Reina (96.2%)
Finnan (62.8%) Carragher (84.1%) Hyypia (87.1%) Riise (88.1%)
Alonso (90.6%) Hamann (35.9%)
Kuyt (46.7%) Gerrard (96.6%) Benayoun (55.6%)
Torres (86.6%)
Bench: Dudek (3.8%), Johnson (15%), Agger (9.8%) Mascherano (31.6%), Murphy (20.5%), Garcia (RM: 15.9%, LM: 30%, SS: 2.3%), Owen (6.7%)
I sort of played the bench by ear. For the most part, it's the top-vote getters that didn't make the first team. However, I had to make sure a second goalkeeper and a second center forward were involved; Reina and Torres monopolized those votes. Technically, the top-seven that didn't make the first XI were Masch, Garcia, Murphy, Johnson, Babbel, Agger, and Aurelio (in that order) – which reflected how close those votes were compared to CF, GK, or Second Striker. But we can't have four defenders and three midfielders as subs.
Surprises (not many):
• Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Ask again in three years, and I guarantee Alonso doesn't get over 90% (the highest total outside of Gerrard and Reina). Nor does he reach that mark if Liverpool isn't in the shit they're in this season. Oh well.
• I'm also a bit surprised the LB vote wasn't closer. I figured Aurelio, who's far more naturally talented and well-rounded than Riise, would put up more of a fight. Just as a solitary example, Riise could never provide the build-up and assist that Aurelio did for Torres' goal against Inter. But I reckon that adequately sums up Aurelio's susceptibility to injury. If Fabio could stay fit, he'd definitely challenge JAR. But he can't. And that's why Insua's been ever-present this season.
• Masch is super – he's Masch – but Hamann should have "won" by more.
• Finally, it's not a surprise, but I'd like to again register my disappointment that more didn't vote for Markus Babbel. If you never saw him play, Google or look up YouTube videos. You won't regret it.
My votes:
Reina
Babbel
Carragher & Hyypia
Riise
Alonso & Hamann
Benayoun
Garcia
Gerrard
Torres
Thanks to all who participated in the votes, and especially those like Liverpool Offside and Starting Eleven, who linked the polls.
Back with a preview of the Villa match in a few hours.
Showing posts with label Team of the Decade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Team of the Decade. Show all posts
28 December 2009
22 December 2009
Team of the Decade – Center Forward
Previous posts: Formation | Keeper | Right Back | Centerback | Left Back | Central Midfield | Right Midfield | Left Midfield | Second Striker
Yes, I realize this poll and the previous one are mere formalities. I appreciate you indulging my idiosyncratic need for completion.
I could have included eight in this list and still left out players that were better than some in other polls. But as we’re considering a lone striker, names like Anelka, Ciise, and Bellamy missed out.
The team so far:
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Alonso Hamann
Kuyt Gerrard Benayoun
Milan Baros (2002-2005)
Appearances: 108
Goals: 27
Tantalizing youth product and excellent goalscorer for the Czech Republic, but Baros never made the impact at Liverpool that Houllier had hoped. He never stopped running, but he never looked up either, leading to charges down blind alleys and an utter refusal to pass. Continuing his form from Euro 2004, he played well through the first half of ’04-05, but unsurprisingly, Benitez got rid after one season.
Peter Crouch (2005-2008)
Appearances: 134
Goals: 42
Certainly could do with having Crouchy in the team now, but he wasn’t content playing second fiddle to Torres. They only started seven games (three in the league) together – 4-2 Reading, 0-1 Marseille, 4-0 Bolton, 1-3 Reading, 5-0 Luton, 3-0 Sunderland, and 4-2 Arsenal – before Crouch was sold for £11m. Still, he was a valuable signing (despite taking until December to break his duck), and his perfect hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Arsenal still stands out.
Robbie Fowler (1993-2001; 2006-2007)
Appearances: 393 (108 in 2000s)
Goals: 186 (33 in 2000s)
As the stats suggest, Fowler of the 2000s was not the God of the 90s. As much as it hurt, Houllier probably sold him at the right time, and Fowler never hit similar heights with either Leeds or City. But he was welcomed back with open arms in January 2006 as much-needed fourth attacking option, who worked his socks off to get in shape, chipped in 12 goals in a season and a half, and went out the way he should have the first time.
Emile Heskey (2000-2004)
Appearances: 223
Goals: 60
Houllier loved him, Owen loved playing with him, and he drove the fans crazy. Never an out-and-out goalscorer, Heskey bullied his way through backlines, making space for Mickey. That Ivanhoe (his actual middle name!) was Liverpool’s most expensive transfer until Cisse shows the promise he came in with, but with increased competition from Baros and a continuing inability to score regularly, Houllier sold him to Brum not long before being sacked.
Michael Owen (1997-2004)
Appearances: 297
Goals: 158
Dirty Judas Mercenary Manc. Thanks for the 2001 FA Cup, though, Mickey. And introducing me to the club.
Fernando Torres (2007-present)
Appearances: 101
Goals: 61
So, that Fernando Torres is pretty good at football, no? 33 goals in his first season, and "just" 17 last season during an injury-hit campaign. And still struggling with knocks this year, he’s scored 11 in 17 games. He has the best goals-per-game ratio in Premier League history, and not one of his strikes has been a penalty or direct free kick. He’s not “arguably the best striker in the world.” He’s the best striker in the world. Period.
Despite Friday's holiday, I should be able to get away from family long enough to post a Wolves preview around the normal time. Merry Christmas.
Yes, I realize this poll and the previous one are mere formalities. I appreciate you indulging my idiosyncratic need for completion.
I could have included eight in this list and still left out players that were better than some in other polls. But as we’re considering a lone striker, names like Anelka, Ciise, and Bellamy missed out.
The team so far:
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Alonso Hamann
Kuyt Gerrard Benayoun
Milan Baros (2002-2005)
Appearances: 108
Goals: 27
Tantalizing youth product and excellent goalscorer for the Czech Republic, but Baros never made the impact at Liverpool that Houllier had hoped. He never stopped running, but he never looked up either, leading to charges down blind alleys and an utter refusal to pass. Continuing his form from Euro 2004, he played well through the first half of ’04-05, but unsurprisingly, Benitez got rid after one season.
Peter Crouch (2005-2008)
Appearances: 134
Goals: 42
Certainly could do with having Crouchy in the team now, but he wasn’t content playing second fiddle to Torres. They only started seven games (three in the league) together – 4-2 Reading, 0-1 Marseille, 4-0 Bolton, 1-3 Reading, 5-0 Luton, 3-0 Sunderland, and 4-2 Arsenal – before Crouch was sold for £11m. Still, he was a valuable signing (despite taking until December to break his duck), and his perfect hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Arsenal still stands out.
Robbie Fowler (1993-2001; 2006-2007)
Appearances: 393 (108 in 2000s)
Goals: 186 (33 in 2000s)
As the stats suggest, Fowler of the 2000s was not the God of the 90s. As much as it hurt, Houllier probably sold him at the right time, and Fowler never hit similar heights with either Leeds or City. But he was welcomed back with open arms in January 2006 as much-needed fourth attacking option, who worked his socks off to get in shape, chipped in 12 goals in a season and a half, and went out the way he should have the first time.
Emile Heskey (2000-2004)
Appearances: 223
Goals: 60
Houllier loved him, Owen loved playing with him, and he drove the fans crazy. Never an out-and-out goalscorer, Heskey bullied his way through backlines, making space for Mickey. That Ivanhoe (his actual middle name!) was Liverpool’s most expensive transfer until Cisse shows the promise he came in with, but with increased competition from Baros and a continuing inability to score regularly, Houllier sold him to Brum not long before being sacked.
Michael Owen (1997-2004)
Appearances: 297
Goals: 158
Dirty Judas Mercenary Manc. Thanks for the 2001 FA Cup, though, Mickey. And introducing me to the club.
