ratings(2)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
This is Part II of my opinions and ratings of Liverpool players after the 2006/07 Barclays Premiership season, and this time its the midfielders in the firing line...
Heh.:
Jermaine Pennant
Started the season slowly but gradually improved to be a
good decent squad player for the right wing role. Good
crosser of the ball and a decent dribbler. Hasn't had a
bad first season at Liverpool. Highlight for him was his
magnificent goal against Chelsea. 7/10
Steven Gerrard
Not as good as last season, especially reflected in his
goal tally. However still a good season for Liverpool's
skipper. Influenced some key games. Pushed to the right
wing for some games to accomodate Mohamed Sissoko, xabi
Alonso or Javier Mascherano, still manages to produce a
good performance on every occasion. 7/10
Xabi Alonso
Hadn't have a good season in terms of fulfilling his
ability of passing the ball, unlike previous season. But
still manages to pull the strings in midfield for Liverpool
, has to work on his defensive game. Nonetheless, a good
performer this season for the Reds. 7/10
Mohamed Sissoko
Played out of position for most games, such as attacking
midfield. He could not really have that attacking edge
Rafa Benitez had been looking for. More of a defensive
midfielder, as highlighted against Barcelona, he produced
two great performance over both legs and managed to
neutralise Deco, Xavi, Ronaldinho, and such. 6.5/10
Javier Mascherano
Signed on an 18 month loan deal from West Ham United, Rafa
Benitez had managed to get the best out of him, playing him
in a defensive midfield position. Now more preferred to
partnering Steven Gerrard, to allow the Liverpool skipper
more freedom to bomb forward, leaving his defensive duties
to the Argentine, as usual partner Xabi Alonso is more
attacking minded. Overall a good signing. Should be
acquired permanently for Liverpool. 7.5/10
Luis Garcia
The forgotten man at Anfield, following his injury which
kept him out for 6 months. Managed a few good and bad
performances before the injury. Scored quite a few goals
to aid Liverpool during their short-lived title chase.
Hopefully more to come from him next season, and that he
stays fit. 7/10
Mark Gonzalez
Goals against Tottenham and Fulham in the earlier part of
the season showed promise, however his performances as a
left winger had been poor so far. Can't beat his man with
his undoubted pace, and can rarely get a decent cross in.
Has to seriously work on those points to make it big in the
Premiership, or he would be shipped back to the La Liga.
5.5/10
Harry Kewell
Injured for the whole season. But the 15 minute cameo he
had against Fulham showed glimpses of his undoubted quality
. Looked much better than Mark Gonzalez. If he stays fit
next season he should look to cement his left wing position
, and why not? 6/10
Boudewijn Zenden
He has been poor up till that game against Chelsea, in
which he shined playing against Paulo Ferreira. Other than
that game, he hasn't had a good enough season to stay at
Liverpool. Might leave at the end of the season. 6/10
MY BLOG OPINION of Liverpool's Best Midfielder: Javier Mascherano
my thoughts at 11:07 am