Despite not winning a trophy again this season I think Rafa is moving the team foreword and we will be in the title race come March next year. We registered the least number of losses under him in the league (4) and there used to be an old adage that if you avoided losing more than 4 games a season you would win the title, so one has to put it down to too many draws which could easily have swung our way on many occasions.
In my head I can think of where the title chase was lost, 8 minutes from time at Anfield against Arsenal, the ridiculously one sided 0-0 at Man City etc etc. And in all honesty although we lost to Chelsea this year in the Champions League, it was the first time we actually competed with them. We registered wins more easily towards the end of the season when the pressure was off so perhaps we need to enjoy our football more instead of talking about our title desperation around the players week in week out.
So here is my player review for the season. Marks out of 10 in Football Manager style and whether I think they should leave or stay.
Steve Finnan (6/10)
One of the best right backs in the Premiership, Finnan's only negative for this season was his injury problems. Clearly one to stay. As long as he gets back to full fitness for next season there is no reason why he won't be crossing frequent dangerous balls from the right all game. Perhaps we need move cover from an attack minded youngster.
Sami Hyypia (7/10)
After Agger's superb season last year Hyypia clearly began has our 3rd choice centre back. Many said due to his age and therefore pace he had lost it. Going on to make 44 appearances and storming back in the New Year after an average Autumn period. The goal against Arsenal in the Champions League was one to remember and he again will provide vital experience next season
Daniel Agger (6/10)
Unfair to comment really. 6 appearances due to injury. One hope's it isn't a chronic problem. If back to full fitness next season our centre back choices are looking superb.
John Arne Risse (6/10)
Struggled to hit top form this year and ignoring his own goal (which ironically was his only one of the season) perhaps it is time for him to move on. A great buy for £3m but is questionable if he is ever to hit top form again. Never been a great full back in my view defensively and always played better at Left Midfield. Though with the new formation 4-2-1-2-1 there isn't much space for him anymore in the attacking positions. Can see him going to Villa.
Harry Kewell (4/10)
What can I say? I was shocked to see he made 15 appearances this year. Felt more like 5. No goals once more and is clearly not worth the wages. Time to let him move on I'd say and count our losses. Like many Aussies will probably end up in Putney so Fulham looks like a good destination!
Steven Gerrard (8/10)
Linked up superbly with Torres for their first season together and contributed 21 goals of his own. A lot of bottle for the pen against Arsenal as he has missed a few over the years. Consistently driving the team forward as per usual. Legend!
Fernando Torres (9/10)
Breaks Van Nistolroy's record in his first season for most goals in the Premiership for a debut season from a foreign player. Finally we have a top class striker scoring 30+ a season! I love how unlike other strikers who demand the red carpet treatment and have all the arrogance he just gets on with the job with humility. Amazing season.
Andriy Voronin (5/10)
In some ways, your ideal fourth striker. I like the fact he hasn't moaned despite being benched on a regular basis. Started off the season being our best player in pre-season and the first 6 weeks well too. We almost got the feeling we had a bargain on our hands. Wastes too many chances however for the rest of the year and a return of 6 goals from 28 appearances just didn't cut it. Could be our fourth striker again but only because he doesn't complain.
Yossi Benyoun (6/10)
His goal rate was respectable and times was very useful off the bench. Though far too many times his inability to keep the ball has been frustrating. Was painful to watch against Chelsea in the second leg despite the run which did create our goal. Will be in the side again next year but more effective against the smaller teams than the top half ones. Dquad player at best.
Fabio Aurelio (7/10)
Sporadic appearances, but his form in the New Year was the best we have seen. Does not score from free kicks so I wish he would stop taking them but has been a decent full back for when Risse hasn't been up to scratch. I feel we need another full back in the left position but Aurelio has proven that a run in the team proves dividends.
Xabi Alonso (5/10)
For his standards, Xabi has had a shocker this year. We now play with 2 players in the DM positions and Alonso has too often been the weak link when on the pitch. His passing has been off, especially his decision making. Very often gets his tackling off the pace and too add to all that he has had growing injury problems. Rumour has it Spanish clubs will offer £10-£15 million. At that price we should definitely sell and Barry would be an ideal replacement.
Peter Crouch (7/10)
When called upon Crouch has done very well. Consistent when starting and effective from the bench, he showed his abilities with 11 goals from 36 games and one can`t help he could have been utilised to break the number of deadlocks we were in. I would like him to stay but he has to cope with the rotation policy and I'm not sure whether he wants to.