Fernando Torres (2007-present)
Appearances: 101
Goals: 61
So, that Fernando Torres is pretty good at football, no? 33 goals in his first season, and "just" 17 last season during an injury-hit campaign. And still struggling with knocks this year, he’s scored 11 in 17 games. He has the best goals-per-game ratio in Premier League history, and not one of his strikes has been a penalty or direct free kick. He’s not “arguably the best striker in the world.” He’s the best striker in the world. Period.
Despite Friday's holiday, I should be able to get away from family long enough to post a Wolves preview around the normal time. Merry Christmas.
17 December 2009
Team of the Decade – Second Striker
Previous posts: Formation | Keeper | Right Back | Centerback | Left Back | Central Midfield | Right Midfield | Left Midfield
Almost there. Last poll, for center forward, early next week.
I debated over the name of the poll. “Second striker,” “deep-lying forward,” “attacking midfielder,” “trequartista.” There’s a bit of truth in all and none of them; that’s how it works when you’re naming positions instead of roles.
And the role can change, as we’ve seen with Liverpool. Gerrard’s positioning and time on the ball partly depends on who he’s playing with and the opposition. Similar goes for when Kuyt or Benayoun’s been drafted into the role, although Gerrard has the most freedom simply because he’s Captain Fantastic. Benayoun would be on this list if he weren’t winning the LM poll by more than 20%; I reckon its his best position.
Even though I’ve titled this “second striker,” there aren’t many strikers on the list – more midfielders in the same vein as the last two polls. Players like Baros, Bellamy, Crouch, and Cisse – even Heskey – only seem to fit as a center forward in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Hence all the recurring names. Regardless, there’s only going to be one winner in this poll.
Luis Garcia (2004-2007)
Appearances: 121
Goals: 30
Well, I’ve managed to include him in each of the polls across the attacking line of three. Garcia came in second on the left with 32.1% so far, and third on the right with 16.8%. Either way, he looks certain to make the bench.
Steven Gerrard (1998-present)
Appearances: 503
Goals: 124
As if I could do Gerrard justice with 5000 words, let alone a hundred or so. Liverpool through and through from childhood, from a rampaging if injury-prone midfielder to an all-around great, one mentioned in the same breath as the best players in the world. Because Gerrard simply is one of the preeminent players of this generation, and is easily the most well-rounded. I’m convinced he could succeed in any position on the pitch. I don’t need to list his exploits, medals, heroic performances, or last-ditch winners. “Talismanic” doesn’t even come close to covering it.
Harry Kewell (2003-2008)
Appearances: 139
Goals: 16
Kewell played his best football for Liverpool on the left, but was most deadly for both Leeds and Australia behind Viduka. Which is why Benitez took a gamble on starting him in the position against AC Milan in 2005.
Jari Litmanen (2001-2002)
Appearances: 43
Goals: 9
One of the perks of running the contest is getting to nominate certain players even if they’ve no chance of winning. Well, this is one of those choices. Liverpool clearly didn’t have him in his prime, but he was only 30, and provided a much-needed creative spark. His link-up play in attack was superlative. But Jari was injury-prone and got in the way of Houllier’s “hoof it to Heskey and Owen!” strategy. Babel thinks he’s had it bad? The number of times Litmanen was left out after playing well was infuriating, and he lasted less than 18 months in Liverpool.
Vladimir Smicer (1999-2005)
Appearances: 184
Goals: 19
And Smicer was the man who replaced Kewell behind Baros against AC Milan, actually scoring the second goal and the fourth penalty in the process. That’s why the memory of Vladi kissing the badge moments before Liverpool lifted its fifth European Cup still remains as strong as ever.
Almost there. Last poll, for center forward, early next week.
I debated over the name of the poll. “Second striker,” “deep-lying forward,” “attacking midfielder,” “trequartista.” There’s a bit of truth in all and none of them; that’s how it works when you’re naming positions instead of roles.
And the role can change, as we’ve seen with Liverpool. Gerrard’s positioning and time on the ball partly depends on who he’s playing with and the opposition. Similar goes for when Kuyt or Benayoun’s been drafted into the role, although Gerrard has the most freedom simply because he’s Captain Fantastic. Benayoun would be on this list if he weren’t winning the LM poll by more than 20%; I reckon its his best position.
Even though I’ve titled this “second striker,” there aren’t many strikers on the list – more midfielders in the same vein as the last two polls. Players like Baros, Bellamy, Crouch, and Cisse – even Heskey – only seem to fit as a center forward in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Hence all the recurring names. Regardless, there’s only going to be one winner in this poll.
Luis Garcia (2004-2007)
Appearances: 121
Goals: 30
Well, I’ve managed to include him in each of the polls across the attacking line of three. Garcia came in second on the left with 32.1% so far, and third on the right with 16.8%. Either way, he looks certain to make the bench.
Steven Gerrard (1998-present)
Appearances: 503
Goals: 124
As if I could do Gerrard justice with 5000 words, let alone a hundred or so. Liverpool through and through from childhood, from a rampaging if injury-prone midfielder to an all-around great, one mentioned in the same breath as the best players in the world. Because Gerrard simply is one of the preeminent players of this generation, and is easily the most well-rounded. I’m convinced he could succeed in any position on the pitch. I don’t need to list his exploits, medals, heroic performances, or last-ditch winners. “Talismanic” doesn’t even come close to covering it.
Harry Kewell (2003-2008)
Appearances: 139
Goals: 16
Kewell played his best football for Liverpool on the left, but was most deadly for both Leeds and Australia behind Viduka. Which is why Benitez took a gamble on starting him in the position against AC Milan in 2005.
Jari Litmanen (2001-2002)
Appearances: 43
Goals: 9
One of the perks of running the contest is getting to nominate certain players even if they’ve no chance of winning. Well, this is one of those choices. Liverpool clearly didn’t have him in his prime, but he was only 30, and provided a much-needed creative spark. His link-up play in attack was superlative. But Jari was injury-prone and got in the way of Houllier’s “hoof it to Heskey and Owen!” strategy. Babel thinks he’s had it bad? The number of times Litmanen was left out after playing well was infuriating, and he lasted less than 18 months in Liverpool.
Vladimir Smicer (1999-2005)
Appearances: 184
Goals: 19
And Smicer was the man who replaced Kewell behind Baros against AC Milan, actually scoring the second goal and the fourth penalty in the process. That’s why the memory of Vladi kissing the badge moments before Liverpool lifted its fifth European Cup still remains as strong as ever.
14 December 2009
Team of the Decade – Left Midfield
Previous Posts: Formation | Keeper | Right Back | Centerback | Left Back | Central Midfield | Right Midfield
Left midfield is probably the weakest position of them all, with two players who appeared in the last poll. But that should make this close. I wrote the thing, and I still don’t know who to vote for. We all know that the flanks haven’t been a strong point over the last decade, and that’s a big part of the reason for the shift to 4-2-3-1.
FYI: Benayoun appears here because Kuyt's currently winning the RM poll by almost 10 votes, and that probably won't change. This list would have included Riise had he not won the poll for left back. I could have put Aurelio here based on some recent matches, but it hasn’t led to many memorable results (memorable in a good way, at least).
Yossi Benayoun (2007-present)
Appearances: 112
Goals: 26
I’ve often argued Yossi’s best on the right or in the hole, but because of Gerrard and Kuyt, he’s started on the left most often during his Liverpool career. Last season it was often out of necessity, but by the end of the campaign and throughout this year, Benayoun’s rightfully beaten out Riera for the place.
Patrik Berger (1996-2003)
Appearances: 196
Goals: 35
The other natural winger on the list along with Riera, with a stellar left foot, but only 75 of his appearances (and nine of his goals) came during this decade. He had a good first year, but then struggled until Houllier took over, when he began playing behind the strikers more often. 1999-2000 saw his last strong season in a Liverpool shirt before a November 2000 knee injury, which was the first in a long line of problems that hampered the rest of his Liverpool career, finally sold to Pompey prior to Houllier’s last season.
