Do You Remember? Dietmar Hamann

 

Didi Hamann! How can we forget the consistent, strong and talented central defensive midfielder that stood strong within the Liverpool midfield ranks from 1996 to 2006. The German played nearly 200 games for Liverpool, and was part of the famous treble winning team. He was such an influential force, and is definitely hard to forget. He may have not had the vision that Alonso had, or the tackling ability of Mascherano, but he was extremely wise and clever. He knew where to be, and he seemed like a player that loved Liverpool to bits. He was loved back, due to his proper performances on the pitch, maturity and leadership. His experience was vital, and courage and bravery matches the levels of even Carragher and Gerrard.

The man who had stated it was a 'dream' of his to manager Liverpool, played in the historic 2005 Champions League victory. Coming on and playing with an alledged broken foot, and still becoming the player that changed the whole game for Liverpool. Gave Liverpool his hope, maybe not grabbing the spot like with his compatriots of Gerrard, Alonso, Smicer and Dudek, but his performance was so solid and influential that Liverpool pulled off the greatest comeback ever seen in the history of the game. He also was highly influential in the last bit of silverware Liverpool had won: the FA Cup in 2006.

German's don't miss penalties. Dietmar Hamann scored in both the 2005 Champions League Final and 2006 FA Cup Final from the penalty spot in the inevitable shoot outs at the end. The player is an utter legend. One of the many amazing players to grace the Anfield turf, and to wear the red top.

The day he left was very sad indeed, and I personally hope to see him back at Liverpool one day in a Managerial role or as something else. He is still a fan favourite, and one of the best players I've ever seen of my generation at Liverpool Football Club.

Fabio Aurelio: Then and Now

 
Do we remember Aurelio? Well guess what, he's still at Liverpool! Career, like so many of our defenders being currently hampered with injuries that are long term and continuing. Agger currently our, Johnson still struggling and Kelly just returning to full fitness recently. It's a non-stop rollercoaster in defense at times. Fabio Aurelio is the first Brazillian player to ever play for Liverpool and join the club even with its illustrious history, Brazillians never graced the red Liverpool jersey until Aurelio was signed from Valencia. A free-kick specialist, and once an extremely prominent left back in the Spanish La Liga. However, where is he now? What can we expect.

The real pity with Aurelio is his ongoing injury problems that persist. In his few appearances since joining in 2006, he has shown class, skill and consistency to hold that Left-back position after the departure of John Arne Riise. But injuries have prevented that role from happening. And now competition has appeared in the face of Enrique. Despite becoming important in his first season, he slowly fell in the pecking order to injury but yet remains at the club for his consistent work on the pitch. He'll always be remembered greatly for that goal he scored in the epic 4-4 game against Chelsea. The free-kick that was never meant to go in, yet it did. He scored another against Man Utd in that 4-1 win at Old Trafford in 2009. His goals would have become a highlight of a Liverpool defense where goals have depleted since the departure of legends Hyypia and Riise.

Compared to my other 'Then and Now' episodes, this is a rather short article which is sad overall to me. I wish I could write a lot more about Aurelio, and I still regard him as an extremely gifted and natural footballer. I hope he overcomes his injury problems soon and starts to challenge Enrique to the left-back spot he really deserves to have after his performances in such few appearances.

All the best for Fabio Aurelio.


 

 
Next week: Dietmar Hamann: Do You Remember?

Do You Remember? : Steve Finnan

Steve Finnan. Mr. Consistent. What a player, an incredible player. One of the best and most consistent right backs to play for Liverpool in the past 20 years. Finnan was never a talisman, a star player, someone who would rock and change the world with Liverpool. But that was his magic. He is always a bit hidden away, but his consistency did wonders for that Liverpool defense that for so long looked impenetrable. We all remember it: FINNAN – CARRAGHER – HYYPIA – RIISE.

Finnan began his career at Welling before progressing through the ranks at Notts County and Birmingham to join Fulham in the top flight. At Fulham he created a name for himself, making 172 appearances between 1998 and 2003, and establishing himself as a no –nonsense full back defender. Never really apart of the goal department, but yet a formidable force. Most of his biggest successes with trophies also came at Liverpool.

He won the Community Shield, Champions League, Super Cup and the FA Cup. So quite a collection of trophies overall.

Finnan may never be seen as one of the biggest legends to grace Anfield, but his consistency is something has lacked since his departure to Espanyol. Arbeloa could not do the same job Finnan had done on the pitch, and now the emergences of Flanagan, Kelly and Johnson have the chance to reclaim the position as their own and aim to be more consistent with the right side of defense.


