngster like Flanagan coming through.
"He's got that ability to be competitive, and you could see at the weekend that he knew he had the beating of Juan Mata. He did a really good job on him".
Flanagan is playing well this season, but he's still raw (especially when it comes to positioning), and he's also a little rash in the challenge sometimes. Like Jamie Carragher, he's an old fashioned, rough-and-tumble defender, and that may affect his ability to make the breakthrough into the England squad, where the competition at full-back is fierce.
Carra was an immense defender, but he didn't establish himself as a fixture in the England squad, and I get the feeling it may be the same for Flanagan.
Statistically, how is Flanagan performing this season? Below is a stat comparison with fellow full-backs Glen Johnson, and Aly Cissokho:
* Passing accuracy: JF 81% | GJ 83% | AC 79%
* Passing accuracy - Opposition half: JF 72% | GJ 75% | AC 76%
* Duels won: JF 50% | GJ 55% | AC 58%
* Aerial duels won: JF 44% | GJ 45% | AC 56%
* Recoveries: JF 73 | GJ 102 | AC 44
* Tackles won: JF 76% | GJ 86% | AC 59%
* Clearances: JF 47 | GJ 51 | AC 51
* Interceptions: JF 23 | GJ 30 | AC 14
* Chances created: JF 8 | GJ 19 | AC 8
Stats: OPTA
Flanagan's stats compare favourably to much more experienced Glen Johnson, which is a good sign, and considering he only recently turned 21, this is a clearly a good base upon which to build for the future.
Despite his good form, though, Brendan Rodgers is on the lookout for new full-backs, and with Cissokho probably leaving, and Glen Johnson's future up in the air, this summer could see the influx of two new players in Flanagan's role, which will inevitably mean more competition next season.
Author: Jaimie K
In an interview yesterday, Gale praised Flanagan's performance against Manchester United. He told Sky Sports:
"It's a coup for Liverpool to have an outstanding youngster like Flanagan coming through.
"He's got that ability to be competitive, and you could see at the weekend that he knew he had the beating of Juan Mata. He did a really good job on him".
Flanagan is playing well this season, but he's still raw (especially when it comes to positioning), and he's also a little rash in the challenge sometimes. Like Jamie Carragher, he's an old fashioned, rough-and-tumble defender, and that may affect his ability to make the breakthrough into the England squad, where the competition at full-back is fierce.
Carra was an immense defender, but he didn't establish himself as a fixture in the England squad, and I get the feeling it may be the same for Flanagan.
Statistically, how is Flanagan performing this season? Below is a stat comparison with fellow full-backs Glen Johnson, and Aly Cissokho:
* Passing accuracy: JF 81% | GJ 83% | AC 79%
* Passing accuracy - Opposition half: JF 72% | GJ 75% | AC 76%
* Duels won: JF 50% | GJ 55% | AC 58%
* Aerial duels won: JF 44% | GJ 45% | AC 56%
* Recoveries: JF 73 | GJ 102 | AC 44
* Tackles won: JF 76% | GJ 86% | AC 59%
* Clearances: JF 47 | GJ 51 | AC 51
* Interceptions: JF 23 | GJ 30 | AC 14
* Chances created: JF 8 | GJ 19 | AC 8
Stats: OPTA
Flanagan's stats compare favourably to much more experienced Glen Johnson, which is a good sign, and considering he only recently turned 21, this is a clearly a good base upon which to build for the future.
Despite his good form, though, Brendan Rodgers is on the lookout for new full-backs, and with Cissokho probably leaving, and Glen Johnson's future up in the air, this summer could see the influx of two new players in Flanagan's role, which will inevitably mean more competition next season.
Author: Jaimie K
Cissokho will be leaving, he's done his best. If Flanagan can perform and get up to standard, there's no reason Jack Robinson can't return to the club and do equally as good. We also have Andre Wisdom. For me, there's no signing required here, we have two home grown players returning from loan, let's use them.
ReplyDeleteJamie, I don't comment on here often, but I read it a lot and love it!
