Tổng kết mùa giải 2002 - 2003 : Đội hình tiêu biểu của mùa giải và những con số

Bạn đã nói về đội hình trong tương lai thì sao không nhắc đến đội hình của quá khứ nhỉ.
Sau đây là sự lựa chọn của cầu thủ trẻ Richie Partridge, của đội tuyển U-21 Cộng hoà Ireland đang thi đấu cho LFC, về đội hình tiêu biểu mọi thời đại của LFC
Thủ môn: Bruce Grobbelaar
Anh là thủ môn hay nhất mà LFC đã từng có và không có một ai có thể phản đối điều này. Anh không chỉ xuất sắc trong lĩnh vực thủ môn mà còn cả ở cách anh thể hiện bản thân mình. Các cổ động viên luôn cảm thấy vui vẻ và cười đùa với anh. Đó chính là tại sao tôi lại chọn anh ấy.
Hậu vệ:
Hậu về cánh phải sẽ là Phil Neal, một thủ lĩnh thực sự, anh chiến thắng mọi đợt tấn công, và tôi rất ngại khi phải thi đấu chống lại anh. Còn trung vệ sẽ là Sami Hyypia, kể từ khi anh đến với CLB thì sức mạnh thực sự trở lại cho đội quân đỏ. Bên cạnh Sami sẽ là Tommy Smith. Thật khó mà lí giải, anh là hậu vệ xuất sắc nhất nhưng mà tôi lại không biết nhiều về anh. Bên hành lang cánh trái sẽ là của Jamie Carragher, một hậu vệ tốt, có thể tấn công thì không tốt nhưng là một hậu vệ thì anh luôn hoàn thành nhiệm vụ của mình. Và tôi cũng rất e ngại khi đối đầu với anh.
Tiền vệ:
-Tôi chọn Steven Gerrard, người mà tôi nghĩ rằng trong tương lai anh là tiền vệ xuất sắc nhất thế giới. Tôi đã từng được tập luyện và chơi bên cạnh anh, anh quả là tuyệt vời. Bên cạnh Steven thì không ai khác ngoài Ronnie Whelan, với những pha qua người, với cái chân trái kỳ diệu anh đã là nỗi ám ảnh của tất cả các đối thủ của LFC trong thập niên 80. Kế đến là Kenny Dalglish ở bên cánh phải, một trong những cầu thủ hay nhất mà LFC đã có được, năng lực và tham vọng không bao giờ thiếu trong cầu thủ này. Còn ở bên cánh trái thì tôi chọn John Barnes, lại một sự kì diệu nữa của LFC, anh cũng thuận chân trái, anh có thể đánh bật mọi đối thủ... Có thể lên tham gia tấn công và ghi bàn, nhiều khi người ta lại cảm tưởng anh thi đấu như một tiền vệ trung tâm...
[brown]Tiền đạo[brown]:
Tôi chọn Michael Owen và Ian Rush. Cái mà tôi có thể nói về Michael là sự huyền diệu. Anh là một cầu thủ vĩ đại với những bàn thắng tuyệt vời. Còn Ian cũng rất tuyệt, anh có thể có được những bàn thắng đẹp nhất trong những trận đấu hay nhất, kịch tính nhất.... Và anh là cầu thủ ghi bàn hay nhất của LFC từ trước đến giờ...
Hãy học như ta sẽ sống..... Hãy sống như ta sẽ chết ngày mai

