Topic: Jay Spearing- Better Late than Never

[dast18]

Another good game for the wee man, he's been doing great with his positioning and reading of the game, and always looking for the good pass and nothing too flashy, just savvy and productive.

Kuddos to the Wee Boss

Spot on. Gives the team great balance and keeps the game ticking. Also frees up Gerrard. Should play every game for the rest of the season. The midfield just looks so much better with him in there.

[Garcepticon]

Story in the Telegraph.

Amid the intensity of last weekend's FA Cup quarter final there was a moment of mirth when Spearing, measuring in at 5ft 6, leapt enthusiastically but forlornly for a header with Peter Crouch. The determination in the midfielder's face as he absorbed the image of a Lilliputian throwing spears at Gulliver perfectly captured the tenacity which has endeared him to successive Liverpool managers.

“I remember going up for the header and he just stood there and headed it away and the crowd started laughing. I saw the photograph on Twitter and I knew something would come of that," says Spearing. “I have never been the tallest but I hae always believed if I’m good enough I will play. I don’t think I’ve grown since I was 16 and I will always come across players like Fellaini, Crouchy or Zamora and maybe I’ll have to stay away and not go for headers, but I’ve never worried about height. I was playing centre back until I was 18. I knew I could read the game and play, so I thought if I was good enough they wouldn’t get near enough to me to cause problems. It’s obviously a disadvantage when the ball is in the air but Iniesta and Xavi or Paul Scholes have shown that size does not matter if you can play football.”

Contemporary English thinking has not always supported such a commonsense view. Liverpool's Academy coaches were once regularly chastised for not producing enough physically dominant athletes, the craving for brawn causing discord when a flow of miniatures emerged through the ranks.
Spearing's ex youth coaches - all of whom were culled after the club’s Academy review in 2009 – also feared he’d be collateral damage in the prolonged philosophical war between the club's junior set-up and Melwood.

Former Academy director Steve Heighway publicly demanded Spearing's promotion in an emotional parting speech. When Spearing was sent on loan, it seemed Heighway's plea had hindered rather than helped. Spearing doesn't see it that way, and although he agrees Kenny Dalglish’s management has ended an acrimonious period, he says his self-belief soured when Rafa Benitez handed him his Anfield debut in 2009.

“When Rafa gave me the chance against Real Madrid, that was the first moment I thought I could handle 40,000 in the Champions League, so I could handle the next level. I thought I’d be able to handle the Premier League then. Games didn’t come week in, week out at that stage but I wanted more and I thought ‘come on, I’m here’. "Then, when I was 21, I went on loan to Leicester. That decision was made by myself and Rafa. We both agreed it was time to play some games and maybe get recognised in the Championship. Going to Leicester made me grow up and realise what playing football was all about, the value of three points. It gave me a bit of a stepping stone and the confidence to get back into the Liverpool side. "There have been times I thought it may not work out for me and I would have to drop down into the championship to improve myself and get back up, but thankfully it didn’t work like that. I just wanted to prove to each manager here, Rafa, Hodgson and now Kenny, that with a clean slate I could stay here."

After moving from the fringe of the squad to occasional appearances, Spearing is now a fixture in the starting line-up. When the question is asked where are the products from the assembly line that championed Carragher, Gerrard, Fowler and McManaman, the answer is there in the form of Spearing and Martin Kelly.

"There is that extra bit of pressure because we are local lads," he said. "The fans would love for another Carra and Stevie to come through and if my career managed to achieve half of what Stevie has done I would be massively proud. "The players who you have mentioned have been internationals, great players who have won trophies here. The local lads have to stake our own claim and show what we are all capable of and them hopefully we will be in that bracket of names when we get a bit older."

The process is well underway. As he challenged Crouch for the header, The Kop heartily sang Spearing's name.

"To hear that gives me a lot of confidence," he said. "You feel as though you are winning one battle. In some respects it was major breakthrough for me."The first time it happened was against Real Madrid but that was because a young lad had come on and I smashed Van der Vaart and it was like ‘yes, come on’. It was more a well done. But, touch wood, I think last Sunday was more a case of seeing me as a big part of the team.”

