From The Times
December 12, 2007
Keep it simple, Rafa, and a great squad will fulfil its potential
Tony Cascarino: Analysis
What a frustrating performance. Why play like that in the Champions League but lose to Reading a few days ago? This win makes Rafael BenÍtezs addiction to shuffling tactics even more bizarre. The 4-1-2-3 experiment at the Madejski Stadium failed badly but 4-4-2 was right against Marseilles, as it is against all but the very best sides that Liverpool will face. Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano in central midfield and two wide boys to supply two strikers - easy.
How much more evidence does BenÍtez need that his constant messing with that formula damages the team? You wonder if this group of players will ever reach their potential if he persists in switching personnel and tactics. If he has to rotate, at least keep the same formation.
Defensively, Liverpool may be a little lighter than Europes top sides, but overall this is a fabulous squad and very few teams can live with them when BenÍtez gets it right, as he did last night.
Gerrard always wants to run the midfield and he finds it harder when there are two teammates alongside him in the middle instead of one. He likes to pick passes early, supply the wingers and charge forward, but with three in the middle he gets delayed and passes go astray.
He was good in Marseilles and so was Harry Kewell, who did a professional job, tracking back when Liverpool had the lead yet offering an outlet in attack.
BenÍtez has tried several wingers since he arrived at Anfield and none has worked out. A fit Kewell is a cut above because he has great technique and knows his job. There was nothing flashy last night, but the Australia player added balance and calm. Yossi Benayoun, on the other flank, did too. I never thought that he could be so disciplined.
Up front, the Marseilles defence couldnt get anywhere near Fernando Torres. He is so quick, always willing to take on defenders, looking to move into dangerous areas and he enjoys linking up with Gerrard, collecting those early passes.
If BenÍtez keeps it simple, Torres will keep scoring and Liverpool will keep winning.