CONTROVERSY time. Leon Osman has been a shining light of consistency at Goodison, while across the park Yossi Benayoun has been one of Rafa Benitez’s most admired acquisitions.
But throughout 2006 JERMAINE PENNANT finally started to show the quality his game had always lacked throughout his Anfield tenure . . . consistency. Still the best crosser of a ball on Merseyside (he matched Steven Gerrard for goal assists in 2006/07), he was excellent in Athens the night the Champions League was lost. He might still think ‘zoo’ is a high scoring word in Scrabble, but one reckless evening in Porto apart, his performances usually added up and he gets my vote.
CENTRE MIDFIELD
ONE place is nailed on, and STEVEN GERRARD would be my captain, too.
But who would provide the anchor to let Gerrard do what he does best and maraud around the periphery of opposition penalty boxes? Javier Mascherano would probably get the Anfield vote, with support for Xabi Alonso, while across the park some might champion Manu Fernandes for his brief but exciting cameo. But a man who is almost always under-rated, except by his team-mates, is LEE CARSLEY. A pro’s pro, he showed against Birmingham he can provide stunning finishes, too. He also played more minutes in 2007 than any other player in my Everpool side and is my choice.
HE’S the best little Spaniard they know . . . and MIKEL ARTETA certainly put rivals like James McFadden, and the promising Ryan Babel in the shade.
A sumptuous footballer in the School of Science mould, he can also play right across the midfield line if necessary. He’d also be my penalty taker.
ATTACK
PETER CROUCH was the most prolific Mersey marksman in 2006. But in 2007 he wasn’t allowed to be.
Andrew Johnson was held back by injuries, while Dirk Kuyt and Andriy Voronin aren’t ruthless enough in front of goal. You can’t say that about the two men who get in. TIM CAHILL is not, strictly speaking, a striker, but you wouldn’t guess from his incredible goals return. He would provide the work-rate and the attitude which would let FERNANDO TORRES loiter with deadly intent. The Spanish conquistador is the most gifted striker I’ve seen on Merseyside since Dalglish hung his boots up and would probably get in a World XI right now, let alone a Merseyside select.
Subs? How about Howard, Yakubu, Agger, Mascherano and Alonso.
Disagree? Of course you do. Write to me at Sportsdesk, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB or e-mail to daveprentice@liverpoolecho.co.uk and I’ll attempt to defend myself.
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