Why Steven Gerrard's absence may have shown Liverpool the way forward

When I heard that Steven Gerrard had sustained an injury whilst away with the national side, my immediate reaction was to consider the impact that this would have upon Liverpool’s midfield. Although the removal of a player of Gerrard’s quality will always be detrimental, there was a feeling that Raul Meireles may benefit from his captain’s absence.

The signing of Meireles following Javier Mascherano’s departure was greeted with enthusiasm but only now is the Portuguese international showing his true credentials. Having been forced to play from a wide position early in his Liverpool career, Meireles has stood out in a more central role. Rather than being viewed as a direct replacement for Mascherano, Meireles is better suited to attempting to fill the void left by Xabi Alonso.

Since Gerrard was sidelined, Meireles has developed an understanding with the impressive Lucas. Rather than having two rigid defensive midfielders, as seen previously, Liverpool now have a fluid midfield pair that understand their individual contributions to the team. When one ventures into the opposition’s final third, the other is willing to sit deeper to protect the back four. As a result, Hodgson’s side are looking a far more cohesive unit when attacking.

This system is clearly bringing the best out of Lucas. Heavily criticised under the previous manager – despite a vastly improved effort last season – the Brazilian is relishing the freedom to attack. In the last two games, Lucas has been a vital creative influence, always looking to utilise the pace of Babel, Ngog and Torres by turning defences. Whilst also proving to be a formidable destructive unit in defence, Lucas is obviously enjoying his football.

However, it is the role of Meireles that will be up for debate once Gerrard returns to the team. By studying the chalkboards below, we can see the subtle improvements in Meireles’ game.



In both the defeat to Everton and the victory over Aston Villa, 9 Meireles passes were unsuccessful. Somewhat surprisingly, he completed 7 more passes in the away defeat. However, it is the nature of his completed passes that has marked the vast improvement in his performances.

Since being asked to move more centrally, Meireles has been able to keep the tempo high whilst initiating attacks. From the Villa chalkboard, it is clear that Meireles was successful at both ends of the field.

Working with the combative Lucas, Liverpool’s midfield was able to win a lot of second balls. The impressive feature of Meireles’ distribution in this respect was his willingness to send his team on the attack with his first touch. Although many of the passes within his own third may seem unspectacular, they were crucial in Liverpool’s fluid counter-attacking play. With his first touch – often the first Liverpool touch following a tackle – Meireles would spread the ball wide to Maxi and Kuyt. With two quick strikers willing to run in behind the opposition defence, Liverpool’s midfield were able to capitalise at key moments.

Furthermore, Meireles was effective in the attacking third of the field. The Portuguese international is very good technically and this is clear in the way that he links play when attacking an organised defence. The passes that failed against Everton – mainly passes into feet on the edge of the area – are now finding their mark and allowing the likes of Ngog, Torres and Babel to threaten the goal directly.

Admittedly, Aston Villa’s midfield was limited in the extreme but this should not detract from an impressive midfield performance. The fact that Stephen Ireland has slightly less determination than he has hair should not be used as a way of discrediting Liverpool.

Meireles is very good at keeping the ball moving and relying upon his instinct to direct operations. The last player that Liverpool had with these qualities was Xabi Alonso. Nobody is expecting Meireles to match Alonso – and there are very few players in the world who can land a football on a postage stamp in a neighbouring postcode with the precision of the Spaniard – but Liverpool have missed an instinctive ball playing midfielder since his departure.

Steven Gerrard had his best seasons playing ahead of Xabi Alonso. The captain trusted his midfielder’s ability to provide him with a quality supply and as such, Gerrard remained higher up the field, where he is most dangerous. If Liverpool return to a 4-4-1-1 when Gerrard returns, it must be Meireles partnering Lucas and Gerrard occupying the role behind Torres. It is unfortunate for Joe Cole but Gerrard’s return must not be an excuse to send Meireles back to the flanks where his ability is wasted.

Admittedly, a return to the bench would be harsh on David Ngog. The Frenchman has improved by the game as part of a front two and no longer looks as if he is outclassed by opposition defences. He still has some way to progress but with plenty of time on his side, the signs are encouraging. Ngog and Babel have shown their manager that they are a capable pairing and give Liverpool options should they need flexibility in formation throughout the season.

Game by game, Hodgson’s Liverpool are becoming more enjoyable to watch. Fans are enjoying watching the more attacking, fluid Liverpool and the Meireles – Lucas partnership is a considerable factor in this. Steven Gerrard’s return will be welcomed but the Hodgson must build upon the lessons learned in the captain’s absence.

Liverpool looked a good side against Aston Villa (who were admittedly poor) and if managed correctly, the return of Gerrard and Torres can only enhance Liverpool’s dynamism.

Why Hodgson can't afford to settle for second best

I think I have just witnessed footballing perfection.

For any football fan, watching Barcelona demolish Real Madrid was a pleasure. Throw in the look on Jose’s face and the realisation that Ronaldo isn’t as close to Messi as he would have you believe and it has been an enjoyable evening.

