No one's suggesting that Aquilani is 'without talent'. I think the problem is tactical - Rafa wants two holding midfielders who can both tackle and shield the defence. He knew when he bought Aquilani that he was more mobile and attack-minded, but at the time we seemed to have a very solid defence and our main problem was breaking down the smaller teams at home. With Sami and Xabi gone, our defence suddenly looks a lot less solid and needs more protection. IMO Rafa is too fearful/cautious to play Aquilani - he thinks he's bought the wrong *type* of player - and that's why, unless we get a new manager, the transfer will sooner or later be branded a total failure.
Aqualani..Keane part 2
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[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019164#msg1019164 date=1261420473]
No one's suggesting that Aquilani is 'without talent'. I think the problem is tactical - Rafa wants two holding midfielders who can both tackle and shield the defence. He knew when he bought Aquilani that he was more mobile and attack-minded, but at the time we seemed to have a very solid defence and our main problem was breaking down the smaller teams at home. With Sami and Xabi gone, our defence suddenly looks a lot less solid and needs more protection. IMO Rafa is too fearful/cautious to play Aquilani - he thinks he's bought the wrong *type* of player - and that's why, unless we get a new manager, the transfer will sooner or later be branded a total failure.
[/quote]
This doesnt make sense at all.
No one's suggesting that Aquilani is 'without talent'. I think the problem is tactical - Rafa wants two holding midfielders who can both tackle and shield the defence. He knew when he bought Aquilani that he was more mobile and attack-minded, but at the time we seemed to have a very solid defence and our main problem was breaking down the smaller teams at home. With Sami and Xabi gone, our defence suddenly looks a lot less solid and needs more protection. IMO Rafa is too fearful/cautious to play Aquilani - he thinks he's bought the wrong *type* of player - and that's why, unless we get a new manager, the transfer will sooner or later be branded a total failure.
[/quote]
This doesnt make sense at all.
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019164#msg1019164 date=1261420473]
No one's suggesting that Aquilani is 'without talent'. I think the problem is tactical - Rafa wants two holding midfielders who can both tackle and shield the defence. He knew when he bought Aquilani that he was more mobile and attack-minded, but at the time we seemed to have a very solid defence and our main problem was breaking down the smaller teams at home. With Sami and Xabi gone, our defence suddenly looks a lot less solid and needs more protection. IMO Rafa is too fearful/cautious to play Aquilani - he thinks he's bought the wrong *type* of player - and that's why, unless we get a new manager, the transfer will sooner or later be branded a total failure.
[/quote]
This makes sense.
No one's suggesting that Aquilani is 'without talent'. I think the problem is tactical - Rafa wants two holding midfielders who can both tackle and shield the defence. He knew when he bought Aquilani that he was more mobile and attack-minded, but at the time we seemed to have a very solid defence and our main problem was breaking down the smaller teams at home. With Sami and Xabi gone, our defence suddenly looks a lot less solid and needs more protection. IMO Rafa is too fearful/cautious to play Aquilani - he thinks he's bought the wrong *type* of player - and that's why, unless we get a new manager, the transfer will sooner or later be branded a total failure.
[/quote]
This makes sense.
[quote author=Brendan link=topic=38040.msg1018948#msg1018948 date=1261393615]
Hansern sort of misses the point
[/quote]
Nah, I understood it alright. It's just a bit crap writing some rumour gossip shite to base the fact that he thinks Rafa has decided Alberto can't hack it.
I'd rather he wrote something after the season, then 40 mins in to his LFC career.
Then it would be a bit more believeable and not so sensionalistic written.
Hansern sort of misses the point
[/quote]
Nah, I understood it alright. It's just a bit crap writing some rumour gossip shite to base the fact that he thinks Rafa has decided Alberto can't hack it.
I'd rather he wrote something after the season, then 40 mins in to his LFC career.
Then it would be a bit more believeable and not so sensionalistic written.
