Bleacher Report - Articles by Danny Stewart

Benitez Can Reflect On A Season Of Liverpool Gains...

Danny Stewart — Sat, 23 May 2009 03:41:11 -0400

In a season of more twists and turns than a ride on a fairground rollercoaster, Liverpool FC can reflect on a year of almost resolute transformation, of unbridled continuity and; most importantly, title challenging authority.

The Reds transformation has been clearly demonstrated by their hounding of Manchester United in the closing stages of this year's Premiership title race. Gone is the indecision and the numerous team and tactical changes from Senor Benitez, instead, a team with renewed vigour, confidence and strength has emerged from the ranks of our Spanish conquistador's squad.

Indeed, it is already documented that Xabi Alonso's renaissance in this Liverpool side has contributed invaluably to the Reds cause this season, his expert passing and distribution being the foundations on which the skyscraper that is Gerrard and Torres is laid.

Had Alonso shown this type of form in his previous two seasons for the Merseyside giants, then the vultures that have circled overhead for the signature of our artista, may well have been more vociferously fended off last July, rather than whole-heartedly encouraged by Rafa Benitez.

Added to this, Yossi Benayoun has been a delight, proving that in the occasional absence of Gerrard, we have a playmaker who can step into those almighty shoes and become provider for the goal-machine that is Fernando Torres.

Allied to this, Lucas has, on occasion, stepped up to the plate and showed glimpses of the promise that his young talent is yet to yield. Emiliano Insua gave performances beyond his youthful years, and even Ryan Babel (in particular against Real Madrid) showed an adoring Anfield public that given a little more time, he could prove the answer to Rafa's left-sided dilemma.

Continuity has been achieved through little, indeed minor tactical adjustments this term as opposed to almost whole team changes being made (as in previous seasons). This has contributed to Liverpool showing the form that has guided them to just one defeat in their last 27 games in the Premiership—two in the whole campaign.

But this is where the real work has to start. Rafa has to prove that this is no flash in the pan, that we now have the where-with-all, knowledge and capability to push Manchester United all the way next season. Certainly, given that Benitez has total control over transfer policy at Anfield, then the onus and pressure really is on him to deliver.

I believe that this Summer's transfer dealings will be the most single important dealings in the last 20 years of Liverpool FC's history, and Benitez has only increased this pressure by insisting he has sole control over all comings and goings to Liverpool - there will be no hiding place if things go wrong next term.

Already the rumour-mill is in overdrive, with a plethora of players neither us nor Rafa Benitez has ever heard of presumably joining the Reds ranks. Gareth Barry is apparently back on radar (but not at the expense of Xabi Alonso so we're led to believe), Carlos Tevez, Glen Johnson, and even Fulham's outstanding Brede Hangeland are all headed to Anfield.

Let's hope messrs Hicks and Gillett have sorted their financial problems out if they are all to appear before an expectant press pack in July.

In a season that has seen Liverpool re-emerge as a title winning force, now is not the time for a flush out, this is the time to stabilise and assess. One or two signings are the key now, and I believe that Benitez knows this. I expect another right-sided full-back to arrive at Anfield this Summer, definitely Gareth Barry and another forward. Job done.

The reason that Liverpool now have title-winning potential (and it is just potential), is that Rafa Benitez has this season refrained from over exhuberance in his squad selection.

Gone are the days of wholesale changes, instead what we are seeing is continuity not seen since the heady days of Kenny Dalglish's tenure, when the team, even if beaten on a Saturday, would be given another game to try and redeem themselves. More often than not it worked.

Benitez, however, would see a defeat as another chance to get the Master Tactician's board out, and see a player's poor performance as another way of justifying this.

Now, it is a patient game Rafa is playing. In the last 12 matches, the only changes made were often enforced ones through injury, although it has to be said that Benitez's decision to play Martin Skrtel at full-back against Middlesborough was mind-blowing to say the least.

Other than that, it has been pretty much "same again boys", as Liverpool have cruised to ten wins, a draw and one defeat in their last twelve (two defeats in their last 28). This is not a coincidence.

Reds fans wherever they may be have longed for a return to the days when Liverpool FC were regarded as the benchmark for all Clubs. That heady era may now be gone, but a return to the time when the Reds were one of the most feared outfits in the World is most definitely on the cards.

Even Gary Neville, that most revered of persons on Merseyside has admitted (albeit through gritted teeth) that Liverpool are back, and the team most likely to prize the crown away from the gnarled fingers of the Old Trafford faithful.

And that, people, is praise indeed.

Reds Dare To Dream As Title Race Enters Its Final Stages for Liverpool

Danny Stewart — Fri, 08 May 2009 10:54:58 -0400

As Liverpool's impressive Premiership campaign draws to a close, as a Red, one can only feel a sense of despondancy about just what could of been.

