Apropos of nothing...
<![CDATA[<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/qQaQtWRfZ5U" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/qQaQtWRfZ5U</a>]]>When watching season compilations of all league goals, 2001 - 2002 really stood out in terms of the end promising so much:
A strikeforce of Owen, Heskey, Litmanen, Anelka / Fowler. That would easily rank among our best ever in terms of quality + depth + different characteristics imo.
Gerrard coming into his own, that belter v Everton, the passing, the assists from deep in midfield, one touch outside of the instep / foot passes....spectacular.
A solid base in midfield with Hamann, McAllister, Gerrard, the promise of Biscan (reality hit later, but he was wanted by a host of clubs, started well, could defend and attack, mobile, tall, strong).
Versatile players like Murphy, Smicer, Barmby who could play wide or behind the striker, in Murphy's case at centre midfield for certain games. This was before he slowed down at Fulham and played there exclusively. Murphy was actually fairly mobile in his time for us, went on the odd dribble and scored.
Rock solid in defence with Hyypia and Henchoz at their best, Riise was still in his adventurous phase, scored some beauties, went on dribbles.
Owen was a joy to watch, absolute predator.
What came after has been talked about aplenty, but for that season, the squad quality, especially after Anelka joined, the solid base... it was a great time to be a Red.
Some awesome teenage memories.
Could Rafa have made more of Murphy? Don't recall why he binned him. Maybe he didn't have a place in the 4-2-3-1? Could have played behind the striker or as a solid right sided attacker, helping out centrally. Stamina / fitness issues?
He had some speed back then, really good weight in his passing, vision, could dribble a bit, was a very good technical player. He would be a mainstay in the midfield threes played these days by top teams. Came a generation early.