[quote author=thelurker link=topic=38040.msg1019180#msg1019180 date=1261423682]
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019164#msg1019164 date=1261420473]
No one's suggesting that Aquilani is 'without talent'. I think the problem is tactical - Rafa wants two holding midfielders who can both tackle and shield the defence. He knew when he bought Aquilani that he was more mobile and attack-minded, but at the time we seemed to have a very solid defence and our main problem was breaking down the smaller teams at home. With Sami and Xabi gone, our defence suddenly looks a lot less solid and needs more protection. IMO Rafa is too fearful/cautious to play Aquilani - he thinks he's bought the wrong *type* of player - and that's why, unless we get a new manager, the transfer will sooner or later be branded a total failure.
[/quote]
This doesnt make sense at all.
[/quote]
What part doesn't make sense? It's clear as day to me.
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019164#msg1019164 date=1261420473]
No one's suggesting that Aquilani is 'without talent'. I think the problem is tactical - Rafa wants two holding midfielders who can both tackle and shield the defence. He knew when he bought Aquilani that he was more mobile and attack-minded, but at the time we seemed to have a very solid defence and our main problem was breaking down the smaller teams at home. With Sami and Xabi gone, our defence suddenly looks a lot less solid and needs more protection. IMO Rafa is too fearful/cautious to play Aquilani - he thinks he's bought the wrong *type* of player - and that's why, unless we get a new manager, the transfer will sooner or later be branded a total failure.
[/quote]
This doesnt make sense at all.
[/quote]
What part doesn't make sense? It's clear as day to me.
If Rafa has bought him then thought that it is a tactical mistake this has been an utter disaster and another of Benitez's countless wasted signings. People say he hasnt been backed, then he spends £20 million on Keane then another £20 million on Aquilani and they dont fit his own system, then he shouldnt be trusted with the boards backing, I do not care what anyone says, Keane was Benitez's signing!!!!!
Benitez is under so much pressure that I feel sure that he's trying to win every game. Scarily, that means he thinks we have a etter chance of winning games without Aqualani. Which in turn means that he thinks Aqualani would take more from the team than he'd give. Which in turn means he thinks Lucas is a better player. Which in turn means that either Aqualani is shit or Benitez hasn't a clue or both. All of which, in turn, mean Benitez should resign.
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019164#msg1019164 date=1261420473]
No one's suggesting that Aquilani is 'without talent'. I think the problem is tactical - Rafa wants two holding midfielders who can both tackle and shield the defence. He knew when he bought Aquilani that he was more mobile and attack-minded, but at the time we seemed to have a very solid defence and our main problem was breaking down the smaller teams at home. With Sami and Xabi gone, our defence suddenly looks a lot less solid and needs more protection. IMO Rafa is too fearful/cautious to play Aquilani - he thinks he's bought the wrong *type* of player - and that's why, unless we get a new manager, the transfer will sooner or later be branded a total failure.
[/quote]
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
No one's suggesting that Aquilani is 'without talent'. I think the problem is tactical - Rafa wants two holding midfielders who can both tackle and shield the defence. He knew when he bought Aquilani that he was more mobile and attack-minded, but at the time we seemed to have a very solid defence and our main problem was breaking down the smaller teams at home. With Sami and Xabi gone, our defence suddenly looks a lot less solid and needs more protection. IMO Rafa is too fearful/cautious to play Aquilani - he thinks he's bought the wrong *type* of player - and that's why, unless we get a new manager, the transfer will sooner or later be branded a total failure.
[/quote]
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
[quote author=gene hughes link=topic=38040.msg1019287#msg1019287 date=1261437301]
Benitez is under so much pressure that I feel sure that he's trying to win every game. Scarily, that means he thinks we have a etter chance of winning games without Aqualani. Which in turn means that he thinks Aqualani would take more from the team than he'd give. Which in turn means he thinks Lucas is a better player. Which in turn means that either Aqualani is shit or Benitez hasn't a clue or both. All of which, in turn, mean Benitez should resign.
[/quote]
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Benitez is under so much pressure that I feel sure that he's trying to win every game. Scarily, that means he thinks we have a etter chance of winning games without Aqualani. Which in turn means that he thinks Aqualani would take more from the team than he'd give. Which in turn means he thinks Lucas is a better player. Which in turn means that either Aqualani is shit or Benitez hasn't a clue or both. All of which, in turn, mean Benitez should resign.
[/quote]
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
There's only reason to keep on making a point if it's any good.
If i want more shit, i'll visit my local water works thanks.