Although the natural reaction is to succumb to the forlorn resignation that Barcelona have mastered the game, it is important to remember that the rest of us continue to compete amongst ourselves for the title of ‘second best team in the world’.

Many Liverpool fans will remember the last time Real Madrid were humiliated in this fashion. It was March 2009. Anfield witnessed a red destruction so shocking that it reduced Iker Casillas to tears. When combined with the famous victory over Barcelona in the Nou Camp and an away victory in Milan, Liverpool were confirmed as a major force at the top table of European football.

As we head towards the end of 2010, it is clear that the club has moved backwards. This is something that needs to be understood, but not accepted as the standard.

This is a crucial point in the way that Liverpool Football Club move forwards.

Following defeat at Spurs, Paul Dalglish referred to ‘Liverpool standards’ and the refusal to accept second best. The performance at White Hart Lane wasn’t too bad. It wasn’t brilliant but most would accept that Hodgson’s team deserved something from the game. If individuals had fulfilled their duties – Maxi and Torres when through on goal and Konchesky when ball-watching in stoppage time – then Liverpool would not have left London empty handed.

However, not being ‘too bad’ is not the standard that Hodgson should accept. Having shown a willingness to be more adventurous away from home, even against a side as dangerous on the counter-attack as Spurs, there is the renewed hope that Hodgson might be adapting his style to suit Liverpool’s needs.

The improvement from the Stoke game was substantial but the progress must continue if Liverpool are to achieve their aims. Ultimately, the team left both games without a point. Improved failure is not a success but at the very least, at least it is a start.

As NESV are willing to give Hodgson time, the manager must repay the faith that is being shown in him. Like many, I will be making a final judgement on Hodgson’s suitability at the end of the January transfer window. The nature of the manager’s transfer targets (and his ability to attract them to a Europa League club) will tell us a lot about Hodgson’s plans for the future.

The fall of the previous regime has removed any excuses about the manner in which the football club is run. Roy Hodgson will be able to do the job as he wants to in January. Despite the club’s current position, the Liverpool name alone continues to carry significance across the world. Although the January market is often expensive and difficult to manoeuvre within, it could make or break Hodgson’s future.

Hodgson’s transfers thus far have gone two ways. In Raul Meireles, Liverpool have acquired a player that the fans have warmed to, recognising his ability on the ball and footballing brain. If the manager can bring in players of a similar calibre, few will complain.

However, in Poulsen and Konchesky, Hodgson very much appears to have settled for ‘second best’. Both are limited players who would do well at a mid-table club. Further signings like this will not see Liverpool return to where they need to be.

When Dalglish states that ‘great men’ worked to create a standard at Liverpool that is in danger of being lost, it is hard to disagree. Although football is a very different game to the one played in Liverpool’s greatest days, the traditions and values of the club must be embraced.

Although conversations are refreshingly being conducted behind closed doors, NESV do not appear to be a group that will stand for the lowering of standards. Working in tandem with Damien Comolli, there must be cautious optimism that Hodgson can identify the right players to enhance the playing squad.

Hodgson must not settle for second best. If he does, NESV may not be so accommodating.

Why Suso's contract is not typical of the average Liverpool trainee

The news of a Liverpool youngster signing a professional contract may have passed many fans by today. Despite the number of players signing contracts before disappearing into the lower leagues, fans may look back on today’s announcement as a very good development for the club.

News that Spanish teenager Suso has committed himself to the club until 2013 will come as welcome news to anybody that has witnessed his performances for the reserve team so far. Despite being only 16 years of age when he first played a reserve team fixture, Suso’s technical ability and vision have marked him out as a player with a very bright future.

Like Dani Pacheco before him, Suso need not worry about his progression into the professional game. Although Pacheco’s emergence as a first team player has not been as forthcoming as many had expected, there are few doubts that the Spanish youth international will play at a high level, whether it be at Anfield or elsewhere.

This is not the case for all young footballers learning their trade at Liverpool.

Although the education provided at Kirkby is of a high quality, being a good footballer is not enough. Injuries can put an end to a youngster’s hopes of being kept on and the quality of competition in their respective position can result in a player being forced to look elsewhere to break into first team football.

Liverpool have won the FA Youth Cup 3 times in the past 15 years and yet only a few of the players involved in these teams – ultimately the best young team in the country in that particular season – will be known by the majority of football fans.

Every youth team side has players who appear to have a chance of making it. Looking at the fortunes of Liverpool’s youngsters in the aftermath of a Youth Cup Final highlights the fragile nature of a career in football and the different paths that a young player’s career can take.

Whilst the likes of Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher and David Thompson made significant contributions to the Liverpool first team, the vast majority of the 1996 cup winning side were less fortunate.

Although it seems hard to believe after a career of the highest quality, Carragher was not captain of this side. The skipper of the victorious team was a boy by the name of Phil Brazier. After 18 months of a professional contract under Roy Evans, Brazier moved to the less illustrious Vauxhall Motors before embarking on a career in the northern non-league.

Many will remember the names of two Liverpool strikers from the 90s who were expected to achieve great things. Whilst Jon Newby was tipped to do well, Jamie Cassidy was a player who the Liverpool staff fully expected to succeed at the club.

