Neil, Nick O’Prey and Gareth Roberts discuss the latest friendly, Diego Costa, and how it all fits together.
Direct link to PODCAST: THE DESOLATE NORTH
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Allen is being seriously under-appreciated.
The way he bossed the midfield alongside Lucas on Saturday was brilliant. His ability to narrow down the angles attackers can use to funnel them in Lucas’s direction is one of those intangibles rarely noticed. His quickness is undeniable, his dribbling is underrated, his tenacity wins us balls, and his ability to keep the play ticking is invaluable. This is not to deny Henderson’s physicality, ability to break off in a gallop, and that undying engine, but Allen simply provides more balance through his intelligence and composure.
That said I think BR has made abundantly clear is that this window was all about getting depth in the side. We have that now, which means we can better tailor our XI to specific match-ups.
I think people forget just how good Allen was up until around October. He was probably our best player. He was absolute class before his formed dipped quite dramatically – whether or not that was due to the shoulder injury I don’t know but I think he has shown a potential to be a top class performer. Most fans seem to have written him off however.
On the flip side there is an absolute TAW love-in for Henderson. I’m sure Neil is his agent :-) Henderson actually cost more than Allen and is only 3 months younger. So not sure why one gets the benefit of the doubt while it’s suggested the other’s position in the side is down to the fact he’s a Rodgers signing.
Apologies haven’t heard the podcast yet- but read the comments. I don’t think many fans write Allen completely off. He is a good player in his own right, but from my perspective Allen has limitations on how good he can be. He will never be an imposing presence in the midfield, but rather the nifty, tidy possession type of player. He will likely never develop into a player that can turn a game on its head with a 30 yard+ pass, etc. (you get the point) However, my appreciation of Henderson stems from the possibility that he could develop into this game changing player. He has that potential in his locker and has shown in on occasions. He just needs games under his belt to develop. Something which it appears will be hard to come by, considering Allen appears to be ahead of Henderson in Rodgers frame of mind for his system. Many fans will mention Allen’s form early last season, but on the flip side Henderson’s form (when given the chance) was just good.
My final two cents- it’s incredible to me that at the beginning of last season Rodgers was willing to give Hendo plus cash for a player now in the twilight of his career in the US. Thank goodness the ‘committee’ has guided/assisted his hand in the market since then.
Why wouldn’t he be capable of turning a game on its head through a pass or goal?
I remember another little guy, who didn’t have much physical presence, but who allowed his talent and intellect to mold him into a superb midfielder. His name was Paul Scholes. He was little. And he had no problems making a 30+ pin-point precise pass. Here’s hope Joe Allen will develop the same way.
Oh, and I also like Henderson. I think those two are the backbone of the future Liverpool FC.