If i want more shit, i'll visit my local water works thanks.
[quote author=Hansern link=topic=38040.msg1018945#msg1018945 date=1261393512]
Lineker posted his season review, and has made Aquilani the worst signing of the season. I was amazed that he could judge a player after 40 mins of PL fotball. What a joke of a pundit.
[/quote]
He is easily the worst signing of the season. He cost 20mil and never plays; whatever the reason is. How can he not be the worst signing of the season?
If this thing doesn't get turned around, I suspect he will go down as the worst Prem signing ever.
Lineker posted his season review, and has made Aquilani the worst signing of the season. I was amazed that he could judge a player after 40 mins of PL fotball. What a joke of a pundit.
[/quote]
He is easily the worst signing of the season. He cost 20mil and never plays; whatever the reason is. How can he not be the worst signing of the season?
If this thing doesn't get turned around, I suspect he will go down as the worst Prem signing ever.
[quote author=rebel23 link=topic=38040.msg1019298#msg1019298 date=1261438886]
[quote author=gene hughes link=topic=38040.msg1019287#msg1019287 date=1261437301]
Benitez is under so much pressure that I feel sure that he's trying to win every game. Scarily, that means he thinks we have a etter chance of winning games without Aqualani. Which in turn means that he thinks Aqualani would take more from the team than he'd give. Which in turn means he thinks Lucas is a better player. Which in turn means that either Aqualani is shit or Benitez hasn't a clue or both. All of which, in turn, mean Benitez should resign.
[/quote]
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
[/quote]
Say what now??
[quote author=gene hughes link=topic=38040.msg1019287#msg1019287 date=1261437301]
Benitez is under so much pressure that I feel sure that he's trying to win every game. Scarily, that means he thinks we have a etter chance of winning games without Aqualani. Which in turn means that he thinks Aqualani would take more from the team than he'd give. Which in turn means he thinks Lucas is a better player. Which in turn means that either Aqualani is shit or Benitez hasn't a clue or both. All of which, in turn, mean Benitez should resign.
[/quote]
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
[/quote]
Say what now??
rebel23 is broken.
Or his frantically waving wand has created a tear in time-space, through which it now protrudes.
Or his frantically waving wand has created a tear in time-space, through which it now protrudes.
[quote author=Skullflower link=topic=38040.msg1018933#msg1018933 date=1261390582]
'im living in new york 8 years and i met molby yesterday in the 11th street bar,home of the liverpool supporters club,he came on the beer with us at 8am yesterday,and he told us the aquilani has been training full time,doing everything that everyone else has for 5 and a half weeks,but he does'nt have the "bottle" to play in the premier league,rafa has asked him everyweek if hes ready and he keeps saying "one more week boss"or during a game when hes on the bench rafa asks him to get ready to come on and he keeps saying "10 more minutes boss" ! he got his info from carra and agger ! he says he wouldnt have taken 50million for alonso because rafas whole team and style of play was built around alonso! our team and club is f@@ked people,big time! cant afford to back the manager,cant afford to sack the manager!'
[/quote]
*cough* bullshit *cough*
'im living in new york 8 years and i met molby yesterday in the 11th street bar,home of the liverpool supporters club,he came on the beer with us at 8am yesterday,and he told us the aquilani has been training full time,doing everything that everyone else has for 5 and a half weeks,but he does'nt have the "bottle" to play in the premier league,rafa has asked him everyweek if hes ready and he keeps saying "one more week boss"or during a game when hes on the bench rafa asks him to get ready to come on and he keeps saying "10 more minutes boss" ! he got his info from carra and agger ! he says he wouldnt have taken 50million for alonso because rafas whole team and style of play was built around alonso! our team and club is f@@ked people,big time! cant afford to back the manager,cant afford to sack the manager!'
[/quote]
*cough* bullshit *cough*
S
Squiggles
Guest
I think Rebel was head banging to heavy metal when he made that post.
[quote author=SaintGeorge67 link=topic=38040.msg1019121#msg1019121 date=1261414855]
[quote author=Le Chacal link=topic=38040.msg1019111#msg1019111 date=1261412834]
Rafa will tell us Aquilani was not his signing.
[/quote]
No he won't.