 

Liverpool F.C vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Pre-Game

Saturday 24^th September

Liverpool F.C vs Wolves (15:00 Local time)


 
Team Selector: Who to play?

With Craig Bellamy showing the spark and pace Liverpool desperately needed up front against Brighton in the mid-week Carling Cup clash. Where does that lead the tall centre-man of Andy Carroll? The player lauded for his record British transfer of 35 Million Pounds in January has failed to acquire a first team place that many expected him to fulfil. Capello, Dalglish and others have spoken about his age and his lifestyle away from the game. Could it be distracting him? Dalglish has a hard decision upon him for the forward line, with the reliable Dirk Kuyt always in fine form for each game. Kuyt's goal midweek and impressive performance may give him the nod, even with Bellamy in the picture. Against Wolves, you want pace. You want to stretch their strong defense, but you need strength as well.

With Gerrard returning to the Liverpool team after 6 months, his first start may have to wait even beyond the Merseyside Derby the week after. Kenny might stick to his normal midfield 4 even with Jay Spearing impressing during the week against Brighton. Downing is imperative to start on either flank, his role becoming more and more important as the season continues. He is a player of pace, something Liverpool have finally acquired as the past pace of Kewell for a long time was never replaced fully. Henderson starting on the right side of midfield showed weaknesses against Tottenham, and that right wing seems a bit empty at times with no natural wide players. Lucas should retain his usual holding midfield role, with Charlie Adam returning from a one match suspension to play just in front.

Liverpool's crisis in defense seemed to return slightly on Sunday. Agger again injured with a crack ribbed, and could be out for a month. Skrtel's recklessness in the right-back position causing another sending off. Coates full debut against Brighton was impressive, with the tall Uruguayan showing signs of his performances with Suarez over the summer international success. However, I think Kenny will keep it safe and use those players who have experience. Carragher will continue is now extending reign of Captain, with Skrtel most likely paired with him in the centre. Kelly's return from a small injury could see him start against Wolves, with Flanagan also in the picture depending on Kenny's choice. Enrique, the pace of the left wing, should continue his form by starting at left-back. He and Downing's workhorse and partnership will be important for this season, as the main Liverpool attacking threat will come from that left wing.


 
Wolves: a recent glimpse

Hammill? You bet. Adam Hammill grabbed a goal with their 5-0 triumph over Millwall FC in the Carling Cup midweek. Using a young squad, they dominated and showed pace on the wings. An impressive display following a slight depression from their exciting start of the season. They too lost to Tottenham, as they failed to deal with their pace and creativity in the midfield. But nothing can take away their start to the Premier League campaign. As they beat both Fulham and Blackburn with frightening ease and power.

Even with a recent decline in their form, the Millwall victory was a good reply. Similar to how Liverpool's success at Brighton was over the misery of Sunday. Wolves will look to pressure Liverpool, start early and quickly as how Tottenham did and try to hit our relatively slow defense hard early on. Wolves will want to avenge the defeat from new promotions QPR from the weekend, and prove that the premier league is their place to stay. And what better time to do it, then against Liverpool.

The main dangermen for Wolves can be seen as the usual Kevin Doyle, Matt Jarvis but also maybe fan favourite Stephen Hunt.

 
Wolves Recent Form (PL): W W D L L

Liverpool Recent Form (PL): D W W L L


 
Very similar in results coming into this game. Will be interesting to see the outcome of it.


 
Predictions

Personal: Liverpool 2-0 Wolves


 

 

 

Dirk Kuyt: Then and Now

 
The workhorse, powerhouse and hard-working Dirk Kuyt has been in highly consistent form for Liverpool since joining in 2006 from Feyenoord. But what was he like before then? Was he always the hardworking wide man we see now in 2011?

In actual truth. Benitez bought Kuyt in in an attempt to solve Liverpool's striker options. When Michael Owen left the club to Real Madrid, the main centre forward and striker slot was left open and was not replaced even with the emergence of the likes of Milan Baros and Djbril Cisse. Dirk Kuyt before 2006 was the main strike source of goals for Feyenoord. Playing in a very centralised and traditional striker position, Kuyt would poach and create multiple of goals. A very different player.

In 05/06 he hit 21 goals in 40 appearances, 04/05 he managed 32 goals in 41 appearances. He was an all-rounded out and out striker. Even with his former side FC Utrecht he managed to hit a total of 28 goals in 62 games.

The Daily Telegraph described him as 'loved by the Anfield throng.' It took awhile for the supporters to understand the masterplan behind Dirk Kuyt. The goals weren't rolling in as expected (15 goals in 41 appearances in debut season). But his work rate took over. Once Benitez switched him to the outer right flank, thus opening the space for Fernando Torres up front, Kuyt work rate, vibrancy and energy took the fans hearts. He was seen as a player who loved to run, give 110% even when the chips are down.