Jerzy Dudek
Perhaps Jerzy was struck by the curse of Sander Westerveld. After an excellent 2001-2 he had a disappointing World Cup with Poland then endured a nightmare spell in November, being at fault for goals at Middlesbrough and Fulham before his farcical error against Manchester United. He remained professional throughout his spell on the sidelines and when Chris Kirkland was injured at Palace, seemed to return better than ever in the knowledge he wouldn't be dislodged for the rest of the season. The highlight was his brilliant performance in the Worthington Cup Final, when he made a number of world class saves to deny United. He will face intense competition for his place again in 2003-4 and I would be surprised if both he and Kirkland are both here next summer.
Chris Kirkland
Chris performed admirably in his brief spell as number one following Jerzy's loss of form, before being cruelly injured at Palace in the FA Cup. What must have made that injury even more disappointing is it was sustained coming to bail out a defence that had remained static as a Palace forward waltzed through on goal. He is expected to return to fitness for the new season and I'd back him to re-claim the keepers' jersey. If he doesn't, I wouldn't be surprised if he sought a move elsewhere, especially now that the England number one spot is up for grabs too. Ultimately speaking having two keepers of the quality we have is too much a luxury and once Houllier has settled on who is first choice, the other should be sold to raise some funds.
Pegguy Arphexad
Pegguy was a very able deputy keeper till the **** up that left us with both Kirkland and Dudek pushed him back into third choice. After spells on loan in 2001-2, he was happy to play occasional reserve games this season and then warm the 1st team bench after Kirkland's injury in January. Pegguy will never be the club number one, but on a reported Ê15,000 a week I can't see him leaving before his contract expires next summer.
Patrice Luzi
Shared reserve goalkeeping duties with Pegguy Arphexad and didn't disgrace himself. However, he still remains perhaps Houllier's most bizarre signing ever, which is saying something. Quite why we took him on when nether Monaco or Ajaccio wanted him is very unclear. Houllier said he had potential, but surely if he hadn't made an impact there by last summer, he never will at Anfield. I've nothing against Patrice on a personal level, but he's a clear example of why lads from the Academy stand little chance under Houllier. He will be 23 in August and it's hard to see how he'll add to his career total of two games with the Reds.

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No Love - No Money, Never Mind!​

Stephane Henchoz
The quiet man of Liverpool's defence, Stephane showed just why he is so important to our rearguard. Unfortunately he demonstrated this by his absence for nearly half the season, which left us looking so much more unsteady at the back. In the games he did play he never put a foot wrong with the exception of an unlucky own goal against Palace and I'm sure he will be a vital cog yet again in 2003-4.
Sami Hyypia
It was an uncharacteristically average season for the Reds captain. A virtual ever present, he was not as commanding as in previous years and prone to odd lapses of concentration. However, he was without his regular partner for much of the campaign and the burden of helping Djimi Traore along may have weighed down on him. He was also troubled by the ever changing back four at the start and hopefully will be back to his best once we have a stable defence again next season.
John Arne Riise
John started where he left off, scoring the only goal in our first game of the season at Aston Villa. However, by his own admission, his overall performance was poor and he was benched for the next game against Southampton. Lack of wide options meant he was then deployed in left midfield for a time, before moving to left back. His boundless energy meant he was again exciting going forward, but he still doesn't come across as too much of a defender. With Gregory Vignal returning from a loan spell with Bastia and Djimi Traore likely to be dislodged from the centre, he will have to fight hard to stay in the team at left back in 2003-4.
Jamie Carragher
Jamie missed the beginning of the season as he recovered from knee surgery, but once he was fit again there was never any doubt that he'd regain the right back spot from Abel Xavier. He was again solid and dependable in defence, but still not very effective going forward. With the Reds said to be in the hunt for Steve Finnan he will find his place under threat in 2003-4, but I have no doubt his versatility will ensure he finds a place in the team somewhere.
Igor Biscan
After two seasons struggling to adapt to the pace of the English game in midfield, Igor finally seems to have found his niche at centre back. However he still only made a handful of appearances and was clumsy at times, giving away a needless penalty at Manchester United. He is very much a confidence player and with Henchoz, Hyypia and Traore ahead of him, his future looks like it lies elsewhere. A move to a physically less demanding league in Europe may do his career the world of good.
Djimi Traore
Djimi returned from his loan spell with Lens expecting to be sold, but has been a vital player all season. He has never made a position his own but filled in admirably at left back and in the centre, playing 49 times in all. He is still vulnerable down the flanks and useless going forward, but in the middle reads the game well and is good in the tackle. Unfortunately he remains prone to glaring errors, as his horrendous gaffe against Charlton showed. He has been unfairly made a scapegoat on many occasions, but with more games he will improve, although he may have to settle for more of a bit part role in 2003-4 if Hyypia and Henchoz maintain their fitness and form.
Abel Xavier
If Abel put as much into his game as he did his hairstyle, he'd be the best full back in the Premiership. In our first four games it didn't take the opposition long to figure out that we were at our most vulnerable down his flank. Dropped after the Newcastle game, he soon picked up one of those mystery viruses that blighted his Everton career and was out for a couple of months. There was a brief return for a Worthington Cup tie with Ipswich before he was loaned out to Galatasary for 18 months. Despite being under contract till the summer of 2004, Houllier has made it clear he has played his last game for the Reds.
Markus Babbel
After such a severe illness, Markus was eased back briefly in 2002-3, but his November performances against Southampton and Sunderland suggested all his troubles were behind him. However it seemed that although he got through the games ok, he was taking a long time to recover. When he was struggling and substituted just half an hour into the Villa Worthington Cup game, he made his feelings known by kicking the ball away and storming off down the tunnel. He never made it past the bench after that and there seemed to be a clear difference of opinion between Markus and the management over his fitness levels. Frustrations spilled over in a reserve game at Everton in May when he was sent off for head butting an opponent. It signalled the last straw and despite having two years left on his contract, Houllier has told him to look for a new club.
Gregory Vignal
Considering he is the clubs only left footed left back, Gregory didn't feature nearly as much as he should have in 2002-3, making just two starts and two substitute appearances. One of these lasted just ten minutes, when his lack of height was ruthlessly exposed in Moscow and he was taken off. In January he went on loan to Bastia and has done very well. Houllier has said he is ready to feature more in 2003-4, but his long term future at Liverpool depends on how much patience Gregory has. He said last summer he expected to feature in 25 games, which didn't happen. Now he has a taste of regular 1st team action, if he is not a regular member of the matchday 16 by next January I can't see him wanting to stick around.
Jon Otsemobor
Jon put in an excellent performance at right back in the League Cup against Southampton, but was soon sent back to the reserves. He enjoyed an excellent loan spell at Hull in the 2nd half of the season, popping forward to find the net on a few occasions. Houllier has lots of defenders to choose from, who all need to justify their cost in transfer fees and wages, so it's hard to see how Jon will get another chance. But if he does seek a move he's far too good for the Division 3 stage that Hull provided for him.
Vegard Heggem
Sadly Veggard failed to overcome an injury that has kept him out of competitive action since October 2000. His contract is now up and he is hoping to resurrect his career in the less demanding environment of the Norwegian league.
Stephen Warnock
Stephen put in an excellent pre season display at Chester, perhaps the only player to escape with any cre*** from that dismal defeat. But after a loan spell at Bradford he has been confined to the reserves, despite being allocated a squad number. Like Otsemobor, it's hard to see him ever getting a look in.

