Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Top Liverpool players showing their family
#1 Luis Suarez
#2 Steven Gerrard
#3 Daniel Sturridge
#4 Philippe Coutinho
#5 Martin Skrtel
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Today : Liverpool vs Chealsa
Liverpool can take a step closer to realising their Premier League title dream when they take on Chelsea on Sunday – but they might be forced to do so without star striker Daniel Sturridge.
The England international has been absent with a hamstring injury picked up in the 3-2 victory over Man City, and while he maintains hope of returning for the clash against his former side, Sturridge remains touch and go whether he will feature.
Despite Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho threatening to play an understrength side as he targets European success, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will want to field his strongest possible line-up for what will be a decisive fixture in the title race.
Fortunately for Rodgers, his side are accustomed to tactical shuffles, so if need be they should be able to cope without the lethal Sturridge, who has found the net 20 times in the league this season.
Below is how Liverpool could look with and without Sturridge this weekend.
Liverpool with Sturridge
When Daniel Sturridge has been available, Brendan Rodgers seems to prefer playing with a tried and tested midfield diamond. It was with this formation that his Liverpool side performed so admirably away to Manchester United, demolishing the soon-to-be ex-Premier League champions in their own backyard.
When Daniel Sturridge has been available, Brendan Rodgers seems to prefer playing with a tried and tested midfield diamond. It was with this formation that his Liverpool side performed so admirably away to Manchester United, demolishing the soon-to-be ex-Premier League champions in their own backyard.
Despite some early tinkering in the opening stages of the season, Rodgers has found joy with this formation, which seems to resonate well with his players and plays to individual strengths as well as offering good balance for the team as a whole.
It relies on Steven Gerrard operating in his newly-found midfield pivot position, a role the Liverpool and England captain has taken to with aplomb, while affording the hugely impressive Raheem Sterling freedom at the tip of the diamond to do what he does best, with either Philippe Coutinho or Joe Allen and Lucas to marshall the space in between.
By opting for this formation, it also gives Luis Suarez greater freedom to operate behind Daniel Sturridge, who is able to act as a target man when necessary, while also pulling defenders out of position with his smart running.
Liverpool without Sturridge
While it is hardly ideal, Liverpool have shown that they are more than capable of coping without Daniel Sturridge this season.
While it is hardly ideal, Liverpool have shown that they are more than capable of coping without Daniel Sturridge this season.
Should the England man fail to make the starting XI, then Rodgers will likely make a slight tactical shift, which is only slightly different that the effective midfield diamond, but ensures that it doesn’t change his players’ roles too much.
The key in this regard is balance, and as Rodgers showed in last weekend’s victory over Norwich, he is able to compensate the lack of an out-and-out striker by effectively utilising two number 10s, behind Luis Suarez, who spearheads the attack.
In the 3-2 success, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho adopted those roles, dove-tailing behind Suarez to make it incredibly difficult for the Norwich defence to track their movements.
In this setting, Sterling and Coutinho are able to work independently of each other, although when one drifted wide towards the touchline, the other took up a more central position behind Suarez.
One downside to this role is that Suarez can become isolated but, as he has proven frequently this season, his presence alone is enough to cause problems for defenders.
While Liverpool’s attack has been the fulcrum of their success this season, adopting this formation would also allow Rodgers to provide additional cover for his sometimes shaky-looking backline.
Although Liverpool conceded twice against Norwich, they defended well throughout the contest, largely due to the roles Joe Allen and Lucas took up. In this formation the pair operated more narrowly, effectively sitting either side of Steven Gerrard to create a central three, and it is no surprise that Allen and Lucas recorded among the most tackles during the match.
Rodgers may find this approach works best against Chelsea, who will undoubtedly offer a more potent attack threat than Norwich, even if they play a comparatively understrength side.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Lucky fan
This is Ukë Krasniqi, from Kosova, a Liverpool fan, that is known for not shearing his hair for 11 years, since 2003. He doesn't want to cut his hair until Liverpool will win the Premier League, and it seems that this gonna happen this season, and Channel 4 is trying to organize a shear for this boy from the captain of '' The Reds' , Steven Gerrard. It seems that the dream of this boy is going to be true this on 11 May, in a TV show.
It will be just Gerrard he which after 11 years will shear this boy, if everythings goes according to the planning of Channel 4
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Zinedine Zidane insists 'complete' Steven Gerrard deserves Premier Legue title
Zinedine Zidane believes Steven Gerrard deserves to win the Premier League title – and says he and Paul Scholes are the best two midfielders of the past 20 years.
The Real Madrid legend – now sporting director at the Bernabeu - has also revealed that his club courted the England captain when he was at the peak of his powers.
Gerrard, now 33, is only four victories away from leading Liverpool to their first championship crown in 24 years.
And Zidane says a title win would be just reward for Gerrard and his loyalty to the Anfield club.
