Author Topic: Our strikers and a lack of pace. (Read 1089 times)

Notayesman · « **on:** July 19, 2005, 07:49:10 PM »

Well we've finally signed the big lad and I for one am glad for all the obvious reasons relating to options and premiership oppostition, not to mention his talent. But now with Milan looking more likely to leave everyday, it worries me that should Cisse succumb to an injury then we're seriously lacking in pace up front. Moro, Crouch and Le Tallec hardly have pace to burn. So with Pongolle the only natural replacement for Cisse currently injured I feel we could fall short here. What are your thoughts folks? Do we need to look again at strikers? Or is Rafa content with what he has? After all we're not exactly long ball merchants hitting the ball into space for our strikers. Maybe he prefers strikers with speed of thought for the quick passing game he envisages.

What do you reckon?

zigackly · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2005, 07:50:42 PM »

I reckon there's a long way to go before the transfer window closes.

Paul LFC · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2005, 07:50:43 PM »

Pongolle?

And I have a sneaking suspicion the Owen rumours will resurface with the sale of Baros.

Hattori Hanzo · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2005, 07:53:17 PM »

we have plenty of pace in the midfield, players darting through

brunny · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2005, 07:53:27 PM »

on sky they have been reporting about LUQUE. I havent seen much of him but is he quick?

Notayesman · « **Reply #5 on:** July 19, 2005, 07:53:28 PM »

Yep Pongolle? Or Flo! Or Sinama! Whichever suits.

Drobs · « **Reply #6 on:** July 19, 2005, 07:55:26 PM »

Exactly why i said only the other day that it looks open to a second striker being signed if Milan does indeed leave. There's a gap there and we can all see it!

ttnbd · « **Reply #7 on:** July 19, 2005, 07:55:37 PM »

you don't always need pace to be a striker. It helps but isn't needed.

denisovich · « **Reply #8 on:** July 19, 2005, 07:58:38 PM »

"Reports emanating from the French press continue to link Liverpool with a move for Sidney Govou.

The pacey Lyon striker was reportedly on Rafa Benitez's wish list during his time at Valencia and it has now been suggested that he is keen to take the player to Anfield.

Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas conceded in the summer that he would consider offers for the French international but denies that he has received any bids thus far for the 25-year-old.

It is understood that a bid in the region of 12 million would secure Govou's services but as yet, it would appear Liverpool have yet to make their interest known."

Maybe Rafa's thinkin the same as you?

RedVash · « **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2005, 08:01:58 PM »

last year we finished with only luis garcia upfront for some matches so don't worry...we could survive this year too

Consigliere · « **Reply #10 on:** July 19, 2005, 08:57:56 PM »

Quote from: Paul LFC on July 19, 2005, 07:50:43 PM

Pongolle?

And I have a sneaking suspicion the Owen rumours will resurface with the sale of Baros.

Owen officially announced today via the RM website that he has no intention of leaving.

Drobs · « **Reply #11 on:** July 19, 2005, 10:04:31 PM »

The strange thing is that the three fowards who we could still possibly be linked with in Luque, Govou and Kuyt all seem like they have a price tag of around £8m-£10m placed on their heads. Im not convinced we'll sign someone for that amount especially as a centre back and right winger are still required. Hmmmm...

the BIG fella · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2005, 12:00:13 AM »

If we sell Dudek and Baros, he'll sign Michael again. I reckon.

bazjones · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2005, 12:04:09 AM »

Surely Crouch must have some pace the length of his legs?

Johnnyboy1973 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2005, 12:06:33 AM »

Dunno, how fast do you have to be to roof it from thirty yards? I will take clinicism over pace every day.

Point being, we will never be happy

Timbo's Goals · « **Reply #15 on:** July 20, 2005, 12:12:25 AM »

Quote from: Paul LFC on July 19, 2005, 07:50:43 PM

Pongolle?

And I have a sneaking suspicion the Owen rumours will resurface with the sale of Baros.

Yes - Pongolle - he plays for Liverpool (currently injured). Also known as Sinama.
Check the official site for his profile.

BringBackMeelan! · « **Reply #16 on:** July 20, 2005, 12:25:29 AM »

has baros had a price tag slaped on him?

what clubs are interessed in him? he turned down lyon, all i have heard is west ham, man city and aston villa and there is no way that he will go to any of them

themule · « **Reply #17 on:** July 20, 2005, 01:08:10 AM »

From what I've seen of Luque, he's not an orthodox out and out striker. plus its well documented he's more than comfortable playing a withdrawn and even a wide role.

I'll be suprised if, when considering '4' (or whatever number of strikers rafa thinks we should have) he is counting le tallec in the list. I just dont see the lad as a striker, and I certainly dont see him as a first team player this season. Wouldnt be suprised if we try and ship him off somewhere, be it on loan or permanent.

Which leaves our strikers at Crouch/Moro/Cisse/pongo. im presuming Baros is off, seems that rafa has had enough of both his playing style and mentality.

As a result, someone like Luque would be fantastic. As much as I like pongo, I wouldnt be comfortable having to rely on him starting a succession of games should we get more injuries. Luque would easily fill the void of the '4th' experienced stirker, whilst also filling options wide and in behind.

As for the 'pace',. players like carew, mista etc at valencia had little pace up front. Seemingly rafa rates link up play as more important than pace. Whilst pace is obviously an excellent attribute to have, I think the days of the ball over the top and chase it are over. Strikers need to be more versatile than just utilising pace.

uneverwalkalone · « **Reply #18 on:** July 20, 2005, 01:10:32 AM »

Been hearing very strong Owen rumours, make more sense with Baros going, we dont have the same type player at the club, Owen is the same type.

Gnurglan · « **Reply #19 on:** July 20, 2005, 02:48:53 AM »

I don't think we're looking to use pace up front. It will rather be our midfielders who raid forward.

theCanadian · « **Reply #20 on:** July 20, 2005, 02:54:55 AM »

I don't buy it. Cisse won't get injured (here's hoping), and of course as you said we have a good quick player in Pongolle backing him up. So there you have it.

Not to mention Baros isn't gone yet and at this moment it looks more likely than not that he will stay at the club.

Plus we have players like Kewell, Garcia et al who dont' lack pace at all.