The Reds, this term, have been just about as unpredictable as one could predict, does that make sense? And yet, as we head into the final furlongs of what has been a mightily enjoyable and pride-filled season, you get the sense that this could be the start of something big again at Anfield..As if the giant is starting to stir again..

At the start of the 2008-2009 season, any Reds supporter considering just how he would like the year to pan out would have settled for a good run in all three cup competitions, plus a more sustained challenge on the League title front.

Well, here we are in May, and we ARE still in the hunt.

It's something of a surprise when you consider that, had Liverpool taken maximum points from their home games against Hull City, West Ham, Arsenal and Fulham (all games that the Reds should have won), Liverpool would now be eight points better off than they are at present. That would put them, by my reckoning, five points clear of Manchester United and favourites for the League title.

Now, as we enter the final three weeks of the campaign, United currently lead by three and have a game in hand. But with the little matter of a Manchester derby to navigate before they head for the home straight, plus a demanding and revenge-seeking Arsenal to play at Old Trafford, us die-hard's will no doubt cling on to the 'it's not over 'til the fat lady sings' scenario, before we concede the title to our counterparts from the wrong end of the M62.

Yet fear not, my Red brothers. This is the start of a new LFC legacy, one in which Liverpool FC will be rightly crowned as Premiership Champions. This team is too good not to win the title, is simply too good not to be challenging for all major honours.

Player for player, we have arguably one of the best squads in the World now, and one in which the hoards of Reds who travel to the Mecca that is Anfield can be distinctly proud.

We have cruised through three-quarters of this season without even breaking sweat before the penny finally and thankfully dropped with Senor Benitez. Now, the Reds start each and every game with high intensity, challenge their opponents with a renewed vigour, almost as if their very lives depend on it.

There is an unquenchable thirst, a hunger for the Premier League title, and mark my words: if it doesn't come this season, then the 20th anniversary of our last title triumph will be the 'welcome home' party for number 19.

But, fellow Reds, if that isn't enough to sedate your urges, then let's just dream a little that both Manchester City and Arsenal can haul us back securely into the title frame, and maybe, just maybe, Stevie G will hold that trophy above his head for number 19 this coming May 30th.

Sami Hyypia: The Birth Of a Legend

Danny Stewart — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:20:01 -0400

Bill Shankly once said of one of his greatest signings, Ron Yeats: "With him in defence we could play Arthur Askey in goal."

The pun was made tongue-in-cheek, but you could obviously see what the great man meant.

In terms of influential signings, Liverpool's stalwart defender Sami Hyypia may not carry the same footballing weight as Yeats (the Reds achieved promotion from the old Second Division and won the First Division title within three years of the Scottish legend signing), but in terms of footballing prowess, Hyypia is right up there with his "ancestral" counterpart.

Having arrived at Anfield in the Summer of 1999, Hyypia has won almost every honour available at both domestic and European level.

The FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup all duly arrived in 2001. The League Cup again in 2003. And of course, the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006.

Add to that a couple of Charity Shield's, throw in a couple of European Super Cup's, and basically you get my drift.

Hyypia is a born and bred champion.

However, with the arrival of Daniel Agger in 2006, and the purchase of Martin Skrtel in 2007, Hyypia's first team opportunities appeared less than fruitful. Limited is perhaps the best description.

When Rafa Benitez chose to leave his most experienced campaigner out of his Champions League squad for this year's group stages, you could well have been forgiven for thinking that the writing was well and truly on the wall for this Anfield giant.

With this in mind, many a "seasoned" professional may well have chosen to boot down the manager's door, or give quotes to an expectant and "hungry dog" press pack about "how it maybe time for me to leave", etc.

Not Hyypia.

He simply rose to the challenge, brushed off the rumours about his impending Anfield departure and chose to fight for his place. And what a fight it was.

It did, however, need a turn of fortune to see "big Sami" regain his place in the Reds side.

Martin Skrtel's injury at Manchester City in September 2008 meant that Liverpool's blonde Finnish colossus took his rightful place at the heart of the Reds defence.

At 34 years of age, Hyypia may not have the legs of the fresh-faced youngster pictured signing in the Main Stand with Gerard Houllier all those years ago. But with the thinking and experience of 10 battle-hardened years at Anfield, what Sami lacks in pace, he more than makes up for with timing and agility.

His renaissance in the Liverpool side was complete last month, when after taking his place on the bench for the game with Manchester United at Old Trafford, he was called into action barely minutes before the two teams took to the field—due to an injury to full-back Alvaro Arbeloa in the warm-up.