‘He has had a great career winning many things - but it would be a big shame for him if he was never to win the league with Liverpool,’ said the former France star.
‘For everything that he has given - he deserves a league title.’
He went on: ‘I don't think that is any secret that Real Madrid and Chelsea had big interest in him and that is just the teams the media knew about.
‘He could have played for any team in Europe - but he turned them down. That sort of loyalty should be rewarded with a title.’
Zidane – a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year – feels Gerrard was once the best midfield player on the planet.
And rates former Manchester United schemer Scholes in a similar bracket.
‘England have probably produced the two best midfield players of the last 20 years in Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes,’ he said.
‘There was a point when Gerrard was the best midfield player in the world. It is unusual to get complete midfield players who can do everything, but that is what he was.
‘His legs are not going to be what they were five or six years ago - but his presence and leadership are invaluable for Liverpool.'
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Short Biography of Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard was born on 30th May, 1980 in Whiston, Merseyside. The town is about 8 kms to the east of the city of Liverpool. He was brought up in neighbouring Huyton and spent his childhood there.
Gerrard or Stevie G as he is called, is a natural central midfielder who can play in other positions with equal aplomb. He loves to make darting runs from the centre of the park into the striking area and his long range passing and shooting, coupled with his tackling ability makes him a player every manager would love to have in their side.
Gerrard attended the Cardinal Heenan Catholic high school in West Derby, Liverpool. Unlike Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher and other famous Liverpool players who were childhood Everton fans, Gerrard was a Kopite from the beginning and joined his beloved club as a trainee when he was a school boy. He rose through the ranks quickly and made his debut as a substitute for Norwegian Vegard Heggem against Blackburn on 30th November 1998. His first full debut came against Celta Vigo in the UEFA Cup and his performance that night was a definite indicator that the lad was destined for stardom.
He made his first appearance in England colours against Ukraine at Wembley in May 2000 and has been an integral part of the English squad ever since. His first goal for England was a rasping 25 yard shot which gave Oliver Kahn no chance, in the famous 5-1 demolition of Germany in September 2001. His career was plagued by injuries in that period though, and he missed the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan with a groin injury.
He was given the captain's armband first in October 2003 by Gerard Houllier and has captained the Reds regularly ever since. He wears the No.8 jersey for the Reds and No.4 for England. He first captained England against Sweden in 2004, and led the side five times in 2007. When Steve McLaren took over from Sven Goran Eriksson in August 2006, he named Gerrard vice captain of the national team.A leader par excellence, the man gives nothing less than 100% when he is on the pitch. Fans voted him the " Nationwide Player of the Year '' in 2007.
Gerrard has scored in nearly every major final that he has appeared in for Liverpool, proving that he is somebody to be relied upon in big match occasions. Prominent among them is the headed goal against AC Milan in the Champions League final in 2005, which kickstarted Liverpool's amazing comeback and the last minute stunning 35 yard equaliser against West Ham in the FA Cup 2006 Final. He was also on the scoresheet in the 2001 UEFA Cup final against Alaves and the 2003 League Cup final against arch rivals Manchester United. He is also remembered for his crucial 25 yard strike against Olympiakos in the Champions League which assured the Reds of a place in the last 16 of Europe's most prestigious club competition. While Ian Rush still holds most of Liverpool's scoring records, Gerrard is the club's highest scorer in Europe.
Considered as Liverpool's prized asset by many, Gerrard is the pivot around which the Merseysiders revolve and his combination with Fernando Torres saw the latter score over 20 goals in his debut season . Given his versatility and consistency, it comes as no surprise that he is regarded as one of the best midfielders ever to grace the football pitch. Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has even stated his desire to keep Gerrard lifelong at Anfield. He is currently contracted to the Reds till 2011.
Gerrard has won several awards - the PFA young player of the year in 2001, the most valuable player in the Champions League in 2004-05 and PFA player of the year in 2006 (ahead of the likes of Frank Lampard and Thierry Henry). He came third behind Ronaldinho and Lampard in the poll for the prestigious Ballon D'Or (European Footballer of the Year) in 2005. In December 2006, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire ( MBE) in recognition of his services to the game. In the last five seasons, he has never failed to make it to the PFA Team of the Year.
He married Alex Curran on June 16, 2007, and the couple have two daughters, Lily-Ella and Lexie.
Steven Gerrard, best and worst moments in his history as a player
Gerrard : My greatest moment is the 2005 champion's league final vs Ac Milan, an unforgettable game for all the supporters around the world and the same for me, being a captain made me my special night ever, maybe the best championes league final ever, fantastic feel.
