Contrasting fortunes this evening for two of Liverpool's England stars. Raheem Sterling suffered a major set-back in his preparation for the upcoming World Cup, but newly-signed Rickie Lambert showed Reds fans a tantalising glimpse of what to expect next season.
After some great work from alleged Reds target Ross Barkley, Lambert - who signed for Liverpool this week - smashed in a glorious goal, which reminds me a little of Carlos Alberto's stunning strike in the 1970 World Cup final.
The build up is not as silky, but the little lay-off at the end, and the net-bursting finish are very similar:
Sterling then received a straight red card for a bad tackle on Antonio Valencia, who angrily confronted the Liverpool youngster for his over-exhuberance.
I can totally understand Valencia's reaction. That tackle is a potential leg-breaker, and it's just sheer luck that Sterling didn't connect with the winger's leg. Having said that, he's a Manc, so Sterling should be given an immediate pass.**
Were the dismissals necessary? It's a friendly, and the ref could've just given both players yellow cards and went on with the game, but the manner in which he theatrically waved the red suggests (to me) that he's a bit of an attention-seeker.
Unfortunately, Sterling may just have sabotaged his chances of starting at the World Cup. The prevailing view seems to be that England should play their younger players at the tournament, but Hodgson is a cautious manager, and he now has the perfect excuse to keep Sterling on the bench.
** 'Calm down, dear'; I'm just kidding.
Author: Jaimie K
After some great work from alleged Reds target Ross Barkley, Lambert - who signed for Liverpool this week - smashed in a glorious goal, which reminds me a little of Carlos Alberto's stunning strike in the 1970 World Cup final.
The build up is not as silky, but the little lay-off at the end, and the net-bursting finish are very similar:
Sterling then received a straight red card for a bad tackle on Antonio Valencia, who angrily confronted the Liverpool youngster for his over-exhuberance.
I can totally understand Valencia's reaction. That tackle is a potential leg-breaker, and it's just sheer luck that Sterling didn't connect with the winger's leg. Having said that, he's a Manc, so Sterling should be given an immediate pass.**
Were the dismissals necessary? It's a friendly, and the ref could've just given both players yellow cards and went on with the game, but the manner in which he theatrically waved the red suggests (to me) that he's a bit of an attention-seeker.
Unfortunately, Sterling may just have sabotaged his chances of starting at the World Cup. The prevailing view seems to be that England should play their younger players at the tournament, but Hodgson is a cautious manager, and he now has the perfect excuse to keep Sterling on the bench.
** 'Calm down, dear'; I'm just kidding.
Author: Jaimie K
Not sure it's a 'leg breaker, but you can't tackle like that it's definitely a red and especially around a World Cup when refs try to make names for themselves
ReplyDeleteCredit Sterling for not fighting back though.
Hodgson just got a get out of jail card for not picking him....
It's a bad challenge, but tbf only one foot was off the ground, and he did lower his leg to ground level before he reached the man - only a yellow for me. Valencia grabbed Sterling's throat - definite red card, and a possible case for attempted murder ;)
ReplyDeleteHe could have killed him! ha ha Never a sending off; Sterling won the ball aggressively & was than assaulted - Valencia got them both sent off with his pitiful reaction
ReplyDeleteThe ref was such a wanker for showing a red like that...
ReplyDeleteTypical scouse CF's finish. Goal with class written all over it! Really hoping he turns into a McAllister for us.
ReplyDeleteIn the words of Fergie, "He coulda killed the boy!"
ReplyDeleteNot a straight red. He got the ball. He didn't come in studs up. That right leg has got to go somewhere...it isn't gonna stop. AND Valencia's a ManU whiner. Lambert's goal was great...but it was Barkley's control at high speed that set it up. I like that guy.
ReplyDeleteWhat was up with Milner and Wilshere giving the guy a free shot by turing their backs?
ReplyDeleteAnd where was Sturridge?
ReplyDeleteYou can't go after a player like that, even if the tackle seems dangerous. If you're not badly hurt then it's not OK to over-dramatise the whole thing and it is absolutely not OK to physically confront another player like that. Valencia is a hot head and professional football players can't do stuff like that. I think the ref gave Sterling a red because the incident was so blown up and he had to be quite firm with them both. The replay shows him clearly getting the ball, studs not up, trailing leg held back as best he can. It's not a great tackle but it's certainly not a potential leg breaker and it's only a red because he makes it unavoidable that he's going to take the player out. We've all seen tackles like that not even be given as fouls.