Luis Garcia (2004-2007)
Appearances: 121
Goals: 30
Left-footed, Garcia was just as liable to play on the left as he was a second striker or right-winger, and like others in this poll and the last, more known for versatility than a predominant position. I’d again like to reiterate his knack for key goals, scoring in every knockout round before the Istanbul final, and his trickery and guile, which Liverpool undoubtedly lacked at the time. And I’d like to forget his inconsistency and when the tricks didn’t come off.
Harry Kewell (2003-2008)
Appearances: 139
Goals: 16
I’m often of two minds about Kewell, both while he was at Liverpool and after the fact. I’ve become convinced Babel is the new Kewell; on paper, he seemed just the player Liverpool needed, but, of course, the game isn’t played on paper. We rarely saw the form that made him an absolute star at Leeds – probably only during his first season and the second half of ’05-06 – and like with Berger and Garcia, we’ve injuries to thank. He’ll probably best be remembered for being substituted in three finals in two seasons, an auspicious record to say the least.
Albert Riera (2008-present)
Appearances: 51
Goals: 5
Boy, it felt like we won the lottery after Riera’s debut against the Mancs. His first start and Liverpool beat United in the league for the first time since Houllier was in charge, with Riera forcing Wes Brown into an equalizing own goal. He was a different option, a natural winger who hugged the touchline, combined with the fullback, and drove to the byline. Scored a couple of superlative belters too. But, as happened during his tenure with City and Espanyol, Riera was inconsistent far too often, and combined with a recent injury, it’s allowed Benayoun to claim the position.
Left midfield is probably the weakest position of them all, with two players who appeared in the last poll. But that should make this close. I wrote the thing, and I still don’t know who to vote for. We all know that the flanks haven’t been a strong point over the last decade, and that’s a big part of the reason for the shift to 4-2-3-1.
FYI: Benayoun appears here because Kuyt's currently winning the RM poll by almost 10 votes, and that probably won't change. This list would have included Riise had he not won the poll for left back. I could have put Aurelio here based on some recent matches, but it hasn’t led to many memorable results (memorable in a good way, at least).
Yossi Benayoun (2007-present)
Appearances: 112
Goals: 26
I’ve often argued Yossi’s best on the right or in the hole, but because of Gerrard and Kuyt, he’s started on the left most often during his Liverpool career. Last season it was often out of necessity, but by the end of the campaign and throughout this year, Benayoun’s rightfully beaten out Riera for the place.
Patrik Berger (1996-2003)
Appearances: 196
Goals: 35
The other natural winger on the list along with Riera, with a stellar left foot, but only 75 of his appearances (and nine of his goals) came during this decade. He had a good first year, but then struggled until Houllier took over, when he began playing behind the strikers more often. 1999-2000 saw his last strong season in a Liverpool shirt before a November 2000 knee injury, which was the first in a long line of problems that hampered the rest of his Liverpool career, finally sold to Pompey prior to Houllier’s last season.
Luis Garcia (2004-2007)
Appearances: 121
Goals: 30
Left-footed, Garcia was just as liable to play on the left as he was a second striker or right-winger, and like others in this poll and the last, more known for versatility than a predominant position. I’d again like to reiterate his knack for key goals, scoring in every knockout round before the Istanbul final, and his trickery and guile, which Liverpool undoubtedly lacked at the time. And I’d like to forget his inconsistency and when the tricks didn’t come off.
Harry Kewell (2003-2008)
Appearances: 139
Goals: 16
I’m often of two minds about Kewell, both while he was at Liverpool and after the fact. I’ve become convinced Babel is the new Kewell; on paper, he seemed just the player Liverpool needed, but, of course, the game isn’t played on paper. We rarely saw the form that made him an absolute star at Leeds – probably only during his first season and the second half of ’05-06 – and like with Berger and Garcia, we’ve injuries to thank. He’ll probably best be remembered for being substituted in three finals in two seasons, an auspicious record to say the least.
Albert Riera (2008-present)
Appearances: 51
Goals: 5
Boy, it felt like we won the lottery after Riera’s debut against the Mancs. His first start and Liverpool beat United in the league for the first time since Houllier was in charge, with Riera forcing Wes Brown into an equalizing own goal. He was a different option, a natural winger who hugged the touchline, combined with the fullback, and drove to the byline. Scored a couple of superlative belters too. But, as happened during his tenure with City and Espanyol, Riera was inconsistent far too often, and combined with a recent injury, it’s allowed Benayoun to claim the position.
10 December 2009
Team of the Decade – Right Midfield
Previous posts: Formation | Keeper | Right Back | Centerback | Left Back | Central Midfield
Well, the last vote was the closest. Hamann took second over Mascherano by five votes. I haven’t been closing the polls, so things might change, but I doubt it.
The team so far is:
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Alonso Hamann
The next three votes – RM, LM, and second striker – are going to see some repeat names. Liverpool’s had a fair few players that could play anywhere along the line of three. Unless they win, I’m probably going to be listing Benayoun, Garcia, and Smicer more than once.
Once again, I could see this vote being quite close.
Yossi Benayoun (2007-present)
Appearances: 111
Goals: 26
I hate to think how much worse this season could be without Benayoun. He’s often been the only goal threat in Torres’ absence. Even yesterday, when he flitted in and out of the game, he scored Liverpool’s lone strike. Already with three hat-tricks – as many as Gerrard has in his career – in three different competitions in less than three seasons, Benayoun’s proved a wonderful addition. Arriving at the same time as Babel, with much less fanfare, I don’t think I have to argue as to who’ll be the better player anymore.
Luis Garcia (2004-2007)
Appearances: 121
Goals: 30
This. A thousand years of this. He had a few other screamers in his time as well, and was a surprisingly excellent header of the ball for someone only 5’7”. Garcia could be an absolutely brilliant little player or could utterly infuriate you with his giveaways. I still maintain that his injury in ’06-07 was a large reason that Liverpool took two steps back that season. He wanted to go back to Spain at the same time that Liverpool were negotiating with Benayoun, and Yossi’s been an upgrade, but I still miss little Luis.
Dirk Kuyt (2006-present)
Appearances: 169
Goals: 45
It’s a bit tricky writing a glowing paragraph about Kuyt right now. He’s struggled on the right and up top, and has been even more disappointing than during the understandably difficult season when his father died. But I can’t help my soft spot for Kuyt. The official scapegoat prior to Lucas, he was easily one of the best wingers in the Premiership last season, with double-digit goals and assists. Despite long spells of profligacy, he’s a big game goalscorer – Everton, Arsenal (CL), Chelsea, and Inter, among others – who also provided some essential late winners last season. His workrate and tracking back is utterly crucial to the style of football Benitez wants to play, which is why he remains one of the first names on the team sheet.
Jermaine Pennant (2006-2008)
Appearances: 81
Goals: 3
£6.7m isn’t anything to scoff at, but Pennant is what happens when you buy English on a budget. Playing for his supposedly favorite club never provided the maturity he needed, and a few decent performances in his first season – including an unbelievable goal against Chelsea and an arguable man of the match in the 2007 CL Final – were pretty much the highlight of his Liverpool career. For a fleet right-winger, he seemed to have just one pitch – the lofted back post cross – which only Crouch thrived on. I lost track of the number of times I screamed “RUN AT YOUR MAN” at the TV when Pennant was playing. It was little surprise to see him leave as soon as his contract ended, and I still hold a grudge for not leaving sooner, when Liverpool could have gotten a fee for him.
Vladimir Smicer (1999-2005)
Appearances: 184
Goals: 19
Recruited to fill the void left by McManaman, Smicer’s injury problems and trouble adapting to English football saw him in and out of the squad over his entire Liverpool career. When he was fit – like during the treble season and the year after – he had some impressive moments: a winner against Chelsea in 2002 and excellent performances in European victories over Dortmund and Roma. Like many other squad players, he was essential to Liverpool’s ’04-05 Champions League campaign. Although Kewell got the nod in the final, Smicer replaced him a half an hour in, scoring the second goal with a speculative long-range effort, and tallying a crucial penalty in the shootout with the last kick of his Liverpool career.
