Steven Gerrard

[Mellotron]

why would you have to sacrifice Cole, Rooney or Walcott? Look at the players on the pitch for Liverpool last night...probably their best player was a winger (babel)...who was involved for their first goal ? Torres....

the amazing thing is, England have done precisely f*** ALL in major competitions for many years - the teams that tend do do well, play TWO holding midfielders.

I don't think Gerrard has the tactical discipline to fit into a team also containing, Rooney, Walcott, Joe Cole AND Lampard. I can't see it happening.

Did you read his recent interview with the BBC? Basically moaning that the team isn't built around him at England like it is at Liverpool.

Most teams don't play two holding midfielders, holding midfielders are a fairly new invention in themselves.

 

[Les Biehn]

Yeah that's exactly what I'm saying. He's brilliant at Liverpool because he has players like Kuyt who worked their arse off for him. And TWO holding midfielders to pick up anything Gerrard lets get past him.

Also, was speaking to Chesney Christ recently and he noted that Gerrard did infact start as a holding midfielder, a very good one at that. Anyone remember that?

I don't know how long Capello would put up with Gerrard as well if his recent interview is indicative of his attidue.

I do remember it, I even remember him doinga decent job at RB. Just a shame he's got to big for his boots.

 

[Rusthall Seagull]

United and Chelsea don't and they both got to the Champions league final last year.

thought we were talking about Gerrard for ENGLAND - international game is completely different - anyway, United played that final with Scholes and Hargreaves behind Ronaldo - but hey, maybe I am wrong

 

[Les Biehn]

But to fair, you are second guessing what Mourinho means...he could have meant anything by that comment - so I don't think it is 'fairly obvious' to anyone.

but if you could tell me 'what other factors' - then I will think again....you never know, maybe I'm wrong.

Houllier and Benitez both tried to play him on the right wing or as a forward. Why would they do this and get other midfielders in when Gerrard wants to play CM? It would suggest to me they want to accomodate him because of his ability but feel the need to play him in a position where he doesn't have to be as disciplined. The same has happened with England to a certain extent although I will admit at times this is to do with trying to put square pegs in round holes.

Also look at Gerrard's game for England. He runs around like a headless chicken, not holding his position and trying to hit Hollywood balls all the time.

 

[Les Biehn]

thought we were talking about Gerrard for ENGLAND - international game is completely different - anyway, United played that final with Scholes and Hargreaves behind Ronaldo - but hey, maybe I am wrong

We are. You said teams that do well, not INTERNATIONAL teams that do well. Why shold we play two holding players just because some other teams do and it would accomodate Gerrard? Perhaps he should learn to adapt a bit so as he can fit into the system.

 

[Rusthall Seagull]

Houllier and Benitez both tried to play him on the right wing or as a forward. Why would they do this and get other midfielders in when Gerrard wants to play CM? It would suggest to me they want to accomodate him because of his ability but feel the need to play him in a position where he doesn't have to be as disciplined. The same has happened with England to a certain extent although I will admit at times this is to do with trying to put square pegs in round holes.

Also look at Gerrard's game for England. He runs around like a headless chicken, not holding his position and trying to hit Hollywood balls all the time.

Tried him, yes. Benitez seems to now realise though that his BEST position is central midfield. You are right, when it seems like sometimes for England, he runs around looking lost, however, I would attribute that to the tactics used or positional choices, rather than his ability. I would argue that if you played Kaka or Messi in a holding role for their countries, both would look rubbish!

 

[Rusthall Seagull]

We are. You said teams that do well, not INTERNATIONAL teams that do well. Why shold we play two holding players just because some other teams do and it would accomodate Gerrard? Perhaps he should learn to adapt a bit so as he can fit into the system.

The system that has been so successful for England for 40 years?

 

[Les Biehn]

Tried him, yes. Benitez seems to now realise though that his BEST position is central midfield. You are right, when it seems like sometimes for England, he runs around looking lost, however, I would attribute that to the tactics used or positional choices, rather than his ability. I would argue that if you played Kaka or Messi in a holding role for their countries, both would look rubbish!

But he still hasn't done anything for England for a while when playing in the middle. Also look at his goals for England, usually long range individual efforts. People look at it as Gerrard getting England out of hole, I often think it's a example of Gerrard going for the spectacular rather than what is good for the team.

 

[Mellotron]

Rusthall

Just no. England is bigger than Gerrard. He adapts to England, not the other way round. Capello will see to this or Gerrard will not play. Simple as that.

 

[Les Biehn]

The system that has been so successful for England for 40 years?

I never specified a system.

 

[Rusthall Seagull]

I never specified a system.

booo....rubbish point...

 

[Rusthall Seagull]

Rusthall

Just no. England is bigger than Gerrard. He adapts to England, not the other way round. Capello will see to this or Gerrard will not play. Simple as that.

you are correct - England is bigger than Steven Gerrard........

 

[sten_super]

I started picking out all the quotes I agreed with... then I realised that they were pretty much all made my Mellotron. So, in a nutshell, I agree with Mellotron.

 

[One True BHA]

Funnily enough, so do most national teams

yes, therefore they are comparable

except a club aren't restricted to one bunch of losers. they can throw millions around to bring the best from all over the world in. hence, the best team in the world.

 

[Rusthall Seagull]

I started picking out all the quotes I agreed with... then I realised that they were pretty much all made my Mellotron. So, in a nutshell, I agree with Mellotron.

that's nice

 

[Mellotron]

you are correct - England is bigger than Steven Gerrard........

But you keep suggesting ways WE can accomodate him. Surely it has to be the other way around. Read his interview with the BBC if you can.

Big case of sour grapes and I think he may go on to regret his current attitude if England go on to greater things without him (which I can see happening).

 

[Les Biehn]

But you keep suggesting ways WE can accomodate him. Surely it has to be the other way around. Read his interview with the BBC if you can.

Big case of sour grapes and I think he may go on to regret his current attitude if England go on to greater things without him (which I can see happening).

I think he was suggesting England as an entity is bigger than Gerrard.

 

[Mellotron]

Yes I think he was being cheeky in that instance, but the point remains.

 

[Rusthall Seagull]

Yes I think he was being cheeky in that instance, but the point remains.

I was being cheeky....nice all to be friends at the end though! I feel all warm inside now!

 

[Les Biehn]

I was being cheeky....nice all to be friends at the end though! I feel all warm inside now!

That's only because you shit your pants.