ReplyDeleteIt was so Scouse it reminded me of Franny Jeffers.
ReplyDeleteThey were using Mel Gibson's plan from Braveheart. They tried to moon the enemy until they could take no more.
ReplyDeleteCorrect decision by the ref. I thought it was harsh at first, but looking at it later, it was an out of control tackle and a really stupid one to do in a friendly just before a World Cup. Valencia's reaction was poor but understandable.
ReplyDeleteOn the bench. It was the 2nd string playing most of the game. Out of todays starters, only Ox, Rooney (if you want to go there), and Milner really have a chance for the WC imo.
ReplyDeleteSo Sterling is not suspended? That's odd. You'd think FIFA would carry red cards from friendlies into the tournament. Of course combined with a hefty fine to further fill the coffers of Herr Blatter
ReplyDeleteOn the goal...Barkley runs into defenders like a headless chicken and then makes it Lambert's problem to fix. Which he does brilliantly of course.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Lambert was unlucky not to get a second too.A lot of the negative comments though came from the reported transfer fee of £10M to be fair
ReplyDeleteIt's refreshing to find a completely unbiased view of the goal for once :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised Sterling didn't go down rolling around when Valencia shoved him in the face. 90% of other players would have. Credit to him for that, lol.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the challenge was as bad as people are making out, he came in from the side, and his trailing leg caught him. He got to the ball.
Ok it was a strong tackle, but I'm certain it was a red.
I guess "You've seen them given before" so you could argue it was.
Never caught the game but just saw the challenge in the video posted. I think the challenge was mis-timed but not malicious. I hope this doesn't set young Sterling back in his WC development. Personally I would of liked to have seen him start as he has earned it with his performances in the league. His initial reaction to the red card was priceless as ref dismissed him so dramatically.
ReplyDeleteValencia's reaction was a bit extreme but I can totally understand it considering his injury history and the nature of the late challenge. The England players need to realise the WC refs will judge challenges like that differently to the Premier league and Uefa officials.
biggest boost this summer ian ayre is no longer managing director
ReplyDeletei wish sterling broke valencias leg , he is a man u player and a diver
ReplyDelete:-) Honestly though, Lambert's finish is harder than it seems and I do think Barkley is not as composed on the ball as Gerrard at that age. I really don't see what all the fuss is about
ReplyDeleteWhy could we not sign Hummels or Godin? We're in the CL, we came within two points of winning our league last season, we are one of the biggest clubs on the planet, pay at the top end of salaries in the world of football, are an institution in the world of football like Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Juventus, we play exciting football and in the league with the best atmosphere inside the stadiums in the world. I really can't think of any reason why we could not sign those players.
ReplyDeleteYeah and Rooney had to steal a shot of him to get his goal. By the looks of last night we have the two best English strikers.
ReplyDeleteIve seen them given but he could easily have gotten away with a yellow. I though Smalling had done a worse one earlier and yet because there was no reaction the foul wasn't even given. The reaction of the bell end got them both sent off.
ReplyDeleteYes I have seen the BBC give Barkley a rating of 8. I don't agree with that at all. He was trying things and always on the move but nearly nothing came off for him and he lost possession almost as much as Wilsher and Lampard. I think OX was the standout with Ricky a little behind.
ReplyDeleteSo he is now chief exec. Who will be doing the managing director job?
ReplyDeleteOverseas refs generally aren't as lenient when it comes to over-exuberant tackles as they are at home in the EPL. In this case a red is harsh, but not surprising. Foreign football is gradually becoming a girl's sport. But it's a reminder to our players that they have to adjust their playing style.
ReplyDeleteBut even if you look at the entire season. I remember when Gerrard first came on against Celta Vigo (although that may not have been his actual debut...) and immediately things changed. We, as a team, seemed more threatening and more composed. Sure Gerrard was a bit reckless in the tackle at first but you could see from the first few minutes he stept onto the pitch, surrounded by established players, that he was something really special. He dragged us upward and forward from that moment on. I never get that feeling from Barkley. Sure he's a talented player but he is not at the level Gerrard was and I doubt he ever will be throughout his career. I think, had young Gerrard been part of Everton last year they would have finished fourth. I actually think McCarthy is the better midfielder for the Toffees.
