Nip/Tuck said:
Just a personal opinion, but Liverpool's midfield still looks too uninspiring to me (compared to the three other big 4 clubs) and I feel it lacks any real excitement. Even with Gonzalez and Pennant I think it still looks quite B-grade compared to the midfields of Chelsea and Arsenal.
Kuyt is a must imo, or someone of equal quality. I've seen little of him, but I'm not going to judge or comdemn him on a couple of below average World Cup performances. He was highly rated for, I'm sure a valid reason in the first place.
Even the defence with an older Hyypia (surely Agger will feature more this season?) and no real solution to the LB problem doesn't look as good as it could.
I'm prepared to eat my words, but I'll make a prediction (in here of all places, where it won't be forgotten) that Liverpool will finish 5th.
Dude do you have any idea what your talking about? We have just about the best midfield in England, maybe equal with Chelsea but far better than Arsenal's or Man U's. Arsenal have quality through the middle with Ljungberg and Rosicky was a great signing and the young Cesc will only get better but it falls off dramatically after that. Silva is average as is Hleb, Flamini is ok and still young and Reyes is off to Real.
Man U's midfield is becoming laughable. Very average players like Fletcher, Richardson, O'Shea, Park and Smith... the very old Scholes and Giggs. United's only quality lies with Carrick who is really a poor man's Alonso and Ronaldo who is very talented.
Chelsea are very good though and certainly on par with us with guys like Wright-Phillips, J.Cole, Lampard, Essien, Ballack, Robben and Makelele. That's pretty awesome but we can match them with the best midfielder in the world, Steven Gerrard. Xabi Alonso is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and his passing range is matched by very few. Sissoko is young and improving with every game. His energy and tackling break up so many attacks, he is up for a huge season. Pennant gives us width wide right and the left is stacked with Kewell, Riise, Aurelio and Zenden. Throw in Garcia for good measure.
No real solution to the LB problem? I was unaware we had a LB problem. If anything LB is one of the least problems we have. Riise is in the top 2 or 3 LB's in the premiership and we sold our problematic LB to Charlton in Traore. Then we brought in Aurelio on a free who is touted as the best LB in Spain and decent cover for both in young Warnock. Your definitely crazy.
I respect your opinion but I certainly dont agree. We will definitely finish top 4, runner-up most likely, definitely ahead of Man U with Arsenal giving us the most trouble. Winning the league isnt out of the question though. I believe.