After being released without making a first team appearance, Cassidy briefly attempted to forge a career at both Cambridge sides before heading into an early retirement. Newby was slightly more successful, making four first team appearances before heading down the Football League. The speedy striker can now be found turning out for Colwyn Bay in the Northern Premier League.

When considering that these youngsters shared champagne with players who are now etched into Liverpool’s proud history in 1996, it is easy to see how a youth team footballer can not take anything for granted.

If we are to look at the subsequent movements of Liverpool’s 2006 and 2007 winning squads, it is clear that a glowing reputation at youth team level does not guarantee a path into first team football.

Robbie Threlfall – Highly rated full-back now at Bradford City after a series of loans.
Ryan Flynn – Falkirk after a spell at Wrexham
Craig Lindfield – Despite scoring 12 goals in 12 games for the 2007 and making England U19 appearances, the striker is part of a group of ex-Liverpool trainees at Accrington Stanley.
Ray Putterill – Also at Accrington Stanley after 7 operations ruined his chances of breaking through at Liverpool.
Jimmy Ryan – Playing in League Two with Lindfield and Putterill.
Michael Burns – On loan at Stafford Rangers having failed to break into the team at Carlisle.

Despite their apparent fall, these players are still lucky to have a career within the Football League. The captain of the 2009 side - defeated by an Arsenal team containing Jack Wilshere - was stocky central defender Joe Kennedy. Following his immediate release after the two-legged final, Kennedy has enrolled on a sports-related course and has never played football at a professional level.

Perhaps the most unfortunate of Liverpool’s young players in recent times is Ramon Calliste. Having been branded as the ‘New Beckham’ whilst at Manchester United, it was a shock when the youngster was released as United scrapped one of their reserve teams.

Calliste was given an opportunity by Liverpool and scored prolifically for the reserve side in his spell at the club. However, as sixth choice striker, he never made a first team appearance and moved to Scunthorpe. Following a devastating ankle dislocation in a pre-season fixture, Calliste has been unable to establish himself within the professional game despite trials all over the Football League.

The stories of the youngsters from Liverpool’s past should act as a warning to the current crop of youngsters. Whilst it is easy to assume that a career in the game is inevitable following an education with a Premier League side, the reality is that even the highly rated may struggle to get a break.

Some of Liverpool’s most talented youth players in recent years have been forced to seek opportunities elsewhere due to the calibre of player they are directly in competition with.

Although Liverpool’s wingers are conspicuous by their absence, Adam Hammill and Paul Anderson were forced to move to Barnsley and Nottingham Forest respectively due to a lack of first team opportunites.

Bucking the trend of players sliding down the leagues after leaving Liverpool, both young wingers have impressed at a lower level. Whilst Anderson will seek to regain his place in the team after injury, Hammill is earning plaudits for his performances in the Championship. Although rumours of a £500,000 buy-back-clause in his departure from Anfield continue to circulate without confirmation, it is certain that Premier League clubs will make enquiries in January.

If a youngster is good enough, Hodgson must be brave enough to put them into the side in order to maintain their services. Once a youngster has left Anfield, there is the possibility that they may choose to head elsewhere if they develop sufficiently in the future. Whilst it is not accurate to suggest that Liverpool have a queue of youngsters deserving of a first team spot, Hodgson and his staff must be careful not to let any opportunities pass them by.

Despite what many will be keen to tell you about Rafa Benitez’s destruction of the youth system, the progress made under Benitez was desperately needed after the stagnation of the Academy under Houllier.

There are many talented players who are fighting to make their name at Liverpool. While you will have heard of the likes of Ecclestone, Darby, Spearing and Kelly, there are many others who are tipped as hot prospects.

Raheem Sterling – An attacking midfielder signed for an initial £300,000 from QPR. Having broken into the England U16 side at the age of 14, Sterling looks to have a great chance of making the grade at Anfield.

Toni Silva – A flamboyant Portuguese winger who has impressed at both reserve and U18 level. Although his end product can still be frustrating, he has all the key components of an exciting attacker.

Conor Coady – Having captained England’s U17 side to European Championship victory in the summer, Coady earned high praise from all involved in the national set-up. With a reputation as a natural leader, it would not be a surprise to see Coady progress to reserve team captain in the future.

Andre Wisdom – Like Coady, the athletic Wisdom can play either at centre back or in central midfield. Although a nasty injury sustained in a collision with teammate Ross Barkley (the Everton star suffered a broken leg) on international duty has sidelined the youngster, Wisdom is highly rated at Kirkby.

Michael Ngoo – With a build not dissimilar to Peter Crouch, Ngoo’s style makes him a tricky customer at both youth and reserve team level, having been promoted in pre-season. An England youth international, the striker has the physical attributes to develop into a difficult opponent at any level.

Tom Ince – As son of tenacious midfielder Paul, it is perhaps surprising that Ince is a tricky attacker blessed with considerable pace. Currently on loan at Ince Senior’s Notts County side, Ince has impressed for the reserves in recent months.

Alex Cooper – A fiercely determined Scot who can play either at full-back or in midfield. Cooper’s commitment has always impressed at reserve team level.

