Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is (sadly) out for injured for the rest of the season, and there are several candidates in the frame to cover for him, including Jay Spearing, Jordan Henderson and Jonjo Shelvey. Craig Bellamy has played alongside all three (either in training or on the field), and he reserved special praise for one of the three youngsters.
Jay Spearing has done well for Liverpool whenever he's played, but due to the intense competition in midfield, he often misses out. Bellamy knows what that feels like, and he's keen to show his support for Spearing's abilities. He told LFC Magazine:
"There will be some players who might just miss out, like Jay Spearing, but when you see him in training, he's outstanding..."
Bellamy is not the only one who has been impressed. Spearing dropped down to the reserves recently and scored two goals in the 5-1 thrashing of Sunderland, and Reserve team coach Rodolfo Borrell was full of glowing praise:
"All of them had a great attitude, but of all them, I want to talk about jay Spearing. His performance was outstanding, and the effort and attitude that he had and how he communcated with the rest of the lads was magnificent.
"He was great example for the team, and an example for all players who drop from the first team to the second team.
"It's unusual dropping from the first team to play with the reserves, and have such a massive [positive] attitude. His commitment and passion was outstanding."
The fans also seem to hold Spearing in high regard. I ran a poll a few days ago asking who should take Lucas's place in the team, and the majority of voting fans chose Spearing over Henderson and Shelvey.
Spearing obviously has the support, but will that be enough to give him the edge over Henderson and Shelvey?
Jaimie Kanwar
Jay Spearing has done well for Liverpool whenever he's played, but due to the intense competition in midfield, he often misses out. Bellamy knows what that feels like, and he's keen to show his support for Spearing's abilities. He told LFC Magazine:
"There will be some players who might just miss out, like Jay Spearing, but when you see him in training, he's outstanding..."
Bellamy is not the only one who has been impressed. Spearing dropped down to the reserves recently and scored two goals in the 5-1 thrashing of Sunderland, and Reserve team coach Rodolfo Borrell was full of glowing praise:
"All of them had a great attitude, but of all them, I want to talk about jay Spearing. His performance was outstanding, and the effort and attitude that he had and how he communcated with the rest of the lads was magnificent.
"He was great example for the team, and an example for all players who drop from the first team to the second team.
"It's unusual dropping from the first team to play with the reserves, and have such a massive [positive] attitude. His commitment and passion was outstanding."
The fans also seem to hold Spearing in high regard. I ran a poll a few days ago asking who should take Lucas's place in the team, and the majority of voting fans chose Spearing over Henderson and Shelvey.
Spearing obviously has the support, but will that be enough to give him the edge over Henderson and Shelvey?
Jaimie Kanwar
Ye I think Spearing will do great for us its a big opportunity for him and he's earned it,Its amazing to see the amount of youths at Liverpool now bursting with potential.Exciting times ahead under Kenny.YNWA
ReplyDeleteSpearing would be my choice too. He's more pure defensive/break-up player than Shelvey and Henderson, and I'd take a combination of defensive+attacking mid over a duo of 'half' styled players.
ReplyDeleteI think is the last chance for Spearing to succeed at Liverpool, but am afraid KK will select Henderson + Shelvey
ReplyDeleteJust shows what a great team Liverpool have these days. The best midfielder all year (Lucas) gets injured and you have Spearing, Henderson and Gerrard to fill in.
ReplyDeleteput hendo in there, glen jo at right , kelly right back, thats awesome!
ReplyDeleteI told you guys that Spearing would do the job, if not better than Lucas. Bellamy is right in this.
ReplyDeletewhat about that young lad coady ...heard he can also do a good job
ReplyDeleteJay Spearing is a tiger in front of the back-four, he plays it simple and keeps it ticking over and loves a tackle................perfect choice!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I really hope to see JS takes over Lucas's position! God knows, he may just be the next most exciting player from the academy after SG. But of course, he may still lose out to players that come with bigger price tags. Let hope KD and Liverpool can use JS to his best potential. Else we may see him starting for another premiership team very soon.
ReplyDeleteGO LIVERPOOL!!!
that remains to be seen, once spearing gets player of the season then you have a right to say he has done better, untill then shrup.
ReplyDeleteJay has the experience at Liverpool and Hendo prefers attacking for Liverpool, I know he sits deep for England but it is not really his sort of game!!!
ReplyDeleteSpearing may be hardworking but technically he's a bit inept and slow though...
ReplyDeleteSpearing is the most natural choice as he's a holding midfielder - much in the mould of Mascherano. Shelvey and Henderson are clearly more attack minded, both with the tricks and vision, Shelvey with the Adam/Gerrard sense of adventure, and Hendo with pace. Hendo doesn't seem to have the aggression to handle the holding role where Shelvey will not have the discipline. Shelvey is best suited to the free role between the midfield and forward lines where Henderson is probably best on the right side of a midfield 3 or 4-4-2 diamond. Therefore, as Lucas' replacement? Jay anyday!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say better than Lucas. Lucas is a master of turning defense into offense. Jay may be as good a defensive player, but he doesn't have the same kind of vision, hence Shelvey being brought back. I am guessing Shelvey was recalled not so much as Lucas' cover, but to fill in for Gerrard as an attacking mid, to help out Adam and Spearing(who is no Lucas) and double up as a striker.
ReplyDeletei admire spearing and hope he gets a chance but @pastor of muppets-saying he's in the mould of mascherano is a bit over the top isn't it? mascherano is world class whereas spearing can't even get a game in the first team.
ReplyDeleteGreat then we lose to fulham. No we still have a few adjustments to make and one is shipping out the garbage once and for all just cannot understand how we spent 35 million on carrol when we could have got aguero. If I had to buy a player at the moment it would be sniejder!
ReplyDeleteSpearing is training star not playing star.
ReplyDelete