Titbits Part.2

Well, seems a bit too quiet for my tastes so I thought I’d write a few lines to let you in on some considerations and hopefully interesting topics.

To start with there seems to be encouraging news regarding the ‘Pepe Reina dilemma’ with the Spanish shot-stopper claiming that he is “Happy, calm and comfortable” on Merseyside. With regards to a possible move away from Anfield, Reina said “To Manchester? Never!” He did claim that according to him Dalglish is the “perfect man” for the job, but he did not say, at least not clearly, that he will be staying! Having said that, I believe it will be one of the Club’s priorities to ascertain his services for years to come.

People often associate Dirk Kujt with being the hardest working player for the Reds, and that assumption (will explain later…) if not that far off the truth. However, recent statistics show that on average, the player that covers the longest distance is no other than our Raul Meireles with a staggering average of 8.1 miles per game. Yes you read that correctly! And that is referred to all PL teams not just the Reds. Second in that ranking comes another Liverpudlian albeit playing for Newcastle. Yes you guess it, Joey Barton! Another statistic that emerges regards Lucas Leiva, who has the highest number of tackles per game. It’s no surprise than that the Reds have had such a resurgent comeback in recent months!

For the many Liverpool supporters that believe Europa League football is a waste of time, think again! I’ve written time and again that this competition, when CL football is not achievable, carries many positives. It gives a team the chance to rotate players, it enables you to give our youngsters precious European scene experience, it provides commercial kickbacks in gate sales, and it keeps you on the European map. In the end, it’s another potential title to exhibit in the trophy room. To add substance to my theory, Pepe Reina has claimed that he believes securing continental football for 2011-12 would have many benefits.

“Sometimes you hear people talk about the Europa League,” he said. “They say there is no point being in it, but I think the competition has helped our youngsters; Martin Kelly, Jay Spearing, Danny Wilson.

“Maybe they wouldn’t be ready to play in the Premier League now if they hadn’t experienced the minutes in Europe.

“Probably one of the biggest positives of this season is seeing young players like these. Players with big futures get a chance and prove themselves.

Now finally two comments with regards to the up and coming summer transfer window! Damien Comolli has explained how players are shortlisted as possible targets for the Reds. He says that the main aspect taken into consideration are the player’s statistic: number of games played, games missed through injuries, number of tackles, passes, assists, goals ecc, ecc. Then come in the usual parameters of cost of investment and running salary expectations. Comolli is no spring chicken, and in this same role at Spurs he managed to land no other than the likes of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale!

Last Monday I was watching (as a person with particular conflict of interest), the Blackburn vs. Man City game at Ewood Park. I could not help but notice and admire Blackburn’s 19 year old centre back Phil Jones. He was not only solid at the back but on a few occasions he came out with the ball from Blackburn’s area and dibbled his way to Man City’s! It now emerges that Kenny was at Ewood Park Monday to watch the Stg 15 million tagged lad after he has been receive rave reviews for his performances despite Blackburn’s not so successful campaign.

Hope that this made for some interesting reading!