Topic: The Kids Are Alright - The West Bromwich C1 Cup Round Table

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

It started poorly and you feared the worst but then Foster evened things up and all of a sudden these teenagers, prompted by Sahin, were pinging the ball across the wet Hawthorns turf as if this was a training match.  The domination of possession was so complete that this gem made it into the halftime analysis on a Baggies forum:

east-stand-nick (Senior Baggie) Posts: 3145
Re: In Game Chat Today at 08:55:45 PM
»Can we have our ball back please?!

Lots of new players to have a look at so lets start with a few of those:
Thoughts on Yesil?
Thoughts on Assaidi?
Was this Pacheco leaping from his footballing coffin like a celebrant at the Procesión de Santa Marta de Ribarteme?

More generally, if this is how Brendan Rodgers is aiming to get the club playing from top to bottom then what do we think?

[Hinesy]

Well in some ways there was nothing to lose and later on we played that way... Our defence was suspect at times early doors. Brad and Ben both goalies, will not want to watch the first half again for a while, and Carragher at times looked his age. There was one moment when he cleared his lines and it went to a West Brom player and less than 5 seconds later, it was back where he'd just cleared it. Now I'm one of Carra's biggest fans, however if this way of clearing is one of the things Rodgers is wanting to stop, then I'm all for it. That's not just aimed at Carragher but this was a good example tonight.

The energy and speed with which the attackers had, and the way they took on the West Brom defence was lovely to see, but I wonder if that's the joy of youth, the arrogance and naivety of being young and believing not only that the world's your oyster but you designed the pearl within.

Either way, it was good fun to watch. Assaidi and Yesil and Pacman all had a tendency to pull back the shirts of passing baggies and that kind of thing needs to be stopped right now.

I thought the ref didn't have a great game but we won, and deservedly so.

Interestingly I thought Henderson shone out tonight far more than he has of late, perhaps a mantle of responsibilty suits his shoulders...?

[Juan Loco]

Most of the praise for Rodgers during the past two cup games has been for giving the  youngsters their head, but tactically he's done it quite well I think, by putting that experienced base through the centre of the team. Jones, Carra, Coates, Henderson and Sahin have started both games, and although some have made mistakes, they've given the platform to perform to the youngsters. I think that's especially true with Sahin, Henderson and Coates, and they're hardly old heads themselves.

I think one of the interesting differences between the first team and this cup team so far is that Sahin and Henderson seem much more of a '2' in the centre, whereas when Allen, Shelvey and Gerrard have played, we've often seen Allen on his own, and the shape of the midfield has changed throughout the match. It's given us a really strong base in the cup games, but also left us struggling to find a real link through the centre to our attack, with both Suso and Pacheco struggling to get into the game playing alone ahead of the midfield two. Like Suso last week, Pacheco showed some real touches of quality in the role when he got the ball, but was not a permanent presence in the game, which affected Yesil.

Yesil I thought showed up quite well. A little more physical in the role than Pacheco last week, but also more selfish. ... Something I suppose you'd expect off an 18 year old striker. He looked really elusive in and around the box though, constantly twisting and turning for a chance to shoot. It wasn't a spectacular debut, but given he'll probably get another chance within a week or two, there's more to look forward to.

Up until rewatching the match just now, I'd forgotten just how good the goal was. Immediately after the match I had it in my mind that it 'started' with Suso driving with the ball, but the play from the throw in before that was great. Wisdom and others (I think Sahin and Downing) exchanging one touch passes in crowded area, before the ball gets played to Coates, who has the easy task of rolling it to Suso in space. Suso's done well to drop off into the gap there too. I think he struggles to get into the game when he starts in that role just off the striker, but the game was open when he came on, and once he gets on the ball he's golden. Credit too to Sinclair in that goal for continuing to move. He wanted to be slipped in earlier by Suso, but once it didn't happen he made sure to run the West Brom defence away from Assaidi. I didn't think it was the movement of a lad who was only able to buy his first lottery ticket at the weekend.

One thing I wasn't fully aware of on the first viewing was just how good Coates was. I thought he had a good game, but only really noticed quite how many clean tackles he made the 2nd time around. I hope Agger's injury gives him the platform he needs to have a real run now. I think he took it on himself to be the one to deal with Lukaku after the dodgy opening ten minutes we had, and let Carragher get to work with sweeping behind him. But for one moment when he turned him in the 2nd half, I thought Coates had the better of Lukaku in their personal duel, although Lukaku looked their greatest threat overall.


Many things you could discuss, but good game that. My feeling is much the same as after last week, although this was a more composed performance. I'm not expecting us to win this competition or the UEFA Cup, so I'm viewing this as the chance to hopefully bring 3-5 players (Sterling still included) into the first team squad ahead of next season. Early signs would suggest that we're capable of doing that, with Suso, Wisdom and Robinson doing so well, and a couple of others in Coady and Sama (who must now be looking at getting a chance with Coates - hopefully - stepping in for Agger) on the bench.