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No Love - No Money, Never Mind!​

Dietmar Hamann
Didi once again had a quietly effective season, sitting in front of and protecting the back four. But if Houllier does decide to adopt a more attack minded approach, he may see Didi as expendable given that Gerrard and Murphy can form an effective partnership in the middle. It would be a sad loss, but he should raise a significant transfer fee.
Steven Gerrard
Personal problems meant he had a nightmare opening to the season but once that was behind him he excelled. At the Millennium stadium he capped a magnificent return to form with a stunning goal and had Keane and Beckham in his pocket all game. His never say die attitude was typified against Charlton when his last gasp strike brought about an unlikely victory. Unlike Houllier, he is devastated by our failure to qualify for the Champions League and it's a shame some of the other players don't feel the same way. Apart from Michael Owen, Steven is our only other world class player and if he is on top form in 2003-4 he will make a tremendous difference to the team.
Danny Murphy
Danny was an unsung hero who once again weighed in with crucial goals, such as at Everton in the league and at Villa in the Worthington Cup. He doesn't do anything spectacularly, on occasions he unsuccessfully goes for the 60 yard defence splitting pass and gets slaughtered for it. But the crowd too often forgets how he never messes up the simple things, which so many players seem to have problems with. He will once again be a fixture of the side next season, perhaps in the centre in place of Didi Hamman.
Vladimir Smicer
Once again Vladimir has flattered to deceive. He was substituted in all but one of his 18 starts in 2002-3. If this isn't an indication that he will never make it in English football, I don't know what is. He has been reasonably effective in European games, but his overall presence is one of the main reasons why we don't create enough chances in games. He was bought four years ago to fill the void left by McManaman and has consistently failed to do so. Vladimir's time at Anfield ought to be up, but with a new contract recently signed, I think we're set to endure him for longer.
Salif Diao
Salif arrived earlier than expected and many Reds fans will be wondering why he bothered. To be fair, some of his nightmarish performances were when he was inexplicably played in defence, but in midfield he still remained sluggish most of the time. If Didi Hamman is sold, I hope to God it isn't with the presence of Salif in mind. Houllier has referred to him as the 'new Viera' despite him being only seven months younger than the real one. He can never be any more than a squad player with the Reds.
Bruno Cheyrou
Apart from a promising display against a dire Spartak Moscow side, Bruno has been hapless all season. His injury against Vitesse Arnhem set him back and he has been an embarrassment since, even more so in those white boots. He plays with the look of a man who is terrified of receiving the ball and displays in the reserves have been no better. Houllier reminds us that Pires had a bad first season at Arsenal then excelled. But Diomede and Ferri are other French players failed to get better with the Reds and I see no reason why Bruno will be any different.
Patrik Berger
Some career threatening injuries mean that Patrik is nowhere near as good as he used to be. But it's a testament to his courage that he came off the bench for the Chelsea game when it was assumed his season was over in December. Despite lengthy spells in the reserves, his attitude has remained exemplary and he will be a great asset to whichever team he joins this summer.
Bernard Diomede
Bernard again got nowhere near the first team despite us crying out for wingers and was packed off to Bastia on loan in January. Quite why things turned out as they did will always be a mystery, as he sometimes looked reasonably effective in the reserves. If that overhead kick had gone in against Sunderland in 2000-01 who knows what could have happened. But it wasn't to be and he'll be joining someone else now his contract has expired.
Alou Diarra
There's not much to say about this young lad who was farmed out to Le Havre just weeks after arriving having been released by Bayern Munich. Quite why he was brought to Liverpool in the first place when there is already lots of promising midfield players coming through the Academy can only be speculated on. He will have benefited from the experience of the French league but it is doubtful that he can fight off the competition for a midfield slot at Anfield.
Richie Partridge
Richie is a promising winger but has only ever been given one chance, at Stoke in November 2000. He had a good loan spell at Gary McAllister's Coventry in 2002-3 before it was curtailed by injury and now his appetite has been wetted, I'd expect him to want to move on if not given a chance.
