http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N146465041026-0828.htm According to Liverpool's profile of Whitbread this will be his first team debut
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] It will be his debut, but I think his days are numbered at Liverpool. I have read through the match reports from the Liverpool reserves this season and Zak has been mentioned way too many times for a defender. He REALLY needs this match to go well so that he can get a deal somewhere else.
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] Reading is a critical skill, but you have to be careful using it to conduct player evaluations. Fans and newspapers are not always very good at this function.
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] FCT: What exactly do you mean by this? I think you're saying that the closer you are to the first team, the fewer the reserve appearances you make (ie. you spend time practicing and playing with the first team in lieu of reserve games), but just wanted to clarify. Thanks, MdS
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] He's trying to say that he doesn't think Whitbread's been doing very well with the reserves. If a defender gets mentioned much in match reports, it's usually because he's gotten beat or has maken some other mistake. The best defender is the one you didn't notice. So the more mentions (for a defender) = NOT for the better. (That's his reasoning, anyway.)
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] Of course he's doing poorly in the reserves, that's why he's being rewarded with a first team appearance.
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] I get your point but if you'll follow the link and do some reading yourself you'll get mine. Liverpool Reserve Reports
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] Follow the link in the post right below yours and you'll see there was a basis for my post. If you happen to not agree with me, fine. But you'll look a whole lot smarter if you explain why next time.
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] I see what you're talking about -- there were several mentions of him getting beat/having problems w/a defender -- but he has a point too. They would not likely call him up to the first team if he didn't deserve it. Take heart, brah.
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] I don't evaluate players by reading about them unless I have a lot of confidence in the source. I don't in this case, so the only indication that Whitbred is doing OK is his participation in this Cup fixture.
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] Heaven forbid someone actually be pessimistic about a player's future round' these parts. I get what you mean and have read/heard the same. Hopefully he'll snap out of it. This is a cup fixture against a not so powerful team - no offense to Millwall (and before the crows can jump in, yes, I am aware of their history and last season). If he shows well here in a bigger pressure match than the ones he's used to in the reserves that could bode well for him. it is a big opportunity... perhaps Benitez is looking at it from the standpoint of "lets see what he can really do" or... '$hit or get off the pot".
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] Whitbread confirmed in starting lineup. LIVERPOOL: Dudek, Josemi, Henchoz, Whitbread, Traore, Potter, Diao, Biscan, Warnock, Pongolle, Mellor. SUBS: Kirkland, Finnan, Carragher, Baros, Riise.
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] Of course some writers make a point to mention defenders as a key part of any winning performance..............There's more going on out there than goals being scored. Glad to see Zak is getting his first team debut. Has Arena called him into the next camp yet?????
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] Whitbread header redirected in by Diao--1-0, Liverpool.
Re: Whitbread: Liverpool vs. Millwall 10/26 [R] Maybe we should tell that to the commentators who determine the MLS Man of the Match
Well Zak i guess is having a good match. Assist and alot of clearences. Well he did do well in preseason maybe a couple of League cup matches will get him some time on the first team.