[StevenLFC]

I might be getting caught up in some hype and emotion but I loved that game. A starting 11 with an average age of 23, a bench with an average age of 18 and our youngest ever player coming on. That's a great way to use this competition. The other great way is to do what Kenny did and play very strong sides, but he didn't have to factor in the Europa League games. What I hate is using the competition to play all reserves/fringe players who don't really fit into the club. Used to hate that.


As for the game itself, I thought we looked a bit shaky at the back early on, and Jones won't want to see that goal again but from the moment when they scored we looked very good. Henderson and Sahin dominated the midfield, Assaidi ran rings around Dawson and Pacheco looked dangerous too. I liked Yesil's movement and tenacity and he looks to have a very powerful shot too.


I like that we can make 11 changes from our weekend starting line up and yet the team can play in a similar way, that comes from good coaching.

[Garstonite]

Just finished watching the game on LFC TV. Delighted with the result and for the lads that have well and truly grasped their opportunity in the senior side.

This and the Young Boys game were thoroughly enjoyable exhibitions. It helps, as defeatist as it sounds, that expectations are as low as intrigue is high in each of the respective competitions. But there’s an unpredictable nature to an unknown side and, indeed, to players like Pacheco, Assaidi and Suso.  Dawson’s attempt to tell the referee he’d taken the ball after Assaidi had popped it through his legs was superb. He showed Downing up tonight. He was innovative, quick and had great awareness of what was on around him down that left hand side. There’s bravery about his game that’s missing from Downing’s.

Yesil, too, was another player I was really interested in seeing. It’s a shame he couldn’t connect with his header in the first half. One thing I would say is that we’re not seeing enough people in those positions, so as Bob would say “he was there to miss it.”

Overall though, I thought the performance was superb. As Clarke said, it was aided by that experienced quartet we had in the centre of defence and midfield, but we utterly dominated the game. Mulumbu’s tempestuous foul on Henderson and clattering of Sahin towards the end of the first half spoke volumes. I rate him, but he and Thorne couldn’t get a foot on the ball. The pressing of our players was outstanding. Pacheco in particular seems to thrive on that aspect of the game. It’s great to have hungry players in and around the side. He and Suso have pleaded and moaned about their lack of opportunities. You can’t fault the effort of either now they have it.

One thing I am confused about is Rodgers treatment of Henderson. The rather ambiguous statement he made about his future career is curious to say the least. I’m not sure what he’s trying to achieve with it. Then again, if it’s true we offered him as part of the Dempsey deal on deadline day, it would just as curious if he came out and heaped praise on him. He must recognize that there’s a real rough diamond there, though?

Alongside him, though, Sahin was imperious. Goals aside, he was never fazed in possession. I thought he held Carragher’s hand through the game in terms of offering him a short outlet. Alonso-esque in that regard, dare I say. He’s coming along well.

My last point – confidence. I think it’s natural for confidence to be a talking point after this game. Mostly in connection to what it will do to the lads who have been involved and even those that haven’t. And all that’s true. But I think Rodgers will take great confidence from this. He’s earned the boost from his courage, but you can forget that he’s a manager still learning his trade. I think we may look back at the Utd game as a turning point as the season goes on. The introduction of Suso was bold. Really bold. That Suso repaid that faith in him was huge and every young lad in and around the first team squad owe him (and Sterling) a pint...

Well, a Powerade or whatever.

One perhaps rather negative point to leave you with though. We mustn’t get ahead of ourselves. You can’t help but be reminded of the side Rafa led to the final in his first season and how few of them ‘made it’. Whitbread, Raven, Potter, Pongolle, Le Tallec, Mellor. As much as every sinew of your body fights against it, you have to be cautious

[Juan Loco]

Not entirely sure we played with the same confidence in the league cup run under Rafa though. I know what you're saying, but dare I say there's a certain authority about one or two of these youngsters.

Agree entirely on Pacheco's pressing. He did the same thing away to Chelsea's U21s about 10 days back. What I think is starting to show it up as a great quality now though is that the other players are starting to read it. Instead of Pacheco just going on his own - and he did this a few times last week - he's got people following behind him to press the next man. He sets the tone in that regard, but having others follow him up is crucial.

[Mr Dilkington]

Didn't get the chance to watch it live as I was working, but managed to catch it on LFCTV afterwards.

The start was unfortunate. Just a bad error from Jones, which might have set the tone. We didn't let it though, which was probably the most pleasing aspect.

