YOU didn’t need a FIFA coaching badge to spot Liverpool’s weak links last season. The spine of Rafa Benitez’s team was more than a match for Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
From the ever reliable Pepe Reina, to the defensive qualities of Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and Sami Hyypia, the midfield dynamism of Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano and the ruthless predatory instincts of 33-goal hitman Fernando Torres.
However, the Reds’ challenge for honours was let down by a lack of class in wide areas.
Benitez moved to solve that problem this summer with the acquisition of Andrea Dossena and Philipp Degen.
The Reds’ search for a pair of top class full-backs, capable of adding a different attacking dimension, has been going on as long as the mission to land title number 19.
Italian left-back Dossena and Swiss right-back Degen are the latest two to accept the challenge and the duo are determined to prove they are the solution to Benitez’s conundrum.
Dossena arrived in a £6million transfer from Udinese and was a direct replacement for John Arne Riise, who was sold to Roma.
The 26-year-old hard man, who started his career at Verona, is renowned for his ability to get forward into attacking positions and helped Udinese finish seventh in Serie A last season.
His performances also earned him a first international cap when the Azzurri’s then-manager Roberto Donadoni gave him his chance against South Africa.
When Benitez came calling this summer, the prospect of wearing the famous Liver Bird upon his chest was all the motivation he needed to move to Anfield.
And the left-back, who scored twice in 63 appearances for Udinese, believes his “half English, half Italian” mentality makes him well equipped for life in the Premier League.
“It is an honour to be wearing such a prestigious shirt,” said the first Italian international to play for the club.
“It was great for me that Liverpool were so determined to have me in their squad. It is a very important shirt to wear and I will do my best. I have a great will to work hard and succeed and achieve great results.
“There are so many great players here. I have been very impressed with the facilities and also with the very good atmosphere in the dressing room.
“I believe I will bring determination as my main strength. I have a will to succeed and achieve results. These are also characteristics I have seen in Liverpool as a team.
“Even from training I realise English football is different. It’s all about possession and the ball seems to move quicker.
“There is also a great determination among the players in training, but these are all qualities that are characteristic of me too. In this way, I feel half English, half Italian.”
Dossena’s uncompromising style has landed him in hot water and he was sent off twice for Udinese last season.
But he insists there is a lot more to his game than just a physical approach.
“I do consider myself an aggressive player and sometimes I have been sent off for certain tackles, but I also like to play with the ball and as long as the balance of the team isn’t disturbed I like to go forward,” he added.
“Of course, I see myself as a defender but I like to be flexible too. If there is a chance to attack I am very happy to go forward. I am not the type of player who is happy to settle for a 1-0 win.
“I believe in always playing to win and trying to score more goals.
“The talks I have had with Benitez have mostly been about tactics. He has explained that he wants a four-man defence but that the most important thing is that the balance on the pitch is never broken.”
While Dossena is a man of few words with an ice cold glare, Degen could hardly be more cheerful.
The 25-year-old arrived on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund and is relishing the battle to make the Reds’ right-back berth his own.
The Swiss international is confident in his own ability and believes he has the talent to make his mark.
“It is great to be at Liverpool because it is a great club with great fans,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to playing in the Premier League because it is a league that all players in the Bundesliga look up to.
“It was not a difficult decision to come here, even though I know there is a lot of competition for places. That suits me - and I am just looking forward to the challenge.
“I am a pacy player who likes to get forward. I have a good attacking mentality and like to get up and down the flank. I also have good technique. I hope to play a big role in the future.
“I haven’t come here to sit on the bench and I will be working hard in training and in games to show that I am worthy of a place.
“I’m going to be doing everything I can for the club and the fans and hopefully we will bring success this season.”
Degen started his career at Basel and won three league titles and a domestic cup there before he was snapped up by Dortmund in 2005.
However, injuries hampered his progress over the last 12 months and he managed only 12 appearances last season. Degen is desperate to make up for lost time and has his sights set on silverware at Anfield.
The Reds finished fourth last season, 11 points behind champions Manchester United, and the defender believes this time the club can maintain a title challenge.
“I am sure we can challenge,” Degen added. “We have a very strong team with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
“But there are some strong opponents in Manchester United and Chelsea, so we will have to be very consistent.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of England and the Premier League, which is probably the strongest league in the world right now.
“It’s a long season and anything can happen but we will go into the first game of the campaign hoping to push all the way. I want the club to succeed and I will always do my best to ensure Liverpool are winning matches.” |
發表於 2008-8-2 12:20 PM
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