Summer loanee Aly Cissokho has started the last ten games for Liverpool, and to be fair to the Frenchman, he's put in some solid defensive performances, and made very few - if any - glaring mistakes. Granted, as an attacking force, Cissokho is often a non-entity, but his primary role is to defend, and he's (arguably) doing a good job in that department. It seems, however, that Cissokho is the LFC shipping-boy du jour, and Ian. St John is the latest ex-Red to jump on bandwagon.
Discussing Liverpool's defence over the weekend, St. John outlined his 'concerns' about Cissokho:
"He is very negative and predictable. You will see him receive the ball and then knock it straight back to the centre half 9 times out of 10.
"He should be looking to take the ball on and get forward. He is one I would be looking at closely and wondering how quickly I could get Enrique back in there"
On this particular issue, I agree with St. John - Cissokho constantly passes the responsibility to others in the team, and rarely brings the ball out of LFC's half by himself. Perhaps it's a confidence thing, but this is what separates journeymen from top class full-backs.
Several other ex-Reds share similar views:
Phil Babb:
“I watch Aly Cissoko playing there and I wonder if he will ever fit the bill”
Jimmy Case
"The more I see Aly Cissoko operate there [as a left-wing back] the less I’m happy with it. I wouldn’t play him there again. His control isn’t there or his first touch, he can’t get past a player from a standing position and he doesn’t have the intelligence to follow the fluency of play".
John Aldridge
"Without being unkind to Cissokho, he just hasn’t fitted in yet. Enrique gives us better balance, both defensively and in attack, and he knows what is expected.".
Is Cissokho as bad as everyone seems to think? What to the stats say?
* Prem Minutes played: 1027
* Passing accuracy: 79.8%
* Passing accuracy - Opposition half: 64%
* Duels won: 58%
* Aerial duels won: 56%
* Recoveries: 22 (One every 23 mins)
* Tackles won: 59%
* Clearances: 20 (One every 20 mins)
* Interceptions: 9 (One every 73 mins)
* Chances created: 4 (One every 128 mins)
* Crossing Accuracy: 7.4%
* Assists: 1
Cissokho defensive stats compare well with the squad's overall average, but his attacking stats are extremely poor. 7.4% crossing accuracy? That amounts to two successful crosses - i.e. balls that found another LFC player - in 27 attempts.
Is there any chance that Rodgers will pursue a permanent deal for Cissokho. Personally, I doubt it. He's not effective enough in attack to be LFC's preferred left-back, and there are better options in the squad already (i.e. Jon Flanagan) to provide cover if/when necessary.
For all his alleged faults, though, Cissokho - who cost Valencia €6m in 2012 - is by no means the worst signing of last summer. At least he actually plays regularly, and makes a contribution. And let's not forget, Liverpool have lost only one of the last ten games, which coincides with Cissokho's extended run in the team.
Author: Jaimie K
Discussing Liverpool's defence over the weekend, St. John outlined his 'concerns' about Cissokho:
"He is very negative and predictable. You will see him receive the ball and then knock it straight back to the centre half 9 times out of 10.
"He should be looking to take the ball on and get forward. He is one I would be looking at closely and wondering how quickly I could get Enrique back in there"
On this particular issue, I agree with St. John - Cissokho constantly passes the responsibility to others in the team, and rarely brings the ball out of LFC's half by himself. Perhaps it's a confidence thing, but this is what separates journeymen from top class full-backs.
Several other ex-Reds share similar views:
Phil Babb:
“I watch Aly Cissoko playing there and I wonder if he will ever fit the bill”
Jimmy Case
"The more I see Aly Cissoko operate there [as a left-wing back] the less I’m happy with it. I wouldn’t play him there again. His control isn’t there or his first touch, he can’t get past a player from a standing position and he doesn’t have the intelligence to follow the fluency of play".
John Aldridge
"Without being unkind to Cissokho, he just hasn’t fitted in yet. Enrique gives us better balance, both defensively and in attack, and he knows what is expected.".