You can really tell with each passing game (literally), we're improving all the time. Every game things get done that little bit faster, and that makes all the difference. Everyone on that park tonight looked comfortable in possession. I know people like to criticise Carra, but I felt he passed the ball well (Garstonite makes a shrewd point about the way Sahin played with him though). Still that's part of the reason we got him. Coates was really impressive. He tends to have wee moments of uncertainty, but on the whole he was pretty imperious. One of my favourite moments was late on when West Brom really started to push forward in search of the equaliser. Long got the ball played into him on the inside left, and Coates was left totally isolated. Long probably fancied his chances against this big lumbering centre back... So he picks it up and tries to cut inside, but without even moving, Coates just stretches his long leg out and steals the ball, with Long standing there looking a tiny bit perplexed. I thought Wisdom did ok. There were a few moments when he was dragged out of position and Coates or Henderson had to cover, but on the whole he was tidy enough in possession, and you can't muscle him out of the game. Jack Robinson is, and continues to be a genuinely first class prospect. Dare I say it, but he could end up being our very own Leighton Baines.

The midfield: Assaidi was fantastic. He has that same drunken dribbling technique that Suarez likes, but with Assaidi it feels as though it's not quite as controlled as Suarez's way of doing it. Suarez tries to tie defenders in knots with sharp turns in quick succession, with Assaidi it's almost as if his feet are doing things before his brain engages. Still - it helped us a great deal tonight eh? Dawson, even after 10 minutes knew that he was going to come off worse in that particular dual, and so he did. Henderson looked tidy without ever being spectacular. I just think he needs to do more, because at this moment in time I think he has too many ahead of him for that spot. Downing wasn't great, but he wasn't as bad as people are making out.

New paragraph... For the undisputed man of the match - Nuri Sahin.

He was bloody marvellous. From the first minute to the last, he was head and shoulders above every single player on the park. Like all great midfielders, he always seems to have so much time on the ball. I know it's probably unfair, but he genuinely reminded me of a left footed Alonso last night. Not only in his play, but the way he carried himself. He was constantly talking, organising, and most importantly of all - moving. It's probably unfair to single him out, but had Jay Spearing been in his role tonight (which is quite feasible had Sahin joined Arsenal instead), then we would have lost that game. Simple as that. Not just be because Sahin scored two, but because he kept our shape, he protected Carragher, and he pointed with a purpose! At one point during the first half, Carra played a silly dinked pass toward his chest. Sahin isn't even facing the play, but there is a West Brom midfielder rapidly pressing, waiting for a mistake. Sahin doesn't look, he just takes a half step backwards, and cushions the ball back where it came from, and then moves outfield to get it back. So simple to someone like Sahin, but an impossibility for Someone like Jay Spearing, and therein lies the crucial difference. You can't teaching footballing instinct.

Thought Pacheco was great. Just a right pleasure to see the wee man back playing, and enjoying things. He didn't run the game, but he had some Lovely touches, and his passing was right on the button all night too. His pressing was great to see too, as Garstonite and Juan alluded to in their posts. Think it's worth keeping him around for this season at least. Versatile, and an unknown quantity to most, which will help.

Yesil seems like an interesting player. The movement for the missed header at the near post was great. I don't think anyone else in our squad makes that run either. So the fact he's a little bit different to the rest of the squad will help him out long term. Klose and Huntelaar would have been proud of that run.

Suso had a nice wee cameo again, and all of a sudden he's right at the front of the queue in terms of game time. I think he will start against Norwich on Saturday actually.

Loads to be optimistic about.

[royhendo]

I'm just gonna say well done to Rodolfo Borrell. Rafa and Rodgers are getting a lot of praise, but he's prepared some lovely players there.

Also, re Jones, Mike Girling posted this - a player who should have a reputation that precedes him maybe.

http://propaganda.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/120926-WBA-v-Liverpool/G0000oXdalfZg.3w/I0000RBYjiU9GqDk/C0000MnVL_wDI1HI

[No666]

On the subject of Borrell, Roy - Cpt Reina had this to say in the player thread, which deserves a little shout out:

It's been coming, this.

Suso was challenged and made to really want to make the breakthrough. He was held back because he didn't work hard enough and he improved because of it.

It was/is risky to play that game. You run the risk of the player just plain giving up (in which case why would you want to give him a bumper contract) or that when he does get his act together that he'll make himself available to other teams for a pittance.

Whether that happens or not remains to be seen.

Even if to does though, Suso's been very well managed by the academy. Borrell inparticular has pushed him and gotten at him. It's hard to notice unless you've followed Suso's progress since he arrived but it's done wonders for him. Even if he's not necessarily enjoyed it.

Borrell's made a man of him. And his game will be better for it.

The contract will hopefully be forthcoming now.

Are we suddenly looking as if we have a squad as opposed to a first 11? And how much is that to do with a first team philosophy that dovetails seamlessly with Borrell's?

