downing assisted young's goal ENG 1 - WAL 0 (HT)

---

Added on September 7, 2011, 4:40 amdowning subbed off in 79' i think
carrol on for the final 4 minutes, i think he got head the ball twice

This post has been edited by Jejilat: Sep 7 2011, 04:40 AM

What the hell? Why downing play that long
He already played against bulgaria full rite.Capello should have played carroll earlier.The big man needs game time.
Cant wait for this weeks game.It's been too long.Hate international breaks.

On the contrary, Kuyt has scored whenever he's been played up front. It's just that he plays a more withdrawn role with Liverpool unlike with Holland or Feyenoord where he plundered 70 goals in 100 games which is a very good return. If memory serves me, he was scoring goals when we finished second in the league under Rafa when we played some awesome attacking football and were scoring for fun against the likes of the mancs, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Bolton and even Real Madrid. Put him up front and he'll score I say.

Fans often talk about his work ethic but if you watch his movement off the ball you'll note that he is a very intelligent footballer. His diagonal runs off the ball give defenders a headache. By doing so, he drags defenders out of position opening up room for his teammates. He doesn't score spectacular goals but he does get in good goal scoring positions. People don't often talk about this part of his game. If his finishing were a little better, he'd be an good example of a goal poacher. Right place, right time.

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Sep 7 2011, 11:43 AM

i would like to see kuyt play up front more, he partner well with suarez

I think this Saturday, Henderson will be starting CM taking Adam's place and starting Bellamy on the right if not then Kyut on the right with Carroll and Suarez up front.

Spot on Duke. He has some flaws which are not easy on the eyes but what he brings to the team compansates those flaws imo. He's not a 10/10 player, barely a 7/10 perhaps. But the way he plays ensures everyone else play near their optimum level. Just recently, Kenny bagan to blood in Flanno and Kuyt was there to ease the process by making sure the kid did not get isolated and crumble under pressure. I'd take that kind of player over a flashy winger if it means the other players will operate at higher level. A lot of the better players for the most part would not cover as much as he did. For instance, Babel lacked the instinct to help others, likewise Torres first reaction to things not going his way was to moan and sulk. But Kuyt as you said, would just keep his head down and work even harder. That kind of stuff cannot be taught, it has to come from the player's natural instinct and that makes it priceless. Most viewers can get side tracked by the amount of stepovers and dazzling runs, and forget that football has been and always will be a team sport.

This post has been edited by hfi: Sep 7 2011, 12:42 PM

yes i agreed! he always track back to help the fullback. he's a superb teammate who always gives 110%.

Correcto and it's the reason I don't usually get drawn into transfer talk because a) in most cases I will not have watched the said player enough to notice intricate details in his game or character and b), it's the same usual suspects that are on everyone's lips.

When managers look for players it isn't purely about who the bigger name is, unless you subscribe to the whole "galatico" philosophy. It's also about which player is best for the team. Like you've just said, Kuyt isn't easy on the eye (and I'm not talking about his looks) but he does contribute significantly to the team. His endless running alone is an inspiration because he never gives up. Unlike most attacking players, he also doesn't mind defending which live you've just mentioned, eased the transition process for Flanno from the reserves to the first team. His positive attitude and high work ethic brings about a positive effect on this teammates and younger players. No surprise he was one of the first names on the team sheet when Rafa was in charge and I'm surprised there are those of us who don't understand why.

Kuyt is always the first one spring upfront on opponent GK loose ball, and first to react.

Remember his hattrick against MU, all were just simple tap in goal, capitalise opponent mistake, opportunity present.
If just ball watching, then there won't be goal at all.

Good write-up on our transfer spending this season.

http://paisleygates.com/?p=5745

and he was the only player who wave to the supporter when in bus where the others are too tired ..

Energizer kuyt. full of it

Nice..we only spend about 30 million pound and trim down our wages bill. Salute to FSG, King Kenny and Comolli.

Found this article on how to beat Stoke this weekend. Sharing it with the rest. Read below.

As Liverpool looks to continue their run of good form coming out of the international break, they may face their toughest challenge yet in Tony Pulis's Stoke City. While the Potters don't have mesmerizing creative players, they more than make up for it in grit and toughness.

Here's a look at the side the Reds will face this weekend and how they can leave Britannia Stadium with three points.

Stoke Defense vs. Liverpool Forwards

Strong, resolute defending is the hallmark of Stoke City's brand of football.

In three league matches this season, the Potters have conceded only one goal, a set piece header scored by Norwich City. Their defensive dominance includes a 0-0 home draw against title contenders Chelsea, so their ability isn't only shown against the minnows in the top flight.

The centerpiece of the Stoke back line is center back (and skipper) Ryan Shawcross. At only 22 years of age, Shawcross is a great talent who has been capped by Fabio Capello and has a bright future ahead of him.

At 6'3'', he provides a great aerial presence, which is a common thread for Stoke's squad. The first choice pairing with Shawcross at the center of defense is summer signing Jonathan Woodgate, who has been absolutely fantastic for his new side after injuries prevented him from finding success at Tottenham.

Incidentally, the shortest first choice defender for Stoke at six feet tall, Woodgate has shown that when not bitten by the injury bug, he can be a solid contributor who can put out many fires.