Although these are just a sample of the talented players coming through the youth system at Liverpool, the message to all at Kirkby is crystal clear. Despite the doom and gloom surrounding the chances of youngsters being put into the first team, these players cannot afford to let their efforts drop.

As Hammill and Anderson are showing, leaving Liverpool doesn’t always have to be a negative step.

However, a failure to maintain the expected standards could mean the difference between continued opportunities at a Premier League club or the struggle to maintain a professional career in the lower leagues.

Whilst Liverpool fans should greet the signing of Suso as a positive move for the future, it is worth remembering that not everybody is quite so fortunate. In today’s environment, the progression of any youngster into the first team is something to be celebrated.

Why Roy's away days will be his downfall

On Saturday night, Audley Harrison was defeated by David Haye in Manchester. Harrison threw two punches before the more aggressive Haye dispatched him to the canvas. Boxing fans across the UK despaired at one of the most anticlimactic fights of recent times. Assuming that he couldn’t sleep following the defeat at Stoke, I think Roy Hodgson would have enjoyed it. Harrison and Hodgson have similarities in their approach that nobody wants to see.

I have tried to give Hodgson time. Honestly, I have.

My view of the manager is not clouded by the undying passion for the club that you all possess. I have my own manager and team to worry about in Oxford and trust me; they’re giving me plenty to fret over. However, since I have been writing for Micro LFC, everything that happens in Liverpool carries a greater relevance.

For several weeks I felt that the reaction against Hodgson was premature and that he would adapt to the task in hand. After the Chelsea game, I felt that I had called it right. A week later, the improved form has revealed itself as the false dawn that everybody feared. Liverpool fans worldwide are posting their disapproval on internet sites and I am sorry to say this, but even from the outside it is hard to say that they are wrong.

Roy Hodgson is not the correct fit for Liverpool and he never was.

If we are to look at things with a significant helping of generosity, the home form is improving. There were positive aspects in each of the past three home games (including the Europa League) culminating in the Chelsea victory.

Unfortunately, Hodgson’s reign will fail due to his approach towards away matches.

Although I’d love to claim that this declaration is based upon superhuman foresight, the statistics to support the argument are all too easy to find. Have a look at these two:

• Hodgson has been manager for 105 away games in English football. His teams have won 13 of them. That is a win ratio of 12.4%.
• Hodgson’s overall win ratio at Blackburn, Inter and Liverpool – clubs where success was expected – works out at 39.3%. If you add Fulham and Udinese to the equation, this drops to 37%.

When you consider where NESV want to take Liverpool Football Club, these are not the figures of a manager who is able to lead the operation. They are perfectly acceptable at some clubs and this is where Hodgson belongs. A Roy Hodgson side would be likely to avoid relegation but with the mentality that he enforces, it will not challenge at the very top of the league.

Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool was far from being overtly adventurous but in comparison to what is currently being served up away from Anfield, it looks like Brazil in 1970.

Tactically, there are problems all over the field.

For starters, the defence is too deep. Whoever is playing at full-back has a mammoth task on their hands because they have to cover extra yards to join an attack and the same to recover their position in the back four. Glen Johnson might have a fighting chance of getting up and down the field but Jamie Carragher will not. Putting Carragher up against Etherington and Pennant is clearly a defensive measure.

With all due respect, Martin Kelly coped with attackers of a higher standing last week so why not entrust him with the task this week? Playing Carragher at right back allowed Hodgson to field a back four that was primarily focused upon dealing with Stoke’s threat rather than giving them problems of their own.

Furthermore, a deep-lying defence does little to help Pepe Reina. He may be one of the finest goalkeepers in the world but his shot-stopping is superior to his aerial command. By dropping deep, Hodgson invites the opposition to throw the ball into the box whilst allowing them to surround Reina with bodies. This is an old-fashioned tactic that does not suit a modern goalkeeper such as Pepe Reina.

In midfield, the lack of width is staggering. A compact midfield may help to prevent the opposition from playing but the placing of square pegs in round holes does nothing to make Liverpool an attacking threat.

Thankfully, most Liverpool fans have been intelligent enough to understand Raul Meireles’ plight. The Portuguese international is a good footballer. If you watch him play for his country, he is a different player from the one seen in a Liverpool shirt. If Hodgson is replaced, you will see the best of Meireles. For his sake, we should hope that people remain patient with him because his task will become much more difficult if he is under pressure from the fans. He will come good but only when he is deployed in the correct position. Although Meireles was Hodgson’s choice to replace Javier Mascherano, it’s hard to believe that the Argentine would not have been closer to Hodgson’s model for the ideal midfielder.

That said, we should accept that under Hodgson, the midfield becomes increasingly irrelevant as an attacking force because so much of the play is conducted twenty feet above the pitch. Firing long balls for Fernando Torres to chase forlornly for ninety minutes is not a tactic used at Anfield so why use it away from home? Liverpool have midfielders who can pass a ball. To see a strategy enforced whereby they are not utilized is incredibly frustrating.