[Yorkykopite]

Up until rewatching the match just now, I'd forgotten just how good the goal was. Immediately after the match I had it in my mind that it 'started' with Suso driving with the ball, but the play from the throw in before that was great. Wisdom and others (I think Sahin and Downing) exchanging one touch passes in crowded area, before the ball gets played to Coates, who has the easy task of rolling it to Suso in space. Suso's done well to drop off into the gap there too. I think he struggles to get into the game when he starts in that role just off the striker, but the game was open when he came on, and once he gets on the ball he's golden. Credit too to Sinclair in that goal for continuing to move. He wanted to be slipped in earlier by Suso, but once it didn't happen he made sure to run the West Brom defence away from Assaidi. I didn't think it was the movement of a lad who was only able to buy his first lottery ticket at the weekend.

You rightly give enormous credit to Coates for the way he played throughout the match. Yet you underestimate his role in the second goal. He didn't just have "the easy task of rolling it to Suso" Juan. His was the key pass of the entire move. When he received the ball I thought - as did the West Brom players - that he was going to go square. But he didn't. He took a risk, moved sharply into a pocket of space and sliced open the Baggie midfield with a really smart ball to Suso. It's what turned a lot of controlled possession into a goal chance (goal chances will always come when Suso is allowed to turn on the ball in that advanced position).

I was almost drunk with excitement watching the game last night. I actually belly-laughed a couple of times at our audacity and the failure of West Brom to hang on to the ball for more than 2 or 3 seconds.  The passing was really excellent for the most part. Sahin had a lot to do with that because of his willingness to turn on the ball and pass forward. But Assaidi did too. He's another 'turner'. Before a defender knows it he's looking straight at Assaidi's eyes. As a result we didn't spend an age probing for a decent pass to midfield as we've been prone to do in some of the league games.   

Couple of words for the two advanced players. Pacheco was very good. Excellent work-rate and clever passing (as you'd expect from him). He also finds space between the lines and Sahin found him a couple of times in dangerous positions. Both times Pacheco got his shot in. As for Yesil it was a promising start. The close marking didn't faze him, nor the physical aspect and a couple of times he showed quick feet and the ability to keep the ball moving between them when under heavy pressure.  He knows how to shoot too. There was one effort in the first half - it blazed over, but never mind - that came out of nowhere. Absolutely no back-lift, yet struck with a hammer.

Finally Jack Robinson. When he cuts inside he can use his right foot. Enrique note.

[Azi]

i havent been able too see any of the match yet but going from the reponses we seem to have played well but my question now is,how do these last two performances in the cup affect our transfer window? do we still go out and sign a big names or do we keep faith with the kids ? i know its early but suso and sterling have grabbed their chances are we going to reward them or will fans stil want us to sign another winger like walcott?

[Garstonite]

i havent been able too see any of the match yet but going from the reponses we seem to have played well but my question now is,how do these last two performances in the cup affect our transfer window? do we still go out and sign a big names or do we keep faith with the kids ? i know its early but suso and sterling have grabbed their chances are we going to reward them or will fans stil want us to sign another winger like walcott?

We still need a senior forward. To replace Downing.

[kkjellquist]

We still need a senior forward. To replace Downing.

still think we need a out and out finisher....beating Young Boys and WBA in 2nd tier competitions hasn't change that....the future is bright!!

[helmboy_nige]

Lots of new players to have a look at so lets start with a few of those:
Thoughts on Yesil?

Looks really engaged and sharp.  I'd like to see him get some more game time as I think his movement can cause huge problems for opponents.

Thoughts on Assaidi?

Get him in the first team for the league now.  He was brilliant last night and gives Rodgers a huge dilemma.  Does he drop Borini (I know he's injured, but longer term), or interchange him with Sterling?

Was this Pacheco leaping from his footballing coffin like a celebrant at the Procesión de Santa Marta de Ribarteme?

Pacheco certainly put in a good shift and might well have a future afterall.  In a night when so many impressed it was easy to forget some others.

More generally, if this is how Brendan Rodgers is aiming to get the club playing from top to bottom then what do we think?


Very very positive.  So much so that I need to keep my feet on the ground.  It is still early days, but that felt like death by football to me.  Having these players come straight in and play like this demonstrates how effective having the same formation and style of play from top to bottom is.  Get these kids in more and more, I could watch them all day.

[shelovesyou]

Sorry a quick bump to say for those who missed it, like me, its on at 7pm tonight on LFCTV.

[Funky_Gibbons]

I can't remember the last time I went to bed so happy after a game. It's not just the fact we won, it's how we won, playing such great football, scoring a great goal, youngsters playing without fear and coming from a goal behind. We now have youngsters such as Suso, Robinson, Wisdom, Yesil and Coates who are ready to challenge the first team players. These kids have really grasped what Rodger's is trying to do with both hands.

Thoughts on Assaidi

Thought he looked dangerous Every time he got the ball. Took on the full back on the inside and outside until it got to the point all they could was foul him. Crossing was very good and an assist against a premier league team on his debut is more more than some people. Still don't think he looks match fit so perhaps coming on in the next couple of games to get 30-40 minutes.

