Kewell should try and follow the path set by Ryan Giggs. The Welshman use to be feared for his pace and ability to dribble. As Giggs lost a few gears in his legs, I thought that he would begin to struggle to find a first-team place at United. Instead, the Welshman is arguable as important a member in the United squad as he ever was. No longer is his pace and dribble his strongest attributes as it is very much the intelligence of Giggs as a footballer that is keeping him at the pinnacle of club football at the age of 34. Kewell is 5 years younger than Giggs and Harry could yet have a long Indian summer in his veteran years like that which Giggs is enjoying.

On tonight's performance, such an Indian summer could well happen for Kewell. In the first half, I think he saw more of the ball than any other player. He moved around the pitch, demanding the ball and commanding. His passing was generally spot on and he looked comfortable when pressured in possession. Sure, it wasn't the same twinkle-tied Harry, full of dash and flair, that we saw when he was in his early twenties and he wasn't exactly carving the defence up with killer passes. However, it was apparent that much of Australia's play flowed through him and that Harry still commands an aura of respect among team-mates and opponents alike. His performance was encouraging not so much for what he did on the pitch tonight but more for what this performance means in terms of what Harry could contribute in the future.

As for this club career, I think his time at Liverpool will come to an end. I have only seen Benitez play Kewell on the wings which either means that the manager still believes that Kewell has the ability to play as a winger or he just doesn't have room for Harry in the centre of midfield. In either case, Kewell needs to find a manager that understands his limits and strengths and play to these accordingly and I doubt he will find this under the management of Benitez.

In the recent Premiership against Arsenal, Liverpool rested many of their stars with clearly its focus being Champions League. Despite this, Kewell failed to even make it among the substitutes. His career at Liverpool is almost certainly over, now it is time for the Wizard of Oz to find a new home where hopefully, he can once again cast some footballing magic. Apparently, a host of clubs are interested in his services such as Milan and Juventus in and Valencia and Sevilla in Spain.

The Rossoneri

The more measured approach to attacking in the Italian league will better suit Harry in his veteran years. Despite Milan bring bundled out of the Champions League by a youthful and energetic Arsenal, for those that watched the games, you would have probably noticed that Milan still push forward in a structured and considered way and created several good chances over the two legs. This might be partly because of the age of the squad and the lack of pace up forward. In any case, this style of football would better suit the Kewell of today as oppose to the Kewell of Leeds who would probably become frustrated by the inability of his team-mates to keep up with his runs. Additionally, Kewell would actually be a relatively young member of the squad. Maldini is 39 although he is retiring at year's end, Cafu is 37, Emerson is 31, Seedorf is 32, Nesta is 32, Gattuso is 30, Inzaghi is 34, Kalac is 35, Simic, Jankuloski is 30, Favalli is 36, Ambrosini is 30, Serginho is 36, Oddo is 31, Ronaldo is 31, Brocchi is 32, Dida is 34 and Kaladze is 30. In fact, at 29, there are only a handful of players that are younger than Kewell.

The age of the squad is a real double-edged sword. On one hand, many of these players are a testament to the fact that footballing careers can be successful for many years beyond Kewell's current age. It also shows that the club and its manager have faith in the ability of the older generation. It also shows that as a team, an older generation of players can be successful. On the other hand, Kewell would be joining a team that is in serious need of squad regeneration. Despite what I said above, it is evident that age is inevitably a barrier as evident by Milan being overcome by the energy and youth of Arsenal. However, give that we are talking about one of the biggest clubs in the world, it seems that the funds needed for rejuvenation will be available, particularly given that Milan only really splashed out on Pato last year.

In relation to whether Milan would do with Kewell, it would seem that their squad could benefit from a fit and hungry Kewell. There is quite a high dependence on Kaka providing that bit of magic to break down the defence which is really evidenced by the fact that he is the club's top scorer. Adding another attacking midfielder would certainly lighten the load off the mercurial Brazilian, particularly given that their other midfielder regulars of Gattuso and Ambrosini are more work-horses and defensively minded while Pirlo is renowned as a deep-lying player-maker.

