World Cup Qualifiers: The Gerrard/Lampard Debate

John Terry has been ruled out of Saturday qualifying match with Kazakhstan. This could be a good thing for England, as the Ferdinand/ Terry center back combo has not really been what it should be in recent games. Seeing how Ferdinand works with another center back will be a good thing for England. The dilemma, however, is not the one that everyone will be watching on Saturday. The focus will be on the pairing in midfield. The Gerrard/Lampard debate has always been a two fold one. One, who is the better player? And two, how should England play them together in midfield? The first question, in my opinion, shouldn't even be a question. Steven Gerrard is BY FAR the superior player.

Frank Lampard has been a consistently terrific player during his career with Chelsea. He has been exceptional this season. He is, however, blessed with playing for a squad that has allowed him to blossom in his very defined role. I don't want to say that he is a product of the system at Chelsea, because that robs him of any true credit for his accomplishments. But extraordinary players and talent have surrounded him since Abramovich's arrival at Stamford Bridge. His runs forward come with no concern for position, as has always been soundly backed by a solid defense in midfield, as well as the backline. He is great at jumping on rebounds or finding a seam for his teammates to set him up, but he rarely creates or controls the play. He is dependent upon others for his offense, most of the time.

This isn't to say that he isn't capable of a great pass, or a short run for a goal. Lampard has the ability to maneuver his way into an open shot and score class goals. His shot can be excellent (not while playing for England though), and his corners and free kicks are of decent quality, although not as good as Gerrard. In terms of a defensive presence, it is non-existent. He is a dreadful tackler and loses more balls than he wins. He is class attacking midfield player, a great player even, but he would never flourish outside of Chelsea in the same way.

Gerrard, on the other hand, is the spark that has ignited Liverpool over the last five years. He is the quintessential box-to-box midfielder, providing help on defense and driving the attack. He can sit back and direct an offense (although he has a penchant for some risky balls, that sometimes get him in trouble), or he can get forward with amazing runs and make a perfect pass or be a scoring threat from close or long range. When it comes to this long-range ability, he is as good as anyone in the world in firing or placing one in the back of the net.
Perhaps the most important part of his game is his instinctual play. Gerrard always seems to be a play ahead of everyone else. His leading passes or give and gos can be spectacular, because he is reading things so much faster than the defense.

Gerrard lifts up the Reds and carries them when they are in tough situations. How many times have we seen it? Last year against Derby, it was like he just decided he was going to take over and win the game, and he did. He is a true leader and captain for Liverpool, a star who can create and do things that few players have ever done on the pitch.

To be honest, I think it is ridiculous that anyone could see Lampard as being at the same level of Gerrard. For all of Lampard’s goal scoring and consistency, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard anyone make a solid argument for the Chelsea midfielder being a better player. Does he fit in well with Chelsea? Yes, and maybe that’s where the problem lies. This brings us to the problem with England.

The England Dilemma
The problem with Gerrard/Lampard is that they both have to play in center midfield. Gerrard can spread out to a wing or even play a stretch at right back if he absolutely had to. He even has the pace to join a forward up front. His preferred and most effective role is in the center mid. The versatility is what hampers him. Playing both in midfield just isn’t practical, unless you want to put the reigns on one of them, and limit the impact they could have on the attack.

Lampard has the ability to run a midfield on the attack, but he needs to be surrounded by quality defensive midfielders. He has had the luxury of Makelele, Essien, and Ballack playing along side him. Gerrard can play this role, but he won’t always be able to cover for Lampard, if instinct kicks in, he will have to make his runs.

I believe that Capello will ultimately have to either chose one or put Gerrard right in behind Rooney at center attacking midfield with Lampard and Barry behind him and two wings flanking. If you are going to have Defoe, Heskey, or Crouch up front with Rooney, it will have to be one or the other. I believe that eventually it will be Hargreaves or Barry with Gerrard in center midfield and Lampard off the bench as a late goal-scoring substitute.

It does look like Capello prefers Lampard to take the far and angled free kicks, with Gerrard taking the more straight on ones. Lampard is also lining up for more corners. Lampard is very consistent, but when he plays badly, his confidence suffers greatly and he plays dreadful football. That is exactly what happened in the last World Cup. Gerrard never has a crisis of confidence. He can be playing poorly and still pull out a classic goal.

If they can put together a string of games in qualifying and find some cohesion, maybe just maybe the combo can work. Games against the likes of Kazakhstan are great trials, but the real test will come against the big competition.