Thoughts on Yesil.

I think the commentator said something along the lines of him being a nuisance rather than a threat and I think that was a very good summation. It is clear he has got something about him and really put a shift in.

Thoughts on Pacheco.

Thought he was more noticeable for what he done off the ball rather than on it. I know he hit the bar but other than that I thought his best bits was his chasing back and tackling.

Thoughts Brendan Rodgers style of play.

If this is the vision for the club from top to bottom then we have a great future if he is given the time to implement it. I think the last few games has been so encouraging and the style of football is exciting to watch. The second goal last night was one of the finest team goals I remember us scoring for a long time. 11 passes of quick, attacking, but possession football, great stuff.

[didi shamone]

Missed the very start of the game and Brad Jones alledged error. Had me shitting it every time the ball came near him. Turns out he was blatently fouled so I could have relaxed.  It was a game where we didn't give away a stupid goal. More of those please. In some of our earlier games I poked fun at our 6 second retrieve posession tactic. Last night the players pressed like their lives depended on it. We were dogged when we didn't have it. When we went a goal down heads didn't drop at all. The likes of Sahin, Coates [my motm] Henderson and Assaidi grew as the game went on. And thats just to name a few.
These kids play  with the kind of belief that reminds me of when Fowler and McManamum were young. Their self belief is immense and more importantly they have the ability to match it.  The football was a joy to watch.

Yesil did well considering he's just in the door and not up to speed yet. He has good movement and works hard. I'd have great hopes for him and hope he gets plenty cup games.

Assaidi is definately a steal at the price. He needs to be in the first team squad at least from now on. I'd like to see him start over Borini for Norwich although Rodgers will know more about that decision than us. Can Assaidi be consistant? If the answer is yes then we've struck gold.

I've seen next to nothing of Pacheco since we signed him so I never had an opinion on him. I honestly thought I'd never see him in a Liverpool shirt again. But last night he impressed me much more than Cole or Downing ever did. You need a big squad these days and surely he's worth keeping. Certainly shouldn't be let go for peanuts.

It's a certainty that this is how Rodgers wants the club playing from top to bottom. He's talked like an obsessive on how he believes the game should be played.and if he can pull it off then only a madman could complain.

[El Ninos Black Eye]

Sahin absolutely bossed the game, ran the show. Pacheco worked really hard to with and without the ball. Was impressed with Yesil's movement, took him a while to settle into the game, but he will improve with more game time.  Assaidi was very impressive, full of tricks. Every time he ran at the full back, he was twisting and turning him. Put in some quality balls to. Compared to Downing on the other wing who just looked like he'd given up.

[Fauxy]

Henderson hasnt really got much praise for his performance, mainly just because Sahin completely bossed the midfield and grabbed all the attention.

But Henderson put in a really good shift. Even at the end of the game he was still sprinting around chasing everything down, he has one hell of a motor on him and he seems to have got even fitter. He really did make Sahin's job a hell of a lot easier.

Assaidi suprised me in that he has got quite the motor in him too. Wingers like him who are quite lightweight and forward thinking dont tend to have so much workrate to their game. He did a lot of tracking back and defending and doubled up on fortune a lot of the time to help out Robinson. Looks a hell of a player!

I would be happy if we went through the whole of the capital one cup playing the same or a similar team full of youngsters because they will really benefit from it and if we get knocked out then who really gives a shit 

[WorldChampions]

i havent been able too see any of the match yet but going from the reponses we seem to have played well but my question now is,how do these last two performances in the cup affect our transfer window? do we still go out and sign a big names or do we keep faith with the kids ? i know its early but suso and sterling have grabbed their chances are we going to reward them or will fans stil want us to sign another winger like walcott?

I think Brendan will look to sign big names depending on £ available. He says himself that the young players have until January to try and cement a place for themselves.

"Between now and January, the young players will get the opportunity and as long as they show the hunger and the ability to want to learn then they'll get an opportunity."

[Anywhichwayicant]

I was hoping for extra time, goes to show how much I was enjoying the performance.

[john_mac]

Fucken boss night.

I've been up the academy a lot over the past 2-3 seasons and the potential has been there, loads of people deserve credit for it. Rafa, Kenny, Rodolfo, Pep, Marshy, shit loads of scouts, well there's fucken loads of them, the quality of the players has been there for anyone to see and the target moved a bit. Not that it has been written off but winning trophies no longer seems the most important goal, the old Hughie McAuley target of getting two players a year to Melwood has been ripped up and there is a genuine aim to get as many of them as possible into the first team, even if that takes investment.

Anyway it was a great night, great performance, touch on Assaidi was fucken great, Sahin, who'd looked like a acred rabbit against Arsenal, looked top quality. They had a very strong side out, but were played off the park at home. Was also good to see some of the fans enjoying themselves, some of the Maggie chants a bit cringewirthy, but were plenty of kids there and generally everyone seemed out to enjoy it rather than moan about it. Makes a pleasant change.

