Luis Garcia - Case Closed

[Philby]

Has his worth been proven?

I have to say that overall I'm delighted with Luis' contribution to our season. The £6m has turned out to be a bargain for player of his age (only £6m) and experience.


13 goals (including 5 in the crucial knock-out phase of the champions league) has been a great contribution considering this is his first year at liverpool & he's trying to fit into a team that is being re-built and re-modelled.
His work-rate is immense. Fair enough he has the tackling ability of Paul Scholes and the build of Juninho but he doesn't have run his ass off for his teammates. He has shown great discipline when covering finnan and yet has the stamina to consistently back up the play and be in the right position to react when the ball drops in the right areas (e.g. Vs Chelsea on tues & Vs Everton when Moro hit the bar)
His attitude is top notch. He's always smiling, always positive, always encouraging his teammates (he even gave hell to the liverpool fans who were screaming for Baros as Nunez came on in the carling cup final)
He has great skills and has taken up Mcmanaman's mantle of being our main creative force (the role was in limbo for a number of years with smicer, litmanen etc. all failing to deliver consistently). His eye for a pass & ability to pass/shoot with either foot are key parts of his game

If Luis can learn to be more intelligent in the tackle (Pires was not a great tackler & is a bit weedy but his technique has improved greatly to the point that it's no longer a weakness in his game) and also learn that our final third of the pitch is not the place to be trying tricks & flicks I think he'll go from strength to strength with us.

Here are some reactions (from ynwa.tv) of the Barca crew to Luis' role in tuesday night's game and his season so far...

Rijkaard:

"I'm over the moon for him. He's a great player, but more than that he's a fantastic person. He deserves everything that's happening at the moment."

On a more serious note - "His workrate has been very good. Benítez knew all about his qualities, moved in for him and time has shown benítez to be right...."

Xavi:

"I have lots of friends over there, but I'm chuffed to bits for Luis Garcia."

Puyol:

He's always moving, he's very clever and it's normal that he's scores goals like the one against Chelsea. He was one of the forwards who gave me the most trouble..."

Ronaldinho:

"I was so pleased. Luis was an excellent colleague and I'm sure it was a fantastic night for him..."

Gabri:

"What he's done during his first year in England deserves a lot of praise. he has the self-confidence to play well at a very high level..."

Gio:

"he's been one of the most important players for Liverpool to win the Champions League..."


http://images.art.com/images/products/large/10043000/10043402.jpg

[Captain Planet]

at the start i wasnt impressed but he is settling in well now and he is definetly one of our greater playermakers in the team. could i just point out that litmanen was never in limbo. phil the nose thompson screwed that up. we had a world class player and let him go on a free to ajax.

but all in all im looking forward to next season more and more.

[Philby]

could i just point out that litmanen was never in limbo. phil the nose thompson screwed that up. we had a world class player and let him go on a free to ajax

Jari was gifted and clearly a fans' favourite but his injury problems meant he couldn't play as many games as was necessary (look back on his career, he played surprisingly few games per season) to be a first choice. I admit that we should've used him more than we did but I also think that he wouldn't have been able to handle a full premiership season physically. Look at the minimal amount of games he has played since moving on form liverpool for evidence of this.

The time to buy litmanen was when he left for Barca, he considered us but chose the spaniards. It's a shame as he could've been a liverpool legend for what he did on the pitch and not for what he could've done (in the fans' minds)

[Philby]

i said it ages ago ill say it again.....liverpool are only 2 or 3 players away from being the premierleague champions. I think on their day they have one of the best teams in england. consistancy has let them down.
a stable keeper. good leftback. good centre back...
thats it. maybe a few more cover players.......for the centre midfield players like.

I agree we are not as far off as it would appear. The following 3 signings would make us a match for any side (Reina is on his way & is highly-rated...admittedly my knowledge of him is limited). Perhaps with the money & prestige of a champions league final we can attract the right players. The time for buying potential is long gone.

Reina

Finnan - Carra - Gallas/King - Warnock/Riise/Traore

Garcia - Gerrard - Alonso - Vicente

Cisse Morientes

[STEVIEG]

I remember him running around like a headless chicken against United at anfield thinking what the fuck but he has been unreal anytime i've seen him since and definitely worth a flutter for a goal in Istanbul.

[Coin]

His work-rate is immense. Fair enough he has the tackling ability of Paul Scholes and the build of Juninho but he doesn't have run his ass off for his teammates. He has shown great discipline when covering finnan
I'd disagree with you there. Yes he works hard, but he is not yet disciplined when defending. Too often when a full back plays a pass infield he either ball watches or simply follows the ball. The full back makes a run wide left and Finnan is left trying to cover the left midfielder and the left full back. Discipline means covering those runs (as Riise does). He's not a natural defender (as Riise is), so these things have to be coached into him. He is getting better though, and hopefully Maldini hasn't got the legs to get up where he can hurt Liverpool anymore.

An improvement in ball retention and his tracking back and he's a star.