[/quote]
Thats plausible though. Rafa is never short of excuses
He blamed Parry for Keane. And he just blamed the ref for our defeat at Pompey.
Im really fearing for our club at the moment.
A potential disaster is not far away if we miss out on CL next season.
The Yanks were mad to give him such a good contract. I always said it was on both Business and football perspective a massive mistake.
We need new owners and a new manager ASAP.
[quote author=Le Chacal link=topic=38040.msg1019111#msg1019111 date=1261412834]
Rafa will tell us Aquilani was not his signing.
[/quote]
No he won't.
[/quote]
Thats plausible though. Rafa is never short of excuses
He blamed Parry for Keane. And he just blamed the ref for our defeat at Pompey.
Im really fearing for our club at the moment.
A potential disaster is not far away if we miss out on CL next season.
The Yanks were mad to give him such a good contract. I always said it was on both Business and football perspective a massive mistake.
We need new owners and a new manager ASAP.
Someone needs a new headwand for Xmas
[quote author=rebel23 link=topic=38040.msg1019297#msg1019297 date=1261438822]
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019164#msg1019164 date=1261420473]
No one's suggesting that Aquilani is 'without talent'. I think the problem is tactical - Rafa wants two holding midfielders who can both tackle and shield the defence. He knew when he bought Aquilani that he was more mobile and attack-minded, but at the time we seemed to have a very solid defence and our main problem was breaking down the smaller teams at home. With Sami and Xabi gone, our defence suddenly looks a lot less solid and needs more protection. IMO Rafa is too fearful/cautious to play Aquilani - he thinks he's bought the wrong *type* of player - and that's why, unless we get a new manager, the transfer will sooner or later be branded a total failure.
[/quote]
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
[/quote]
I don't know why I'm bothering really, but he didn't buy him to play 'where Alonso played', as Rafa himself explained the day after the transfer was confirmed: he bought Aquilani to play a more advanced CM role between Mascherano and Gerrard. Strangely enough, he no longer seems to think this such a good idea.
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019164#msg1019164 date=1261420473]
No one's suggesting that Aquilani is 'without talent'. I think the problem is tactical - Rafa wants two holding midfielders who can both tackle and shield the defence. He knew when he bought Aquilani that he was more mobile and attack-minded, but at the time we seemed to have a very solid defence and our main problem was breaking down the smaller teams at home. With Sami and Xabi gone, our defence suddenly looks a lot less solid and needs more protection. IMO Rafa is too fearful/cautious to play Aquilani - he thinks he's bought the wrong *type* of player - and that's why, unless we get a new manager, the transfer will sooner or later be branded a total failure.
[/quote]
Again you're wrong and speculating, he bought him to play where Alonso played. He hasn't played because he's been injured for 8 months and being nursed back, a delicate task illustrated by the fact that he has just picked up another injury.
[/quote]
I don't know why I'm bothering really, but he didn't buy him to play 'where Alonso played', as Rafa himself explained the day after the transfer was confirmed: he bought Aquilani to play a more advanced CM role between Mascherano and Gerrard. Strangely enough, he no longer seems to think this such a good idea.
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019421#msg1019421 date=1261473414]
I don't know why I'm bothering really, but he didn't buy him to play 'where Alonso played', as Rafa himself explained the day after the transfer was confirmed: he bought Aquilani to play a more advanced CM role between Mascherano and Gerrard. Strangely enough, he no longer seems to think this such a good idea.
[/quote]
I agree with rebel actually. There isn't really enough evidence to support this theory.
I don't know why I'm bothering really, but he didn't buy him to play 'where Alonso played', as Rafa himself explained the day after the transfer was confirmed: he bought Aquilani to play a more advanced CM role between Mascherano and Gerrard. Strangely enough, he no longer seems to think this such a good idea.
[/quote]
I agree with rebel actually. There isn't really enough evidence to support this theory.
He confessed that Aquilani is a different player, but clearly at the moment he's been trying to play him in Alonso's position.
Maybe he doesn't want to change it whilst we're rubbish. Maybe otherwise he'd be going to play Gerrard in CM and Aquilani in the middle of the 3.
What he doesn't realise is that setting the team up to play with Alonso without Alonso being on the pitch is a mistake.