Premier League: Friday Football Fun

With a off week in the Prem due to the World Cup qualifiers, teams will have some extra time to look ahead to the January transfer window and figure out how to run up a little more debt. As the global economy collapses around us, the PL braintrust is considering holding some games in Asia as part of the regular season. Just as the idea for games in the US was broached earlier in the year, this one looks to be heavily opposed but also inevitable. The League has gone global, and just like salary increases and billionaire owners, you cannot stop progress that you've already opened the door to.

The PL is marketed strongly in Asia, with plenty of exihibition games held each summer, to draw the line here would be arbitrary. Is it a good thing? I'm not sure. There is a point where a sport can get to its height, and then loses some of its romanticism on the way down. What was once so deeply tied to small English towns, has become a world commodity. The nature of our society determines how sport progresses. Now, do officials have to be cautious and prudent when figuring out which route to go in terms of expansion? Absolutely. But to fight the progress would be contrary to the direction that the League has already been headed in.


Let's get to some fun:

-Ronaldo (the prostitute-loving one.....wait, that doesn't help, the chubby one with the Madonna teeth), is still reported to be interested in Manchester City. Say what you want about the Brazilian striker, but even a bloated Ronaldo won the Bronze Shoe at the last World Cup. He can score in his sleep, and he is still only 32 years old. That seems amazing, but if he seriously whipped himself into shape, he could start pouring in goals for a couple of more years. It makes sense for City to bring him in for the rest of the season, although they have distanced themselves from him and are seemingly set on bigger targets. It would do him good to be out in Eastlands where the supermodels and nightlife are sparse, compared to Paris Saint-Germain, where fun-loving Ronaldo will be up to his bloodshot eyeballs in nightlife.

-Fernando Torres is excited about the prospect of winning the Baloon d' Or. It looks like Ronaldo has it wrapped up, but Messi had a strong Olympics to go with his fantastic season, and Torres scored the Euro 2008 winner for Spain to go with his 33 goals last year. I think that these three players are the favorites, with Iker Casillas garnering consideration as well.

-The Tottenham Hotspur situation has gone well beyond the point of an adjustment period for new players. Luka Modric, David Bentley, Gomes, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Giovanni Dos Santos. All came to Tottenham with dreams of Champions League football. Now they sit on two points, no wins, and remain in last place in the Premier League. The only good sign in London right now, is that Spurs have not yet had their doors blown off in a match. Yes, they are a laughing stock, but in many games they have controlled possession, and they've have only lost by more than one goal once, away to Pompey. The next two matches will be the tipping point at White Hart Lane. They face fellow bottom dwellers, Stoke City (away) and Bolton (home). It is a neccessity that they win both matches, not only to move up the table, but to resemble anything close to a confident football team.

Liverpool Player Reviews: Week 7- Manchester City

Man City 2-3 Liverpool
Liverpool's charging comeback shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone who watched Sunday's match. The Reds looked dangerous all second half, with their first half possession being squandered with poor final balls that left only one quality opportunity, a shot that Dirk Kuyt shanked well over the bar. In the first 45, City defended in numbers and made sure that Liverpool's possession and control of the pace of the game didn't materialize into any solid scoring chances.

On the Liverpool side, their solid team defense had a few first half lapses. City netted goals on a defensive scramble, fired home by Stephen Ireland, and a free kick goal by Javier Garrido, after a bumbling Albert Riera tackle. The first goal was a result of poor execution and communication between Arbeloa and Skrtel, and the good ball hawking quality of Ireland. Garrido's free kick goal was a great effort, the ball tailing away from a late reacting Pepe Reina. Shawn Wright-Phillips seemed to have the best luck in giving the Liverpool backline fits, while Robinho was pretty much kept in check. A 2-0 halftime lead for City was more than they deserved.

With the confidence of having slightly outplayed City in the first half, Liverpool came out with purpose and always looked likely to get some back. Fernando Torres slid on to a rare quality cross from Alvaro Arbeloa, after Steven Gerrard released him with a brilliant pass. After a red card for Pablo Zabaleta, coming from his two-footed challenge on Xabi Alonso, Torres netted another goal to tie the game. He ran on to a great Gerrard cross at the near post, and directed it far side, a pure striker's goal.

Torres had a chance for a third goal less than ten minutes later, but his volley sailed high over the open goal after his run to the back post. The game clincher came in extra time, as sub Yossi Benayoun, manuevered his way into the left side of the box and cut a pass towards the middle where Torres attempted to direct the ball in. His attempt was blocked and ricocheted to the far post, where Dirk Kuyt was waiting to bash the ball high into the empty net. The goal completed their comeback from down 2-0, and kept the Reds tied atop the league with Chelsea, trailing only in goal difference.