ReplyDeleteCorrect me if I'm wrong, but am I right in saying you were questioning Stevie G's place in the team and whether we were a better team without him following our win against spurs? Still hold that view now?
Hi Tom. I never questioned Gerrard's place in the team. That is a myth spread by people who love to misrepresent my views. I questioned his move to a deeper role (as I'm sure many LFC fans did), but he's proven to be a success there.
ReplyDeleteYeah but who was in the teams when we had clean sheets, losses and wins. I mean that's what really matters not individual stats.
ReplyDeleteSo about these wins and so fourth?
ReplyDeleteI had warmed to Sissokho for his defending when he got a run together. In some ways he looked the most solid defensive full back we had but obviously lacks. I am just about to watch the match again and have warmed further to Aly as one the team pictures when sky show the list of subs Aly has got a hilariously massive smile on his face. If we can pay him peanuts maybe he should stay for the laugh.
ReplyDeleteI like what you're saying in theory, but Robinson's not up to it I don't think, sadly. Wisdom will be a handy squad player for years to come, though; and I really like the look of MacLaughlin. Flanno's got a lot of learning still to do in my view; so I think we could use some extra quality at full back next season -- the lad will surely struggle at some point -- but finding candidates will be tough.
ReplyDeleteWhat the stats do show is how god GJ is.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind Robinson, he's had it quite tough at Blackpool but I'd still give him a shot, I think he made his debut at 16. If you're right about Robinson, Flanagan can cover left back. And yeah, there's lots of hype about Ryan McLaughlan.
ReplyDeleteI think Flanagan has already gone through his struggling phase. The first game in Kenny's first full season and he failed to get goal side of Larsson who scored a wonderful volley. Since making his debut and playing well, Flanagan has gone through oblivion and back. No one thought he would be where he is today, massive credit to him, so we should reward him and stick with him!
We've seen Aspas and Alberto come in, they haven't had much of a chance, but I reckon if we go for a fullback it would be some overpriced and over hyped (most likely Spanish) player, and I just don't see the point of that anymore. We should look for foreign stars while backing what we've already got.
Young brad smith is another player that plays LB. Who I think is a star in making, he has power pace and he has thunderess shot on him when striking the ball.
ReplyDeleteI remember the article and whilst you narrowly avoided directly saying he did not deserve his place in the team you certainly talked around it fairly robustly as I recall
ReplyDeleteSorry, but I did suggest that Gerrard should lose his place or 'talk around it'. If that's true, find the article and post the relevant section.
ReplyDeleteMy brother in Law is a Blackpool Season ticket holder and from what he tells me Jack Robinson is nowhere ready for the Prem.
ReplyDeleteHe often says that he is beaten far too easily and his position play is not the best.
As for Andre Wisdom, I have watched Derby play a few times this season as I live close to Pride Park and to be honest he just looks a average player. I am not saying he is not any good, it just that he does not look anything different then any other player in his position in the championship.
After the Aston Villa game (2-2), you said that Gerrard should be dropped but that BR would never dare to.
ReplyDeleteMuch as I treasure your articles I don't keep them but is my description of your style of writing unfair? .....It is not intended as crirticism just an observation and one which possibly explains why you have some heated debates and sometimes delete posts etc.....;-)
ReplyDeleteI have NEVER stated Gerrard should be dropped in any article. Go and find the proof of your contention and post it. Use the search bar - it should be easy. If you do not provide proof within one hour, you will banned for three days. I am so sick to death of people deliberately misrepresenting my views. Criticism is fine; constantly stating I said X, Y and Z when I didn't is not.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind criticism, but I do have a problem with people continually saying I said X, Y and Z when I didn't. I'm not referring to you here, but people who constantly misrepresent my views on various issues, based on their own skewed projection of what they believe I said at some distant point in the past.
ReplyDeleteThe research bar isn't working at the moment. But don't worry I'll still find the article and prove what you said.
ReplyDeleteFlanno on the right, Ben Davies on the left - could work for the next ten or so years.