Additionally, Kewell would probably also be afforded freedom in his role and be allowed to drift around the field, playing centrally when it is appropriate and drifting to the flanks if needed. The structure of Liverpool is rather static and rarely do players wonder away from their position. This is actually applicable to all English sides other than Arsenal and Manchester United. Liverpool's approach can really be contrasted with fluid structure of Manchester United where you often see players inter-change positions with strikers being wingers or midfielders while the likes of Giggs and Ronaldo are basically given the freedom of the park. From what I have seen of Milan this term, they formation and structure is similar to United but they do lack energy and vigour of United's attack which is not surprising given the generational gap between the two squads.

Les Murray made the interesting comment that ‘Kewell, for all his wonders that we have so admired, has had a one dimensional career, a one dimensional opportunity so far to express his gifts. He is 29, still in his prime in terms of age, but can look back on a career with two clubs, both in England, buried in the intense hurly burly of a brand of football that is bereft of space and time, where creative players are forced to numb their sense of adventure and thought, for fear of being bruised.' For me, Kewell's career has been one dimensional at club level because he has been predominately used as a winger. He has only occasionally been used in central midfield and has never been he used in this position on a regular basis. As I argued above, Kewell's best position is no longer out wide and he could really benefit from moving to a club where he will not be pigeon-holed for that position.

Where Else Could The Grass Be Greener?

In relation to the other named candidates of Valencia and Juventus, I haven't seen Valencia at all this season but I have seen a few Juventus games. The Old Lady of Italian football certainly play a slower brand of football than English clubs. This is not surprising given that their attackers, Nedved, Trezeguet, Iaquinta and Del Piero, are not particularly pleased with pace and are basically all in their veteran years. The squad is also much younger than the squad of Milan although there is still a health mix of veterans. With the club already looking like securing a Champions League place for next year, there will also be plenty of opportunities for Kewell if he does make this move.

I have seen a few games of Sevilla in the Champions League and they are a team that can turn on some quality football. I don't actually know much about their squad other than the fact that they are quite dependent on their strikers to bag the goals rather than the midfielders. From the limited amount of football I have seen Sevilla play, I think that Milan or Juventus are the better options, mainly because Sevilla do play with a high tempo. Additionally, if Kewell moves to Sevilla, he will probably be asked to play as a winger and he probably won't be afforded the same freedom as at Milan or Juventus.

So, hopefully next year, we are going to see the wizard, the magical wizard of Oz.

 On joining Leeds a couple of months back, McAllister inherited a squad that by size would probably not be far off that of Barcelona or Chelsea (slight exaggeration, perhaps?), but the new gaffer has worked quickly to trim down the numbers, using the recent loan window to offload some of the players that I assume he didn't need, or who thought required first team experience.

McAllister has already welcomed England Under-19 international, Fabian Delph and Tom Elliot into the first team training sessions since his arrival and is keen to bring more youngsters through as time goes on.

Gary insists that having so many players available for first team selection, hinders the chances of youngsters making it through and wants to move some players out so he can start to blood some of the next generation.

McAllister is a firm believer in grass roots football, and believes this will be Leeds United's way back to the starry heights of the Premier League.

Leeds United are a club that have always prided themselves on the young players they bring through. The last generation saw stars such as Harry Kewell, Alan Smith and more recently Aaron Lennon coming through the Elland Road ranks, amongst many others and it is this legacy that Leeds will be looking to uphold as they try and build a team capable of restoring Leeds' top flight status.

A 4-1 win over Porto was of course a nervy affair, just before & just after the Porto equaliser but some sublime substitutions brought about the goals for a vital victory that keeps Liverpool's Champions League fortunes in their own hands.

What was surprising in the following fixture was the ease of the dismantling of Bolton, a team that only recently defeated Man United. Harry Kewell, who is now close to full match fitness, played well on the left for about 60 mins & gets in those positions that defenders hate to defend in. He offers that much more vision than the slightly one dimensional Pennant & I am happy to see him back on the pitch proving his worth.