Is Cissokho as bad as everyone seems to think? What to the stats say?
* Prem Minutes played: 1027
* Passing accuracy: 79.8%
* Passing accuracy - Opposition half: 64%
* Duels won: 58%
* Aerial duels won: 56%
* Recoveries: 22 (One every 23 mins)
* Tackles won: 59%
* Clearances: 20 (One every 20 mins)
* Interceptions: 9 (One every 73 mins)
* Chances created: 4 (One every 128 mins)
* Crossing Accuracy: 7.4%
* Assists: 1
Cissokho defensive stats compare well with the squad's overall average, but his attacking stats are extremely poor. 7.4% crossing accuracy? That amounts to two successful crosses - i.e. balls that found another LFC player - in 27 attempts.
Is there any chance that Rodgers will pursue a permanent deal for Cissokho. Personally, I doubt it. He's not effective enough in attack to be LFC's preferred left-back, and there are better options in the squad already (i.e. Jon Flanagan) to provide cover if/when necessary.
For all his alleged faults, though, Cissokho - who cost Valencia €6m in 2012 - is by no means the worst signing of last summer. At least he actually plays regularly, and makes a contribution. And let's not forget, Liverpool have lost only one of the last ten games, which coincides with Cissokho's extended run in the team.
Author: Jaimie K
Aly is doing a job for us and we thank him for that. But just imagine how much more attacking we'd be with Jose back or any new upgrade on Aly or Jose. I'll get slated for this but I have to say I'm kinda liking the Ashley Cole rumours. He can still do this business and would fit in perfectly with how we're playing right now.
ReplyDeleteThe stats confirm what we all see every game. Good defender...weak on the ball going forward. I would love to see that against Enrique's stats. He's I'll bet Cissokho is a slight bit better on defense and Enrique is a slight bit better going forward...but I'll also bet the difference is a wash and all things considered I'd like the better defense. I think Cissokho improves defensively every game and I don't think it's a bad thing that he gives the ball to a better ball handler instead of losing it.
ReplyDeleteAbit unfair , if he passes back them so what.hes not a jordi alba but who cares. Our back for is shaky as it is is having a defensive full back is perhaps not a bad thing. I think we know he's not a top class left back but if he wasn't here we would have to play agger there so cut him some slack
ReplyDeleteGrudging agreement, but I can't get past the suspicion that Mourinho and Abramovich would gladly play Moses...and by extension Cole...to lose a match for us in the crunch.
ReplyDeleteIts a danger to place too much faith in stats. Cissoko seems like a good honest pro but on an instinctive level its obvious his conservative approach doesn't fit easily with the attacking ethos of the team. Until Enrique gets back BR should play Flanno at left back and Glen Johnson at right back.
ReplyDeleteIn fairness we can all see he not too positive when he crosses d halfway line but he's a defender 1st and only filling in for now..as jaimie said d lad has played in 10 consecutive games now and we've done very well,he's on loan till end of season so let's support d lad
ReplyDeleteCissoko is solid defensively & is doing a decent job. Is the final answer? No & we all know it! Let the guy enjoy the season in peace:)
ReplyDeleteIronically centre mid is our weakest are as well the central defence, so why Aly is the whipping boy is beyond me!
Agreed. He's definitely not the best player we've ever had at left back but he's a good honest solid pro. He's doing a decent job at the moment, let's get behind him and support him til the end of the season. He's better than some we've seen recently (dossena and Jimi Traore to name two).
ReplyDeleteI've never liked the 'crossing accuracy' stat. What does this mean?
ReplyDeleteBecause he could (not that he necessarily is) be putting in a good cross, i.e. dangerous position. But the attacking player doesn't anticipate it, or just misses. Is that classed as a failed cross?