His tackling and distribution were of the highest order as he rolled back the years with a magnificent performance. Indeed he looked like he had never been away, let alone warming the bench on a landmark day for Liverpool's Premiership campaign.

With Sami's Reds career coming to its final conclusion, and a rumoured one year extension on the table, punters wouldn't bet against this gentle giant of a man getting a deserved testimonial, and finally getting his hands on that one trophy that has eluded him so far—the Premier League.

If that's the case, then we could truly say that we have witnessed the "birth" of an Anfield legend.

Xabi Alonso: Unsung Architect of Liverpool's Recent Revival

Danny Stewart — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:59:44 -0400

Sometimes, a manager's career, or possibly his whole life's work, can be defined by one moment of genius. It could even be a stroke of luck.

That Rafa Benitez now has the brilliant Xabi Alonso to call upon is sheer chance, not some strategical success. The Spanish "conductor" himself would probably admit that.

Had only the i's been dotted and the t's crossed, Gareth Barry would now be part of Liverpool's engine room, not his Spanish counterpart. Such was Benitez's desire to part with his first signing.

However, Juventus' loss is definitely Liverpool's gain, as Alonso has had something of an "Indian summer" in footballing terms, and his stock has increased dramatically.

Critics of the donostiarra point to the last two seasons of Alonso's Liverpool career and insist that the Reds playmaker had probably played himself into an Anfield departure rather than into the Anfield record books. That was the carte du jour that Alonso was bringing to the Reds table.

Now, however, the boot (so to speak) is firmly on the other foot. The tabloids are full of this exquisite, supreme passer of the patent leather. They're arguing that he is now in the form of his life, and rightly so.

For Alonso has made the "holding" position his own this season. He and his colleague, Argentine teammate Javier Mascherano, form the defensive force behind the creative matter that is Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

Gerrard now is arguably the best footballer on the planet, due in the main to two reasons. First, he now occupies a more advanced role in the Liverpool attack; and second, he no longer has defensive midfield duties. Alonso has certainly contributed to both of these benefits.

Breaking up attacks from outside his own area before releasing a 40-yard cross-field pass in the mould of a certain Jan Molby, the Reds Spanish artista is now carving a name for himself in the annals of Liverpool's history.

If the Reds add title No. 19 to their ledger, then the man they call "Shabby" will have created a renaissance all of his own.

Rafa Says "Same Again" as Reds Tie Backroom Staff to Long Term Deals

Danny Stewart — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:55:40 -0400

They say that good news comes in threes these days. Well, I for one don't believe that's true...it comes in fours!!

Having smashed four goals past Real Madrid and another four past Manchester United in their own back yard, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez only goes and puts pen to paper on a new five-year deal (finally putting paid to any rumours he may be leaving in the summer), and then goes and secures the services of his technical staff on new contracts.

Sammy Lee, Mauricio Pellegrino, Angel Vales, and Paco DeMiguel have all agreed to new improved deals as Liverpool FC, for once in a long time, now dominate the headlines for all the RIGHT reasons.

What a time to be a Red!

Having seen Liverpool dominate English and European football for many years with a brand of free-flowing, destructive football that few teams could cope with, it was the methodology and behind-the-scenes organisation and togetherness which really set Liverpool apart from other clubs.

This is obviously how Benitez sees his Melwood setup, continuity, and creativity—a long term plan.

With the staff at Melwood now tied up on long-term contracts, and the likes of Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, and Dirk Kuyt all seemingly eager to commit themselves to the Merseyside giants, the future is indeed looking bright for the Reds.

Long may it continue!!!

Patriotism? Don't Make Me Laugh...

Danny Stewart — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:12:46 -0400

Is it just me, or has the shine really gone from watching international football?

Does anybody really care that much about it anymore?

Would you lose sleep if they said it would be gone tomorrow?

I for one, certainly wouldn't.

When I was a kid, the thought of the likes of John Barnes, Peter Beardsley, Steve McMahon etc., all pulling on the "Three Lions" and playing in the same England side used to fill me with sheer pride.

I'd always be the first to get the new England strip, and would hastily organise "international" matches with the "enemy" from the top end of my old housing estate, just to try and get the feel of what it meant to be an England player.

Ah, halcyon days.

Now though, the international break appears to be more of a hindrance than anything else.

With footballers having more money than sense, appearing on most of the front (and back) pages of our wonderful newspapers, the term "celebrity" doesn't do these guys justice. And yet, we are expected to believe that they actually care when they pull on the England shirt.

That it actually means something.

I doubt whether we will ever see another Terry Butcher—head bandaged, blood teaming from an open wound in his forehead as he and his men fought to get England to another World Cup.

