Hiya John lad. Nice team. All ok?
But you see, there's a selection problem there right away for me.
Many like yourself have opted for Phil at right back and nobody can argue with the fact that Phil Neal was a fine player and an incredible servant for us. At times he was virtually a superb attacking right midfielder linking defence and attack. Also his medal haul is off the scale. But for me no way would I have him as the right back in an all time eleven.
Thing is, anyone who hasn't got Smithy as centre back simply has to have Smithy as right back way above Phil, even albeit that Smithy was not the player he had been at centre back when he was moved to right back. Then there's Chris Lawler - again a more accomplished full back than Phil and one who apart from his defensive solidity scored an unfeasible 50 plus goals from open play. Then Rob Jones who was again for me a superior full back robbed by injury of the sort of fruition to his career his early play for us so promised. We then have the incredulous Trent who is currently doing things with a football most notably 60 yard exocet crossfield passes that Phil - bless him - wouldn't even contemplate in his wildest dreams.
Al, good to read your posts mate. Its been awhile hasn't it? Doing well in a new city (DC area) but its early doors.
As far as this project, you are spot on about it being an impossible task --- the 5-10 minutes I spent on it is regrettable not for the task but for the time commitment. Like you, I had a few "have to put in" players (Alisson, Dalglish, VVD, Firmino, Gerrard).
I really wanted Bobby in this team even though Rushie, Barnes, God, and Souness would have to make way.
In thinking about your comments, I am sure that I am limited in my marking back picks ---> and Tommy Smith really does belong, along with Robertson comparatively - impossible task. I like Hughes versatility, which is why I picked him (could play 3-5-2 and not go with Neal at all)
And I picked Phil Neal because he was the winningest Red of the lot. I am sure I missed a great deal of comparative understanding here being born in 1969 and beginning my support of the Reds in 1982 (living in the States).
I thought about Trent (one of my favorite lads) too, but I thought longevity might be an issue for me (as VVD, Mane and Bobby Firmino have some European club experience).
So in recapping, I think I'll change my bench from Hyypia to Tommy Smith, replace Neal with Robertson and keep Hughes because he could play CB or LB and Start/Switch TAA for Neal.
Could not bring myself to add Mascherano or Souness at DM -- It might cost me mate
How are you doing? Send me a PM and we'll catch up!