In Focus:
Martin Skrtel

23 year-old Martin Skrtel, is a Slovak defender who came over from Zenit St. Petersburg during last January's transfer deadline. His bold tackling, solid marking, good defensive heading, and attacking runs up the middle, have earned him the starting center back position alongside Jamie Carragher. He beat out longtime Red, Sami Hyypia, and former starter Daniel Agger, who spent almost all of last season laid out with injury. Besides the fact that Skrtel's menacing sneer and shaved head make him a scary looking dude, along with Carra, he has formed the backbone of what has been the Premier League's top defense.

Sunday's matchup with Man City left Skrtel to deal with the attacking prowess of Brazilian forwards Robinho and Jo, not to mention the likes of Ireland, Wright-Phillips, and another Brazilian, Blumer Elano. Skrtel spent much of the time marking another player who spent time in Russia, Jo.

Skrtel came out, as he usually does, hyped up and ready to attack. He seems to get out of position and make a lot of dangerous tackles early on in games. Then he will settle down and form a rock solid backline with Carra. City seemed to try and lure him out early on, a strategy that they hoped would open up Jo or Robinho up the middle. The first goal, coming in the 19th minute, has to be partially blamed on Skrtel, although, Arbeloa should take the brunt of the scorn. The Slovak stuck with Robinho in front who received a pass from the Wright-Phillips. The ball squirted out past Arbeloa, who had unneccessarily come to help out with Robinho, and into the waiting run of Ireland, who blasted an unsaveable effort past Reina.

Now you could blame Skrtel for not communicating with Arbeloa that he had Robinho, but he was staying with his man in the center, so it really was Arbeloa's responsibility to pick up the trailer. Having said that, from that point on, Skrtel was a lot more disciplined in his play. The Garrido free kick was a great effort that was given due to clumsy backtracking by Riera. After the second goal, Man City was reduced to mostly defending, and long balling, a poor strategy, especially after the 71st minute when Jo left the game, and Robinho was left alone up front.

Skrtel had a couple of positive runs up the center of the pitch during the game. He had a early header that he got on to from a corner, and squared up for a shot from outside the box that was easily taken by Joe Hart at the center of goal. Despite these forays into the offensive end, he never got too adventurous in coming out on defenders for big tackles. With only a small spurt of pressure from Man City in the second half, attacks in which the Liverpool defense dealt with cooly each time, Skrtel had little to do but to control the possession efficiently during workups, and win the balls in the air that came flying into his end. He did this effectively as the Reds charged back.

Then, with the scored level at two, Skrtel scrambled back for a long ball, and tussled with Ched Evans. Perhaps distracted by Evans' silly first name, Skrtel caught his right leg awkwardly on the turf, and damaged his posterior cruciate ligament. The injury looked pretty awful, and he was stretched off to the concern of Rafa Benitez and the Liverpool faithful.

Fortunately, what looked to be a long absence, may only last until Christmas, as Skrtel is due back then after learning he does not need surgery.

Grade: B


Player Grades:
Pepe Reina- C+
Reina had no chance on the Ireland blast, but his positioning for the Garrido free kick was a little off. If he position his wall for a shot to the far post, then why did he not cover the near post? He also got off to a poor jump on the ball, as the shot most has completely fooled him. He didn't have much to do the rest of the way, as Man City failed to really test him. He didn't have a particularly brilliant game distributing as well.

Alvaro Arbeloa- C+
Arbeloa had a big time screw up on the first goal. True, Ireland was roving and came from out of the box to bury the ball in the net, but Arbeloa had no reason to double up on Robinho in front when it was clear that Skrtel had him. His cross on the Torres goal was, intentional or not, a quality one. His workups and crossing weren't all that impressive, neither was his defense. He does seem to be gaining a little more confidence though, which hopefully will turn up in his future performances.

Jamie Carragher- A-
Hard to fault Carragher for either of the Man City goals, and the rest of the time, he held down the backline pretty well, as neither Jo, nor Robinho gave the Reds any fits.

Fabio Aurelio- B-
The Brazilian had a little bit of trouble on Sunday with Shaun Wright-Phillips. He was broken down a couple of times on the wing, and wandered out of position as well, which caused Riera to have to get back and take out Wright-Phillips. Fabio did do well in getting the ball into to Riera on a lot of occasions, but he did not have a lot of chances to get forward.

Albert Riera- B
Riera looked good early on, sending in a shot that was turned away by Hart, and setting up Kuyt for a shot that the Dutchman should have done better with. Much of the attack ran through Riera on the left in the first half, and although his final ball left a lot to be desired, he showed great skill in manipulating the play, moving forward or holding up, to get numbers in his favor. He will only get better as the season goes, and become a bigger part of the Reds attack. He was subbed off for Benayoun late in the game.