Liverpool at home and away are two different teams. One is increasingly seeking to press the ball high up the pitch whilst passing the ball on the ground. The other forgets how to play football, dropping deep and launching the ball skywards.

Hodgson may well be getting to grips with what is needed at home but he is a million miles away from getting things right on the road. What good is half a manager to anybody?

Away from home, Liverpool’s aggregate score is 11-4 against. Two of these goals were set-pieces at Old Trafford and Liverpool have failed to score in 4 of the 7 away games thus far. This is not a coincidence; it is the side-product of a manager with a negative mentality.

Hodgson’s attitude is very much reliant upon not being beaten away from home rather than trying to win. This mentality serves many clubs well but will not suit Liverpool’s needs. A failure to take 3 points is widely viewed as points dropped. With Hodgson at the helm, this appears to be deemed as a success. It isn’t.

NESV have plans to take Liverpool back to the top. If they are to succeed in their aims, you will be hard pressed to find a Liverpool fan who genuinely believes a change of manager is not needed.

Audley Harrison’s display of negativity got what it deserved. Liverpool fans can only hope that Hodgson’s mentality meets a similarly hasty end.

Why Hodgson’s squad must learn from the Chelsea success stories

As far as weeks go, this has been a good one.

On paper, three wins from three represents perfection. In truth, the nature of these victories puts a gloss on an already positive seven days. Whilst the victory at Bolton was reward for a mixed performance, the second half performance in the Europa League demonstrated the re-emergence of the spirit that has been missing for too long.

However, the highlight of the three wins must be Sunday’s win over Chelsea. Not only was it the best all-round performance but an undeniable barometer of progression. Three scrappy wins would have sufficed but the game on game improvement witnessed in Hodgson’s side has given fans a reason to be cautiously optimistic.

If evidence was needed of the role confidence plays then this week has provided plenty.

Over the course of three games, one moment of inspiration has been the catalyst for the lifting of collective spirits at Anfield. One Fernando Torres flick at the Reebok Stadium released Maxi Rodriguez to give Liverpool a vital three points.

On Thursday, a 45 minute cameo from Steven Gerrard provided a timely reminder of what the captain remains capable of.

By Sunday, the confidence spawned from two individual contributions provided the platform for an impressive performance from everybody in a Liverpool shirt.

If this week really has been the start of Liverpool’s sustained rise under Hodgson, several players must take credit. In a Liverpool squad that is often described as being short of depth (and this remains the case), the success stories from this week can be placed into three critical categories.

• Great players who have not been performing.
• Average players who should not be at a club with aspirations of challenging at the top.
• Youngsters who are not ready for first team football.

If the collective performance displayed against Chelsea can become a regular occurrence, many critics will be forced to rewrite their damning assessments. What is more, those who have not fulfilled their potential must now realise that there is an opportunity to progress at Liverpool, before it is too late.

Great players

Many will correctly point out that Liverpool are lacking in great players.

Just three names stand out as being in the top bracket of players worldwide. Whilst Pepe Reina’s performances have remained at a high level, both Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have disappointed in the opening months of the campaign. Torres in particular, has seen his every move scrutinised by everybody to claim an understanding of the game.

In the last week, both have indicated that they are able to rediscover their best form to drive Liverpool forward.

The fact that Steven Gerrard was one of the better performers throughout an awful start to the campaign and yet received criticism only demonstrates how significant his impact upon the side has been. If Gerrard is not performing miracles and successfully fighting fires all over the field, he is not seen to be doing his job.

In the first half against Napoli, Liverpool were mediocre. It would have been easy for the captain to sink to the level of his teammates as the team stuttered towards another disappointing defeat and the return of the negativity surrounding the Hodgson reign. It is the ability to raise the performance of an entire team that marks Gerrard out as one of the finest players of his generation.

Gerrard has transformed matches on a regular basis in the past. Is it possible that this performance here transformed his club’s immediate future?

In the 45 minutes that he was on the pitch, Steven Gerrard sent out a message to everybody that was willing to hear it. Liverpool Football Club is not going to be a fading force on his watch. By giving everything he had whilst on the field, Gerrard left his teammates in no doubt as to what is expected of a player in the Liverpool shirt.

Steven Gerrard will always lead by example. If anybody doubts the skipper’s influence on those around him, they need only look at the team’s performance against Chelsea. From front to back, Liverpool’s players replicated their captain’s example.

Whilst Gerrard has always been able to fall back on his all-action style, Fernando Torres is judged on his ability to change games in the final third. Undeniably, Torres has been underperforming since his injury at the end of last season. When everybody tells you that you are not playing well, it is very easy to fall into line with their observations.

Torres needed a break and this came against Bolton. The Spaniard’s clever flick was his best contribution in another poor performance. However, just seven days later, his entire performance was on a different level to everything that had gone before.

When things are going against you, you lose the belief in your own ability to execute your strengths. Watching Torres spin his marker and drive towards the Chelsea goal was a sight that fans have been desperate to witness for months. Following a second goal that exhibited the class we all know Torres possesses, there is little doubt that Liverpool still have one of the most potent striking weapons in the world on their side.

