And so Liverpool have finally rid the tag of being a “two man team”. Well sort of.
The term which has haunted Rafa Benitez’s side since the arrival of Fernando Torres in 2007, because before that of course Liverpool were a “one-man team” and that one man being none other than the impeccable Steven Gerrard.
This being the same Liverpool team who lined up with Xabi Alonso in midfield for four years, of course until his departure he was never considered by sections of the media important enough to turn Liverpool into a “Three-man team”
But since his move to Madrid the media are chomping at the bit to point to his exit as the reason for Liverpool’s slow start. Well the term can now be put to bed because if Alonso’s impact was of such genius as he is now being portrayed then the initial diagnosis was horrifically wide of the mark.
Hearing mutterings around Stamford Bridge, fans somehow came to the conclusion “We miss Alonso” all this despite being on top in each game we’ve lost and being handed more chances than the Monopoly World Champion.
Would Alonso have made all that much of a difference? Well the truth is probably not, and I’m not for one minute questioning Alonso as a Liverpool player, during his time at Anfield he was a joy to watch and his passing ability was the best I’ve seen.
Last season, and particularly during those draws at home the main question was not how great our midfield was, but was their really a need for both Alonso and Mascherano against what would be deemed lesser sides.
So only in losing Alonso have the media sat up and realised Liverpool are not just a two man side, at times the Reds do over rely on Gerrard and Torres, but that could also be said as natural born match winners it becomes more apparent when they score late on or a decisive goal.
During 2008/09 Dirk Kuyt scored numerous vital goals most memorably at Manchester City away, then of course Yossi Benayoun netted deep into stoppage time at Craven Cottage, Pepe Reina made a host of decisive saves in big matches. But these players barley get a mention as the view of limited Liverpool looks as though it’s here to stay.
The pressure is now on Italian acquisition Aquilani to fill Alonso’s boots and add the creativity which supporters are blaming at the loss of Alonso.
However, Liverpool have been free scoring against sides they struggled against last season such as Stoke and Hull, which proves as said earlier perhaps Alonso and Mascherano was not the ideal partnership people now believe it was.
Only time will tell if the former Italian under 21 captain can fit the bill and win fans over in replacing Alonso, but one things for sure people have now realised the importance of players around Torres and Gerrard.
BBC Sports Personality, It’s a farce.
(Mon 14/12)
England... Strictly don't have the X-Factor
(Fri 09/10)
Alonso Exit- Over Reaction?
(Thu 08/10)
Liverpool; In the Zone?
(Mon 28/09)