[LFC_4_life]

Didn't have the greatest game today, but still looked better than Henderson. Needs to play the rest of our games alongside Shelvey.

[rafathegaffa83]

Although he has improved, for me he's a squad player at most. A player to fill-in now and then. We should have gone and picked up another DM to cover for Lucas' absence, as Spearing doesn't provide enough on the defensive side of things (tackles, interceptions).

[Neil D]

Thought he had a hard fucking job today trying to keep control of midfield as Gerrard looked absolutely shattered and was just strolling through that game

[Z e u s]

Thought he had a hard fucking job today trying to keep control of midfield as Gerrard looked absolutely shattered and was just strolling through that game

Gerrard kept leaving him very exposed.  Thought he played well, but had a really tough job.

[Neil D]

Gerrard kept leaving him very exposed.  Thought he played well, but had a really tough job.

Agree he was doing a job for two men on his own a lot of the time and in the second half our midfield had no shape whatsoever for long periods

[geoffstrong]

Gerrard kept leaving him very exposed.  Thought he played well, but had a really tough job.

which is why Gerrard should never play as a CM not disciplined enough, as for Jay he is a good stand in but he is not the long term solution if Lucas gets injured again or to challenge Lucas for the position.

[isildurrr]

The thing about him is he's learning and getting better.

good on him and handful squad option at present.hope he keeps becoming better

[LFC_4_life]

which is why Gerrard should never play as a CM not disciplined enough, as for Jay he is a good stand in but he is not the long term solution if Lucas gets injured again or to challenge Lucas for the position.

How long have we known this for though?

[L7S]

Gerrard as CM is either saving energy for his age or is just not interested at all in doing any dirty work which doesnt help Jay. However, I do not believe that Jay is of required quality for us. We should have at least look to buy a DM in January.

[Juan Loco]

Thought he played well. In isolation.

... As has been the case for a while now.

[ChristophLFC]

i think he a good back-up, that's it.

[RojoLeón]

Spearing

“When Rafa gave me the chance against Real Madrid, that was the first moment I thought I could handle 40,000 in the Champions League, so I could handle the next level. I thought I’d be able to handle the Premier League then.

He doesn't see the CL as the top level of club football? That worries me as much as the superfluous pointing. And judging by his performances this season, he isn't close to CL standard yet.

[Cpt_Reina]

Spearing

He doesn't see the CL as the top level of club football? That worries me as much as the superfluous pointing. And judging by his performances this season, he isn't close to CL standard yet.

[Rohit]

Thought he played well. In isolation.

... As has been the case for a while now.

He has, but still don't think he actually knows how to play the holding role mate. For me he is the midfielder that will press but I don't see him as someone who can read the play and make tackles and interceptions.

[Sangria]

Spearing

He doesn't see the CL as the top level of club football? That worries me as much as the superfluous pointing. And judging by his performances this season, he isn't close to CL standard yet.

He was coming on in a game which was already won, against a team that was already beaten. It was hardly typical CL football.

[RojoLeón]

He was coming on in a game which was already won, against a team that was already beaten. It was hardly typical CL football.

That is fair enough. He wasn't ready for Premier League level for sure when rafa gave him the start against Sunderland - he got roasted by Cattermole and chums that day.

Superfluous pointing aside, he isn't good enough to play the holding role. His possession football is good and close to what should be expected. His defensive play is sorely lacking. Gerrard and Henderson don't look like the can be arsed with the pressing (or are able) and tackling and as jay isn't much good at ball winning, we are porous though the middle. It is a obvious problem that you rightly highlighted during the summer (and in January with the glaring injury to Lucas by then).

He's tidy enough with the ball but is vulnerable without someone to win the ball and worry the opposition with purpose.

[LFC_4_life]

That is fair enough. He wasn't ready for Premier League level for sure when rafa gave him the start against Sunderland - he got roasted by Cattermole and chums that day.

