We can rule the worldAn idiotic decision. If Pool win it, so what? Another meaningless FIFA trophy, created simply to make money. " Rule the world" is a joke and a pretty empty boast for whichever team wins...
Boro blank shows why we need Owen back
Aug 19 2005
Fanscene By Sam Johnstone, Daily Post
THE return of the Premiership last week also saw realism make a homecoming for Liverpool.
The performance against Middlesbrough was good, with the skipper inevitably taking all the headlines with his all-action display, but we still couldn't kill off a side that looked ripe for the taking.
Steven Gerrard was unlucky at times, but his profligacy in front of goal shouldn't be criticised.
He's the kind of player that takes up the reins in any position when it's obvious that other team members aren't going to make an impression, and that's to be lauded.
What is clear from the game is that Rafa needs a striker that can knock 'em in when required, and it's a pleasure to read the rumours that he is now set on bringing Michael Owen home.
We haven't got a player like Michael at the club, and it's obvious that we've missed him (except in Europe, of course).
It's a bit premature to say that Michael will replace anyone at the club (bar the obviously departing Milan Baros), so the rumours that Djibril Cisse has been offered
He looks a really good player, and could very well be the answer to Rafa's right-wing conundrum. It's not so fanciful to suggest that the lad works hard on getting used to that position, with previous examples showing that it can work.
Bob Paisley did it with Ray Kennedy, moving him to the left following his purchase as a striker, and more recently Arsene Wenger worked wonders with Thierry Henry, moulding him into the finest French striker of his generation.
So it can be done, and Djibril has all the qualities to be a fine wide man.
With the transfer deadline looming, Rafa will have to be canny, and I think this is what has swayed him towards Michael's return.
Aside from a covering centre-back, we look very solid. Add to that the pace of Cisse, Nando's guile and Peter Crouch's physical presence and we have a very good side. The skipper is the glue holding it all together.
Michael's possible addition to the first team would be one of the final pieces needed for a serious buttault on the top three.
I'm not that na.ve that I think we will win it this year, but I'll be cocky as hell next week should Michael re-sign.