Well, the last vote was the closest. Hamann took second over Mascherano by five votes. I haven’t been closing the polls, so things might change, but I doubt it.
The team so far is:
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Alonso Hamann
The next three votes – RM, LM, and second striker – are going to see some repeat names. Liverpool’s had a fair few players that could play anywhere along the line of three. Unless they win, I’m probably going to be listing Benayoun, Garcia, and Smicer more than once.
Once again, I could see this vote being quite close.
Yossi Benayoun (2007-present)
Appearances: 111
Goals: 26
I hate to think how much worse this season could be without Benayoun. He’s often been the only goal threat in Torres’ absence. Even yesterday, when he flitted in and out of the game, he scored Liverpool’s lone strike. Already with three hat-tricks – as many as Gerrard has in his career – in three different competitions in less than three seasons, Benayoun’s proved a wonderful addition. Arriving at the same time as Babel, with much less fanfare, I don’t think I have to argue as to who’ll be the better player anymore.
Luis Garcia (2004-2007)
Appearances: 121
Goals: 30
This. A thousand years of this. He had a few other screamers in his time as well, and was a surprisingly excellent header of the ball for someone only 5’7”. Garcia could be an absolutely brilliant little player or could utterly infuriate you with his giveaways. I still maintain that his injury in ’06-07 was a large reason that Liverpool took two steps back that season. He wanted to go back to Spain at the same time that Liverpool were negotiating with Benayoun, and Yossi’s been an upgrade, but I still miss little Luis.
Dirk Kuyt (2006-present)
Appearances: 169
Goals: 45
It’s a bit tricky writing a glowing paragraph about Kuyt right now. He’s struggled on the right and up top, and has been even more disappointing than during the understandably difficult season when his father died. But I can’t help my soft spot for Kuyt. The official scapegoat prior to Lucas, he was easily one of the best wingers in the Premiership last season, with double-digit goals and assists. Despite long spells of profligacy, he’s a big game goalscorer – Everton, Arsenal (CL), Chelsea, and Inter, among others – who also provided some essential late winners last season. His workrate and tracking back is utterly crucial to the style of football Benitez wants to play, which is why he remains one of the first names on the team sheet.
Jermaine Pennant (2006-2008)
Appearances: 81
Goals: 3
£6.7m isn’t anything to scoff at, but Pennant is what happens when you buy English on a budget. Playing for his supposedly favorite club never provided the maturity he needed, and a few decent performances in his first season – including an unbelievable goal against Chelsea and an arguable man of the match in the 2007 CL Final – were pretty much the highlight of his Liverpool career. For a fleet right-winger, he seemed to have just one pitch – the lofted back post cross – which only Crouch thrived on. I lost track of the number of times I screamed “RUN AT YOUR MAN” at the TV when Pennant was playing. It was little surprise to see him leave as soon as his contract ended, and I still hold a grudge for not leaving sooner, when Liverpool could have gotten a fee for him.
Vladimir Smicer (1999-2005)
Appearances: 184
Goals: 19
Recruited to fill the void left by McManaman, Smicer’s injury problems and trouble adapting to English football saw him in and out of the squad over his entire Liverpool career. When he was fit – like during the treble season and the year after – he had some impressive moments: a winner against Chelsea in 2002 and excellent performances in European victories over Dortmund and Roma. Like many other squad players, he was essential to Liverpool’s ’04-05 Champions League campaign. Although Kewell got the nod in the final, Smicer replaced him a half an hour in, scoring the second goal with a speculative long-range effort, and tallying a crucial penalty in the shootout with the last kick of his Liverpool career.
06 December 2009
Team of the Decade – Central Midfield
Previous posts: Formation | Keeper | Right Back | Centerback | Left Back
As a reminder, the formation we’re using for this competition is 4-2-3-1. I probably should have titled this “Team of the Decade – Defensive Midfield,” but that seemed too limiting, even if it’s an adequate summation of the formation under Benitez this season (okay, I may still be bitter over Saturday).
Second, and probably controversially, I’m not including Gerrard in this ballot. Whether he’s best in central midfield, on the right, or as a second striker is a valid argument. But it’s an argument I’d rather avoid here. Gerrard’s almost always the second striker/central attacking midfielder in Benitez’s 4-2-3-1. Plus, if I list him here, chances are he wins, and there’s no point discussing him for second striker. Yes, it also renders the vote over second striker moot, but I like this option better. And there are seven good choices to pick from here even without Stevie. This is the one executive decision I’m making. Sorry if you don’t like it.
Pick two from seven. Please pick two; the vote for CB didn’t add up to 100% for two players because some only voted for one. Yes, Carra and Hyypia were always going to win, but I reckon this poll might be a bit closer.
Xabi Alonso (2004-2009)
Appearances: 210
Goals: 19
Too soon. Way too soon to write this, as if it’s some sort of obituary for both Alonso and this season. I’m obviously going to overemphasize his importance because of how this campaign’s gone. Who knows how much his sale – which he forced – is responsible, or injuries, or squad depth, or karma, or whatever. But I miss his cross-field passes. I miss the way his first touch created time and space from nothing. I miss his laugh. I miss his scent. I miss his musk. You know what, let’s just stop now. This is turning out even creepier than intended.
Dietmar Hamann (1999-2006)
Appearances: 283
Goals: 11
The man that changed Istanbul. Naming Kewell as a starter, as a second striker off Baros in a formation similar to the one Liverpool currently deploys, wasn’t one of Benitez’s best moments as a manager. But bringing on Hamann at halftime for a defender sure was, and six crazy minutes saw Liverpool pull level as Didi completely took Kaka out of the game. Smashing in the first penalty was the cherry on top. But to remember him solely for Istanbul is a massive disservice. The quintessential German holding midfielder, but somehow a Scouser through and through. I’m certain that playing alongside Hamann immeasurably improved Gerrard. By 2006, aging and with Sissoko waiting in the wings, he was surplus to requirements, but Didi was dependable to the end.
Lucas (2007-present)
Appearances: 91
Goals: 4
Some might see his inclusion in this poll as proof of my pro-Lucas bias. It’s a fair accusation. But he’s only played 18 fewer matches than Mascherano and four more than McAllister or Sissoko. That doesn’t mean he’s the equal of either Masch or Macca; I’d vote for both before Lucas. But I’ll keep insisting that the Brazilian is underrated, deserves to be mentioned here, and has the potential to be a top-class central midfielder. Only 22, he's already made 91 appearances at one of the world's biggest clubs in a league with notably few Brazilians. Some growing pains are to be expected, and that he’s been more conservative than hoped, less of a box-to-box midfielder, isn’t all that surprising. There’s more to come, believe me.
Javier Mascherano (2007-present)
Appearances: 109
Goals: 1 (I’m tempted to count last week’s against Everton as well, but it’s probably Yobo’s)
The monster, the destroyer. Shiva reincarnate. Mascherano is a laser-guided missile that targets and usually takes the ball. On his day, he’s the best defensive midfielder in the world. But, in football vernacular, he’s a water carrier, limited in the opposition half. He hasn’t shown anywhere near the range of passing or creativity needed after the loss of Alonso, and having his head turned by Barca over the summer at the same time Argentina was struggling to qualify for the World Cup certainly didn’t help. But, thankfully, Masch has shown signs of being back to his best in recent games.
Gary McAllister (2000-2002)
Appearances: 87
Goals: 9
Liverpool doesn’t win the treble without Gary McAllister. It simply does not happen. A cool head throughout the season, he was man of the match in the final, with a hand in four of the five goals. It’s a dire shame we didn’t see him in a Liverpool shirt until he was 35, but he was still a peerless midfielder even at that age, and his experience was what gelled the team. Plus, he did this in the 94th minute of a derby at Goodison. That would be a 3-2 winner from 45 yards out. I can watch that all day long.
