We come in praiise
It’s easy to underestimate John Arne Riise. We’ve all been guilty of it at times with a blasé reaction to another 30 yard goal, or a lung-busting covering run in the last minute.
For whatever reason his contribution seems to be overlooked. Perhaps it’s his lack of a trick when running at an opposing defender? Or his lack of a right foot? And yes he occasionally gets done by a winger, but who doesn’t in world football? His goalscoring record is up there with Roberto Carlos in terms of goals/games and positively embarrasses Ashley “the best attacking full back in the world” Cole’s.
His defensive abilities have improved enormously under Rafa. He keeps a superb line with Finnan, Sami and Carra catching many a forward offside. And his absence from last night’s game against Galatasaray demonstrated another of his qualities - whereas Aurelio tended to stand too far off Sabri, JAR would have hounded him and blocked many of his dangerous crosses from making it into the box.
His superb physical conditioning means Riise is rarely injured and despite charging up and down the wing for 90 minutes he’s rarely tired in the later stages of games. He’s only 3 months older than the aforementioned Cashley, yet has played over 100 games more for club and country.
Tell you what John, you’ll do for me.
September 28th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
I must confess that over the years I’ve always hoped we’d find a superior left-back. I even thought Traore might be him for a couple of hours. I once saw a Warnock tackle almost take a man’s leg off and I was full of his praises for a week or so. But Riise always came back into the reckoning and, as you say, kept on improving as a player.
I liked Aurelio as soon as I saw him. Or was it just that I wanted to like him because, deep down, I still hadn’t fully invested in Riise. Last night we witnessed a left-back crossing the ball the like of which we haven’t seen since Bjornebye stuck one on Ruddock’s head for the famous 3-3 come back. Yet at the other times Fabio’s defending was hideous.
What do I do? Consign Aurelio to the ever growing heap of would-be challengers for LB? Or just accept Riise for what he is. One of the best left-backs in world football who, yet, will always be one of the weakest links in Rafa’s team.
September 28th, 2006 at 5:58 pm
Great comment - fully support you. I’ve always been a bit bemused at the criticisms so often directed at Riiise. OK, he’s not the best defensive left back in the world, but he has worked very hard to improve his defending and with great results. The Galatasary game showed how much we miss him at left back, and how much better a defender he is than Aurelio. Sure, he gets caught out of position sometimes, but would we prefer a boring defensive LB who never gets forward? How many other LBs in world football are there that scores as many goals (and as many spectacular goals ) as JAR? I rarely see another LB that I think I would prefer to have starting at the back for Liverpool.
September 28th, 2006 at 6:14 pm
well said about Riise - I wouldnt swap him for any other left back in the country - not by a long shot! As for Aurelio, he done well against Galatasary, the only reason he looked suspect was due to the lack of support provided by the ever frustrating Luis Garcia - God he does my head in!! he has no defensive inclinations at all so why does Rafa insist on playing him on the wings?? we were 2 against 1 at left back far too often last night and it was obvious this is where Gala were targeting as a route back into the game. Play Garcia in behind the strikers - Litmanesque if you like - Gonzalez on the wing - he gets up and down all game and actually can defend, this way, if we have to include Garcia we can compensate for his lack of defensive awareness. Also, Garcia and Crouch is never going to be a partnership, same goes for Fowler and Crouch, these guys cant run, it means the midfield have to take extra touches on the ball as these guys havent got the pace to go in behind, sure, they are probably the most intelligent players we have at the club but we need at least 1 upfront with pace and we will be hard to stop. 1 more thing - Stevie Finnan is on his way to becoming a Liverpool legend!!! Anybody agree?? YNWA
September 28th, 2006 at 7:49 pm
You only realise how good some players are when they’re not playing.
September 29th, 2006 at 11:33 am
Neil D is right. We all hoped for a ’skilful’ left back, especially during the lean years when OOH Ahh was sung more in hope that in anticipation. But when he’s not playing we do see a different Liverpool.
I still think he stands off too much and tracks back rather than make a tackle but I can’t fault him. Not quite an unsung hero like Ol Puffy Cheeks Henchy but up there with the underrated.
Altogether now..