He did bring the ball out a few times against Arsenal at the weekend it's just that he is not very good at it. I would rather he know his limitations and concentrate at what he is good at then try and beat people get the ball taken off him and find himself up field when the opposition is on the counter. He is not first and maybe not even second choice slagging him now when he has improved (defensively at least) seems counter productive to me and pointless. Is there anyone in the world that knows anything about Sissokho who didn't already know he is poor going forward. Next on the agenda, where do bears sh!t?
ReplyDeleteI feel that Sturridge is less effective from a wide position.
ReplyDeleteSuarez can make an impact from where ever, I fell.
Do you think Suarez would have converted (at least) one of the three excellent chances Sturridge had against Arsenal Will? I do. - Then we would have had another scalp at them at Anfield and Howard Webb could have gone to the hot place!
ReplyDeleteYou use the term 'star' very loosely Jaimie. ;)
ReplyDeletei dont think he has made any glaring mistakes. he may not be good at going forward - but as a defender i dont remember too many players getting past him. On the ball he is nervy but so is toure and sakho.
ReplyDeleteI think journeyman describes him quite well. He's not terrible but he's uninspiring to say the least. 7.4% crossing accuracy from someone at this level, who's played on the flanks his entire career is absolutely abysmal. There's 2 chances of his deal becoming permanent - slim and none
ReplyDeletevery true.
ReplyDeleteAs the games have gone by he has improved. At least he is showing more determination than Moses our other loan signing.
ReplyDeleteCan't see us making Cissokho permanent but on the other hand, he would be very good backup to have on the bench?
Plays regularly because of injuries, Surely Rodger wont keep him, although he might, he's already hinted at keeping Moses. He's a bit like Moses, makes me cringe seeing them in a Liverpool shirt.
ReplyDeleteI hope you still be around come may.
ReplyDeleteDavid moyes the choosen one and Arsene wenger the five-one...
ReplyDeleteAly is the king of back passes, he offers absolutely nothing to the team, can barely ever go forward, I remember the game vs villa we were losing and everyone was pushing forward to score only cissokho was playing backwards and stoping the offensive display, its was like an opposite player for lfc, I just dont know how he managed to come here, its astonishing really. Enrique not my biggest favorite but cant wait until he returns, even though I dont think we had a class lb in the past 20 years now, and the search is still going on...
ReplyDeleteEveryone does that in England, cant help it, I remember the media were calling poulsen and jovanovic stars or aces, now you find on this page stars like aspas alberto cissokho, so get used to it mate!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed we will have Enrique as backup and a new first team LB. I agree Aly is working hard and that is nice to see but as for signing him? Nah.
ReplyDeleteIt's about playing your best team and Will is right. Sturridge has one off game and you use that to prove your point? Come on man. Anyway I doubt that it means that Suarez is always on the wing now, like when we played Everton there will be changes.
ReplyDeleteNot really.
ReplyDeleteMicah can't leave?
ReplyDeleteProbably because no one will match his wages
That's probably another reason why he hasn't jumped ship, why should he when he is on that amount of money just to turn up to training. It's like being paid to join a gym.
ReplyDeleteI guess... Some fans like me have just grown tired of all the speculations thrown out there, and it only becomes interesting once the transfer window is in full swing. I'm not trying to have a go at you or anything though.
ReplyDeleteArsenal 0 - 2 Bayern................................ :-)
ReplyDeleteWhy don't we go for Shaw? Instead of signing mediocre players for 6-7 million every 3 years when we could get one of the brightest prospects in English football and have him for the next 10 years plus. Circa 25 million. He reminds me of Philip Lahm
ReplyDeleteHe's doing a decent job defensively, and it was a good thing we got him in on loan as he is filling an important area in the team. He's less than average going forward but his primary responsibility is to defend and he has improved since making his debut. Can't wait for El Toro to come back, but we should be thanking Aly for his service.
ReplyDeleteThats quite the list you have there
ReplyDeleteSmokescreen for our actual target. Micah Richards. :)
ReplyDeleteThe front attacking four is interchangeable. They all swap positions throughout the game. If you only think that Suarez played on the wings you must be watching some other games. Perhaps your Fifa14 TV screen?
