After almost five months out injured, 'outstanding' Liverpool right-back John Flanagan is on the comeback trail, and despite the increased competition in defence, the combative defender is determined to win his place back in the team.
In an interview today, Flanagan confirmed he's aiming to be back on the pitch 'as soon as possible', and insisted that he's relishing the prospect of fighting for his place. He told LFC.com Speaking to the official Liverpool FC web
"When I saw that we signed two full-backs, I immediately thought 'I need to up my game now'. I know I need to consistently do well if I'm to get in the team and then stay there.
"I want to keep developing as a footballer. That's why not being available has been so frustrating. But competition for places doesn't bother me. I'm always up for the fight."
£7m-rated Flanagan put in some good performances last season, but he's going to face a formidable battle to regain his place in the team.
Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno (Combined value: £17m) look like promising acquisitions, and with the experienced Glen Johnson also in the squad (for now), it's probable that Flanagan will (initially) be fourth-choice full-back on his return to full-fitness.
He may also suffer as a result of Liverpool's formation change. In a 343, Rodgers sometimes eschews the use of dedicated full-backs altogether, and that could further limit Flanagan's first-team chances.
Flanagan seems to be popular amongst Liverpool fans, but I personally can't see what all the fuss is about. For me, he's a little overrated; a steady 'huff and puff' player with plenty of passion, but nothing exceptional to his game.
To be fair, though, Manquillo seems to very similar in that regard; he's a solid player, who doesn't seem to excel in anything specific, unlike, say, Moreno, who clearly has attacking qualities.
Still, I'll take Flanagan over Glen Johnson any day of the week, and with Manquillo, Moreno, and Flanagan in the squad, Johnson will (hopefully) struggle to play regularly again this season.
Author: Jaimie K
In an interview today, Flanagan confirmed he's aiming to be back on the pitch 'as soon as possible', and insisted that he's relishing the prospect of fighting for his place. He told LFC.com Speaking to the official Liverpool FC web
"When I saw that we signed two full-backs, I immediately thought 'I need to up my game now'. I know I need to consistently do well if I'm to get in the team and then stay there.
"I want to keep developing as a footballer. That's why not being available has been so frustrating. But competition for places doesn't bother me. I'm always up for the fight."
£7m-rated Flanagan put in some good performances last season, but he's going to face a formidable battle to regain his place in the team.
Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno (Combined value: £17m) look like promising acquisitions, and with the experienced Glen Johnson also in the squad (for now), it's probable that Flanagan will (initially) be fourth-choice full-back on his return to full-fitness.
He may also suffer as a result of Liverpool's formation change. In a 343, Rodgers sometimes eschews the use of dedicated full-backs altogether, and that could further limit Flanagan's first-team chances.
Flanagan seems to be popular amongst Liverpool fans, but I personally can't see what all the fuss is about. For me, he's a little overrated; a steady 'huff and puff' player with plenty of passion, but nothing exceptional to his game.
To be fair, though, Manquillo seems to very similar in that regard; he's a solid player, who doesn't seem to excel in anything specific, unlike, say, Moreno, who clearly has attacking qualities.
Still, I'll take Flanagan over Glen Johnson any day of the week, and with Manquillo, Moreno, and Flanagan in the squad, Johnson will (hopefully) struggle to play regularly again this season.
Author: Jaimie K
Are there any truths in the reports on various sites about arbeloa returning to Liverpool?
ReplyDeleteYou don't need two full backs in the team that are good both directions. Just look at Arbeloa and Marcello. Moreno is great going forward and can track back really fast and with support from Can as DM and Sakho on his side he can neutralise counter attacks. Fllano is very good defensively and considering his age he is good enough in attack if he keeps improving. When defending against bigger possesion we could have problems with Moreno, but let's hope he's done with defensive brain farts, for this season at least..
ReplyDeleteWhat all the fuss is about ? What fuss ? Very rarely he the kids name mentioned.
ReplyDeleteFlanagan's blood is red and it would be a damn shame to let him go. Gives it his all, shows more balls than what Glen Johnson ever will.
ReplyDeleteWould prefer more brains than balls, but hey he beats Johnson in that category too.
ReplyDeleteWould be nice if it was true. Would bring a bit of mongrel back into the side.
ReplyDeleteJust googled mongrel. You really wanted to say THAT?
ReplyDeletePersonally I think Flanno and Manquillo will both provide a good balance to Moreno's attacking instincts. Flanno is comfortable on either wing and a more than useful member of the squad
ReplyDeleteJK,
ReplyDeleteI really like flanno because he did play well for us and bring some emotion and grit to the party. I could see him rotating with Moreno and Manquillo since he can play both sides and nuke Johnso
He probably meant a little nastiness. The Australian cricket team is an example.
ReplyDeleteGlen Johnson always shows balls, that's why he's frequently out of position once the opponent's nicked it from him!
ReplyDeleteNasty and the best!!!
ReplyDeleteJohnson and Enrique are becoming dare I say relics of a past generation. Flanno coming back will mean we have 6 potential full backs in Johnson, Enrique, Manquillo, Moreno, Flanno and Wisdom when he comes into contention...
ReplyDeleteYou had to google mongrel?...OK!
ReplyDeleteWhat I see in Flanagan is something that I think is best described as him looking "bored" on the pitch. He's an incredibly calm player and he simply goes about his business. You can see the focus he has and the only time that appears lacking is when he's caught out of position defensively and the CBs are stuck covering wide spaces. But he makes good tackles, doesn't get beaten easily when he is in position and what is most remarkable for me is his passing. At his best Flanno passes like a quality midfielder and he has great range. He's not the kind of winger to bomb it up the flanks, instead he takes the ball in wide positions and makes really incisive forward passes, all with the nonchalance of a top class player. He also moves well off the ball and I think he fits the 4-4-2 really well. No, he's probably not going to get a run out when Liverpool play 3 at the back, but once Sturridge comes back I think the 4-4-2 will be the preferred formation. Moreno can play on the left and Flanno on the right. Sterling drops back into the position just behind the striker but on the right hand side and that way Flanno doesn't have to get too far forward.
ReplyDeleteYou expect people outside UK to know what is mongrel? OK...
ReplyDeleteYes obviously mate... Not worry
ReplyDeleteYes... Not to worry.
ReplyDeleteNow wtf do you mean by that?
ReplyDeleteB Rodgers should ship out Johnson(30) this transfer window and let Manquillo(20) and Flanagan(21) compete for the right back position for the next few seasons and years.
ReplyDeleteWhilst B Rodgers should sell J Enrique(28) for £5-£7M to Crystal Palace this transfer window and if Moreno(22) is ever injured or suspended. Flanagan(21) or Markovic(20) could cover that position for a while But in the summer should bring in A Robertson(20) Of Hull City for £7-£10M to compete with A Moreno(22) for the next 5- 8 years at club.
Yes I do expect that people outside the UK to know what mongrel is but maybe my expectations are a little high for some people. I understand many terms that are not UK based but not to worry its not that major... Reelax YNWA
ReplyDelete