ReplyDeleteHodgson's been a terrific manager for England. He's brought some long-needed dignity, pride, professionalism, and consistency to the operation. He's made excellent decisions time and again, and his judgements have been proven correct repeatedly. He's not been particularly conservative, and has given debuts, and appearances in key games, to young players abundantly. He hasn't made and doesn't need excuses for anything.
ReplyDeleteHe came to us at a bad time and didn't have a chance of success given the conditions around the club at that moment. He didn't perform well. But he's a good coach and a good manager, and he has a good squad to work with, from whom he will get an at least par performance.
Lambert is going to have a brilliant couple of seasons with us, isn't he? Really looking forward to seeing him in action. A reminder that there's a lot of quality in the second and third tiers of English football, if clubs, scouts, and coaches would only have the courage and wit to see it.
I agree with your first two points but I still really rate Barkley
ReplyDeleteVideo adverts are really annoying Jaimie.
ReplyDeletei think rodgers will
ReplyDeletehe seems like a control freak he has taken over the academy as well
i dont mind
He didn't take over the academy did he? He just wanted the academy to be doing what the first team were doing so there would be a more seamless transition. He doesn't run it now.
ReplyDeleteWhere in any of my posts have I made reference to 'defending' Rodgers? Please copy and paste and show me.
ReplyDeletedogmatism: the tendency to lay down principles as undeniably true, without consideration of evidence or the opinions of others.
You can check your email for my reply.
ReplyDeleteHear hear
ReplyDeleteWhat does that mean?
ReplyDeleteI also understand the definition of 'dogmatic'.
Maybe your age is showing a bit. I thought opposite. I thought Barkley shook up the defense with his speed and movement. He brought defenders to him because rapidly transmitted zones. By the time he dished to Lambert he had 3 guys tracking him and Lambert was alone.
ReplyDelete"he will have to compete with hendo, allen, lucas..." You are joking wright?
ReplyDeleteCan't tell if this is supposed to be a joke haha
ReplyDeleteAs always, JK and Vermhat working in tandem to pour cold water (and some scorn) on what was a great pickup for Liverpool - and one that we would never have been able to complete over the past 4 years.
ReplyDelete(As I'm sure you are going to demand the pseudo-logic which is common on this site to substantiate my argument...so here we are:) We pick up the former captain of the German under 17 team: who is now one of the main players of their under 21 team; who was one of the more impressive contributors of the 4th place team in the Bundesliga; who is only 20, has a ludicrously low buy-out-clause, Bayern M. regularly liken to a young Schweinsteiger and who can play the two positions (DM and RB) where we have essentially no one, and the prevailing views are "I have a bad feeling about this transfer" and he reminds me the "Sahin" deal. Without questioning anyone's logic too much, it seems to me the only similarities with Sahin is they have the same mixed nationality and similar hair. Sahin is a light-weight, and positionally limited prima-donna who plays at a slow pace is best suited for the Italian league (like Aquillani). Can is a high intensity and sensationally versatile DM who, at this point, somewhere between Matic and Henderson.
But as Tomkins (in imminently sensible blogger) states - only 40 percent of transfers are a success, so we can't be sure of anything in this world. But I would think that this transfer has as much possibility of being a good one as any other that we have made in recent years.
p.s. I also wouldn't be so fast to be naming all of BR glowering failures in the transfer market (i.e. "Assaidi, Aberto, Ilori and Aspas"). We'll in all likelihood sell Assaidi for a profit, Alberto and Ilori will go on loan and are still in the clubs plans (being both 21). This leaves the 7 million on Aspas being the only out and out failure...to which one would simply respond: "Sturridge and Coutinho."
For under £10 million this is a great deal for all parties. He's 20, played 29 games last year for a big club which finished 4th in the Bundesliga, has CL experience and UNLIKE Sahin is very willing to play wherever he is asked (be it left back, DMC, AMC, centre back or even left wing). Great technique, decent passer, good engine but a bit of a temper. If he was English and played for a comparable side (say Everton or Spurs) he would be worth well over double that (look at the prices banded about for shaw and barkley). There's always the question of adapting but the same can be said of PL players (Downing/Carrol/Cole etc etc) Every transfer is a gamble, but I really think this is one worth taking.
