C.Adam injured

People seem to have a blurred recollection of gerrards early years in the first team.
Yes he came in when he was 18/19, but his performances only really started coming in during the 2000/2001 season when he was 20/21.
I take your points about not every young player making it, but surely the fact that KK was willing to let meireles go and not send shelvey out on loan speaks volumes for his faith in the player?
Under hodgson the whole team underperformed so i do think it is a valid point and even more valid given how raw shelvey was. He should be brought into a team with clear leadership and direction which there wasnt at any point in his short tenure.
If at the end of the season we see no improvement then we can start to criticise, but I would like to think young players are allowed to make the odd mistake until they are able to consistently deliver a performance.
Not every player does it all at 18!!

Further to my above comments, Jay has to make up for his lack of physical height, in the same way that Terry Sheringham had to make up for his lack of pace, by his fast thinking. Just look at his ability to read a game, pass a ball. His positioning is very good, his vision even better, because they have to be. for what its worth, Jay has my vote. JimmyTheRed PS Oldgregg, please find and read yesterday's Telegraph on the web, its worth the read. JTR

One name LUCAS!!! How many said ship him out?? not good enough?? Now look at him. I tell you, i have seen enough football to realise that Shelvey will be a top player, and it seems the greatest Liverpool player of all time also agrees...ao i am in good company,eh!!

PS_by the way, i was one who consistently defended Lucas...one of our best players!! So in essence...listen to a good judge..

JTR - what was the article on?

Telegraph article....not sure if its jim the reds tho:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8735693/Liverpool-manager-Kenny-Dalglish-completes-a-summer-of-bloodletting-at-Anfield-with-a-leaner-meaner-squad.html

oldgregg, I saw it on the web yesterday, its a Telegraph article, in a way its quite deadly analysis/critique on KK and Damien. Not critical, just ruthless on the way they have disposed - at considerable cost - those who in their view don't form part of their vision for the future. The slash in the wage bill is quite phenominal. For example, while the French club have signed Cole on loan, FLC are still picking up 60% of his wages. To John Henry and the crew, that does not represent a £2.5M loss, but a £1.65M gain. John H is glass half full as opposed to a glass half empty sort of guy. All severences have been done to the benefit of the players involved. For me, its a very balanced article, its a clearing of the decks. In Kenny's eyes, you are part of the 25 man team or you are deffo out. End of. Expensive in the short term, but thats the way it goes. These Yankee boys may not know Jack about football, but, God, they sure know how to manage. They have my full support in spending THEIR money in making my - our - team better. JimmyTheRed

i agree. part of the problem we had with the previous owners was that they had no real grasp of managing the club and chopping the deadwood by taking a hit first.
This is probably the first time in a long time that ive been able to look at the squad and see strength in every squad position. robinson, flanno and kelly coming through have strengthened the squad at no cost, but our left side is complete for once and our young players challenging have real quality rather than players we are just taking a chance on. just need sterling and suso to be introduced towards the end of the season and we could save ourselves a whole load more

I read that article, it was good.

oldgregg you are absolutely spot on with regard to the left side. Enrique - he looks so cool confident and compelling you would think he'd been there for years and not just two games; downing- it has to be said FLC's best signing - finally the little fella, whatsisname from Uruguay, can it get any better? JimmyThered

downing- it has to be said FLC's best signing
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Yep Downing is best signing of the summer for me!!