[lfc-news] Kewell's trickery fast disappearing - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 8 Nov 2004
Kewell's trickery fast disappearing
Analysis by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

IN times of crisis, strong men are called for. Men of guts, desire and
fortitude, men who will rail against the odds, dig in willingly - men who
are desperate to turn misfortune for others into an opportunity for themselves.

On Saturday Liverpool's attacking injury list could have accurately been
described as a crisis.

But the men called for were Harry Kewell and Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

One is a young, match-rusty French kid, so allowances should be made for
Flo-Po. Harry Kewell, however, is fast running out of excuses.

An experienced international reaching what should be his peak years, he
started the first seven matches of this season and on Saturday was handed
what he believes to be his best role.

Less than five minutes had gone when a sparkling drive drew a rendition
from the Kop of a song they might have been forgiven for forgetting the
words to.

It was the only time we'd hear the words "Harry Kewell, Harry Kewell," all
afternoon.

His frequent disappearing tricks have now become the norm. They are all the
more frustrating when you examine the assets at his disposal. A decent turn
of pace, a sublime touch, the ability to weave effort-lessly past defenders
and a shot that bears comparison with Henry.

But when was the last time you saw Kewell beat a man? Or more pertinently,
even try to?

He appears to be existing in a comfort zone, unwilling to take the
difficult option when an easier one presents itself.

Contrast the Harry Kewell you are seeing now - with the one who arrived at
Anfield with a flurry of breathtaking goals. They look like two different men.

Neil Mellor, Liverpool's last remaining striking option, would kill for
some of the qualities Kewell has at his disposal, but at the moment his
willing, more physical approach might offer a better option for the long,
long weeks before the transfer window opens.

The months of November and December are littered with tough tests and
banana skins - the visit of a Middlesbrough team which takes the Carling
Cup seriously and reborn Crystal Palace next-up.

And Liverpool will need players who fancy it when they come to town.

In football especially, you learn more about someone in defeat than you do
in victory.

Which is why Rafael Benitez cut such an impressive figure after
Birmingham's smash and grab raid. His attacking options have been decimated
to the extent that they are barely non-existent. He was offered that route
as an excuse in his post-match press conference, but refused to take it.

"I am not sure, because we have had clear opportunities. We have two months
with the same players and we need to work hard to prepare the team as best
we can," he declared.

Liverpool should have been awarded a blatant penalty. "The players said to
me there was a hand-ball, but if the referee doesn't see it you can't do
anything," he shrugged.

He comes across as a man trying hard to make the best of a desperately bad
hand he has been dealt.

Now he needs a few more players who will react exactly the same way.

Over to you, Harry.


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