It was vital for Hodgson to lift Gerrard and Torres from their respective slumbers and however small a role the manager may have played in doing this, it will benefit him in the long term. Liverpool have two of the finest footballers this planet has to offer wearing the red shirt and as they improve, Liverpool’s fortunes will invariably follow.

Whilst they perform at the levels shown in the past two games, nobody will accuse them of underperforming.

Average Players

This is a category that the naysayers are quick to push forward.

To many, Liverpool’s squad is packed with players who are not good enough to take the club to where they want to be. Whilst remains accurate in relation to the likes of Poulsen and Babel, the constant scapegoat since his arrival has been Lucas Leiva.

If you had written Lucas off as a flop years ago then you might want to reconsider your assessment.

It is important to point out that the Chelsea match was simply one performance but if the Brazilian can continue to perform at the standard that he has now set, Liverpool have a good player on their hands. Lucas summed up the Liverpool performance with his endeavour and determination. When I spoke of players replicating Steven Gerrard’s midweek performance, this is exactly what I meant.

It is not only in terms of workrate that Lucas has impressed. In truth, Lucas has always been a willing worker. The quality of his ball retention was often used as the justification for his immediate sale. Whilst this may have been the case in the early part of his Liverpool career, it would take a short-sighted fan to insist that this was still accurate.

Lucas’ improvement has not been as sudden as many would have you believe. In the last 18 months, his progress has been substantial. In the aftermath of the Chelsea match, statistics have revealed that Lucas has misplaced only 8 passes in the last four games. For any player in the world, that is a phenomenal statistic.

Cesc Fabregas misplaced 27 passes against Newcastle. You do the maths.

If any other player had performed in this manner then the praise would be widespread. It is only fair that those who criticised Lucas now acknowledge his improvement.

The Brazilian international is clearly thriving in the role that he has been given under Hodgson. Giving credit where due, the manager has not tried to turn him into a Javier Mascherano tribute act. With the licence to play with slightly more freedom, Lucas has been able to keep the ball moving more efficiently than in previous seasons.

Furthermore, his defensive work for the team against Chelsea was nothing short of exceptional. Lucas was everywhere. His willingness to win the ball high up the field gave Liverpool a great platform to build attacks (as seen by the second goal) and his endeavour prevented Chelsea from playing. When Ancelotti praised Liverpool’s defensive efforts, it is Lucas who should have taken much of the credit.

If the performance of Liverpool’s best players sets the standard for everybody else, Lucas’ rise to prominence should act as a lesson to others in the squad. If Ryan Babel could exhibit half the character that Lucas has, he would be a better player.

Being criticised shouldn’t result in the end of your Liverpool career. Failing to commit to the cause will.

Youngsters

This is another category in which many would say Liverpool are short of players. Many youngsters have threatened to make it into the manager’s plans but Martin Kelly is one of the few to actually maintain his place there.

Kelly’s performance in itself was solid and when considering the quality of opposition, worthy of high praise. However, the most impressive aspect of his performance was how he dealt with an unexpected challenge.

Hodgson had planned to line up with Kyrgiakos at centre back with Carragher filling in at full-back once more. When the Greek was struck down by illness, Martin Kelly was thrown into the team to tackle the Premier League’s most potent attacking force.

Kelly’s performance was not that of a 20 year old who had not known of his selection until the morning of the game. To perform as he did showed great mental focus – an asset that will serve him well in the future.

Glen Johnson may well be a full England international but could he have matched Kelly’s defensive performance? I am not so sure.

Just as Kyrgiakos has given Hodgson a headache in his centre back selections, Kelly may have given the manager a decision to make at full-back. Regardless of Johnson’s pricetag, Hodgson must pick on performance and in this respect, Kelly has done himself no harm whatsoever.

Furthermore, Kelly’s involvement sends a message to all the young players at Liverpool. The door to the first team is not closed if you show that you can handle life at the top level. The likes of Pacheco, Spearing, Wilson and Shelvey must use Kelly’s emergence as an indication of where there efforts could take them.

The standard has been set

A victory over Chelsea was something that nobody would have predicted following the defeat to Blackpool.

Although Liverpool have recorded four wins in a row, this was the most complete performance thus far. Now that a standard has been set, every player must match their previous level of performance and do everything that they can do improve it.

John Henry’s post-match comments highlighted the emphasis of everybody at Liverpool pulling in one direction. Even if critics will insist on breaking the Liverpool squad down into categories, this should not act as a rigid evaluation of the players.

Hodgson must strive to get all facets of the club working for the cause with the understanding that improvement will be acknowledged.

If the best players in the squad can perform at their optimum levels, the much-maligned players step away from the mediocrity to push themselves into the limelight and the youngsters push for a spot in the first team, the squad will suddenly not be as weak as it initially appears.

Those who fail to buy into this mantra will be shown the door. Anybody who makes the grade will have the opportunity to be a part of Liverpool’s future.

As strange as it may seem after all that has gone before, if Liverpool’s management and players continue to take things one game at a time with the right mentality, that future might not be so bad after all.