[Jim Comic]

Litmanen is one of the best footballers i've ever seen, problem for him at anfield was Houllier just didn't trust creative types like jari. Pity, i always felt he had it in him to do for us what dalglish did in the past.

He's considered almost on a par with cryuff at ajax and higher praise for any footballer is hard to imagine.

[MonTheHoops]

Litmanen is one of the best footballers i've ever seen, problem for him at anfield was Houllier just didn't trust creative types like jari. Pity, i always felt he had it in him to do for us what dalglish did in the past.

He's considered almost on a par with cryuff at ajax and higher praise for any footballer is hard to imagine.

Agrees. He would have been an excellent acquisition for Celtic after he left the Pool. We were crying out for someone like him after Lubo left.

[Jim Comic]

Agrees. He would have been an excellent acquisition for Celtic after he left the Pool. We were crying out for someone like him after Lubo left.

ah lubo, what a player!

[MonTheHoops]

ah lubo, what a player!

You're telling me. Fortunate enough to have seen him grace the hoops in the flesh, including a nutmeg on Del Piero.

Check out his "arse trap" against Hearts. It takes the crowd a few seconds to realise what he's done.

Luboooooo (http://www.celticaction.co. uk/movies/lubo.wmv)

http://67.18.37.18/1642/181/emo/notworthy.gif http://67.18.37.18/1642/181/emo/notworthy.gif http://67.18.37.18/1642/181/emo/notworthy.gif http://67.18.37.18/1642/181/emo/notworthy.gif

[Jim Comic]

i'm on mac so can't use wmv files

[Mr. R.M. Keane]

he has the tackling ability of Paul Scholes and the build of Juninho

heh heh heh

[Eoin]

I agree we are not as far off as it would appear. The following 3 signings would make us a match for any side (Reina is on his way & is highly-rated...admittedly my knowledge of him is limited). Perhaps with the money & prestige of a champions league final we can attract the right players. The time for buying potential is long gone.

Reina

Finnan - Carra - Gallas/King - Warnock/Riise/Traore

Garcia - Gerrard - Alonso - Vicente

Cisse Morientes

Haven't seen much of Vicente, but I'd definitely love to see King at anfield. He's been brilliant for spurs all season, and a combination of himself and Carra at centre back would be brilliant. Gallas would also be a good signing. Centre back is definitely the position we need improvement the most, although signing a quality left back would be nice as well.

And I definitely agree about the signing potential thing, it's definitely past that stage. That's what impressed me about the signing of Morientes. He was the first player we've signed for ages with a proven track record at the highest level.

I'm definitely looking forward to next season.

[Mr. R.M. Keane]

That's what impressed me about the signing of Morientes. He was the first player we've signed for ages with a proven track record at the highest level.


Does'nt always work out though. Fuck sake we signed Veron. Great player in europe, too erractic in the prem.

[Eoin]

Does'nt always work out though. Fuck sake we signed Veron. Great player in europe, too erractic in the prem.

True. Very true.

It's hard to judge Morientes so far, because Liverpool have been poor enough in the league.

Hopefully next season once he's settled in, he'll be grand.

[Mr. R.M. Keane]

True. Very true.

It's hard to judge Morientes so far, because Liverpool have been poor enough in the league.

Hopefully next season once he's settled in, he'll be grand.

I heard an interview with him on sky the other day & he was saying he finds the physical nature of the Prem tough & he has'nt got used to it yet.

[Eoin]

I heard an interview with him on sky the other day & he was saying he finds the physical nature of the Prem tough & he has'nt got used to it yet.

It always takes most european players a season or so to get used to the premiership.

It's far more physical than Spain or ITaly.

[Philby]

Rafa on the enigma that is Luis Garcia, think he's hit the nail on the head there. If garcia can learn from Benitez he'll be invaluable to us.


RAFA: THERE'S MORE TO COME FROM LUIS

Paul Eaton 30 August 2005

Rafael Benitez has admitted Luis Garcia has to ration his love of fancy ball tricks if he is to be a success in English football.

Benitez has no intention of trying to curb Garcia's natural flair, but he is aware that some Liverpool supporters have become frustrated at the Spaniard conceding possession far too easily after a flick or back-heel has gone wrong.

"That is the one problem for Luis and I have spoken to him about it," said Benitez. "He likes to try different things and I know the supporters are sometimes not happy when they don't come off.

"He has his own style and is very talented, but he has to learn there is a time and a place for some of the things he does.

"He has to take on board as quickly as possible where it is all right to attempt something out of the ordinary and when he should play safe and not risk losing the ball.

"I think he heard the crowd the other day (against CSKA Sofia) and he is beginning to understand that, no matter how good you are, you must use your qualities in the right area.

"Anyone who has seen him knows he has the talent to succeed in the Premiership. It's just that, at times, he tries difficult things in the wrong places.