ReplyDeleteIn my head you always sound like Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, pounding the table and yelling at Charlie Bucket for stealing the Fizzy Lifting Drink and getting fingerprints on the ceiling.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this guy in particular is a dead end for Lucas. Allen is too versatile to be let go, I think he'll be a Liverpool player for quite some time. If other teams truly have an interest in Lucas I would be a little sad to see him go but I think everyone could say goodbye without much animosity.
ReplyDeleteMarca got it right? Wasn't it Bild? Haha, hope he does well!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean 'in all fairness'?
ReplyDeleteOn what basis can you judge Diame as 'awful', or say that he 'offers nothing and never has'. You have nothing solid to back up that unfair view, and you are clearly being way over the top.
You have no way of knowing that Diame would be 'awful' for Liverpool, and I doubt you can advance qny objective evidence to back up that kind of prediction.
If he offers nothing, why is he so highly revered by Aldo and Redknapp? Do they know nothing about football/players?
Additionally, Diame would cost much less than Can, and is therefore much less of a risk.
meant it as a compliment. I've spent my entire adult life trying perfecting the quiet rage of Willy Wonka. Well done, sir. Well done.
ReplyDeleteAdmittedly Diame would cost a lot less but there is a very good reason for that he is simply not good enough for where we are right now. Of course everyone has their own opinions on players but the difference here is Can could (and could is the key word here) be a massive player for us. Diame on the other hand would simply be an average squad player IMO and is never going to lead us to PL or CL glory. I'm glad this signing has all but ended this link.
ReplyDeleteYou suggest he is proven in the PL so no settling-in time needed... what about Downing, Adam, Carroll etc they were all used to English football yet they were all massive flops so not sure this point has much validity.
You go on to say Diame is an experienced international but he doesn't even play every game for Senegal, who lets be honest haven't exactly got a team of stars. The majority of his international appearances have been against the likes of Uganda, Rwanda, Congo etc so I would argue Can has as much 'top level' experience if not more from his appearances in last seasons CL.
Not after the haircut post ;)
ReplyDeleteAre you serious?
ReplyDeleteThe difference with Can to Aspas or Luis Alberto is his ability to play any of the middle field diamond roles or even in defence.
ReplyDeleteThere will be more chances for Can to play and i could see him playing in the Gerrard role when Stevie needs a rest or is out.
Again: why is Diame 'not good enough'? You keep going on about it, but never explain why? Having a personal view that he's crap is fine, but it carries no weight if it't not backed up with any objective evidence.
ReplyDeleteOffensively and defensively, Diame's Opta stats are comparable to all LFC's midfielders, which suggests that he does, in fact, offer something when he plays.
To be honest JK I'm really not interested in stats. I know a lot of people like to view stats as a barometer of how good a player is but I prefer to watch them with my own two eyes and then make a judgement. Stats also don't highlight a players ability to play within a certain system (i.e. our high tempo, pressing game) and can quite frankly be very misleading IMO.
ReplyDeleteThus I cannot provide you with the objective evidence you are after as I have based my opinion around the 30/40 games I have seen him play.
The thing that stands out for me is my mates who support West Ham would ship him out tomorrow. Now I know you are going to say there is supporters who think this about players at most clubs and you are right. However, we are talking about West Ham here (no disrespect) but they are hardly a top team full of quality players and you would think they would want to keep hold of any of their decent players...
With the greatest respect, subjective analysis combined with 'my mate says', does not give you a very strong case.
ReplyDeleteStats are an infinitely more accurate gauge of a player; they are not the be all and end all, but (IMO) stats will always trump individual experience, mainly because there is no bias.
For example: If X says Y is a not a good striker, but the stats show Y has scored 25 goals, then it doesn't matter how many times X has watched Y play, the stats show categorically that Y is, as a matter of irrefutable fact, an effective striker.
There's a reason why eyewitness testimony in criminal trials holds very little weight, and can be easily discredited.
The entire world is built on statistical analysis. It is a defining characteristic of the modern world, and that's because human interpretation is inherently unreliable, and prone to irrational bias.
I have to say you are very good at arguing your point but the one point I would make about your example is you used a striker. A striker is probably the only position for which stats cannot be argued against, if your striker scores and assists goals then he is clearly doing his job.