With fullbacks that are in the mold of center backs as well, (Robert Huth and Marc Wilson are both over 6'2'') it is evident that the back line is not particularly adventurous, and looks to rely on size and strength over speed.

Since the defense stays compact and well organized, it will be crucial for Liverpool to bring their best pass-and-move game to the match. It would be playing right into Stoke's hands to play Andy Carroll and hope to win the aerial battles, so it should be expected to see a similar front four as the past few matches: Suarez, Kuyt (or perhaps Craig Bellamy), Henderson, and Downing.

This group of players could result in attempts to stretch play to the wings and get Stoke's defenders out of their element, or swift passing moves in the box to elude the hulking back line of the Potters


The Midfield Battle

Stoke's midfield generally uses two central players who are defensively-minded, as well as two wingers who move forward.

Among the common selections in the center of midfield, the most notable player is Irishman Rory Delap. While he doesn't have many skills on the ground, he has a solid work rate and is renowned for his long-throw ability. Given the immense height advantage that Stoke has over most other sides, his throws into the box create both havoc and goals.

Along the wings, the usual suspects are Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant. While these two aren't going to do a great job of creating chances for themselves, they are good at crossing the ball onto the heads of big target men.

Ultimately, the midfield is going to be another wave of bodies that an opposing offense will need to work it's way through before hitting the defense. While the wide players will get forward occasionally, the midfield will not be able to hold onto possession for extensive periods, and will look to blast the ball forward and hope that a striker can get onto it.

A new component to Stoke's midfield is Wilson Palacios, who could make his debut against Liverpool. He was a solid defensive presence for Spurs last term, and will fit right in with the mentality of his new side.

For Liverpool, the role of Downing and Henderson is described above, but it will be interesting to see who pairs with Lucas in central midfield if Charlie Adam is still unfit after picking up an injury on international duty.

If Adam can't play, it may be an opportunity for the Reds to play five purely attack-minded players and only one central midfielder, since Stoke won't pose much of a threat except on the occasional break.

Lucas should be able to handle holding responsibilities alone (though Adam has never been a defensively-minded midfielder anyway).


Stoke Forwards vs. Liverpool Defense

Aside from Jonathan Walters, who is a hard worker who normally plays behind a center forward, the Stoke attack is all about large target men with heading ability.

Before the transfer deadline, Kenwyne Jones was the primary center forward, and he scored the point-saving goal at the death against Norwich City last month. Heading into the match against Liverpool, however, the Potters have acquired two new forwards that add quality and depth to the side.

Firstly, Peter Crouch may be on a run of poor form and is only good for tap-ins and headers, but really that is all that Stoke needs. He was never great for Liverpool or Tottenham, but his skill set is perfect for the Potters, and I expect him to be an asset for Stoke whenever he makes his debut.

The second forward addition was Birmingham's Cameron Jerome, who is another big target, but he also provides some pace, something Stoke as a side lack, let alone up front. A pairing of either Jones or Crouch and Jerome could prove a difficult pairing to stop...if they can get service, of course.

This sort of the match, one where the biggest threat is through the air, is the perfect one for new signing Sebastian Coates to make his debut. While it remains to be seen when Kenny Dalglish will select the Uruguayan, a pairing of him and Agger would be a fine answer to the size of Stoke's forwards.

On the wings, Jose Enrique and whoever plays at right back shouldn't have a problem containing Stoke's wing players, as they don't exhibit too much pace and will be highly predictable.

Conclusion

The most encouraging sign for Liverpool heading into the weekend is Stoke's inability to score goals. They've only managed one each against Norwich and West Brom, and none against Chelsea, so absent a defensive miscue, I don't expect them to score more than one against Liverpool.

The biggest challenge will be for Liverpool to come up with a goal, but Liverpool's style of attack is perfect to counteract Stoke's defending. Of course, it's never easy to move a parked bus, but with the form Luis Suarez is in, he should be able to come up with another beautiful piece of play to hit the net for the Reds.

Add in the numerous attacking talents Liverpool have, and the Reds should have no problem coming up with just enough to come away with three points against Stoke.

i'm not Kop fan, but I think Kuyt is a terrific player.....

lets put andy carroll and coates as our central back to counter stoke height........

btw....i got a feeling that carroll will be starting the game against stoke if adam still injured.......

nice write up on the stroke match, i think we shd start kuyt + suarez & use carroll or bellamy later as super subs!!!

I remember in an interview with Liverpool medical where he mentioned that Kuyt is the fittest player in the squad.

Btw, did u guyz watch Downing last nite. There was one incident where he just kicked the ball pass a defender and then straight away sprint to get the ball. It was like watching a 100metre dash and he catch up with the defender effortlessly. But I was screaming mad afraid he will get injured by pushing himself too hard.
Anyway I would say Downing is not the type of player that will provide you flair or fancy footwork. Rather I would call him an "effective player." He provides what is required from a winger; crosses, beating players from time to time, shot on goal from distance. In the first half alone he provided at least 3 good cross.

downing does that often
now i think he's the 2nd fastest LFC player after enrique.


This post has been edited by Everdying: Sep 7 2011, 05:22 PM

Who's the fastest? Suarez?