Liverpool’s Missing Midfield Link?

Whilst watching the West Brom game yesterday, I couldn’t help but think back to when Gerard Houllier was in charge and we had a relatively new and young team – particularly in midfield. Stevie Gerrard was starting out, Michael Owen pretty new up front and although there was a sprinkling of experience around the team, there was a leadership problem. Gerrard had a penchant for steaming into tackles two-footed and although he was clearly a very talented and able player, he was at times very frustrating to watch. And then Houllier pulled a tactical master stroke which turned Stevie’s career around – and I am very sure that even he would agree with that. The master stroke? Signing Gary McAllister. Gary Mac. What a slice of genius from the Parisian school master. Bringing an ‘old hand’ into a team of in-experienced youngsters playing a bit like a rudder-less ship. And within weeks we could see our future Captain Fantastic looking up with glazed eyes at the new ‘father on the field’. McAllister took Stevie under his wing, taught him how to tackle properly, eat properly, show some class off the field and generally allowed him to flourish into the player we all know and love today. The season 2000-01 of course ended up as a great one in the history of LFC. Steve would no doubt tell everybody of the gargantuan input that Gary Mac made on his career at a time when he had frustrating injuries too – we can’t forget the leg problems that he had as a youngster. More importantly than the effect that Gary Mac had on Gerrard was the calming presence he exerted on the whole team just at a time when we sorely needed it.

So what’s my point?

Well fast forward 10 years and we are in a bizarrely similar situation. The captain is struggling with niggles again and although when fit and available it is a massive lift to the players and fans alike – watching him on the field striding around the centre of the park like a colossus is a sight for sore eyes – as much as it pains me to say it, we most definitely have to be considering life without him. Against West Brom on Saturday, one situation underlined this deep gut feeling to me more than any other. No Stevie, No Carra and with Pepe as captain at the other end of the field in goal the leadership issues were clear for all to see. Standing over the dead ball with a free kick to be taken we had Carroll, Suarez, Henderson, Adam and Downing all squabbling with each other over who should take it. Fair enough – Pepe is a fantastic player and ambassador for our club and should quite rightly be captain when Stevie and Carra are unavailable – but I really do not think that he can marshall these young outfield players from the goal area.

So what to do?

Well in my view it is time for another Gary Mac. If Stevie is going to have niggling injuries and be available sporadically (as we are seeing now), then in my opinion we have to have an ‘old stager’ who has been there, seen it and done it and who can take the reins of the young guns and organise them on the field in the captain’s absence. This would have the added effect of taking the heat off the captain (and subsequently the manager) when we are unfortunate enough to be without Gerrard’s considerable influence and presence. It is far too much to expect Adam (who is only 25 – a fact that most forget) to step into the captain’s boots at a new club and fulfill the role that Gerrard has done so magnificently for years. Let’s not forget also that Henderson and Carroll are mere spring chickens too and although will undoubtedly become incredible performers over the years to come, I cannot help thinking that it is far too much too soon at this present time.

So who?

Well as I thought about this one name sprung to mind almost immediately. Kevin Nolan. A scouser and self-confessed fan of our mighty club he not only has a presence but an excellent work rate, vision and ability. He also has a very strong relationship with Carroll – personal and professional – which would be a tremendous boost for the big Geordie. Would be very difficult to prise him away from Allardyce but he would relish a return to the Premiership – especially with his boyhood team. Another name who cropped up in my thoughts was Danny Murphy. An well-established captain (as is Nolan) with his current team and someone who would fit the bill perfectly as, along with his LFC history, he also has some very good friends at the club (including Gerrard and Carragher) and as we know is a massive Liverpool FC fan. There are others of course and Murphy would find it difficult to move from a club where he plays every week to one where he would be on the bench a lot more.

Sticking point?

It would probably be of some concern to FSG that we may look to an older player but I am of no doubt that they could be won over. Would it be possible to draw a player of this type away from their club? I think so. Their careers are drawing to an close and so they would relish the prospect – even becoming part of the coaching staff in a few years along with Carra and Stevie we could have the beginnings of a new Boot Room!
Let’s see what occurs over the next few weeks and months but I seriously hope that some sense prevails and come the next transfer window we see the likes of Nolan or Murphy joining the ranks of the greatest club in the world.

YNWA

Would our fans welcome a signing like this? If so who would they suggest?