Superfluous pointing aside, he isn't good enough to play the holding role. His possession football is good and close to what should be expected. His defensive play is sorely lacking. Gerrard and Henderson don't look like the can be arsed with the pressing (or are able) and tackling and as jay isn't much good at ball winning, we are porous though the middle. It is a obvious problem that you rightly highlighted during the summer (and in January with the glaring injury to Lucas by then).

He's tidy enough with the ball but is vulnerable without someone to win the ball and worry the opposition with purpose.

I think playing alongside Lucas brings the best out of him and Lucas as they compliment eachother well. both are very tidy with the ball and move it quickly and Lucas does most of the ball winning while Jay does the closing down. They seemed to really play well together, as did the whole team last season when they paired up.

As for Gerrard and Henderson not being arsed to do the pressing, someone needs to give both of them a kick up the backside. Maybe Gerrard moreso. Henderson just looks hopeless, whereas Gerrard seems like he can't be bothered.

[BazC]

Spearing

He doesn't see the CL as the top level of club football? That worries me as much as the superfluous pointing. And judging by his performances this season, he isn't close to CL standard yet.

He's implying he sees the PL as a higher level. So what?

I mean, he's not going to be playing in the CL any time soon, and has been doing well in the league relatively speaking... it's a fair comment.

[LFC_4_life]

He's implying he sees the PL as a higher level. So what?

Thats stupid then. The Champions League is the higest level in club football. Thats why 4th spot in the league has almost become like a trophy for clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs. Thats because it allows you to just play in the Champions League at the highest level.

[RojoLeón]

He's implying he sees the PL as a higher level. So what?

I mean, he's not going to be playing in the CL any time soon, and has been doing well in the league relatively speaking... it's a fair comment.

Well good for him. We only qualify to play in the CL by performing at a high enough level in the PL to finish at least 4th.

Maybe having Spearing as first choice resigns us to not qualifying for the CL anytime soon. It really is the highest level he can play at then.

[rafathegaffa83]

He has, but still don't think he actually knows how to play the holding role mate. For me he is the midfielder that will press but I don't see him as someone who can read the play and make tackles and interceptions.

Agreed.

[Willi]

He tries his best but if we want to progress he isn't good enough. He would be a good signing for a mid-table team. That said, 7th is only top of mid-table.

[Discipline]

He played a part to us conceding the first. Needs to learn off his mistake.

[eirwen]

I hope to see him play alongside Lucas more next season. He'll get better that way and will be a good squad player for us.

[yorkykopite]

The gap in skill and in the reading of the game between Lucas our first choice and Spearing our second is too big. It's massive in fact.

[Suspect Package.]

Not a stab at Spearing or Henderson but both are basically undroppable right now as we don't have the personnel to replace them.

We really should be on the market for a centre midfielder this summer, we desperately need competition for places.

[yorkykopite]

Not a stab at Spearing or Henderson but both are basically undroppable right now as we don't have the personnel to replace them.

We really should be on the market for a centre midfielder this summer, we desperately need competition for places.

Correct.

It's unfortunate that central midfield is also our weak point in the ressies and U-19s.

If Kenny's given cash to splash it should go there. Comolli should be looking now for the next Alonso.

[Sangria]

Not a stab at Spearing or Henderson but both are basically undroppable right now as we don't have the personnel to replace them.

We really should be on the market for a centre midfielder this summer, we desperately need competition for places.

We don't need any more midfielders, so someone said last summer when I pointed out the chronic lack of depth in Lucas's position.

[G1 Jockey 4(betfair)]

I think handing spearing too much responsibility at thus stage of his career is having an effect on us

He is basically covering for gerrard or adam week in week out
It should be the other way round
Long term though we coukd massively improve that area by getting someone new in


Denisov is the one

Imo he woud be the perfect partner for lucas and also be hus reliable back up
The next most intelligebt midfielder apart from lucas himself

[Rohit]

Correct.

It's unfortunate that central midfield is also our weak point in the ressies and U-19s.