Danny Murphy (1997-2004)
Appearances: 249
Goals: 44
Danny Murphy, Manc Slayer. Since 2000, Liverpool faced United 11 times with Murphy in the team. They lost only three of those, winning seven (including the Community Shield and League Cup final) over a five-year span where United won three titles. And Murphy scored the winner in three 1-0 games. That alone is enough to make him a legend. Spud was shipped out soon after Benitez arrived because he was one of the few in the squad Rafa could make money on. His sale to Charlton arguably helped finance the Alonso deal, as that’s who he made way for. Or it funded the Josemi deal. Whichever. Murphy’s had a decent career since, and is currently a cornerstone at Fulham as captain, but he’s never hit the heights had as a Red.
Momo Sissoko (2005-2007)
Appearances: 87
Goals: 1
“He’s magic, you know. You’ll never get past Sissoko.” Momo was boss for two seasons, including utterly dominating performances against Barca in the CL and Chelsea in the Community Shield. But when Mascherano was gifted to Liverpool because of West Ham’s stupidity, Sissoko became expendable. The intervening years have shown that Mascherano’s not the vast improvement in passing we had hoped, but he’s a far better all-around midfielder than Momo, who’s done well in Italy after moving to Juventus, where he has the time on the ball he needs.
As a reminder, the formation we’re using for this competition is 4-2-3-1. I probably should have titled this “Team of the Decade – Defensive Midfield,” but that seemed too limiting, even if it’s an adequate summation of the formation under Benitez this season (okay, I may still be bitter over Saturday).
Second, and probably controversially, I’m not including Gerrard in this ballot. Whether he’s best in central midfield, on the right, or as a second striker is a valid argument. But it’s an argument I’d rather avoid here. Gerrard’s almost always the second striker/central attacking midfielder in Benitez’s 4-2-3-1. Plus, if I list him here, chances are he wins, and there’s no point discussing him for second striker. Yes, it also renders the vote over second striker moot, but I like this option better. And there are seven good choices to pick from here even without Stevie. This is the one executive decision I’m making. Sorry if you don’t like it.
Pick two from seven. Please pick two; the vote for CB didn’t add up to 100% for two players because some only voted for one. Yes, Carra and Hyypia were always going to win, but I reckon this poll might be a bit closer.
Xabi Alonso (2004-2009)
Appearances: 210
Goals: 19
Too soon. Way too soon to write this, as if it’s some sort of obituary for both Alonso and this season. I’m obviously going to overemphasize his importance because of how this campaign’s gone. Who knows how much his sale – which he forced – is responsible, or injuries, or squad depth, or karma, or whatever. But I miss his cross-field passes. I miss the way his first touch created time and space from nothing. I miss his laugh. I miss his scent. I miss his musk. You know what, let’s just stop now. This is turning out even creepier than intended.
Dietmar Hamann (1999-2006)
Appearances: 283
Goals: 11
The man that changed Istanbul. Naming Kewell as a starter, as a second striker off Baros in a formation similar to the one Liverpool currently deploys, wasn’t one of Benitez’s best moments as a manager. But bringing on Hamann at halftime for a defender sure was, and six crazy minutes saw Liverpool pull level as Didi completely took Kaka out of the game. Smashing in the first penalty was the cherry on top. But to remember him solely for Istanbul is a massive disservice. The quintessential German holding midfielder, but somehow a Scouser through and through. I’m certain that playing alongside Hamann immeasurably improved Gerrard. By 2006, aging and with Sissoko waiting in the wings, he was surplus to requirements, but Didi was dependable to the end.
Lucas (2007-present)
Appearances: 91
Goals: 4
Some might see his inclusion in this poll as proof of my pro-Lucas bias. It’s a fair accusation. But he’s only played 18 fewer matches than Mascherano and four more than McAllister or Sissoko. That doesn’t mean he’s the equal of either Masch or Macca; I’d vote for both before Lucas. But I’ll keep insisting that the Brazilian is underrated, deserves to be mentioned here, and has the potential to be a top-class central midfielder. Only 22, he's already made 91 appearances at one of the world's biggest clubs in a league with notably few Brazilians. Some growing pains are to be expected, and that he’s been more conservative than hoped, less of a box-to-box midfielder, isn’t all that surprising. There’s more to come, believe me.
Javier Mascherano (2007-present)
Appearances: 109
Goals: 1 (I’m tempted to count last week’s against Everton as well, but it’s probably Yobo’s)
The monster, the destroyer. Shiva reincarnate. Mascherano is a laser-guided missile that targets and usually takes the ball. On his day, he’s the best defensive midfielder in the world. But, in football vernacular, he’s a water carrier, limited in the opposition half. He hasn’t shown anywhere near the range of passing or creativity needed after the loss of Alonso, and having his head turned by Barca over the summer at the same time Argentina was struggling to qualify for the World Cup certainly didn’t help. But, thankfully, Masch has shown signs of being back to his best in recent games.
Gary McAllister (2000-2002)
Appearances: 87
Goals: 9
Liverpool doesn’t win the treble without Gary McAllister. It simply does not happen. A cool head throughout the season, he was man of the match in the final, with a hand in four of the five goals. It’s a dire shame we didn’t see him in a Liverpool shirt until he was 35, but he was still a peerless midfielder even at that age, and his experience was what gelled the team. Plus, he did this in the 94th minute of a derby at Goodison. That would be a 3-2 winner from 45 yards out. I can watch that all day long.
Danny Murphy (1997-2004)
Appearances: 249
Goals: 44
Danny Murphy, Manc Slayer. Since 2000, Liverpool faced United 11 times with Murphy in the team. They lost only three of those, winning seven (including the Community Shield and League Cup final) over a five-year span where United won three titles. And Murphy scored the winner in three 1-0 games. That alone is enough to make him a legend. Spud was shipped out soon after Benitez arrived because he was one of the few in the squad Rafa could make money on. His sale to Charlton arguably helped finance the Alonso deal, as that’s who he made way for. Or it funded the Josemi deal. Whichever. Murphy’s had a decent career since, and is currently a cornerstone at Fulham as captain, but he’s never hit the heights had as a Red.
Momo Sissoko (2005-2007)
Appearances: 87
Goals: 1
“He’s magic, you know. You’ll never get past Sissoko.” Momo was boss for two seasons, including utterly dominating performances against Barca in the CL and Chelsea in the Community Shield. But when Mascherano was gifted to Liverpool because of West Ham’s stupidity, Sissoko became expendable. The intervening years have shown that Mascherano’s not the vast improvement in passing we had hoped, but he’s a far better all-around midfielder than Momo, who’s done well in Italy after moving to Juventus, where he has the time on the ball he needs.
03 December 2009
Team of the Decade: Left Back
Previous posts: Formation | Keeper | Right Back | Centerback
Almost done with the defense!
Fabio Aurelio (2006-present)
Appearances: 98
Goals: 4
Aurelio’s probably the most “talented” player on this list, a tremendous passer and dead ball specialist. A free transfer as well. But he’s struggled to stay in the side through three-plus seasons thanks to injuries, including a freak accident playing footie with his kids last summer. When he’s had an extended run of games, he’s been fantastic; Inter home and away and 4-1 win over United pop immediately to mind. But his fragility prompted the signing of Dossena and has given Insua the time to blossom.
Emiliano Insua (2007-present)
Appearances: 37
Goals: 1
Okay, so he made the list because I needed a fifth option and have preached about the player since his debut against Portsmouth in 2007. Still only 20 and an Argentinean international, he’s rendered the £7m Dossena moot (and that’s £7m Benitez could have used elsewhere). Admittedly, Insua’s started the majority of the games this season and Liverpool’s backline has looked unusually shaky. You can’t deny coincidences. But he’s shown signs for the future, and hopefully heralds the maturation of Benitez’s youth policy.