"The key thing, though, is that he has intelligence as well as ability. If you are making a lot of mistakes and are not that much good anyway, there is not much you can do as a coach. But it will be easier with Luis because he is a very clever player as well as a good one"

[Coin]

theres a difference between trying a flick that doesn't come off and not being able to complete a simple pass. if the little fucker didn't have an uncanny knack of scoring he would be a relegation standard player. even with the goals i don't think he deserves a start. he needs to do a lot more than curb his tricks
Agree, a lot of his turnovers the other night were due to a lack of concentration doing simple stuff.

With all the talk of acquiring a right sided midfielder, it seems he's down the pecking order with Benitez anyway.

[Philby]

I don't think he'll start every game (far from it) but I think he'll have his part to play this season. Benitez rates him but knows that he's not a natural winger and will more than likely use him in a floating role behind a lone striker. He's at his best when he's central and can use his quick feet.

[STEVIEG]

So the case isn't closed so

[Lynott]

Why have you posted a picture of Benjamin Bratt (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000973/)?

[shammy feen]

Why does Naffs profile say senior member again instead of banned?

Naff has been re-instated. Long live the king!

[STEVIEG]

Yup the ban is up but he won't come back! C'mon Naff

[Philby]

Why have you posted a picture of Benjamin Bratt (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000973/)?

I think he's the head off Garcia. Am I alone?

The question was whether he proved his worth? I think given his contribution to a real rollercoaster of a season he has proved himself to be a good buy esp. considering it was his first season in english football.

[showcase cork]

This season will make or break Garcia.

I remember Pires in his first season at Arsenal - absolutely useless then he deservedly won Player Of The Year the next season.

The true genius in the Liverpool team is Alonso - pure class. I think apart from Carra and Gerrard being awesome as usual watch for a huge season from another player who was class from Christmas last year and hardly gets a mention - Finnan.

Rafa knows what he is doing and I say good for him for not bringing that little bollocks back to Anfield cos he couldn't get a game in Spain. It will only get better this year for the Reds.

[raZor]

I'd agree with Showcase there, Owen left to win things lets see him try and do that in newcastle!

[Jim Comic]

last time newcastle won anything was 1969 i think

[Philby]

With rumours of a new right winger on the way to Anfield little Luis got some practice of benchwarming in for the new season...not necessary in the end though as we made t1ts of ourselves in the transfer market once again.

http://www.hm.com/corporate/images/press/H&M_Man9_normal.jpg

[Philby]

Interesting one to keep an eye on. I would've thought that Rafa would've extended his deal by now. It's not often that clubs leave players they really want to keep run into the last year of their contract....McManama n & Owen aside :-(

Liverpool ace Luis Garcia has vowed to prove he is worth a new deal at Anfield.

The Spanish midfielder has just over a year to run on his current contract with the FA Cup holders.

Garcia is determined to win a new contract as he insists he is happy on Merseyside.

The former Barcelona man has struggled to hold down a regular place in Rafa Benitez's side this season, but he is hoping to catch the eye of his manager.

"It is important that I regain the confidence of Rafa Benitez," said Garcia.

"I have not played many matches this season, so I need to remind him of why he brought me to Liverpool.

"I will never cheat on Rafa. Every time I play for him, I will do my best to play well and either make or score goals for the team.

"I'm happy at the club, so whenever the club wants to speak to me about a new contract, I will be pleased to talk

"I am sure that if I do well this season on the pitch Liverpool will offer me a new contract."

[ho chi feen]

I think he's the head off Garcia. Am I alone?

The question was whether he proved his worth? I think given his contribution to a real rollercoaster of a season he has proved himself to be a good buy esp. considering it was his first season in english football.


Yeah, but would ya flah him?

[Philby]

<double post>

[Philby]

Ah he's no Paddy Berger like.

[ho chi feen]

Ah he's no Paddy Berger like.


Heh heh heh

[shammy feen]

I agree we are not as far off as it would appear.

Well thats a surprise....not.;)

[shammy feen]

http://images.art.com/images/products/large/10043000/10043402.jpg

Look at the shiny teeth on yer man...

Gayer.

[Philby]

Didn't think there was a chance of Garcia playing again this season but the article below is encouraging...just the small matter of actually making the final first though

------------
Liverpool fans will be delighted with the news that both Harry Kewell and Luis Garcia are making great strides in their recovery from injuries.

The Reds duo have been out of action for some time now, but could just make it back in time for the final few games in the Premiership and Champions League run-in.

Winger Kewell has not featured at all this season for the most successful team from Merseyside after he played through the pain barrier for Australia at last summer's World Cup.

The former Leeds United player is back in full training now at Melwood, and could make a surprise return to the Liverpool squad for their remaining fixtures.

Spanish playmaker Luis Garcia is another player fighting back to fitness after falling down injured in a cup tie against Arsenal in January.

He isn't as close as Kewell is to a comeback, but could be fit in time for the Champions League Final - if Liverpool make it there.

http://gb.setanta.com/portal/article/football?open&articleid=64650e863d 238dd3802572c8002c6b d9

[lionelhutz]

------------
Liverpool fans will be delighted with the news that both Harry Kewell and Luis Garcia are making great strides in their recovery from injuries.



thats fuckin libel