What a performance. After the overhaul over the last few months, there's been a need for time and hard work on the part of everyone involved in the team, and a certain amount of patience required on the part of the fanbase. But that today was a real glimpse into the type of football we'll be playing regularly in the not to distant future. It was a game based on quick, accurate passing and you could see the confidence building within the team to play those one twos in tight situations. It was a real pleasure to watch.
When Adam signed, I wondered whether he'd be a regular for us. I couldn't quite work him out when he was at Blackpool, and of course, we had Aquilani who I was a big fan of. So Adam's a player I've tried to look out for these last few games, and it looks like he's getting consistently better- maybe the erratic nature of his passing at times this season, and at times last season was due to him playing for a poor team, and getting used to a team like Liverpool now. But it's definitely getting there. And in no small part due to the utter dominance of space afforded to him by Lucas. What a performance from him today- every bit as composed on the ball in the short pass as Alonso used to be for us and every bit as aware of the opposition players as Mascherano was. Alonso used to have that incredible knack of finding a quick short pass or switch across the field to relieve pressure instantly. People used to miss those because they were sideways or backward passes, but they were a fundamental feature to the way we played. Lucas did it all day in the tight situations that Xabi used to command in as well. In fact, he was even doing back heels and turns to make the space just like Xabi would. It was mesmerisingly good. Lucas isn't as good as Alonso at the longer passes.... but it doesn't matter, because Adam seems to be, or at least, he's good enough at making them and going for them. Between them, it's looking like a very dynamic partnership in that central midfield area; the ability to set the pace of a possession game, get assists, directly support the attack, defensive solidity and good set piece ability is what we have, and what we had in the last great partnership in that area of the pitch. Of course, it's early to hold Adam and Lucas up as equals to Alonso and Mascherano. They'll need to do it consistently in the league this season, and then against top teams in Europe for that to happen, but the potential is clearly there. I really look forward to seeing them this season. The more I see of Adam the more I like him.
Downing was class again- the guy oozes class. Some of his wingplay today was incredible, and the way he plays with the players around him is very promising. I'm hoping to see him score soon and ramp that confidence level up a few more notches, because he's on the cusp of becoming a Suarez or Gerrard type in terms of influence. And I can't remember the last time we had 3 truly world class players in our attack line up next to each other (one of the reasons it pissed me off Torres the c*nt left, because him lining up with Suarez and Stevie would have been mayhem).
I said before the match that I was hoping for Henderson to have a good match. I've liked what I've seen of him so far, but can absolutely understand the frustrations and apprehensions people have had of him since the start of the season. I saw people make comparisons with Lucas. But the thing with this lad is is that he plays in a position where all the top players in that position (the benchmark, if you like) contribute directly in attack (whereas with Lucas, that's not the case). So you'd expect him to be more than neat and tidy in possession (which he very clearly is)- you'd want more of a threat from him on goal. Well, he was one of the top chance creators last season, and today he showed why. Fantastic attacking performance from him- surprisingly, he's not actually an all guns blazing Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney type, but he's far more cultured it seems. I like that. It's almost deceptive. Apart from his well taken goal, he slipped some great through balls and crosses in and should have walked away with at least an assist. Of course, his all round game was solid as well as those direct contributions to goals/chances.
I could probably go on about every player, because they were all fantastic today. But Luis Suarez... what a phenomenon. He's unbelievably good at what he's doing. Kenny needs to get him working on his finishing though, because when he improves that, he'll be the best striker in world football, no question. But today, his all round game was on display in the most emphatic fashion I've seen from him. Two balls to Downing down the left and into the box were dripping with class... the flicks and one twos with Dirk all game had me swooning. The thought of how devastating he'll be when Stevie's back makes me want to jump up and down.
I should also mention Dirk. I've been a massive critic of his, but I'm a massive fan of him again. He's always done that and I take my hat off to him. I've always said that his first touch is inconsistent rather than shite- because he's a very capable player at times when it comes to the one touch, quick and tight football. He's showed it every now and then with Stevie, Aquilani and Torres. But now he's doing it with Suarez and it's a joy to watch. Sure, it's still inconsistent (I think it was Downing who crossed the ball to him at the edge of the box and a shit touch from him saw it roll away instead of turning into a shot on goal), but he's doing great in this team under Kenny is Dirk. Long may it continue.
And perhaps a slight negative to end on, but it's in all our minds. Andy Carroll. I just can't see where he fits in at the moment. Whenever he plays it seems to be a more slow, less dynamic game in attack. Defenders not only work us out quicker but they're actually good at keeping us away from goal more often than not. Without him, the team plays like a title contention isn't too far off. It's great football to see due to the speed up front. I just think Carroll being in the team slows it down. I can't work out whether that's down to how Carroll plays or if it's the way the team sets up to play around him when he's in it. Hopefully he starts looking more in tune with those around him. At the moment though, I'd like to see us stick with Dirk and Suarez up front with Downing. Next game is going to be a bit of a hard test, and I don't think the lethargic, slow football will cut it. It'd play right into the hands of the best lower league 'park the bus at home' team in the league. But due to the timing of the fixture, I'm guessing our Uruguayan maestro will be on the bench due to international commitments, so big Andy will have a good chance to get the ball rolling.
All in all, it's so nice to be able to watch some first rate football from first rate footballers again.