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John Welsh
John was very unfortunate not to have been involved against Southampton in the League Cup, having been on England U-19 duty instead. When he did get a chance against Ipswich, his introduction was delayed as we struggled to find a breakthrough. Eventually he got on but had to make do with being out of position. He is a very promising talent but again, he may find his chances limited by the number of other midfielders in the squad.
Michael Foley-Sheridan
After moving from to Melwood the young Irishman played in 75% of the reserve games. Although he shows some nice touches, his lack of physical strength means he isn't as near to the first team as John Welsh and I'd be surprised if he makes the grade.

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No Love - No Money, Never Mind!​

Michael Owen
What more can we say about Michael, who has carried Liverpool along at times since 1997. Despite having a poor season according to the tabloids, he hit 28 goals, including more from open play in the Premiership than Van Nistelroy managed. He did have two barren spells, but the first of these at the start of the season was down to bad luck and excellent goalkeeping rather than lack of form. The other occurred during our terrible run in mid season. Otherwise he was excellent, with brilliant hat tricks against Man City, West Brom and Spartak, as well as a hitting top form at the end as we came within a whisker of an unlikely Champions League place. Another major plus is that the hamstring problems of previous seasons seem to be finally behind him. Michael is Liverpool's one special talent and the club must fight tooth and nail to make sure he never wants to leave.
Milan Baros
After being in and out of the side all season, Milan seems finally to have displaced Emile Heskey as Michael Owen's preferred strike partner. It's a puzzle as to why this took so long, as he made a devastating beginning to his Reds career, scoring in three of his first four games. But so often he was made a scapegoat when things went wrong as Houllier persisted with Heskey. There is no clearer example than when he was dropped for six games after jumping out of the way of a free kick at Newcastle which led to a goal. By the end of the season he was back in, but looked raw at times, as his misses against Fulham and West Brom, where he should have had six, showed. However with more games and encouragement his confidence should grow and he can go on to be a great striking asset for the Reds.
Emile Heskey
Emile has had a very disappointing season. He didn't impress when he began the season down the flanks to accommodate Baros or Diouf and then when he was moved forward to partner Owen, he struggled too. The Southampton away game apart, I can't remember any good games from him. The low point had to be the miss against Palace, when he ran half the length of the pitch before tamely passing to their keeper. Considering he is our record signing, his goals return has been poor and I feel time has to be called on his Anfield career.
El Hadji Diouf
Houllier said we'd be thankful for whoever he chose to sign instead of Anelka and when we saw El Hadji roast the French defence in the World Cup, there were reasons to be excited. But after a great start with two goals against Southampton, he faded away alarmingly. Perhaps it was the exertions of the World Cup, or maybe the pace of the English game just caught up with him. Whatever it was, the lack of width opened a door for him in midfield, as he could have drifted out of the squad altogether given the emergence of Baros and Mellor. Although not stunning, he performed well enough down the flanks and still has time on his side, but he has a long way to go to justify the Ê9 million spent on him. However, his temperament needs to improve, as the spitting incident at Celtic showed. He will face increased competition in 2003-4 though with a wide player being top of Houllier's agenda.
Neil Mellor
Neil remained prolific for the reserves and deservedly got a first team chance, with most of his games coming in our poor spell in January and February. He looked lively and got on the scoresheet at Sheffield United, but fell into the background again and was unlucky with injuries coinciding with games where we needed striking cover. The problem with Neil is he is a goal poacher and in some respects not suited to the counter attacking style we play. He has massive potential, but there may be too many others ahead of him to make any further impact in 2003-4.
Daniel Sjolund
Daniel came to Liverpool 2 and a half years ago as part of the deal that took Rigobert Song to West Ham. Despite being 20, he is still struggling to be a regular starter for the reserves and failed to find the net in over ten appearances before being loaned to a side in Sweden. He looks set to join the long list of players who promised so much in their teen years but never made it.

