I was at the glorious victory against Chelsea today and the best thing to come out of the game for me was not Torres' fantastic goals, not the inspirational atmosphere, but the importance of Peter Crouch leaving the club in 2008.
If you recall, Crouch was wanted by Benitez and offered a significant contract to stay on as foil to new hero Torres. But he said no, desiring instead first team football under Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth. Given our league charge the following year with Torres banging in goals on his own up front, the agreement to cash in was certainly a correct one.
Today, Roy Hodgson chose to revert to his favoured - and oft criticised - 442 formation with Kuyt returning from injury to provide support up front. Based on Torres' phenomenal acidic record in a 4231, it seemed justified to sell Crouch, keep Kuyt at inside right and persist with the telepathic Gerrard supporting his mate from midfield.
Which is why we only have young starlet Ngog as our second striker. Why would David Villa, Carlos Tevez, Darren Bent or god forbid Carlton Cole come to Anfield when they know there's only one shirt available for a striker? Some players may be happy to just taste the experience of Anfield, but we don't need tourists.
So Kuyt partnering Torres today, and Ngog being strike partner on occasion in this change of formation may just make for a more interesting January transfer window. Now that top strikers think they actually might get a game next to the Kop's new son, we might actually see one of them arrive.
Now that I've proved it possible (to myself at least) the question remains as to who we want?
David Villa, if he wasn't so expensive!
ReplyDeleteAndy Carrol, if he's not a nutcase
Aguero, if he'd play for us
Griffffy on Twitter
"Why would David Villa, Carlos Tevez, Darren Bent or god forbid Carlton Cole come to Anfield when they know there's only one shirt available for a striker?"
ReplyDeleteMost of these players have to play second fiddle, or have another good player, playing second fiddle to them. Our squad would suit someone who can play in either the Torres or Gerrard role (for me Tevez would have been perfect), given how often they are injured. The reason we haven't had that has more to do with financial restrictions I believe.
It is critical we acquire a top 2nd striker as back up. N'gog is doing well and developing but isn't the finished item, yet. A club of Liverpool's stature should be able to attract a top striker, if we have the financial ability. But that player should be 23-26, capable but with his best years yet to come.