ReplyDeleteNo, he's not great, he's not very helpful in attack. But he's a backup player, he was taken on loan because we needed someone on the bench. I had thought at first that he might challenge Enrique for minutes but Rodgers has since clarified that the intention was that Cissokho would be a squad player. It's only injury that has made him a first team regular. Is it out of place as a first team regular? Yes, sure, I think we'd all agree with that. But is he diabolical or a liability? I don't think so. Liverpool have played some very good football with Cissokho in the side. He doesn't make glaring defensive errors and he doesn't put himself in positions where it might hurt the team. He works hard and he defends well. He's an OK player in a very good team. We obviously want someone a class above but I think for the job he was brought in to do he's done just fine.
ReplyDelete"who would dare supply their enemies with ammunition to be used on them"...Do you still remember where the likes of Ashley cole,RVP, Nasri, amongst others play now!!?Arsenal doesn't supply amunitions, but they offer atomic bombs as gifts to their enemies...no-brainers....
ReplyDeleteLet's be honest here. Kelly is all but out the door. He's 23 now and the injuries he's had have seen guys like Flanagan breeze right by him. Johnson is nearing the end of his career and would accept a move if a European club came in. McLaughlin is a youngster and no one know whether he has a future at the club. Considering him a solid option at RB means you consider Jerome or Ibe a solid option to replace Suarez or Sturridge. So all we have really for the long term is Flanagan.
ReplyDeletehow come u don't talk of UCL in your comment?
ReplyDeletethe same suarez who could have brought the UCL at the Emirates....LOL
ReplyDeleteI have said before on here, that I've completely changed my view on him. He's the only defender we have who is not making mistakes, and he is improving on the ball as his confidence grows. I'm grateful for the job he is doing for us. I'd rather my fulls-back can defend first and then anything else is a bonus - we hardly lack creativity or goals in the team, but we do lack solid defenders and this guy fits the bill for that.
ReplyDeletewould like to see Micah at LFC I really rate him
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you here! I read his comments a few days ago and I really cant think of any times he's taken it round the keeper. Aston Villa away? Since his injury his finishing has been immaculate: the dink, a lob and a clip to the far post are all in his arsenal. It's such a shame he seemed to choke in this match as he really deserved this record.
ReplyDeleteI think its a confidence issue. He is starting to attack more and try to take on defenders (in the last couple of matches) than he did when he first started playing for us.
ReplyDeleteIMO Suarez must be the fulcrum on which the Liverpool attack is balanced. Sturridge and Sterling are both quicker than him for pace but the master orchestrator is Suarez. Of course he doesn't play all his football on the wings but he should play most of his game in and in front of the penalty box where he wreaks most of his havoc.- He should seldom run wider than the box. He is a 'head-up' player who will always play others in but we must not forget his life blood is goals and when he scores our opponents visibly deflate. He should be the pivot of the attack just like Carragher was the pivot of the defence. His play is sheer 'master class'.
ReplyDeleteThought Micah Richards suffered with persistent injury? If he can play 50% of the time young Flanagan would be a good pairing. - £8m never!. Sagna and Cole would be terrific acquisitions - at the right price. Experience needed at the back.
ReplyDeleteStrangely, some players have persistent injuries with certain clubs. E.g. Look at Borini, he was most of the in the treatment table for us, but not at Sunderland. So for Micah's talent and at 8mil that's a steal despite the risk of injuries.
ReplyDeleteHazey Matt that list is list that would bring club success in league and champions league, those 10 players club need to be shipped out.
ReplyDeleteAnd the 9 players i mentioned would cost club between 110 - 125M
And the dead wood average players would bring in at least 25-35M
Those 9 class quality players would make squad very strong and have good class quality competition in every position at club, like the great Liverpool sides in the 80's used to have