Peter Talbot: Winger Problems

Maybe Gerard Houllier doesn't believe in playing wingers. After all, he hasn't actually bought an out-and-out winger. He has continually played central-midfield players in the wing positions. And who would argue with him? Don't forget this team with so little width won five trophies in six months.

Winning the treble was by no means the end of the line. Progress must be made. And after winning the Worthington Cup, the FA Cup and UEFA Cup last season, the natural next step would be the Premiership and the Champions League.

Playing players who are naturally central players on the wings was adequate to win the trophies last season, but changes need to be made if we are going to make progress.

Lets be honest, with the players we've got, who thinks Liverpool will win the Premiership or the Champions League this season? Or even in the up and coming seasons? I certainly don't. Let's look at the players:

Patrik Berger – excellent player, but a winger? How many times do you see Berger take players on, get to the touchline and deliver a top quality cross?

Vladimir Smicer – who I like to call the “nearly man”. At times he looks world class, but at other times he looks like he would struggle to get into the Everton side.

Danny Murphy – I'm not a fan of Danny and never have been. Although he's scored some superb goals, I've never felt comfortable with him. So often he looks by far the weakest player in the side.

Nick Barmby – possibly the best of the bunch – when fit. Looks the more natural wide player than some of the others. There are better wingers though.

Steven Gerrard, Igor Biscan and Emile Heskey – all predominantly central players but have all had to adopt roles on the wings.

Maybe I'm being harsh on some of these players but answer me this, how many of these players would get into the team on the Manchester United and Arsenal wings? Answer – none. They are not good enough and if we are going to compete for the Premiership then better players are needed.

Let's see Richie...

Vegard Heggem and Richie Partridge are the closest we have to old-fashioned wingers. Question marks will be put on Heggem after he has hardly played in the last two years due to injury problems and doubts will be raised as to whether he would still be able to perform at the highest level.

Richie Partridge hasn't been given a chance – yet. My experience as Kop Talk's Reserve Reporter for two years mean I have seen more of Partridge than most people. If ever there was a lad who could run at players and deliver a top class cross into the box then Partridge is your man. People have said that he is too lightweight to make it in the Premiership but surely he deserves a chance.

I am a huge Gerard Houllier fan and I trust that, whatever his beliefs, he will lead us to glory in all competitions. Whoever he buys, whoever he sells, I will always stand by him. What he has done for this club has been nothing short of remarkable. We are going through a tough time at the minute and every fan finds someone or something to lay the blame on. But one thing you can be sure about – we will get there in the end. Why? Because we're Liverpool Football Club and we live for success. We wouldn't have it any other way.


Your views are welcome; email me at: petertalbot_lfc@yahoo.co.uk