[CardiffRed]

Heskey has said that he wants to stay at Liverpool for life, after reports that Liverpool were set to offer him a deal that will run into 2007.

Good or Bad?

I can't see it being anything but good, for all his critics Heskey has managed to convince Houllier, Sven Goran Errikkson AND Fabio Cappello of his abilities and although not prolific (22 last season wasn't a bad return) his overall performances have been excellent.

 

[utopia]

AND Fabio Cappello

When?

 

[CardiffRed]

Cappello

After having a dig at Heskey befor the Roma game Cappello conceded that Heskey had a very good game and was indeed a far better player than he had given him credit for (this retraction and praise came at the same time as him admitting that maybe Liverpool aren't a poor team after all)

 

[Cokane]

To judge Heskey's performances on goals alone would certainly be a foolish thing to do.

He has been nothing short of exceptional for Liverpool in his time there and Michael Owen's tremendous goal scoring form has undeniably been aided by the contribution and all round play of Emile Heskey.

Whereas Owen is the typical predator; pacey and clinical, ready to pounce on every opportunity, Heskey's success has been in his fantastic work rate and physical presence. Although, Heskey is no slouch over 100 metres he has not utilised his speed in a direct attacking way in the fashion of his regular strike partner.

He is evidently being asked to fulfill a particular role by the Liverpool management and this role requires Heskey to toil and graft for the good of the team. He spends much of his game plugging gaps in the Liverpool midfield, closing space where it appears and generally just making a nuisance of himself to the opposition. His role, in making Liverpool the tough defensive unit that it unquestionably is, should not be understated.

I believe that he has done his job well and his worth to the team, as a whole, is frequently forgotten in the clamour for goal after goal.

 

[B*O*S*H*]

To judge Heskey's performances on goals alone would certainly be a foolish thing to do.

Ya did anyone see his pass to owen for his second goal against derby???

For a moment i thought he was Big Teddy Sheringham to make a pass like that .....his speed of thought!!!

 

[Final Word]

Cardie: Welcome to Xtratime.

I think Heskey is a good player for Liverpool and like Cokane said, he offers the team much more than just a goal threat. He hasn't scored many this year, but then he has been playing in a slightly different position and therefore doesn't get into striking positions so often.

Liverpool need a big man to complement Owen, in a similar way to the successful Keegan/Toshack partnership of old. He ruffles defences with his power and presence and I would like to see him play regularly with both Nico and Owen with Emile playing down the left and Nico down the right channel.

Heskey obviously loves the club and has no intention of leaving in spite of the fact that he is often the object of a lot of criticism from certain quarters....

 

[B*O*S*H*]

Heskey obviously loves the club and has no intention of leaving in spite of the fact that he is often the object of a lot of criticism from certain quarters....

Ya ...It really buffled me why....

I for one...think he is one hell of a player and his committment is nothing short of 110%...

 

[paw]

At times, when he was having a terrible spell, and contributed little in attacking sense, merely knocking off long balls towards the opposition, and the fact that he is the first name on the teamsheet every week, ahead of Robbie and Jari, certainly make some fans turn against him. As a goalgetter, a spell of umpteen games with fewer than 2/3 goals is certainly a poor return, by any standards. It is not his fault that he was not scoring. He just lack the confidence to, and putting him in week in week out does confidence little help. In fact, he hardly shoots at one stage. He is not a poor player, but at times, Anelka possesses more than Heskey does, in terms of skill and craft. Bruno is no slouch either. I am glad to see him stay for long though, now that Anelka's future with us is in jeapordy.

paw