No doubt in my mind that last night & last week were the best games of this season so far, in every sense, boss matches, good performances, good support. Funny that they come in competitions that apparently nobody is arsed about, I don't give a fuck have always loved the league cup and the UEFA? Well if you can't enjoy Euro aways, well there's something wrong with you.

Don't want to go over the top about teh young players, there's a long way to go for all of them, including Sterling. Still its a little exciting to see a crop of them coming through and if we can get it right, it can only be good news.

One thing really pissed me off about last night though, when the tickets went on general the club decided not to give credits to those who bought them. If we get to Wembley some miserable auld twat will qualify ahead of a kid who bothered his arse going to West Brom to watch a second stream team on a wet Wednesday night, bit shit that.

Will be interesting to see what happens for the Swansea game, would love the club to make it £15 and  £5 for kids, lets get some of the local kids into Anfield  and give them something to get behind. Those that bothered their arses going to West Brom should have the first opportunity of tickets not have to wait to see what's left.

Anyway actually been a sound week watching the reds, even with the disappointment of Sunday, throw in Dexy's on Monday night and this weekends marathon coach to Norwich and its happy days.

[Bob Loblaw]

In Jones' defense: http://t.co/iBF0D4Rf

Caught that the first time round, maybe not enough to make him drop it but usually results in a free out.

Biggest positive for me last night was Wisdom and Robinson. Maybe getting ahead of myself but those two could mean we don't have to go spending any money on backup/competition for the fullback spots.

Seems to be a real maturity about most of these lads coming into the side and it's clear they know what it is to play and be part of a team. Borrell should feel very proud.

[TepidT2O]

Some of the movement was superb at times.

Groups of three rotating their positions, making angles, all superb in keeping the ball.


Yesil looked really good to me.  Tenacious, quick, aggressive, but still very early days for him?

Assaidi showed what he can do against poor marking, can he do it against better players?  Hope so, but it's good he can do it at all as Stewart downings demise continues and he loses the confidence to do anything to anyone.

Sahin was great.  Spread the ball like butter and got forwards at the right moments.  £11m might seem like a bargain in a year.  He worked well with Henderson too.  He lacks drive, but he has the work rate and technique to do a job for us.  Certainly when I saw Charlie Adam and Spearing and compare them with Sahin and Henderson the comparison is stark.

Pacheco played the best he has for us...  I don't think his future is with us, but well done to the lad.  I thought that he might not have played of Joe Cole were fully fit......  That would be a shame.  Who would we want to drop to accommodate Joe Cole in that side?  Our reserve side and he would weaken them if he played.

As for Suso....  Two sub appearances and he's made a goal within a minute or two of coming on in both.  That's not luck, that's talent.

[Bird Bird Bird The Bird Is The Word]

Great game to watch, we all know the positives from the game so I'd like to focus on two negatives.

When we are not in a winning position, our shape is really good, we press well and use the ball well. Against Utd once we were winning, we let them pressure us and forgot how to keep possession and actually use it. Same happened in the last ten minutes yesterday, it's really worrying because it's been a major problem since Rafa's last season, where we would go a goal up, sit back and then concede.

I don't know whether it's the young player/lack of experience factor or if we are so surprised to find ourselves in a winning positions, we try to just protect it instead of playing in the same way before the goal that led to us scoring a goal. It's not even like we were playing gung-ho up to the goal yesterday, therefore we needed to calm it down. Unless this issue is addressed, I can see a lot of sloppy goals being conceded when we are in winning positions.

Finally, ending on a positive, my major worry with Rodgers was not tactics, man management or anything like that, it was simply signings. I was worried that he wouldn't be able to adapt to the transfer needs of a big club and would make Hodgeson-esque signings by getting players he knew from previous clubs, this worry was compounded by signing Borini and Allen but now has been completely quelled as they both look to be great signings.

However, even more impressive is his ability to seeminly pluck relatively unknown players for small fees that look the mutt's nuts, namely Vorm and Assaidi. He got Vorm for Swansea for a measily £1m and, without wanting to sound premature, he's landed Assaidi for us for just £3m and he looks to be a fantastic player.

Yesterday it was fantastic to see him beat his man again and again and again, using different moves and techniques to do it too, he's not a one tricky pony, plus he looks like he can contribute a fair few goals and assists. He assist for Sahin on his weaker foot should not be underestimated, it was perfect in every way. Fast, on the floor, not bobbling and perfectly fitted Sahin's run for an easy tap in.

[john_mac]

Great game to watch, we all know the positives from the game so I'd like to focus on two negatives.

Why?

[Garcepticon]

Funny that they come in competitions that apparently nobody is arsed about

I think they are great performances because we don't get stressed when things go wrong, because the club has told us that no one is going to get axed if a performance goes awry. Yes it is great to win competitions, but if you aren't going to do that then what is the next best alternative? What we are doing.

