The Liverpool discussion thread 2006/2007

borocooper wrote:You shouldnt have hyped him up so much, Obispo.

YNWA wrote:http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=450646&CPID=23&clid=191&lid=10&title=Blues+firm+up+Villa+interest

so its english press quoting spanish press

kas wrote:Interesting comparison to Giuly (note the spelling ), though I'd disagree a bit on his finishing...it's been crap in the past season or two (Giuly's, that is).

From what I can remember, Gonzalez played the C. Ronaldo role for Real Sociedad last season (and I don't just mean being the one-man-team )- so sometimes he'd cut in and shoot from distance, whereas sometimes he'd stay wide and deliver a cross or final pass. So in that sense he's not quite like Giuly...but I haven't watched him play for you at all, so maybe he does have a slightly different role. But I see what you mean in terms of the position you want him to play and the off-the-ball runs he can make, and since he's still young I think that's quite possible.

Bilal wrote:From what I have gathered from Blackburn fans he does well in patches , he will be brilliant from some time (in a game) but slacks off the whole match.

Kevin wrote:Trust me, he's currently at the level of Ljungberg: he can't beat a full back for shit, depsite apparently having pace, no ball control, cant cross, no vision in possesion, runs into corners and looks happy when he wins a throw in.

Obispo wrote:Would rather give Gonzalez the benefit of the doubt personally.

Luis wrote:

Obispo wrote:Would rather give Gonzalez the benefit of the doubt personally.

Yes, I'm sure we'll win the league on the benefit of the doubt.

Obispo wrote:False expecations placed on Mark Gonzalez

Seems strange thinking about it right now, but it was only half a year ago that people thought this kid would become our Ronaldo, our Robben. A player upon whom we could depend to continually humiliate opposition fullbacks with a moment of skill or his blistering space. A player who was looked upon to score 10-15 goals from midfield in a season and make short-work of usurping Harry Kewell from the first 11. Anyone who watched him in the first half against Barcelona, away at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid or even in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland was found salvating at the prospect of seeing him terrorising Premiership defenders week-in, week-out in a red-shirt.

The quality of the strikes were to something to behold also. In particular the 35 yard freekick against Getafé that harked back to Roberto Carlos of 8-10 years ago, but with the kind of accuracy he never possessed. Equally impressive was the controlled volley against Numancia. It wasn't just the goals though, the general performances and the way he linked up with Prieto when the latter moved infield was quality.It was the kind of play that I in particular was just dying to see him and Gerrard pull off when Stevie moved further in midfield. Unfortunately we've yet to see it. Infact, we've yet to see anything other than small glimpses of what Gonzalez is capable of.

I personally think he's suffered from the expectations on his shoulders of being another Ronaldo - he was never that naturally gifted. He was never going to be able to pull off those kind of tricks, sadly. As much as his own performances have turned the fans' expecations into disappointment, the fact that Ronaldo has been tearing up the league this season has made it all the more insufferable. I've thought for a while now though that the Ronaldo/Robben expecations have been a little missplaced. For me, that's not what we have.

I think it would help alot of people if they stopped expecting that off him and instead, if they needed to compare him to a player, compared him to Ludovic Guily at Barcelona. Gonzalez possesses the similar blistering pace and great off the ball movement and his an equally capable striker on his strongest foot. It's true to say that he's not at Guily's level currently and he certainly doesn't have the same all-round awareness. He does have other attributes that Guily lacks though. His shooting from distance and set pieces are certainly more impressive. His work rate, defensive ability and aerial prowess are also great, but they're not exactly what you look for in a winger, though they're always nice to have.

I think - ok, hope - Saturday was a turning point in his Liverpool career. He rightly didn't receive the same sort of praise reserved for Gerrard, Mascherano and Pennant, but he did have a good game with a few promising moments. Firstly, he didn't seem quite as easily bullied as previously, nor was he as bemused when he didn't win a freekick for being shoulder barged. Also, his first touch was far better than the usually stumbling mess we've seen all too many times this season. And, whilst he didn't beat the fullback enough, passing the ball out to him on the left didn't seem like it was just us needlessly giving the ball away like it has at times this season.

Hopefully now that the expectation has all but vanished, he can show us just how good he is. He's more than capable of 10-15 goals in all competitions from midfield and I've no doubt his assist-play will improve as he develops an understanding with his team-mates. I think the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half at home to Spurs proved he's a more than capable crosser when given the opportunity, as did the chance he set up for Kuyt against United. What he needs to do - and I'm aware I'm stating the obvious - is just show us more of the positive moments. His freekick against Fulham was textbook, and his run to earn the penalty at Birmingham showed what a potent force he could be on the counter-attack, aswell as just a weapon to relieve pressure on the defence from set plays. It's amazing how many times the Mancs give the ball to Ronaldo and he runs them out of danger, Gonzalez can do the same for us. Also, his reactions have been top-class in his time here. He showed more killer instinct than Fowler to get into the box from Kenny's spilled shot on Saturday. He also got the goal against Spurs from a similar type of situation and against Haifa too. His movement off the ball and awareness has been very good this season in my opinion. The way he drifted infield towards the end of the first half against Spurs and flicked the ball around the corner for Bellamy was another moment of quality, so it's not like he's been completely hopeless.

I've said a few times, I'd quite like to see him as our Roberto Carlos in a 3-5-2 formation. I think his defensive attributes are often overlooked and he has the stamina to charge up and down the lefthandside. Infact, he started his career as a fullback. Sadly, I don't see his future there, but if he performs to the level he's capable of, I do see it in a red shirt.

Anyways, the point I'm trying to reiterate is, I genuienly think he could be our Guily. A midfield runner from deep who'll get into the box from the wing and into scoring positions. He's doing a good job of that part of his game so far, but little else. He needs to get more crosses in, occasionally beat the fullback - even if it's just a simple push & run - and obviously, up his goal-tally. There's plenty of work to be done, but he's not the hopeless case some have made out in my opinion.


Oh well, just my 2 cents on a player who's taken a fair bit of stick and is generally often over-looked as a first-teamer, despite still being only 22. Give him time

Obispo wrote:... How does that differ in even the slightest form from your opinion on Bellamy compared to just about everyone elses? The only slight difference is that Gonzo has proven that he's a capable goalscorer from midfield in La Liga - 1 in 3, roughly the same ratio, though over a shorter time span, as Bellamy - whereas Bellamy has proven to be a very average journeyman who should be nearing the prime of his career.

MGP is hardly 'proven' either. He's done nothing in Europe or at a big club. What is there exactly to suggest he could deal with the pressure of playing at a big club? Could just be SWP with a decent first touch.

Luis wrote:You a blackburn season ticket holder Kev?