It’s time to stop the Hodgson-hate: Get behind Roy’s improving team

The enthusiasm that I expected to see following successive wins for Liverpool has not materialised, as many still doubt Hodgson’s credentials. If Kenny Dalglish was the manager and an identical scenario had unfolded I wonder if the fans would feel the same? An average performance that results in 3 points is still a success, no?

Regardless of what the naysayers want, Roy Hodgson remains Liverpool manager and although some are struggling to adapt to the concept, he ultimately wants the same thing as the supporters: victories for Liverpool.

Rather than hoping for Hodgson’s failure, it would be nice to see every Liverpool fan unite behind the current regime and enjoy the victories when they come.

Bear with me: If Chelsea or Manchester United had recorded a 1-0 victory against Bolton on Sunday then the reaction would have been totally different from the one which we have witnessed. Fans and media alike would have proclaimed that this was the sign of championship contenders and rolled out the clichés about the best teams still winning even when playing poorly.

Due to Hodgson’s previously poor league record and misjudged media comments, what should be a positive for Liverpool (and would be for other clubs) is merely being fashioned into another stick with which to beat the beleaguered Liverpool manager.

There have been excellent improvements in Liverpool’s defence, yet no one seems to be sending any credit Hodgson’s way.

When visiting the Reebok Stadium, the home side’s message is simple. ‘We will test you physically all over the pitch and if you can match us for 90 minutes, then you’ve earned your points’. Away sides don’t get freebies when visiting Bolton Wanderers and as such, there are genuine positives to take from Sunday’s victory. Would Liverpool have won this fixture a fortnight ago? I’m not so sure.

To gain anything from such a match you need your centre half pairing to be on top of their game. Kyrgiakos and Skrtel demonstrated excellent focus throughout the match to keep Bolton’s physical front pair from inflicting serious damage.

Bolton were limited to two clear headed chances and although Reina’s goal led a charmed life as Davies’ header flashed wide, Liverpool earned the right to emerge with a clean sheet. They deserve credit for that.

The most impressive aspect of the defensive pair’s performance symbolised a willingness to learn from mistakes and adapt their strategy throughout the match. As the game progressed, the understanding grew and they were able to develop an efficient system to reduce Davies’ threat.

More often that not, it was Kyrgiakos who would challenge the England international in the air. His ‘job description’ was clear. Even if he was unable to win the header, he would make sure that Davies couldn’t direct his header as he wished. (Whilst being careful not to give away cheap free kicks.) Davies didn’t have a free header throughout the game and this limited Bolton’s creativity in the final third.

Skrtel’s support play was intelligent. As the Greek challenged Davies, Skrtel dropped deep to win the second ball and prevent Bolton from gaining an attacking platform. This is a simple defensive concept but it’s easier said than done. And if it had been implemented poorly Bolton’s direct style would’ve posed a much greater threat. The defence was well drilled.

Another big positive to take from the game was Lucas Leiva’s contribution.

Lucas personified the team’s performance, he was far from spectacular but emerged from the game with credit. Although the forward runs he produces for Brazil were non-existent, his role is different at club level and he did his job well. Have you noticed that everything that he struggled with for so long appears to slowly be improving?

Critics were quick to state that he would never handle the pace and physicality of the Premier League and they said his passing ability was limited. It has taken a while but Lucas is progressing. He was tidy in possession and disciplined in his defensive duties – Lucas is the best player Liverpool have for that role. (Whilst Poulsen has a wealth of experience, Lucas’ career seems to be moving forwards as the Dane’s fades away.) Everybody who has used Lucas as a scapegoat for so long may need to find a new target before long.

Six points from 2 games indicates an improvement for Hodgson’s Liverpool. There is no suggestion that Hodgson has turned Liverpool into a strong team or that all is well, but that is definite, factual, progress.

With that in mind, I find it hard to relate to the level of disappointment amongst many Liverpool fans online. The contrast between the Liverpool fans that were in the Reebok Stadium and those who have posted their opinions across the internet is worth noting. The away support on Sunday was magnificent, remaining united behind the team until the three points were secure.

If some of us continue to allow our disillusionment with the manager to eclipse our enjoyment of the team’s success then Roy Hodgson’s reign is going to be a deeply frustrating one for all involved. If a football fan can’t see the positives in their side winning a game of football then something has gone seriously wrong.

There is clearly a long way for this Liverpool team to go and if this is the peak of Hodgson’s progress then clearly, it is not good enough. I accept that. But there are signs of progress and while they continue we should all look to get behind the team and manager.

Has the penny finally dropped for Roy Hodgson?

They say that a week is a long time in football and that has certainly held true at Liverpool FC in 2010.

Although the fans who were so keen to help Hodgson clear his office last week will rightly point out that victory over Blackburn is merely a delayed return to Liverpool’s expected standard, there are signs that Hodgson has learned some important lessons during the last ten days.

Let’s be fair-minded about this; it’s very easy to crucify a manager for the early failings of his tenure but perhaps it takes a shrewder type of fan to acknowledge where improvements are being made.

The victory over Blackburn Rovers may have saved Hodgson’s job and adjustments to his attitude may yet afford him greater leniency from the Anfield faithful. Both on and off the field, there are small hints that Hodgson might be willing to adjust his style to suit the role that he now fills so tentatively.