Every one of those young players goes out there thinking this is the most important game of their lives, because -potentially- it could be a stepping stone towards a career at LFC. I get the impression that the fans don't think that the games are that important and so we can enjoy them. As a result, if Wisdom makes a mistake - we think 'who gives a shit we aren't trying to win this competition', so it allows the youth players to play without the ramifications of an EPL defeat and the fans can really get behind the team, even if we are losing.

A few people have commented about how much better it is to see these young lads given a chance to prove themselves when before we had a line up with Degen and assorted squad players who really had little chance of making an impact at the club. I couldn't agree more with that shout.

[John C]

I might be getting caught up in some hype and emotion but I loved that game.

Me too mate, not long had access to this thread and so 24 hours later my enthusiasm for how they played hasn't waned. It was as assured a display from a youth team you'll see in a while but you could argue it was as good a passing display from a Liverpool team we've seen in months. Their patience and ability to keep finding each other was a delight to watch.
Its not worth mentioning that Yesil was a bit weak and undecided up-front, but it has to be mentioned how concerning it is to see Downing lack the quality to get himself in to a game like that. Incredulous.
The many other positives are the arrival of Sahin, the solidness of Coates, glimmers of Henderson coming of age and the exciting Assiadi.
But recognition has to go to Suso's involvement in the winning goal - fucking hell he could have saw glory and wasted a move with a hopeful shot, but instead he gave a beautifully weighted pass for Assiadi to cross the ball. Even he could have taken the shot but the maturity of a precise pass was fulfillment and reward for Rodgers game plan.

I'm absolutely delighted with that.

[Bird Bird Bird The Bird Is The Word]

Why?

I find it more interesting to comment on areas we can improve, rather than patting ourselves on the back.

[spider-neil]

To be fair, Brad Jones was punched in the face.

[StevenLFC]

Liverpool beat West Brom in the League Cup with a side with an average age of 23 and a bench with an average age of 18. That gets me really excited. I always believe that any side not in European competition should play their first team in the League Cup: we showed last year that if you take it seriously, the competition is there to be won.


For those sides who compete in Europe, I do see why they rest players and I'm glad Brendan Rodgers decided to play a young side. It gives the young players a boost to know that good performances for the Under-21 squad can lead to a place in the first team, and therefore they will all be eager to impress.


Many opposition fans won't have heard of Wisdom, Robinson, Suso, Pacheco, Yesil or Morgan. Each of these players have played first-team football and have played really well. Even though his name is now well known courtesy of some fine first-team displays, Raheem Sterling is still only 17.


Even many established first-team players such as Henderson, Kelly, Shelvey, Allen, Coates and Borini are all under 23. Some could see this lack of experience as a negative, but it should be seen as a positive. Rodgers is implementing a new system and style of play at Liverpool. We've always liked to play pass and move football, we even made a cup final song about it! However, Brendan's philosophy seems to take that one step further. It can be difficult to implement new systems and styles but Rodgers should find it easier with all the youngsters around who will be keen to learn.


A lot has made of Liverpool having a small squad this season, but that squad seems to be growing every week. We see a new young player impressing us and we realise that he is good enough to play first team football. I am a huge Rodgers fan and I believe he will develop these youngsters into a quality side in years to come.


The Kids are Alright

[DyingAtheist]

As much as I agree with what's been said (though I think we all need to cool down a little bit) there's several threads saying pretty much exactly this already, and in more detail.

[StevenLFC]

Fair point. Posted mine without really looking.

[Kate_LFC_SFC]

For the team we lined up with and all its inexperience it was a very good performance. Apart from the opening ten minutes we were rarely threatened by West Brom and controlled possession well.

We dominated down our left and Assaidi was a constant threat, however in the first half we lacked penetration through the middle. Sahin and Henderson sat a bit deeper, content with circulating the ball and Dani Pacheco struggled to get into the game.

In the second half Sahin was more advanced and Pacheco, then Suso after him, saw more of the ball whilst still being a threat on the left. The goal was a great example of the penetration we were missing in the first half.

Yesil was solid, however he is different to what Suarez is (obviously). Whereas Suarez likes to drop into space to receive the ball and run at defenders, with a player like Shelvey moving in advance of him, Yesil seems like he likes to play off the shoulder of his defender more, and with Pacheco we rarely had anyone moving between the lines. This problem was addressed with the changes at half time.

This is my full tactical analysis >> http://katecohensoccer.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/post-match-analysis-league-cup-west-brom-vs-liverpool/

[Yorkykopite]

I find it more interesting to comment on areas we can improve, rather than patting ourselves on the back.

Enjoy the victory pal. Enjoy the way it was done.

[john_mac]

I find it more interesting to comment on areas we can improve, rather than patting ourselves on the back.

Well maybe pat yourself on the back for that.