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No Love - No Money, Never Mind!​

Gerard Houllier
Manager
Nobody can doubt the huge strides that Gerard Houllier made at Liverpool between 1999 and 2002. But in 2002-3, there were some grave matters for concern, perhaps the main one that despite the talent we have, tactics have remained defensive with avoiding defeat the priority. Once again Houllier showed how he can make substitutions that change matches, but this time they were for our detriment. Examples include switching Diao to right back at Birmingham and taking Baros off against Manchester United. Despite an up and down season, Houllier refused to admit mistakes were made or even say it had been disappointing. On top of this, his excuses for losing games were bizarre and increasingly ridiculous, ranging from the states of pitches to the World Cup. The board have backed him by making Ê20 million available and he needs to make his new signings work. 2003-4 sees the culmination of the '5 year plan' and if we fail to finish in the top two, we will to all intents and purposes have stood still since Roy Evans left. The time for steady progress has ended and Houllier must run United and Arsenal close next season or stand aside.
Phil Thompson
Assistant Manager
Phil has once again been a loyal sidekick to Gerard Houllier. His constant forays into the technical area prove his passion for the club and determination to repeat the glories of his playing days as a member of the coaching staff. He hates losing and it shows. While Houllier retreats to the bench and mutters to himself when we go a goal behind, Phil is up there screaming his head off and urging the team forward. If the wheels come off next season there is nobody I'd like to see in charge instead of Phil. But I'd suspect his loyalty to Houllier and his outside interests mean that he would walk away too.
Sammy Lee
Head Coach
Sammy is very much an unsung hero of the backroom team. He works very well with the players in terms of fitness and his work with the England team shows just how highly regarded he is in the game. I'm not sure what Houllier thinks of Sammy's England jaunts, but at least his presence means we have an inside view as to how Reds players are treated with the national team.
Joe Corrigan
Goalkeeping coach
At the beginning of the season Joe was relieved of his reserve team duties to concentrate solely on goalkeeping coaching. With four keepers, I suppose he needs the extra time. Unfortunately, I can't see what good he is doing as Brad Freidel, Sander Westerveld and to a lesser extant David James have all been rejuvenated since leaving Anfield. I also have to wonder what influence Joe had on Jerzy Dudek's mid season loss of form. His pre match coaching sums it up. Rather than get a winger to whip in crosses for the keepers to catch, Joe floats a ball in that my nan could get hold of easily. If Jerzy is to maintain his return to form and Chris Kirkland stay one of England's most promising young keepers, then Joe has to move on.

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No Love - No Money, Never Mind!​

Toàn tiếng Anh thế này bao giờ dịch mới hết đây?
Love Of My Life
Don't be afraid of the dark. At the end of a storm is a golden sky.