Jermaine Pennant (6/10)
Actually been a good squad player this year. Can get MOM performances against his former clubs Birmingham and even played well against Arsenal too at the Emirates. Too often ineffective against the other big teams. Strong enough to stay in the team on rotation.
Alvaro Arbeloa (7/10)
Able to play in both full back roles Arbeloa has been strong on many occasions this year. Tries to get foreword and is consistent defensively. Very useful to the defence.
Dirk Kuyt (7/10)
With all that hard work and constant running it just frustrates me he doesn't cross well and take his chances often enough in front of goal. Was in top form toward the end of the year after a poor patch in the middle. You can't fault him for effort and next year will be a great utility player.
Ryan Babel (7/10)
Brilliant debut season, would have got an 8 from me if he performed when he starts. It always seems that he is better off the bench as he proved against Arsenal. Okay starting against the lower table sides but needs to build up his stamina over the summer. Great potential.
Javier Mascherano (8/10)
Despite his moment of madness, it epitomised his die hard style. Fantasitc tackling and is so important in front of the back four. Gerrard would never be able to get foreword and support Torres for all their goals so Javier could easily be given an assist for each one. Why West Ham let him rot in the reserves is a complete mystery!?
Lucas Leiva (7/10)
Good debut season. He is young, from abroad and learing the ropes so therefore his 32 appearances were a sign of success in itself. Replaced Gerrard against Everton and had Phil Neville decided not to play in goal for a moment would have had the winner. Incidentally was the cause of 3 points though! Seems settled and come out of his shell a bit more next season.
Jamie Carragher (9/10)
Pure class. Made more appearances than Reina. 55 games of last ditch tackles and vital headers. Will lead the defence again next year and with another season of few goals conceded and most clean sheets in the Premiership you need look no further. Versatile playing at right back effectively too.
Pepe Reina (9/10)
Clean sheet trophy 3 years running and always reliable. Rarely makes a mistake and when he does you know he can recover mentally
Martin Skrtel (8/10)
Skrtel has filled in amazingly well following his January move. Considering he was bought as cover at a time when Agger was set to come back in February he has adapted very quickly. Many say it takes 12-18 months to settle into the Premiership though it took him about 4 weeks! 20 appearances, always tries his best and scary as hell to play against. Him an Agger will form an effective partnership in years to come I'm sure!
So Risse, Kewell, Alonso and Crouch set to go over the summer. Would be interesting to see our replacements!?
In my view we now have a winning formation, a good nucleus in the squad, we just need 3 to 4 world class additions and I'm confident next season will be a good one!
In my head I can think of where the title chase was lost, 8 minutes from time at Anfield against Arsenal, the ridiculously one sided 0-0 at Man City etc etc. And in all honesty although we lost to Chelsea this year in the Champions League, it was the first time we actually competed with them. We registered wins more easily towards the end of the season when the pressure was off so perhaps we need to enjoy our football more instead of talking about our title desperation around the players week in week out.
So here is my player review for the season. Marks out of 10 in Football Manager style and whether I think they should leave or stay.
Steve Finnan (6/10)
One of the best right backs in the Premiership, Finnan's only negative for this season was his injury problems. Clearly one to stay. As long as he gets back to full fitness for next season there is no reason why he won't be crossing frequent dangerous balls from the right all game. Perhaps we need move cover from an attack minded youngster.
Sami Hyypia (7/10)
After Agger's superb season last year Hyypia clearly began has our 3rd choice centre back. Many said due to his age and therefore pace he had lost it. Going on to make 44 appearances and storming back in the New Year after an average Autumn period. The goal against Arsenal in the Champions League was one to remember and he again will provide vital experience next season
Daniel Agger (6/10)
Unfair to comment really. 6 appearances due to injury. One hope's it isn't a chronic problem. If back to full fitness next season our centre back choices are looking superb.
John Arne Risse (6/10)
Struggled to hit top form this year and ignoring his own goal (which ironically was his only one of the season) perhaps it is time for him to move on. A great buy for £3m but is questionable if he is ever to hit top form again. Never been a great full back in my view defensively and always played better at Left Midfield. Though with the new formation 4-2-1-2-1 there isn't much space for him anymore in the attacking positions. Can see him going to Villa.
Harry Kewell (4/10)
What can I say? I was shocked to see he made 15 appearances this year. Felt more like 5. No goals once more and is clearly not worth the wages. Time to let him move on I'd say and count our losses. Like many Aussies will probably end up in Putney so Fulham looks like a good destination!
Steven Gerrard (8/10)
Linked up superbly with Torres for their first season together and contributed 21 goals of his own. A lot of bottle for the pen against Arsenal as he has missed a few over the years. Consistently driving the team forward as per usual. Legend!