ReplyDeleteFor midfielders and defenders it is not so clear cut. Each player has a certain role in the team that the manager envisages him filling (whether he does what the manager wants we will never know from the outside). It is easy to say this guy has a 90% pass completion rate so he must be a master passer, this guy has a 70% tackle success rate so he must be a great tackler and so on but this cannot be the basis of whether you think player is good or not. Yes it can help but a true opinion of a player can only be made from watching them play consistently over a longer period of time. All players blow hot and cold throughout a season and it is important to see to what extent they are blowing hot and cold (maybe they play 1 good game and then 5 bad or 3 good games and 2 bad). Stats simply don't highlight this.
We must have signed Rio Ferdinand, because I think this lad has merked each and everyone one of us.
ReplyDeleteHe could have gotten a yellow, but I just think that is a poor tackle and somewhat dangerous tackle and even more so when you consider the circumstances. It isn't the worst tackle I've seen by any stretch, but I think he was a bit lucky not to do any damage to Valencia. I've got more sympathy with Valencia than Sterling on this one, which is an uncomfortable position to be in!
ReplyDeleteI said good day!
ReplyDeleteI'm also sorry Verm.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about it, lads.
ReplyDeleteLet me get my cape!
ReplyDeleteLogic-Man!!
I heard he's got the lungs of Lothar Matthaus and he can play LB.
ReplyDeleteDon't snitch mate. Snitches get stitches. I worked hard to get him those lungs.
ReplyDeletethe only impress me is REF STYLE while showing card !!!! hhahaaaa
ReplyDeleteComprehend what? Do you think what you have to say is law?
ReplyDeleteYou replied to my post first yet you tell me not to reply to you at all.
My name for you from now on is dogmatic. Hope you are okay with that.
Nah!
ReplyDeleteMe likey intelligent debatey.
Me likey dem werds.
ReplyDeleteInter have been rumoured to be interested in Lucas.
ReplyDeleteI think referees have forgotten that the card is to show the crowd when he's instructed a player to leave the field... it's not supposed to be a way of communicating with players. What a dickhead.
ReplyDeleteI really hope that tackle would have got a red card at most levels of football. Plenty of Sunday league refs would send off a player for that. Really as soon as you make a slide tackle from a sprint, well, you're not in control and you're putting the opponent in danger. I don't like that kind of tackle at all. Nothing manly about it. It's not effeminate not to do that. It's just bad play.
ReplyDeleteThe big difference this season is that Liverpool could play closer to 60 competitive games. They will need a deep, quality squad and Can fits the bill. I doubt whether 90% of the people posting here have even seen him play. He is a talent and already better than Lucas. So if Gerrard needs a rest or gets injured (a near certainty) he will be the defensive midfielder.
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't feel anything like sahin deal. It's a purchase of a future player who has played all levels for Germany (but full team). He doesnt play similar position. He doesnt look weak like sahin. It's not a loan. His fee was cheap due to buy out clause.
ReplyDeleteI get more of a Henderson vibe where it will be a few years before real quality shows yet he will be criticised for not being world class in his first season in a new country at 20.
I don't think Dortmund would let Hummels go very easily, and I would bet he would want massive wages, something that Liverpool have, at times, not wanted to pay.
ReplyDeleteGodin might be a bit more realistic, but Atlectico just won the league, and almost the CL, he might want to stick around there for a little more.
Believe me, I would love for it to happen, I just don't know if it would.
I'd wait until after the WC to sing his praises. My fear is he is going to bottle making the key decisions, ie starting with the youngsters (Sterling, Barkley et al) ahead of the likes of Rooney and Welbeck.
ReplyDeleteTime will only tell.
Emre Can is “average” and “won’t improve Liverpool” according to Jan Aage Fjortoft, the former Premier League striker turned German TV pundit has been telling Sky Sports News Radio Can is a poor signing by Brendan Rodgers. I am hoping and praying B Rodgers puts in £22-£33M bid in for I Rakitic(26) and we beat Barcelona to his signature.
ReplyDeleteThat made me laugh
ReplyDeleteThink toure will leave on a free in summer
ReplyDeleteRush of blood, not an attempt to injure IMO. Booking for both players prob would've been enough
ReplyDeleteOdd that we all consider sakho, the French international, and sometimes captain of France, rather a fringe squad player. I agree, but it still sounds odd considering what LFC spent to get him.
ReplyDelete