[lfc-news] Ian Rush column - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 25 Jan 2005
It's clear how badly Reds miss X-factor
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

WATCHING Liverpool recently, it is obvious the injury to Xabi Alonso has
seriously affected the side.

Alonso is the best signing Rafa Benitez has made so far. He is a class
act - the kind of player all the top teams would have liked - and his
ability to influence games is being badly missed.

Without him, the midfield has been seriously weakened, with only Steven
Gerrard possessing the same creative ability in the centre of the park.

When Alonso was playing well, Liverpool were knocking the ball around
with a great pace and tempo.

He is one of those intelligent midfielders capable of dictating a game,
keeping the ball moving forward and ensuring his side keeps possession.

It has been noticeable how much Liverpool's passing game has declined
since Alonso was ruled out. The suggestion today he may be missing for
the rest of the season is a terrible blow.

Another factor in his absence is the influence on Gerrard's game. He was
playing a far more adventurous, attacking role earlier in the season,
but now has had to revert to more defensive duties.

I do not like to see Gerrard having to take the ball from his back four,
but like him bombing forward.

Liverpool were at their best when the trio of Didi Hamann, Alonso and
Gerrard were playing together. I don't think there is a stronger engine
room in the Premier-ship than that, but the loss of just one seems to
have upset the balance of the side.

Benitez was packing the midfield against the stronger sides in the
league not so long ago, and the formula was working. Liverpool were
dominating the ball and playing football which was pleasing on the eye.

In the last few games, teams have been employing the same tactic to get
the better of Liverpool.

Both Manchester United and Southampton played five in the middle and
outnumbered Liverpool. They used a lone striker and pushed men wide.
They dominated midfield.

I do not believe that would have happened if Alonso was available.

It is hard to remember any positive Liverpool passing moves through
midfield in either of those games.

Throughout a season, there are pivotal moments. It can be a win, a loss,
a stroke of luck or a bad decision.

In Liverpool's case, I hope it wasn't the moment Alonso suffered a
broken ankle against Chelsea.

Kop flops owe fans trip to cup final

AFTER a bad week, Liverpool simply must take the opportunity to give the
fans something to shout about at Watford tonight.

The prospect of a cup final will put the last few days into perspective.

If Rafa Benitez can get to the Millennium Stadium in his first season,
he'll deserve a lot more credit than he's been getting over the last few
days.

But he will certainly be looking for a much better response from his
players than he received on Saturday.

After the defeat to Burnley, I was sure I was going to see a gritty,
battling performance.

It wasn't just three points at stake, the club's pride was up for grabs
at the St Mary's Stadium.

The least Liverpool supporters expect is 100 per cent commitment.

From what I saw in the first half, the fans certainly didn't get that.

Anything less tonight will be unacceptable and lead to the most
demoralising defeat of all.

With Liverpool's top players giving their all, I'm sure Watford can be
dealt with.


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