If Kenny's given cash to splash it should go there. Comolli should be looking now for the next Alonso.

Javi martinez mate, he should be top of our list and from what I've heard from the likes of Andy Brassell and others we have scouted him heavily. Hope its true, its the caliber of player need to partner our brazilian General.

[Suspect Package.]

I realise it's partly my fault, but let's remember this is the Spearing thread and not a transfer thread.

If we start discussing signings it's going to be locked.

Back to my original point though, there's really no point in getting on Henderson or Spearing's back right now. We've simply noone to replace them.

[Fordy]

We need better..

[yorkykopite]

Javi martinez mate, he should be top of our list and from what I've heard from the likes of Andy Brassell and others we have scouted him heavily. Hope its true, its the caliber of player need to partner our brazilian General.

It's a name that I've seen come up a lot. It would be an exciting purchase for sure. Perhaps he's too well known though and looking for Champions League footy? 

[Neil D]

Spearing

He doesn't see the CL as the top level of club football? That worries me as much as the superfluous pointing. And judging by his performances this season, he isn't close to CL standard yet.

I don't think he's saying he sees the Prem as a higher level than the CL at all there.I think you've all misinterpreted him. I think he's saying that when he realised or thought he could do it in the CL, he realised or thought 'hang on, I can do it in the Prem'. With the next level being him taking the step from a reserve to a first team player.

[penga]

He is good enough as the pure DM back up and also good enough to play with Lucas as a back up. He is still learning the positioning side and always improving, as we can see now he certainly holds his own.

Certainly wouldn't mind a Martinez to play slightly ahead of Lucas with Gerrard ahead of him. He has a bit more of an attacking game than Lucas, scores some goals. otherwise we could get a more attack minded mid than Martinez and play him with or ahead of Gerrard. United and City swooping around Martinez but...

 

[Fuzion6]

I actually think Spearing plays better with a DM next to him, he isn't a proper DM as such and doesn't have the nous or experience for it. Next to an enforcer as the double pivot is his best role - i.e. next to Lucas last year. With him and Gerrard we at times can get dragged around and lose control of the midfield - there isn't enough nous or intelligence in the midfield. Javi Martinez is fantastic as he can play either as a DM or a CM but I think he only moves for CL. Kevin Strootman is another with the intelligence that we need and can play either role to a certain extent. Other names are Joe Allen, Joao Moutinho and James McCarthy who again outplayed Gerrard - seen him do that a few times, he is a very smart footballer.

[penga]

I actually think Spearing plays better with a DM next to him, he isn't a proper DM as such and doesn't have the nous or experience for it. Next to an enforcer as the double pivot is his best role - i.e. next to Lucas last year. With him and Gerrard we at times can get dragged around and lose control of the midfield - there isn't enough nous or intelligence in the midfield. Javi Martinez is fantastic as he can play either as a DM or a CM but I think he only moves for CL. Kevin Strootman is another with the intelligence that we need and can play either role to a certain extent. Other names are Joe Allen, Joao Moutinho and James McCarthy who again outplayed Gerrard - seen him do that a few times, he is a very smart footballer.

Lucas learnt his trade next to Mascherano in 09-10 for a full season. Spearing can still learn it, positioning comes with experience and guidance. Mascherano was once a bit of a loose cannon in terms of position but listen to him in 1 of his interviews where he says he learnt loads about positioning and defending from Benitez and thanked him for moulding him into the player he was.

[Rohit]

It's a name that I've seen come up a lot. It would be an exciting purchase for sure. Perhaps he's too well known though and looking for Champions League footy?

He maybe too well known mate, but we'll never know if we try. Suarez was well known and came to us, juventus bought a midfielder I would have loved to have in arturo vidal. Vidal gave up champions league football at bayer and even said himself many were after his signature but he had to come to juventus because of what they were trying to build. I feel player would be willing to give up the lure of champions league if the project itself is something special.

Fact remains, we didn't improve the central midfield area last summer and didn't address any of the problems with that area. As a result we find ourselves with the weakest midfield we have had for possibly the last decade.