Javier Mascherano- B
Benitez returned Mascherano to the starting XI in favor of Robbie Keane, in a surprise move. Mascher had a decent game, and was effective shutting down in midfield as usual, but he looked less comfortable in his role, as he deferred to Alonso and Gerrard much of the time. He was subbed in the 71st minute for Keane. Benitez will have a tough time deciding between Mascher and Xabi, as it will ultimately come down to that, unless the form is changed.

Xabi Alonso- B+
Alonso kept the possession in midfield going, working as a fulcrum in solid fashion once again. He has yet to hit on long range effort this season, and if he does, they could start to poor in. He does seem to be a magnet for harsh tackles, as he was on the painful end of another red card. Zabaleta's tackle left the Spaniard writhing in pain. It's the 3rd time this year he has been the victim of a red card offense.

Steven Gerrard- B
It was a tale of two halves for the Skipper. In the first half, Stevie G hung back and distributed the ball on many occassions. He didn't do much venturing forward, a strange choice with no Keane up front and Alonso and Mascher back in midfield with him. In the second half, Stevie was a threat each time he went up with the attack. His great ball sent Arbeloa down the side to set up Torres for the first goal, and his wonderful corner to the near post was met by Torres for the second goal. Gerrard is most effective when he is bearing down on the defense with pace, and his subdued role in the first half was not where the Reds need him.

Dirk Kuyt- B
I could honestly write the same thing for Kuyt each week. He was solid, had some bad touches, worked hard, won some balls, miscued a couple of shots. But in the end, he put in the game winner. His first goal in the PL since last November!

Fernando Torres- A-
For the second straight week, Torres netted two goals in the second half to lead his team to victory. His goals were striker's goals, the first one all about him using his body position to sheild and put in with his right leg, and the second, just a magnificent header. He can score in every way a striker should. He should of had a hat trick late on, when he sent the ball into orbit at the back post with an open goal, but his ability to get to an open lane led to a deflected shot that Kuyt won the game with. Torres has had 4 goals in the last three games, and after having one taken back last week, missing an open one this week, and being snake bitten in a win at mid week, he should probably have eight or nine.


Subs:
Andrea Dossena- C+
Dossena came on in the 71st minute and got foward well. The problem is that his crossing left a lot to be desired. It's something I hope he is just struggling with at the moment, and not a reflection of his ability.

Robbie Keane- B
Keane did a good job getting back to the ball and working into the City defense. He also opened up space for Gerrard and Torres in the center of the attack zone. His introduction into the game opened things up and was a real positive for the team.

Yossi Benayoun- B
Yossi, despite only playing the final 10 minutes, did a good job of getting into the City backline. His crafty moves and great feed to Torres set up the game winning tally by Kuyt.



Man of the Match: Once again, Fernando Torres

Week 7: Predictions Part Deux

Sunday Predictions

Some more quick pics for tomorrow's games.

West Ham v Bolton
The Hammers soft schedule continues with Bolton at home. They haven't had any strikers arrested this week, so who knows what will spur them on for this one.
West Ham 1-0 Bolton

Portsmouth v Stoke
Will Stoke attempt to lock it up as they did with Liverpool and Chelsea? Or will they be adventurous and attempt to get some points?
Portsmouth 3-1 Stoke

Tottenham v Hull City
Spurs still looking for their first Prem win and Hull are riding high. Are the Tigers due for a let down? Could be a trap game.
Tottenham 2-1 Hull

Chelsea v Aston Villa
Drogba and Anelka are both out for this one, but Chelsea has options even with Kalou alone up front. Villa could make a big step up with a victory at Stamford Bridge. Then again, the Blues do not lose at Stamford Bridge. My opinion is wavering after the Anelka news, but I'll stick with my original thoughts.
Chelsea 2-1 Aston Villa

Man City v Liverpool
City has crushed Pompey, but they are still looking for that symbolic victory to show that they are legimate players in the race for the top 4. The Reds are still unbeaten in all competitions and have yet to play their best football. Torres did not bury his chances on Wednesday against PSV, and he could explode on Mark Hughes and City.
Man City 1-3 Liverpool

Everton v Newcastle
This is an interesting matchup. One team looks like a shell of the team that finished 5th last season, and the other is a sinking ship. David Moyes is getting more and more frustrated at Goodison Park and the Magpies and their supporters need something to lift their spirits.
Everton 0-1 Newcastle


Sorry about the abbreviated predictions this weekend, I'll make it up in two weeks for Week 8.