For me, more than happy to talk about the one touch football, the passing and the close control of a night that had plenty to talk about, best nights football I've seen in quite a while. There is no doubt there were some negatives but it seems a bit churlish to concentrate on them on such a good night, a night were I'm sure all that were in the stadium spent the journey home enthusing of the positives of the night rather than the negatives.

It won't make me a tactical genius but it is clear that Brendan likes to have a surprise up his sleeve and he certainly doesn't seem shy about using these surprises. Looking forwards to seeing what it may be for Saturday and given that I thought he hwas the most impressive both last Thursday and last night, hope that it may be Assaidi who gets his chance.

Looking forwrds to teh long trip on Saturday and hope we spend the journey home concentrating on the positives, even if that involves a bit of backslapping rather than worrying about the negatives.

[DanA]

Assaidi has to move into the League team. Straight away you can see the quality he brings and his direct nature fits nicely with Rodgers style of play. He passes fairly cleanly and picks his moments well but unlike Downing he gets at his man frequently and that is what we need. A lot like Sinclair was for Swansea actually.

I was impressed with Yesil's build up work. I've seen highlights of him as a finisher and a couple of games of his where he looked very composed in the box but the quality of his build up work was another string to his bow. He's going to be a player, it seems we've got a few players.

Sinclair was so important to the winning goal. I could be reading too much into it but it seemed to me it pulled the defenses strings like a puppet on so many levels.
1. He pushes the defensive line back giving Suso space to run in to.
2. He draws the RB away from Assaidi
3. He cuts back drawing the Right CB opening up a passing lane
4. He draws the left CB's attention away from Sahin
5. He's front and center for the rebound

He either flukes it a bit or it was world class movement, hard to know which but it was the first thing he did on the pitch and it impressed me. It funny because initially I thought were the fook are you running to Sinclair?

i havent been able too see any of the match yet but going from the reponses we seem to have played well but my question now is,how do these last two performances in the cup affect our transfer window? do we still go out and sign a big names or do we keep faith with the kids ? i know its early but suso and sterling have grabbed their chances are we going to reward them or will fans stil want us to sign another winger like walcott?

It's interesting but my feeling is Sterling has definitely taken his spot and Suso has earmarked himself as one to develop with priority. It's seems absurd but I'm not so sure we need to add in numbers, perhaps just quality. If Downing and Cole were Suarez quality players I don't think the squad would be short that short. In summer we'll need to beef up the defence with Enrique looking average and Carragher retiring.

[DanA]

Great game to watch, we all know the positives from the game so I'd like to focus on two negatives.

When we are not in a winning position, our shape is really good, we press well and use the ball well. Against Utd once we were winning, we let them pressure us and forgot how to keep possession and actually use it. Same happened in the last ten minutes yesterday, it's really worrying because it's been a major problem since Rafa's last season, where we would go a goal up, sit back and then concede.

I don't know whether it's the young player/lack of experience factor or if we are so surprised to find ourselves in a winning positions, we try to just protect it instead of playing in the same way before the goal that led to us scoring a goal. It's not even like we were playing gung-ho up to the goal yesterday, therefore we needed to calm it down. Unless this issue is addressed, I can see a lot of sloppy goals being conceded when we are in winning positions.

Finally, ending on a positive, my major worry with Rodgers was not tactics, man management or anything like that, it was simply signings. I was worried that he wouldn't be able to adapt to the transfer needs of a big club and would make Hodgson-esque signings by getting players he knew from previous clubs, this worry was compounded by signing Borini and Allen but now has been completely quelled as they both look to be great signings.

I thought we played it well after the second goal, we stopped taking risks on the ball which is a move away from Rodgers style but with 5 minutes left and Westbrom flat out pressing it's understandable. We don't want to be giving up balls in the back half at that stage clearing up field is necessary. It's the type of situation where Rafa would have subbed in a CB and absorbed pressure killing off the long ball punt rather than try and hold on to possession. We didn't really have that option on the bench and so WBA looked a little dangerous when they eventually moved Olsson etc up the field but it's not high percentage stuff.

The one improvement I think we could make is just to get faster and more penetrating with the passing. I reckon it will come with time and when it does we'll be devestating. For the minute we've got a good shape and neat with our passing but it's not quite quick enough to pull the opposition out of shape as much as Rodgers would like

[redbyrdz]

I absolutely loved our second goal. Thats the type of goal we have been missing for ages, where it is nearly inevitable that we score. That is all.

Nah, not really, but everything else has been covered above!

[Bird Bird Bird The Bird Is The Word]

Enjoy the victory pal. Enjoy the way it was done.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely enjoyed the victory, the football we played was fantastic but I really don't see the point in waxing lyrical about our performance in a round table thread, it's mostly knowledgeable, smart reds in here so everyone knows what worked well but few point out things that didn't, just think it makes discussion more interesting to point out flaws.