Many commented by saying Kuyt isn't the most gifted footballer to ever grace the game, and that on the right flank he wasn't a natural width player. These facts are all true. He isn't the fastest either, but over 10 yards he can generate a lot of speed. Kuyt may not have been natural, but with his work rate and energy placed into each game, its hard to notice what holds him back. Sure he can't take on players like Suarez does, doesn't have the electric pace of Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott. But he has positioning, movement, vision and a huge amount of stamina to keep him going.

   

 

Brighton 1-2 Liverpool: After-Game

Kenny's Verdict
"We have total respect for Brighton and for what Gus Poyet's achieved but you can't say we didn't deserve to win that game," Dalglish said.

The win came on the back of a 4-0 rout by Tottenham in the Barclays Premier League last weekend, and Dalglish was thrilled to get back to winning ways after making seven changes to his side, which included debuts for Bellamy and Sebastian Coates. "I think for us it was a fantastic response for what happened on Sunday so we're delighted." (Source: Liverpoolfc.tv)

Dalglish's upbeat words after the game were spoken with a man full of confidence and pride after coming through a tough Brighton test in the Carling Cup. A goal from new signing Craig Bellamy lead Liverpool to a comprehensible 2-1 victory over a brave Brighton side, whose efforts cannot be left forgotten especially against a strong Liverpool XI.

After a miserable Sunday clash with Tottenham Hotspur in London, this response was a perfect bounce-back to the 4-0 defeat. Dalglish spoke with praise about the return of club talisman and captain Steven Gerrard who spoke after the game about his delight of leaving the "nightmare" of his injury that has left him out since March.

However, Kenny was quick to explain that Gerrard's return would not be treated with poor thought and that his appearances will come slowly at a rate to suit the talismanic captain.

"If it had been four or five goals we'd have maybe given him a bit longer," Dalglish said. "We'll say again what we've said many times before, we'll manage Steven as well as we've managed everyone else and we'll look forward to that continuing. We're not going to throw him in and give him too many minutes. It's fantastic to see him back so don't let's spoil it by being irresponsible." (Source: Liverpoolfc.tv).

 
Personal Verdict

Brighton was the perfect way and game to see how an ailing Liverpool team could react and recover. Arsene Wenger spoke earlier in the week about Arsenal's season. He said that it would depend on how "they react" (source: BBC) to their 8-2 and 4-3 defeats to Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers respectively. With Liverpool, I saw the same words in my mind. With millions of supporters watching Liverpool on Sunday in disbelief that both Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel were sent off, it was hard to understand what went wrong. You can blame referee decisions, you can blame controversy over the team choices, passion of the players and attitudes. But at the end of the day, it was about the performance, and Liverpool lacked it. Pressure was on for the Brighton game, and the reaction was perfect.

You're told from young, that whenever you lose or fail; you don't just leave it be. You rise to the challenge, you make sure you don't make the same mistakes. Liverpool proved how they can could bounce back from the loss at Stoke and then against Tottenham on Sunday. Many may not give Brighton much hope, but with the performance played it was always going to be a tough game. Especially in Cup matches, the underdogs seem to have a knack of popping up. I don't think we'll ever forget our loss last season in this competition, or seeing Havant and Waterlooville up 2-0 at Anfield.

Liverpool played with spark and pride. They learnt from their mistakes, and they capitalised on their players capabilities and specialities. Craig Bellamy put on a star performance to inject pace along side Luis Suarez to consistently pressure and create difficulties in the Brighton's defense. Liverpool looked in shape, and determined. Concentrated to prove doubters wrong.

The return of Steven Gerrard was a beautiful sight. I won't lie. He is a hero, a master, a talisman. He is our captain. Hopefully with correct guidance, and treatment. Gerrard will return to his top form, and lead Liverpool once again into football stardom. After all…he's never let us down has he?

You’ll Never Walk Alone

 

When you walk through a storm

hold your head up high

And don't be afraid of the dark.

At the end of a storm is a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark.

Walk on through the wind,

Walk on through the rain,

Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone,

You'll never, ever walk alone.

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone,

You'll never, ever walk alone

 
We sing it week in, week out. It is our anthem, our creed to existence. The words that make us believe. The words that tell us that we are supporting the greatest Football team to ever grace the planet.

We believe. We are one. We are Liverpool Football Club.

 

Welcome to my new latest Blog creation. It is based on opinions, ideas and perspectives of Liverpool Football Club and all its affairs.

It will also lead on to discussion and ideas about other clubs.