ReplyDeleteSurprised me too to be honest.
ReplyDeleteThis is the article: http://www.liverpool-kop.com/2014/01/confirmed-lfc-team-vs-villa.html
ReplyDeleteScroll down and read your response to Theycallmemrburt's comment. This is what you wrote exactly: "I disagree. Gerrard should've been dropped, with Lucas in his place. I
only chose Lucas to be dropped as Rodgers would never leave Gerrard out,
so it's not even worth considering"
Am I still banned ?
This is the article: http://www.liverpool-kop.com/2014/01/confirmed-lfc-team-vs-villa.html
ReplyDeleteScroll down and read your response to Theycallmemrburt's comment.
This is what you wrote exactly: "I disagree. Gerrard should've been
dropped, with Lucas in his place. I
only chose Lucas to be dropped as Rodgers would never leave Gerrard out,
so it's not even worth considering"
Am I still banned ??
I think Wisdom is one worth keeping still like to see him developed into a C.B where his true worth may lie.
ReplyDeleteThat's a comment, not an article. I've never stated that Gerrard should be dropped in an actual article. In future, you should make it clear when you're referring to a comment or an article.
ReplyDeletelol
ReplyDeleteRead my first comment again, I didn't mention any article, you did.
ReplyDeleteYes, but making statements like you did suggests to anyone reading that I said that in an article, not a comment.
ReplyDeleteJust make sure you play Phil Collins when he asks! :)
ReplyDeleteUnderstand your sentiment & yes he is a good defender. He's not stupid either, we'll move him on in the summer. TBH I think he's been unfairly labelled as the scapegoat despite what looks to be our best season since 2009!
ReplyDeleteYeah I'm a fan of Brad's; one game this season for the U21s -- I forget which, maybe Arsenal? it was the one immediately before his first team debut against Chelsea -- he just looked to have suddenly gone up a gear, pulled all kinds of tricks out of the bag. He can be a bit panicky I think, though, and his touch is suspect; but yeah, he's got something for sure.
ReplyDeleteRe. McLaughlin (seriously how is his name spelled?!): Have you watched the performance video of him on YouTube, his Barnsley debut? He looks like a young Ignazio Abate, one of my favourite full-backs of recent times. Big and strong with a scuttling run, a trick and a change of pace. Yeah, can easily imagine him lining up for the first team next season.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I'll say is that in such a team oriented game, it can be more difficult to separate yourself from the pack because the team around you is not very good.
ReplyDeleteIt's like being a point guard on a bad basketball team. Your assists are going to suffer if your teammate can't shoot.
If Robinson is playing fullback regularly, perhaps the players around him are struggling, meaning he has to play differently than if he had reliable players.
I'm not stating that's the case. Admittedly, I haven't seen Blackpool play since they were relegated a few years back. Just a thought as to why he may not look as good individually right now.
The Ben Davies sign-him-up campaign starts here!
ReplyDeleteDid you miss my first line? Or you just replied for the sake of it? I didn't mention other things to change the fact regarding Sturridge dive. I want media and fans to cover all aspects of match rather then stick to thrashing one player only.
ReplyDeleteWhat's there to discuss. Fouls get given and they don't. Seeing as we got a penalty when we shouldn't, we can hardly moan about not getting one when we should have. As for discussing Rooney, well I guess you can discuss him all you want, I just thought it was sad they way a supposedly world class (I really don't see it) player can think of nothing better than to try to get a penalty back to get a result. I would have expected a player like Rooney to lead his team and pile the pressure on our defence rather than putting up a slapstick show. It all just seemed very sad and desperate to me.
ReplyDeleteIt's in fact Panenka special, not Pirlo special.
ReplyDeleteFfs get over the sturridge dive will ya. Scum'utd should've been down to ten men when rafael handled the ball, thats cheating also you no. If he had of been sent off the score would've been more than 3-0, so they got lucky. Plus the little prick gets away with bad tackles every he plays against us. So ffs give it a reast will ya.
ReplyDelete