Gerrard : My worst moment was in 2008, a game vs Croatia for the World Cup qualifications, under Steve McClaren. This tournament is still in my mind, an crucial game, was difficult and is hard to forget.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Norwich City 2-3 Liverpool: Reds survive scare to edge closer to title
Raheem Sterling scored the first and last goals - the former an unstoppable 25-yarder within five minutes of kick-off and the latter a slice of well-earned luck when his shot took a deflection over John Ruddy at the end of a long, determined run through the entire home half.
Luis Suarez scored the second in the 11th minute, with Sterling key in the build-up, giving the Reds breathing room to survive a Gary Hooper strike just after the break, for which goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was largely to blame.
The Canaries kept Liverpool scared when Robert Snodgrass bested Jon Flanagan in the air to head home with 13 minutes left but Brendan Rodgers's men beat the nerves and held on for a crucial win, moving five points clear of Chelsea with three games to play.
The visitors' 11th Premier League win in a row - a new club record - puts them firmly in the driving seat for a first title since 1990, while Norwich remain just two points above the relegation zone.
Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva came in for Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson, absent through injury and suspension, with Sterling reprising his role at the tip of a midfield diamond that caused City so many problems in their last outing.
Just as he did against Manuel Pellegrini's team, the in-form teenager gave Liverpool an ideal start by breaking the deadlock in stunning fashion after four minutes. Philippe Coutinho fed Sterling, who dipped inside and drove an unstoppable shot past the helpless Ruddy, with the aid of a slight deflection off Michael Turner, from 25 yards.
The visitors were playing with a verve and swagger that has often been evident during their fantastic run of form and Allen forced Ruddy into a fine save before Suarez, inevitably, got on the scoresheet with his 30th Premier League goal of the season. Flanagan fed Sterling down the left and he rolled a weighted ball across the face of goal for the Uruguayan, who evaded Turner before calmly side-footing past Ruddy from eight yards.
Norwich responded admirably and Hooper was only denied what looked a certain goal by Allen's last-ditch intervention in the area.
Having started the second half on the front foot, Norwich got back into the game nine minutes after the restart when Mignolet made a mess of a cross under pressure from Bradley Johnson and Hooperwas on hand to finish from close range.
Sterling quickly restored the visitors' two-goal cushion as he capitalised on Johnson's wayward pass to run at the heart of the Norwich defence before eventually beating Ruddy with a left-footed shot that took a wicked deflection off the retreating Johnson.
Snodgrass's header 13 minutes from time gave a spirited Canaries side an unlikely glimmer of hope but Liverpool held on for a crucial three points as Mignolet kept out a late header from substitute Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
Luis Suarez: Liverpool must keep calm ahead of Chelsea showdownhttp://static.goal.com/393300/393307_heroa.jpg
Following Chelsea's shock home defeat to Sunderland on Saturday, Brendan Rodgers's side moved five points clear at the top of the table with a nervy 3-2 win at Norwich City, with the Uruguayan scoring either side of two fine Raheem Sterling efforts.
The Canaries twice gave the Reds a scare through Gary Hooper and Robert Snodgrass but the visitors held on to go five points clear of the Blues with three games left to play - their next being at Anfield against Jose Mourinho's men.
"We worked very hard - we know it's always difficult against Norwich ... it was important we stayed calm.
"[We need to] keep calm and focus on the game against Chelsea. At the start of the season we wanted to get into the top four and now we have done that."
Reflecting on becoming the first Liverpool player to score 30 league goals in a season since Ian Rush in 1986-87, Suarez insisted that his primary motivation remains collective glory, not individual accolades.
"Every game I try for the team - I helped the team today with a goal," he stated. "It's important for myself [to reach 30 goals] but my target is to help the team. We are top and we have to enjoy it [but] anything can happen in football.
Title win would make Gerrard the world's best, says Suarez
The Uruguayan believes the England midfielder will be regarded as the finest footballer on the planet if Liverpool manage to win the title this season
A Premier League medal is the only item of silverware missing from Gerrard's collection at club level, with the midfielder having already won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield.
The Liverpool captain, who turned down some of the world's biggest clubs to remain at Anfield earlier in his career, could well end his wait for a domestic title this season.
Brendan Rodgers' side are top of the table heading into the final weeks of the season and Suarez feels Gerrard deserves to lift the Premier League trophy.
"Steven is one of the top midfielders in the world and if he won the Premier League then he is the best in the world," the Uruguayan told BeIN Sport ahead of Liverpool's meeting with Norwich City on Sunday.
"He has waited a lot of years to win the title. He has won the Champions League, which is more difficult than winning the title, and now he knows that it's a really good time for him.
"His performances this season have been brilliant. He knows to keep his head down because we have four more difficult games, but I think he is the best man in the world.
"It would be brilliant for him, (former team-mate) Jamie Carragher and for the Liverpool supporters because everybody knows he has a really good chance this year.
"He has stayed here and concentrated on Liverpool and he is a big supporter of Liverpool. I think his dream is done if he wins the league."
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)