John Arne Riise (2001-2008)
Appearances: 348
Goals: 31
A calamity-prone last campaign, including an incredibly ill advised own goal, is what’ll make this poll even close. The daywalker had more than double the appearances of any other left back, first choice for nearly seven seasons. A Duracell battery of a player – Kuyt before Kuyt – with a cannon for a left foot (pity his right foot was only there for balance). This might be one of my favorite goals ever. He wasn’t always a defensive liability either, part of the tremendous backline along with Finnan, Carra, and Hyypia, who’ve already made this team. “John Arne Riise, ooh, ahh, I wanna know…”
Djimi Traore (1999-2006)
Appearances: 141
Goals: 1
Comedy inclusion. Despite seven years at the club, I was still surprised he made over 140 appearances. Traore was probably better at center back, but played more on the left when needed, including in Istanbul, where his goal line clearance helped Liverpool hold on for penalties. However, naturally, he’ll be best remembered for the Zidane turn that knocked Liverpool out of the ‘04-05 FA Cup.
Stevie Warnock (2004-2007)
Appearances: 67
Goals: 1
The last of the Owen/Gerrard generation to come through the Academy. Impressing on loan at Coventry in 2003, Warnock came back from two broken legs to feature for the first team. An honest defender – you couldn’t find a player more willing for the cause. But Riise and Aurelio were always ahead of Warnock, and the defender was sold to Blackburn when still just 25. Now he’s part of the “buy everyone English” project at Villa.
Almost done with the defense!
Fabio Aurelio (2006-present)
Appearances: 98
Goals: 4
Aurelio’s probably the most “talented” player on this list, a tremendous passer and dead ball specialist. A free transfer as well. But he’s struggled to stay in the side through three-plus seasons thanks to injuries, including a freak accident playing footie with his kids last summer. When he’s had an extended run of games, he’s been fantastic; Inter home and away and 4-1 win over United pop immediately to mind. But his fragility prompted the signing of Dossena and has given Insua the time to blossom.
Emiliano Insua (2007-present)
Appearances: 37
Goals: 1
Okay, so he made the list because I needed a fifth option and have preached about the player since his debut against Portsmouth in 2007. Still only 20 and an Argentinean international, he’s rendered the £7m Dossena moot (and that’s £7m Benitez could have used elsewhere). Admittedly, Insua’s started the majority of the games this season and Liverpool’s backline has looked unusually shaky. You can’t deny coincidences. But he’s shown signs for the future, and hopefully heralds the maturation of Benitez’s youth policy.
John Arne Riise (2001-2008)
Appearances: 348
Goals: 31
A calamity-prone last campaign, including an incredibly ill advised own goal, is what’ll make this poll even close. The daywalker had more than double the appearances of any other left back, first choice for nearly seven seasons. A Duracell battery of a player – Kuyt before Kuyt – with a cannon for a left foot (pity his right foot was only there for balance). This might be one of my favorite goals ever. He wasn’t always a defensive liability either, part of the tremendous backline along with Finnan, Carra, and Hyypia, who’ve already made this team. “John Arne Riise, ooh, ahh, I wanna know…”
Djimi Traore (1999-2006)
Appearances: 141
Goals: 1
Comedy inclusion. Despite seven years at the club, I was still surprised he made over 140 appearances. Traore was probably better at center back, but played more on the left when needed, including in Istanbul, where his goal line clearance helped Liverpool hold on for penalties. However, naturally, he’ll be best remembered for the Zidane turn that knocked Liverpool out of the ‘04-05 FA Cup.
Stevie Warnock (2004-2007)
Appearances: 67
Goals: 1
The last of the Owen/Gerrard generation to come through the Academy. Impressing on loan at Coventry in 2003, Warnock came back from two broken legs to feature for the first team. An honest defender – you couldn’t find a player more willing for the cause. But Riise and Aurelio were always ahead of Warnock, and the defender was sold to Blackburn when still just 25. Now he’s part of the “buy everyone English” project at Villa.
30 November 2009
Team of the Decade – Centerback
Previous posts: Formation | Keeper | Right Back
I could fill out this list with names like Kyrgiakos, Paletta, or Pellegrino, but it’s not worth it. Pick two from these five, and I’m pretty sure I can guess which two it’ll be.
Daniel Agger (2006-present)
Appearances: 87
Goals: 6
I’ll admit it. Agger’s probably my favorite Liverpool player. And I still can’t bring myself to vote for him. On his day, Agger is Liverpool’s classiest defender since Alan Hansen. Composed on the ball, capable of bringing it out of defense, quick, and one of the better headers in the current backline. It’s little coincidence that Liverpool’s best defensive spells have come when Agger’s been fit. Which is also his main problem – Agger’s been far too injury-prone since his arrival, only featuring in 87 games since arriving in 2006.
Jamie Carragher (1997-present)
Appearances: 596
Goals: 5 (6 if we count Boro last year)
You know the routine. A Jack-of-All-Trades – centerback, left back, right back, and defensive midfielder – before Benitez arrived, he’s now the archetypal Scouser and the cornerstone of the team. The captain without the armband. Juventus and Chelsea at Anfield, and Istanbul, among many, many others. In four games, he’ll be the ninth Liverpool player to make 600 appearances, with an excellent shout to finish second all-time behind Ian Callaghan. 'We all dream of a team of Carraghers' doesn't come close to covering it.
Stephane Henchoz (1999-2004)
Appearances: 205
Goals: 0
Thank Blackburn for getting relegated after ’98-99, allowing Henchoz to leave for only £3.5m. His partnership with Hyypia was one of the smartest things Houllier did (along with developing Owen and Gerrard). Now best, and unfairly, remembered for keeping Carra out of the center, Henchoz was a typically reliable defender, and the Henchoz/Hyypia pairing helped turn the corner from the ‘all offense, no defense’ Roy Evans days.
Sami Hyypia (1999-2009)
Appearances: 464
Goals: 35
One paragraph won’t do him justice. We’ve missed Sami this season. Cost £2.5m, started for nearly 10 straight seasons. A former captain whose won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, two FA Cups, two Carling Cups, two Super Cups, and two Charity Shields. Countless crucial goals, including those against Juventus and Arsenal in Europe. Just an absolute colossus – the term Shankly used to describe Ron Yeats, and one I bet Shanks would approve of for Sami.
Martin Skrtel (2008-present)
Appearances: 65
Goals: 1
Almost didn’t make the list despite 65 appearances because of the class in front of him. But that’d be a disservice to Skrtel. With Agger out for almost all of ’07-08, Skrtel was bought in January – a then-record fee of £6.8m for a defender. By that point, Liverpool were out of the title race, having conceded the most goals in any of Benitez’s seasons in charge. Skrtel was crucial, utterly crucial, in solidifying the defense; Liverpool lost a lead, and dropped points, in five games before the Slovakian arrived. That only happened once after Skrtel signed. We haven’t seen enough progress since then, with Agger reclaiming his spot, but given Skrtel’s age, there’s undoubtedly more to come.
I could fill out this list with names like Kyrgiakos, Paletta, or Pellegrino, but it’s not worth it. Pick two from these five, and I’m pretty sure I can guess which two it’ll be.
Daniel Agger (2006-present)
Appearances: 87
Goals: 6
I’ll admit it. Agger’s probably my favorite Liverpool player. And I still can’t bring myself to vote for him. On his day, Agger is Liverpool’s classiest defender since Alan Hansen. Composed on the ball, capable of bringing it out of defense, quick, and one of the better headers in the current backline. It’s little coincidence that Liverpool’s best defensive spells have come when Agger’s been fit. Which is also his main problem – Agger’s been far too injury-prone since his arrival, only featuring in 87 games since arriving in 2006.
Jamie Carragher (1997-present)
Appearances: 596
Goals: 5 (6 if we count Boro last year)
You know the routine. A Jack-of-All-Trades – centerback, left back, right back, and defensive midfielder – before Benitez arrived, he’s now the archetypal Scouser and the cornerstone of the team. The captain without the armband. Juventus and Chelsea at Anfield, and Istanbul, among many, many others. In four games, he’ll be the ninth Liverpool player to make 600 appearances, with an excellent shout to finish second all-time behind Ian Callaghan. 'We all dream of a team of Carraghers' doesn't come close to covering it.