Fernando Torres (9/10)
Breaks Van Nistolroy's record in his first season for most goals in the Premiership for a debut season from a foreign player. Finally we have a top class striker scoring 30+ a season! I love how unlike other strikers who demand the red carpet treatment and have all the arrogance he just gets on with the job with humility. Amazing season.
Andriy Voronin (5/10)
In some ways, your ideal fourth striker. I like the fact he hasn't moaned despite being benched on a regular basis. Started off the season being our best player in pre-season and the first 6 weeks well too. We almost got the feeling we had a bargain on our hands. Wastes too many chances however for the rest of the year and a return of 6 goals from 28 appearances just didn't cut it. Could be our fourth striker again but only because he doesn't complain.
Yossi Benyoun (6/10)
His goal rate was respectable and times was very useful off the bench. Though far too many times his inability to keep the ball has been frustrating. Was painful to watch against Chelsea in the second leg despite the run which did create our goal. Will be in the side again next year but more effective against the smaller teams than the top half ones. Dquad player at best.
Fabio Aurelio (7/10)
Sporadic appearances, but his form in the New Year was the best we have seen. Does not score from free kicks so I wish he would stop taking them but has been a decent full back for when Risse hasn't been up to scratch. I feel we need another full back in the left position but Aurelio has proven that a run in the team proves dividends.
Xabi Alonso (5/10)
For his standards, Xabi has had a shocker this year. We now play with 2 players in the DM positions and Alonso has too often been the weak link when on the pitch. His passing has been off, especially his decision making. Very often gets his tackling off the pace and too add to all that he has had growing injury problems. Rumour has it Spanish clubs will offer £10-£15 million. At that price we should definitely sell and Barry would be an ideal replacement.
Peter Crouch (7/10)
When called upon Crouch has done very well. Consistent when starting and effective from the bench, he showed his abilities with 11 goals from 36 games and one can`t help he could have been utilised to break the number of deadlocks we were in. I would like him to stay but he has to cope with the rotation policy and I'm not sure whether he wants to.
Jermaine Pennant (6/10)
Actually been a good squad player this year. Can get MOM performances against his former clubs Birmingham and even played well against Arsenal too at the Emirates. Too often ineffective against the other big teams. Strong enough to stay in the team on rotation.
Alvaro Arbeloa (7/10)
Able to play in both full back roles Arbeloa has been strong on many occasions this year. Tries to get foreword and is consistent defensively. Very useful to the defence.
Dirk Kuyt (7/10)
With all that hard work and constant running it just frustrates me he doesn't cross well and take his chances often enough in front of goal. Was in top form toward the end of the year after a poor patch in the middle. You can't fault him for effort and next year will be a great utility player.
Ryan Babel (7/10)
Brilliant debut season, would have got an 8 from me if he performed when he starts. It always seems that he is better off the bench as he proved against Arsenal. Okay starting against the lower table sides but needs to build up his stamina over the summer. Great potential.
Javier Mascherano (8/10)
Despite his moment of madness, it epitomised his die hard style. Fantasitc tackling and is so important in front of the back four. Gerrard would never be able to get foreword and support Torres for all their goals so Javier could easily be given an assist for each one. Why West Ham let him rot in the reserves is a complete mystery!?
Lucas Leiva (7/10)
Good debut season. He is young, from abroad and learing the ropes so therefore his 32 appearances were a sign of success in itself. Replaced Gerrard against Everton and had Phil Neville decided not to play in goal for a moment would have had the winner. Incidentally was the cause of 3 points though! Seems settled and come out of his shell a bit more next season.
Jamie Carragher (9/10)
Pure class. Made more appearances than Reina. 55 games of last ditch tackles and vital headers. Will lead the defence again next year and with another season of few goals conceded and most clean sheets in the Premiership you need look no further. Versatile playing at right back effectively too.
Pepe Reina (9/10)
Clean sheet trophy 3 years running and always reliable. Rarely makes a mistake and when he does you know he can recover mentally
Martin Skrtel (8/10)
Skrtel has filled in amazingly well following his January move. Considering he was bought as cover at a time when Agger was set to come back in February he has adapted very quickly. Many say it takes 12-18 months to settle into the Premiership though it took him about 4 weeks! 20 appearances, always tries his best and scary as hell to play against. Him an Agger will form an effective partnership in years to come I'm sure!
So Risse, Kewell, Alonso and Crouch set to go over the summer. Would be interesting to see our replacements!?
In my view we now have a winning formation, a good nucleus in the squad, we just need 3 to 4 world class additions and I'm confident next season will be a good one!
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