Hodgson has adapted his tactics to suit Liverpool’s players & fan base

Following an opening to the season that was characterised by uncertainty, negativity and lethargy, the performance against Blackburn provided encouragement that Hodgson is beginning to understand what is needed for this group of players and a club of Liverpool’s stature.

At Fulham, a deep-lying defence and counter-attacking style was highly effective and brought Hodgson’s side rewards, both domestically and in Europe. Without wanting to disrespect Fulham in any way, this style is not directly transferrable to sides with ambitions to threaten at the top of the league.

The challenges posed by the opposition, particularly at home, are different to those experienced by Hodgson previously and it was clear to all that reliance upon the Fulham style was not going to reap rewards at Liverpool. The defensive style is not one that matches Hodgson’s squad or the mentality of the club at which he is now in charge.

The contrast between the performances against Everton and Blackburn is extreme (with the same starting XI, remember). Against Blackburn, Liverpool played as if the chains had been released and Hodgson’s team were suddenly able to produce high-intensity football based primarily upon pressurising the ball. When accompanied by width and numerous bodies filling the box at every opportunity, it is fair to say that a one goal margin of victory fails to paint an accurate picture of the match.

Admittedly, this was only one match against limited opposition but if Hodgson’s resurgence is to gain further momentum, he must forget his go-to style of old and be brave enough to embrace the change in approach which better suits his new environment.

Hodgson has changed his approach to dealing with the media

If the defeat to Everton was not painful enough in itself, Hodgson’s post-match comments were simply galling. In trying to draw positives from a match in which his side had failed to provide any sense of encouragement, Hodgson alienated himself from many of the fans who had continued to support him.

Liverpool fans aren’t stupid. Whatever Hodgson’s motives were, his comments acted only to exacerbate the negative feeling that accompanied his miserable league record. Hodgson made a major error of judgement in his attempt to hoodwink the fans. Whether he realised his mistake alone or with the help of those who know the club, Hodgson’s comments after the Blackburn victory will have gone some way to instilling more faith in his regime.

It’s a harsh fact of modern football, but Hodgson’s improved performance in front of the media may be just as important as his team’s performance on the pitch.

Examples of Hodgson’s change in tone

By breaking down Hodgson’s comments, we can see a significant change from the erratic manager seen thus far.

“There were elements today which were visible in the matches we’ve lost or drawn. I don’t want to suggest everything’s suddenly hunky dory.”

Just as one defeat doesn’t result in the season being a failure, one victory doesn’t make it a success. The acceptance of flaws within victory is far more dignified and creditable than the desperate search for positives within a miserable failure. This was not a perfect Liverpool performance but it was a beginning. By acknowledging this, Hodgson has kept feet well and truly planted on the floor whilst reassuring many that he can understands the challenge that faces him.

“We made it clear to everyone: this is our game, we’re going to take it to you. We’re going to make certain we put you under pressure, we’re going to be quick to pressurise when we lose the ball.”

These words must be music to the ears of Liverpool fans worldwide. The explicit declaration that this is how Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool are going to play leaves no room for compromise. If Hodgson keeps his word, he will have a better side for doing so.

“We need to show a bit of humility and accept that if we’re not the Liverpool Football Club of yore, we’ll work hard to try and become it.”

Of all the statements made during Hodgson’s tenure thus far, this is the one that should provide Liverpool fans with the most comfort. Whilst acknowledging the proud history of the club, Hodgson has made it clear that the resurgence of Liverpool Football Club will be based upon hard graft. If anybody needed reminding before the January transfer window, it is clear that this is the minimum expectation. Although falling short of declaring a siege mentality, the public declaration that Hodgson’s team will be seeking progress via hard work will strike a chord with some fans.

Speaking to the media is much easier following a victory and the comfort of three points would have offered Hodgson greater tolerance from the supporters. However, there are small signs that he is beginning to understand how to speak as the manager of Liverpool Football Club and importantly, in respect of the fans. Liverpool’s history is characterised by dignity, respect and endeavour. By aligning himself with that mantra, Hodgson will have taken the first steps to winning back some of the fans that he had lost.

A false dawn?

It is vital to stress that this was only one victory and only the first shoots of recovery. By adapting his style both on and off the field, Hodgson has revealed that he is not as stubborn as some thought, nor as naive. If Hodgson continues to adapt his style to appropriate himself with his role then he will earn greater plaudits from the people who matter. The progressive nature of Liverpool’s football has pleased many and this must continue. Furthermore, Hodgson must maintain his understanding of fan relations, even in defeat.

Liverpool supporters will not dislike Roy Hodgson for the sake of it. If Hodgson’s team can produce the goods then there will be no ill-feeling towards the manager. It is very early days in Hodgson’s ‘recovery’ and he still has a long way to go if he is to win over his critics. However, the suggestion that he will embrace development is encouraging. If Hodgson is to remain as Liverpool manager, this is the way to do it.

A return to his previous failings would render the Blackburn victory nothing more than a false dawn.