Stephane Henchoz (1999-2004)
Appearances: 205
Goals: 0
Thank Blackburn for getting relegated after ’98-99, allowing Henchoz to leave for only £3.5m. His partnership with Hyypia was one of the smartest things Houllier did (along with developing Owen and Gerrard). Now best, and unfairly, remembered for keeping Carra out of the center, Henchoz was a typically reliable defender, and the Henchoz/Hyypia pairing helped turn the corner from the ‘all offense, no defense’ Roy Evans days.
Sami Hyypia (1999-2009)
Appearances: 464
Goals: 35
One paragraph won’t do him justice. We’ve missed Sami this season. Cost £2.5m, started for nearly 10 straight seasons. A former captain whose won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, two FA Cups, two Carling Cups, two Super Cups, and two Charity Shields. Countless crucial goals, including those against Juventus and Arsenal in Europe. Just an absolute colossus – the term Shankly used to describe Ron Yeats, and one I bet Shanks would approve of for Sami.
Martin Skrtel (2008-present)
Appearances: 65
Goals: 1
Almost didn’t make the list despite 65 appearances because of the class in front of him. But that’d be a disservice to Skrtel. With Agger out for almost all of ’07-08, Skrtel was bought in January – a then-record fee of £6.8m for a defender. By that point, Liverpool were out of the title race, having conceded the most goals in any of Benitez’s seasons in charge. Skrtel was crucial, utterly crucial, in solidifying the defense; Liverpool lost a lead, and dropped points, in five games before the Slovakian arrived. That only happened once after Skrtel signed. We haven’t seen enough progress since then, with Agger reclaiming his spot, but given Skrtel’s age, there’s undoubtedly more to come.
26 November 2009
Team of the Decade: Right Back
Previous Posts: Formation | Keeper
Only four candidates for this position, which will be the lowest number. Should be one of the closest votes too; I went back and forth over who to vote for incessantly while writing this. I can make real arguments for picking any of these four. Remember, this is a 4-2-3-1 formation, so we might want to include attacking impetus in picking the fullbacks.
Alvaro Arbeloa (2007-2009)
Appearances: 98
Goals: 2
Somehow, Benitez turned Josemi into Kromkamp into Arbeloa for no additional money. Arbeloa made his mark early on, impressing against Barca in one of his first games, shutting down Messi from left back. It didn’t take long to establish himself ahead of Finnan. Like the Irishman, Arbeloa was arguably too defensive for a title-challenging club, especially with the way Benitez’s tactics have evolved. I still miss his goal celebrations, though.
Markus Babbel (2000-2002)
Appearances: 73
Goals: 6
Arriving on a free transfer in 2000, Babbel was crucial in the 2001 treble success, and would have been a brilliant right back for years had he not contracted Guillain-Barre syndrome. Just the right mix of attacking and defense, Babbel scored some crucial goals, including one in the UEFA Cup final against Alaves. After missing nearly all of 01/02 to the disease, he struggled in 02/03, playing mainly with the reserves, and was loaned to Blackburn the following season. If only.
Steve Finnan (2003-2008)
Appearances: 217
Goals: 1
It took Finnan a season to make the right back position his own, with Carragher still vying for time as a fullback under Houllier, but when Finnan claimed the spot, he kept it for the next three seasons. The Finnan-Carragher-Hyypia-Riise backline was the rock Benitez built upon, and Finnan was a huge part of it. He was my player of the season in 2006-07. Always described with terms like “reliable” and “consistent,” Finnan rarely offered enough going forward, which is why Benitez looked to replace him with the likes of Josemi and Kromkamp before an Arbeloa-sized crowbar finally pried him out, but it’s hard to find a more consistent defending fullback over that time period.
Glen Johnson (2009-present)
Appearances: 15
Goals: 2
It’s probably too soon into his Liverpool career to anoint Glen Johnson the right back of the decade, what with only 15 games, and not the best results from those 15. But he’s the type of player who changes games, and Liverpool certainly needs more of those. Two goals and three assists in his first five games demonstrate why Benitez was willing to pay £17m for a fullback. I truly expect great things from him, but he's been a starter for less than half a season, and it's been an ignominious half-season at that.
Only four candidates for this position, which will be the lowest number. Should be one of the closest votes too; I went back and forth over who to vote for incessantly while writing this. I can make real arguments for picking any of these four. Remember, this is a 4-2-3-1 formation, so we might want to include attacking impetus in picking the fullbacks.
Alvaro Arbeloa (2007-2009)
Appearances: 98
Goals: 2
Somehow, Benitez turned Josemi into Kromkamp into Arbeloa for no additional money. Arbeloa made his mark early on, impressing against Barca in one of his first games, shutting down Messi from left back. It didn’t take long to establish himself ahead of Finnan. Like the Irishman, Arbeloa was arguably too defensive for a title-challenging club, especially with the way Benitez’s tactics have evolved. I still miss his goal celebrations, though.
Markus Babbel (2000-2002)
Appearances: 73
Goals: 6
Arriving on a free transfer in 2000, Babbel was crucial in the 2001 treble success, and would have been a brilliant right back for years had he not contracted Guillain-Barre syndrome. Just the right mix of attacking and defense, Babbel scored some crucial goals, including one in the UEFA Cup final against Alaves. After missing nearly all of 01/02 to the disease, he struggled in 02/03, playing mainly with the reserves, and was loaned to Blackburn the following season. If only.
Steve Finnan (2003-2008)
Appearances: 217
Goals: 1
It took Finnan a season to make the right back position his own, with Carragher still vying for time as a fullback under Houllier, but when Finnan claimed the spot, he kept it for the next three seasons. The Finnan-Carragher-Hyypia-Riise backline was the rock Benitez built upon, and Finnan was a huge part of it. He was my player of the season in 2006-07. Always described with terms like “reliable” and “consistent,” Finnan rarely offered enough going forward, which is why Benitez looked to replace him with the likes of Josemi and Kromkamp before an Arbeloa-sized crowbar finally pried him out, but it’s hard to find a more consistent defending fullback over that time period.
Glen Johnson (2009-present)
Appearances: 15
Goals: 2
It’s probably too soon into his Liverpool career to anoint Glen Johnson the right back of the decade, what with only 15 games, and not the best results from those 15. But he’s the type of player who changes games, and Liverpool certainly needs more of those. Two goals and three assists in his first five games demonstrate why Benitez was willing to pay £17m for a fullback. I truly expect great things from him, but he's been a starter for less than half a season, and it's been an ignominious half-season at that.
22 November 2009
Team of the Decade – Keeper
Previous Posts: Formation
Okay, a bit of a change in the calendar. Depending on when/if there’s a midweek match posts in this series will go up on Sunday/Wednesday or Monday/Thursday. And since I’ll have the preview for Tuesday’s match up Monday afternoon, I’d like to give these polls a bit of time at the top of the blog.
4-2-3-1 ended up running away with the formation vote. So the positions up for selection will be GK, RB, CB (pick two), LB, CM (pick two), RM, LM, Second Striker, and Striker. I’m not listing every player to have played for the club, just those with a marginal chance of winning. Gerrard will only be listed as a second striker because he’s best in that position in this formation, and he’ll win the poll in whatever position he’s listed. I also reserve the right to reuse some of the same players across the line of three in attack if they don’t win the vote for the previous position (specifically, players like Benayoun, Smicer, and Luis Garcia).
I’ll have some relevant stats and a short paragraph from my memories of each player. If it seems worthwhile, we may also have a vote on the bench from those who don’t make the starting XI. If there are any other suggestions on how you’d like to see this poll run, I’m all ears.