The starting pairing of Torres & Crouch looks like it will be very productive, this was the first time they have started together. I just hope Benitez uses the pairing as the forward line a bit more in the games to come...it could work wonders against Man United in a few weeks time.

Next up Reading away.

Prediction

My form from the last 5 now reads: DDDDD.

Still no correct scoreline!

Not since the 0-1 against Wigan in September have I predicted a correct scoreline which is unusual for me but I lay this down to the fact Liverpool are winning games by a high volume of goals without conceding many in return. It is making life difficult in the Prediction League to get an elusive 3 points for the correct scoreline. My goal difference...well what can I say?!

Reading are next up for Liverpool with the fixture in Berkshire. Readings home form makes them mid table with 8 games played: 4 wins, 1 draw, 3 loses & scoring 9 but conceding 11. Liverpool have played at the Madjeski Stadium already this season in the Carling Cup where Torres got his first hat trick with Liverpool running out 2-4 winners.

For this fixture I have gone for a 1-3 win to Liverpool & am sure there will be at least 2 goals scored by the red men but I get the feeling there maybe more.

YNWA § IRWT

“It’s definitely going to be a whopper because they’ve said the baby is already bigger than average – and I do seem to have whoppers.”

Sheree and her Australian soccer husband Harry Kewell were spotted in Liverpool on Saturday November 10 with their children, Taylor, 6 and Ruby, 4.

To view the full size image and three more click here.

Source: The Sun
Photo Credit: Pete Goddard via Splash News Online.

What kind of performance will be on show by Liverpool FC tomorrow? Well the team has no one but themselves to blame for being bottom of Group A with 3 games to go. So they must look only to themselves tomorrow night come kick off.

Rightly the supporters at Anfield will be vocal in their support but support alone does not win you matches. Passing and converting chances have to be at their best within the team.

I hope Harry Kewell is played from the start. He may not last the whole game but he gives the midfield a much needed boost in passing ability, of course he has a wicked left foot too, where in recent games Gerrard has been looked upon to provide this alone when Alonso has been injured. Lucas would be a good replacement for Kewell later in the game if he tires or does not provide enough penetration.

Now I like objectivity in supporters it's good for discussion but when so called supporters mistake negativity for objectivity that's when I can't be bothered to communicate. Just recently there has been an influx of negativity brought into the LFC Forums that I read. Alot of the negative posts are backed up by tired or misplaced facts or just the fact they don't like such & such...argh! Funny thing is when Liverpool manage a win or draw these posters don't have much to say to the rest of the forum, funny that!

My prediction for the game is a 2-1 win. If Kewell plays I think he may get himself a goal, this season for him is a make or break one for a future with Liverpool. I feel he is a worthy player but he must stay fit for the rest of the season...do you hear me Harry!?

YNWA.

Preview #1 - Oman vs Australia (Group A, Sunday July 8th at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok)...

In the Asian Cup 07, group A is seen as the 'group of death'. Iraq is a team that on their day, could beat anyone in the tournament. Co-hosts Thailand are going to be absolutely pumped to play at home. Australia is a newcomer to Asian football, but they are the team that went the furthest in last year's World Cup (being beaten in controversial fashion by Italy, the eventual winner). And Oman is seen as one of the rising stars of Asian Football.

So the games beginning on Saturday July 7th between Thailand & Iraq, and Sunday July 8th between Australia & Oman in Thailand will go a long way towards telling us who is going to be the force from group A.

Oman goes into the match as the underdog, but they are not to be taken lightly. They have a dynamic offense - scoring 14 goals in 6 qualifying matches, and their nets are kept by Ali Al Habsi, the first Omani to play in the English Premiership, and one of Asia's top keepers. They have a fast attack, supported by an offensive-minded midfield led by Ahmed Mubarak & Badar Al Maimani.

Australia go into the Asian Cup as overwhelming favourites, and their pace & depth should ensure that they get through the first match victorious. Players like captain Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Lucas Neill should ensure that Australia maximize the points. Still, in the hot humidity of Bangkok, anything can happen.

Argentinian Coach Gabriel Calderon had this to say: "It is football. Australia has very many good players, but sometimes surprises happen."

Oman certainly hope so.

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