Maybe he doesn't want to change it whilst we're rubbish. Maybe otherwise he'd be going to play Gerrard in CM and Aquilani in the middle of the 3.
What he doesn't realise is that setting the team up to play with Alonso without Alonso being on the pitch is a mistake.
[quote author=robinhood link=topic=38040.msg1019468#msg1019468 date=1261477695]
He confessed that Aquilani is a different player, but clearly at the moment he's been trying to play him in Alonso's position.
Maybe he doesn't want to change it whilst we're rubbish. Maybe otherwise he'd be going to play Gerrard in CM and Aquilani in the middle of the 3.
What he doesn't realise is that setting the team up to play with Alonso without Alonso being on the pitch is a mistake.
[/quote]
I think Rafa has replaced Alonso with Lucas with no discernible change to the system, and that's cost us dearly. However, I don't think Aquilani's been on the pitch long enough for us to judge what Rafa sees his role as.
He confessed that Aquilani is a different player, but clearly at the moment he's been trying to play him in Alonso's position.
Maybe he doesn't want to change it whilst we're rubbish. Maybe otherwise he'd be going to play Gerrard in CM and Aquilani in the middle of the 3.
What he doesn't realise is that setting the team up to play with Alonso without Alonso being on the pitch is a mistake.
[/quote]
I think Rafa has replaced Alonso with Lucas with no discernible change to the system, and that's cost us dearly. However, I don't think Aquilani's been on the pitch long enough for us to judge what Rafa sees his role as.
[quote author=robinhood link=topic=38040.msg1019468#msg1019468 date=1261477695]
He confessed that Aquilani is a different player, but clearly at the moment he's been trying to play him in Alonso's position.
Maybe he doesn't want to change it whilst we're rubbish. Maybe otherwise he'd be going to play Gerrard in CM and Aquilani in the middle of the 3.
What he doesn't realise is that setting the team up to play with Alonso without Alonso being on the pitch is a mistake.
[/quote]
I don't know if that's true. We haven't really seen enough of Aquilani to judge whether or not Aquilani can play the Alonso role yet.
He confessed that Aquilani is a different player, but clearly at the moment he's been trying to play him in Alonso's position.
Maybe he doesn't want to change it whilst we're rubbish. Maybe otherwise he'd be going to play Gerrard in CM and Aquilani in the middle of the 3.
What he doesn't realise is that setting the team up to play with Alonso without Alonso being on the pitch is a mistake.
[/quote]
I don't know if that's true. We haven't really seen enough of Aquilani to judge whether or not Aquilani can play the Alonso role yet.
[quote author=keniget link=topic=38040.msg1019426#msg1019426 date=1261473982]
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019421#msg1019421 date=1261473414]
I don't know why I'm bothering really, but he didn't buy him to play 'where Alonso played', as Rafa himself explained the day after the transfer was confirmed: he bought Aquilani to play a more advanced CM role between Mascherano and Gerrard. Strangely enough, he no longer seems to think this such a good idea.
[/quote]
I agree with rebel actually. There isn't really enough evidence to support this theory.
[/quote]
I know I'm right. You'll see by the end of the season. That Rafa remark about Aquilani not being very good at tackling was the first giveaway.
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019421#msg1019421 date=1261473414]
I don't know why I'm bothering really, but he didn't buy him to play 'where Alonso played', as Rafa himself explained the day after the transfer was confirmed: he bought Aquilani to play a more advanced CM role between Mascherano and Gerrard. Strangely enough, he no longer seems to think this such a good idea.
[/quote]
I agree with rebel actually. There isn't really enough evidence to support this theory.
[/quote]
I know I'm right. You'll see by the end of the season. That Rafa remark about Aquilani not being very good at tackling was the first giveaway.
Del and Anita - well from what we've seen, Rafa *has* only tried to play him in Alonso's position, and so far it hasn't looked much use.
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019541#msg1019541 date=1261483592]That Rafa remark about Aquilani not being very good at tackling was the first giveaway.
[/quote]
When was that remark? It was recently right? I think then, it suggests that he did want to play Aquilani in Alonso's position (although he knew they weren't exactly the same player) but he's clearly been disappointed.