Scott Carson (2005-06)
Appearances: 9
Clean Sheets: 2
Okay, so goalkeeper is one of the toughest positions to fill out. There’ll be no other positions where a player in contention’s only appeared nine times. But Carson delivered a couple of memorable moments, specifically the first leg against Juventus on the road to Istanbul. A late away goal took the some of the luster off, but a 19-year-old Carson deputizing in a 2-1 win over Juventus in only his third start (his first in Europe) was utterly immense.
Jerzy Dudek (2001-07)
Appearances: 186
Clean Sheets: 74
Do the Dudek! Without the big Pole, Liverpool probably wouldn’t have won their fifth European Cup. But Dudek never truly inspired confidence during his time as keeper, and no one seemed too bothered when Reina was bought after the 2005 CL Final. Not quite “Calamity” Jerzy, but still far too mistake-prone to be a true great. Yet, he’ll always be a legend because of Istanbul.
Chris Kirkland (2001-04)
Appearances: 45
Clean Sheets: 12
My fondest memory of Kirkland came not for the club, but England – his father winning almost £10,000 when Kirky won his first international cap – which probably says enough. Still, he was an able deputy for three years, only prevented from securing the starting job due to a string of unfortunate injuries, and he’s turned into a serviceable keeper for Wigan (postscript: I wrote this 12 hours before he let in nine goals at Spurs).
Pepe Reina (2005-present)
Appearances: 224
Clean Sheets: 109
At £6m, Reina’s arguably been Benitez’s best pound-for-pound signing. Three Golden Gloves (for most clean sheets) over his first four seasons, Pepe’s improved every year. He was sketchy on crosses for his first couple of campaigns, but has gotten better with age, and continues to be an outstanding shot stopper and a peerless distributor. I’d consider him the best in the league even if he weren’t a Liverpool player.
Sander Westerveld (1999-2002)
Appearances: 103
Clean Sheets: 42
The keeper for Liverpool’s 2000-01 treble run, Westerveld was on his way out after Houllier signed both Dudek and Kirkland, prompted by the erratic play that’d plagued all Liverpool keepers since Grobbelaar (who you could arguably include in that category). Still, Sander’s role in the best season under Houllier can’t be overlooked.
Okay, a bit of a change in the calendar. Depending on when/if there’s a midweek match posts in this series will go up on Sunday/Wednesday or Monday/Thursday. And since I’ll have the preview for Tuesday’s match up Monday afternoon, I’d like to give these polls a bit of time at the top of the blog.
4-2-3-1 ended up running away with the formation vote. So the positions up for selection will be GK, RB, CB (pick two), LB, CM (pick two), RM, LM, Second Striker, and Striker. I’m not listing every player to have played for the club, just those with a marginal chance of winning. Gerrard will only be listed as a second striker because he’s best in that position in this formation, and he’ll win the poll in whatever position he’s listed. I also reserve the right to reuse some of the same players across the line of three in attack if they don’t win the vote for the previous position (specifically, players like Benayoun, Smicer, and Luis Garcia).
I’ll have some relevant stats and a short paragraph from my memories of each player. If it seems worthwhile, we may also have a vote on the bench from those who don’t make the starting XI. If there are any other suggestions on how you’d like to see this poll run, I’m all ears.
Scott Carson (2005-06)
Appearances: 9
Clean Sheets: 2
Okay, so goalkeeper is one of the toughest positions to fill out. There’ll be no other positions where a player in contention’s only appeared nine times. But Carson delivered a couple of memorable moments, specifically the first leg against Juventus on the road to Istanbul. A late away goal took the some of the luster off, but a 19-year-old Carson deputizing in a 2-1 win over Juventus in only his third start (his first in Europe) was utterly immense.
Jerzy Dudek (2001-07)
Appearances: 186
Clean Sheets: 74
Do the Dudek! Without the big Pole, Liverpool probably wouldn’t have won their fifth European Cup. But Dudek never truly inspired confidence during his time as keeper, and no one seemed too bothered when Reina was bought after the 2005 CL Final. Not quite “Calamity” Jerzy, but still far too mistake-prone to be a true great. Yet, he’ll always be a legend because of Istanbul.
Chris Kirkland (2001-04)
Appearances: 45
Clean Sheets: 12
My fondest memory of Kirkland came not for the club, but England – his father winning almost £10,000 when Kirky won his first international cap – which probably says enough. Still, he was an able deputy for three years, only prevented from securing the starting job due to a string of unfortunate injuries, and he’s turned into a serviceable keeper for Wigan (postscript: I wrote this 12 hours before he let in nine goals at Spurs).
Pepe Reina (2005-present)
Appearances: 224
Clean Sheets: 109
At £6m, Reina’s arguably been Benitez’s best pound-for-pound signing. Three Golden Gloves (for most clean sheets) over his first four seasons, Pepe’s improved every year. He was sketchy on crosses for his first couple of campaigns, but has gotten better with age, and continues to be an outstanding shot stopper and a peerless distributor. I’d consider him the best in the league even if he weren’t a Liverpool player.
Sander Westerveld (1999-2002)
Appearances: 103
Clean Sheets: 42
The keeper for Liverpool’s 2000-01 treble run, Westerveld was on his way out after Houllier signed both Dudek and Kirkland, prompted by the erratic play that’d plagued all Liverpool keepers since Grobbelaar (who you could arguably include in that category). Still, Sander’s role in the best season under Houllier can’t be overlooked.
18 November 2009
Liverpool’s Team of the Decade
I know the decade technically isn’t over for another year. Don’t care. As far as I’m concerned, and for our purposes here, the decade is from 2000-2009.
And since we had such fun with the ‘compare the squads’ vote a few weeks back, I thought another poll or nine would be entertaining. Plus, it’s easy content! Win-win!
Over the next five or six weeks, I thought we’d decide the Liverpool team of the decade. On Mondays and Thursdays, I’ll post a new position, and we’ll choose the best player to feature for the club this decade. Depending on the formation, we’ll pick one or two players per position, from a selection of four to ten choices. With me so far?
As hinted at above, we’ll need to settle on a formation first. What’s the use in picking players if we don’t decide how they’ll be deployed? To mix my sports metaphors, if we’re playing fantasy football, we might as well go the whole nine yards.
4-4-2’s the easiest, but it means Gerrard’s a central midfielder, to be paired with one of Alonso, Hamann, Mascherano, Murphy, etc. 4-2-3-1 only needs one striker, and it’d probably be Torres. I added 3-5-2 to fill out the poll – really, this should be a choice between 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1, and I don’t want to make an executive decision – but it opens up a plethora of questions. Liverpool’s flanks have been dubious throughout the decade; having wingbacks might open up possibilities for better players. And Benitez has used 3-4-3 a couple of times (at Portsmouth last year and at Sunderland this).
So, which would you want to see? And on Monday, we’ll start picking the players, beginning with goalkeeper.
And since we had such fun with the ‘compare the squads’ vote a few weeks back, I thought another poll or nine would be entertaining. Plus, it’s easy content! Win-win!
Over the next five or six weeks, I thought we’d decide the Liverpool team of the decade. On Mondays and Thursdays, I’ll post a new position, and we’ll choose the best player to feature for the club this decade. Depending on the formation, we’ll pick one or two players per position, from a selection of four to ten choices. With me so far?
As hinted at above, we’ll need to settle on a formation first. What’s the use in picking players if we don’t decide how they’ll be deployed? To mix my sports metaphors, if we’re playing fantasy football, we might as well go the whole nine yards.
4-4-2’s the easiest, but it means Gerrard’s a central midfielder, to be paired with one of Alonso, Hamann, Mascherano, Murphy, etc. 4-2-3-1 only needs one striker, and it’d probably be Torres. I added 3-5-2 to fill out the poll – really, this should be a choice between 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1, and I don’t want to make an executive decision – but it opens up a plethora of questions. Liverpool’s flanks have been dubious throughout the decade; having wingbacks might open up possibilities for better players. And Benitez has used 3-4-3 a couple of times (at Portsmouth last year and at Sunderland this).
So, which would you want to see? And on Monday, we’ll start picking the players, beginning with goalkeeper.
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