Now it seems as though all footballers are interested in is where their next million is coming from. Gone are the days when stars turned out for their country for simple expenses and the joy of winning a cap.

Before the last World Cup, punters may remember that the playing staff actually negotiated their win bonuses with the FA before they went to play in the 2006 tournament.

And they say patriotism is dead...

My take on this is simple—the joy of playing for and representing one's country should be a source of incredible pride, not another means of boosting one's bank balance!

Is it any wonder that the FA are now looking to the nation's suckers—sorry parents—to spend yet another £50 to deck the country's children out in the new England shirt? It's to help pay for the England team's expenses—and each and every time we fall for it!!

International breaks only serve to break up the excitement of the league season. It invariably leads to players returning injured to their respective wage-paying clubs, and it can in some cases disrupt teams form during crucial parts of the year.

I sit with beer in hand, anxiously awaiting the return of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Pepe Reina, Albert Riera, and Fernando Torres, and praying they don't get injured for the crucial Premiership title run-in.

As I said before, if international football was gone tomorrow, I for one wouldn't lose any sleep...

After 5-0 Thrashing of Villa, Liverpool Put Pressure on United

Danny Stewart — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:46:37 -0400

A Steven Gerrard-inspired Liverpool cruised into second place in the Premier League yesterday afternoon, as the Reds thrashed Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa 5-0 at a jam-packed Anfield.

After superlative wins over Real Madrid (4-0) and Manchester United (4-1) in the previous seven days, Liverpool were also buoyed by the return from injury of Spanish duo Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso.

As was the case against both Madrid and United, Liverpool came flying out of the blocks—determined to exercise their authority over a side who, until barely three weeks ago, seemed dead certs to nail their place in next season Champions League.

But what is both surprising and refreshing about watching Liverpool play at present, is that they seem utterly fearless whoever the opposition. They are playing with such a conviction that those who dream to dare actually believe that the elusive "19th" could well be on it's way to Anfield—with a little help from some friends (if you'll pardon the Beatles pun).

But right now, this is about a Reds side full of confidence. Belief, character, and a fearsome will to win are driving this side forward. You get the impression that if Liverpool step up another gear, someone will really get a pummelling.

But 5-0 will do for now, as goals from Dirk Kuyt, Albert Riera, and a hat trick from the brilliant Steven Gerrard ensured that the pressure is now all on our friends from the end of the East Lancs Road.

With Aston Villa next up at Old Trafford, and Liverpool away to United's conquerors Fulham, there could yet be more twists and turns in this enthralling and captivating title race.

With Rafa Benitez now on the coat tails of his Scottish counterpart, and the Reds seemingly hitting form at just the right time, this will be the true test of character for the Red Devils of Manchester.

Will they be able to cope with this resurgent and energetic Liverpool side?

Mr Ferguson, it's over to you.

As Far As Week's Go, 'Monumental' Just Doesn't Do The Reds Justice...

Danny Stewart — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 04:45:06 -0400

When Rafa Benitez sent out his charges to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last week, little did he know that the game was to be an historic and monumental occasion. Those fortunate enough to bear witness to the way his vultures picked away at the carcass of Madrid's European campaign can safely say without question that this was Benitez's finest hour—and arguably the team's finest performance.

The 4-0 drubbing issued by the Merseysiders to their Spanish counterparts was testimony to the work carried out behind the scenes of this hugely famous club; Benitez, Lee, and Pellegrino continue to build on previous European campaigns.

In England, however, the consistent tactical genius of this humble and articulate man is too often overlooked by the British press, who all too often prefer to prey on some of the deficiencies that Liverpool has demonstrated in the Premier League.

Ten draws (the majority of them being at home) are clearly not title-winning material, but put them with the 4-1 drubbing of Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend (barely four days after the humiliation of Real Madrid) and the fact that United and Chelsea both lost yesterday, and all of a sudden the Press are back onside.

Now it's a case of "Rafa's Reds up for the Fight" and "Reds Back in Title Hunt" as opposed to "Rafa's Rant" and "Rafa Loses the Plot."

With Liverpool facing an Aston Villa side on the wane today at Anfield, the chance is there for the Reds to really put pressure on Manchester United (who themselves seem to be imploding, with both Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney both sent for an early bath against Fulham yesterday).

Rafa Benitez now finds himself chasing a League and Champions League "double." It's a far cry from just a few weeks ago, when the pen-pushers of England's finest tabloids had United as odds-on favourites for a quintuple.

For the first time since the Champions League Final of 2005, Benitez seems to court the favour of our "journos."

Should Liverpool beat Aston Villa at a packed Anfield today, then the headline writers may just have to focus on someone else for a change.

As far as weeks go, "monumental" doesn't do Rafa's Reds justice...