The problem with Rafa is that for all his "experimentation" he's usually too stubborn to try the obvious things.
We might be lucky in the sense that Mascher's ban will lead to Gerrard playing CM, and then if Aquilani comes off the bench he might get tried out in an advanced postion
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38040.msg1019541#msg1019541 date=1261483592]That Rafa remark about Aquilani not being very good at tackling was the first giveaway.
[/quote]
When was that remark? It was recently right? I think then, it suggests that he did want to play Aquilani in Alonso's position (although he knew they weren't exactly the same player) but he's clearly been disappointed.
The problem with Rafa is that for all his "experimentation" he's usually too stubborn to try the obvious things.
We might be lucky in the sense that Mascher's ban will lead to Gerrard playing CM, and then if Aquilani comes off the bench he might get tried out in an advanced postion
Myth.
Looking ahead to the near future with the likely prospect of Mascher not being here, I'd move Stevie back to being our holding CM.
Rafa has admitted that his groin problem could affect Stevie for the rest of his career, and if thats true then maybe (given his age too) we will have to face up to the fact that we'll see less of those bursting runs that we've become used to. Stevie playing here should also help to extend his career by a couple of years also IMO.
Aquilani from the very limited viewings we've had of him looks like he could play in SG's spot, and when he's fully fit and ready thats where i think Rafa intends to play him.
Rafa with this signing almost certainly had one eye on the future.
Looking ahead to the near future with the likely prospect of Mascher not being here, I'd move Stevie back to being our holding CM.
Rafa has admitted that his groin problem could affect Stevie for the rest of his career, and if thats true then maybe (given his age too) we will have to face up to the fact that we'll see less of those bursting runs that we've become used to. Stevie playing here should also help to extend his career by a couple of years also IMO.
Aquilani from the very limited viewings we've had of him looks like he could play in SG's spot, and when he's fully fit and ready thats where i think Rafa intends to play him.
Rafa with this signing almost certainly had one eye on the future.
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=38040.msg1019654#msg1019654 date=1261495337]
Myth.
Looking ahead to the near future with the likely prospect of Mascher not being here, I'd move Stevie back to being our holding CM.
Rafa has admitted that his groin problem could affect Stevie for the rest of his career, and if thats true then maybe (given his age too) we will have to face up to the fact that we'll see less of those bursting runs that we've become used to. Stevie playing here should also help to extend his career by a couple of years also IMO.
Aquilani from the very limited viewings we've had of him looks like he could play in SG's spot, and when he's fully fit and ready thats where i think Rafa intends to play him.
Rafa with this signing almost certainly had one eye on the future.
[/quote]
There's some logic in that, but it ignores the fact that Gerrard is easily our second most potent goalscorer. He'd struggle to score that many from DM, and Aquilani or whoever replaced him in attacking midfield would struggle to fill his boots.
Myth.
Looking ahead to the near future with the likely prospect of Mascher not being here, I'd move Stevie back to being our holding CM.
Rafa has admitted that his groin problem could affect Stevie for the rest of his career, and if thats true then maybe (given his age too) we will have to face up to the fact that we'll see less of those bursting runs that we've become used to. Stevie playing here should also help to extend his career by a couple of years also IMO.
Aquilani from the very limited viewings we've had of him looks like he could play in SG's spot, and when he's fully fit and ready thats where i think Rafa intends to play him.
Rafa with this signing almost certainly had one eye on the future.
[/quote]
There's some logic in that, but it ignores the fact that Gerrard is easily our second most potent goalscorer. He'd struggle to score that many from DM, and Aquilani or whoever replaced him in attacking midfield would struggle to fill his boots.
His only meaningful time on the pitch has been 20 minutes against Arsenal in the Carling Cup, the start against Fiorentina, and a cameo against Birmingham. I don't think he took up Alonso's position in any of those games.
Hopefully you're right though robin and Masher's suspension inadvertently forces Benitez into trying something he'd otherwise be too stubborn to. Which is bizarre really because it's a blindingly obvious solution.
Hopefully you're right though robin and Masher's suspension inadvertently forces Benitez into trying something he'd otherwise be too stubborn to. Which is bizarre really because it's a blindingly obvious solution.
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