Thursday, August 03, 2006

Is Rafa taking the right risks?

If anything this summer Rafa Benitez has proved he's more than content to take a risk on players with what can best be described as reputations.

However, rather than concentrate on the 'problem players' as many tabloids have delighted in terming them surely we should look at what the likes of Jermaine Pennant and Craig Bellamy will contribute to Liverpool FC.

Let's ask how well they will blend with those players we already have and those to come as the cheque book may not be stuffed back in chairman David Moore's pocket for some weeks to come.

A clear indication from the signing of these 'bad boys' and many others we have been linked with is that Rafa will be aiming to stretch teams next term. Until this point the Reds have had to rely on the vision and quality of certain players to puncture holes in defences. It's been fairly one dimensional but effective. Now the manager is working to build a team which could be devastating in a shape he has always had a preference for.

The system was favoured in the 2005 Champions League final. AC Milan had proved susceptible to balls going outside the usual channels and being taken not only high up the field at pace but out to the flanks where wingers could burst through and open out play quickly from deep positions when the opposition are still looking to support their own attack and pouring resources forward.

Significantly that was Pennant's primary role at St Andrews where he was encouraged to fly upfield before sending in a telling cross. In fact the former Arsenal man made more crosses than any other player in the Premiership - a mammoth 227 centres from 38 outings during the 2005-06 season at an average of just under six a game in a struggling side. Imagine how effective he could be with better service and with better targets (like Peter Crouch) in the box.

The Reds hit the most goal attempts last term - 566 to be exact - 200 better than that of Birmingham City and a figure not even Chelsea, Manchester United nor Arsenal can match.

What would be nice to see is Pennant re-emerge as a serious goal threat. At Arsenal he scored a hat-trick on his Premiership debut against Southampton just over a week prior to the two sides meeting in the FA Cup final. These proved to be his only strikes for the Gunners though he was also something of talisman for Leeds when on loan during their ill-fated 2003-04 season.

Should he arrive Dirk Kuyt will certainly look forward to linking up with the winger. As will many others including Bellamy who will create extra space for others to exploit through his quick sprints. Peter Crouch should also be fed well from good wing play and prove the perfect foil for the more prolific marksmen. Robbie Fowler has always been a clever player as well as the most natural goalscorer of recent times who should thrive on good service from the flanks.

Add to this the quality and vision of Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard and others. It seems Stevie G may well be offered a free role this season while Xabi and Mohamed Sissoko maintain shape and discipline in the engine room.

Clearly it has been Rafa's desire to do this since day one but these plans have been hampered by being unable to move certain players on so their transfer fee as well as wages can be utilised. The availability of the right players at the right price is also important.

Knowing that he only has somewhere in the region of £15 million to spend depending on the names he is able to offload before the window closes makes Rafa a very frugal shopper but not one who delves for bargains just for the sake of it. Oranges may go on sale at Tesco for small amounts just prior to closing but doesn't mean you buy as many bags as you can lay your hands on.

Some players have been given a second chance having seen it all go wrong at big clubs they previously played for. Others have been given the opportunity of a lifetime. We should all assume they will grasp it.

This season has the potential to be a very exciting one.

By Darren Phillips

This story originally appeared on www.shanklygates.co.uk

Great Red North @ 9:33 am

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