Am I right to be concerned at Liverpool's apparent inability to take their chances this year? We created enough chances to easily win that match as was the case against both Stoke and Sunderland. Do you also agree that if we don't rectify this soon it could hamper our chances of a CL spot?
— Tom Harris, Lancaster, U.K.
Hi, Tom. This one of the central and essential questions regarding this 2011-12 Liverpool team. The Reds have shown the ability to open up even the stingiest of defenses more than a handful of times in any game. But they've had this maddening habit of not burying teams by taking their chances.
You already know the answer to this one. If Liverpool continues to fail in this department, it will turn wins into draws and draws into losses. I'm not sure what the solution to this one is either. Extra finishing practice is an option. Or playing different players close to goal.
When are we going to see more of Sebastian Coates? There was all this hoopla when he signed on and now we don't even see the guy. He wasn't even a starter for the Uruguayan National Team. Que paso?
Also is he half English or Scottish or neither? I keep reading different things.
— G. Morris, Woodland Hills, Calif.
When we'll see more of the towering Uruguayan is uncertain. We do know that he will get a chance to play (in the medium to long-term) for no other reason than his price tag and pedigree.
Sebastian Coates is a bit of an unknown quantity at this point. We don't know how quickly and comfortably he is settling into a new country and style of play. The hectic nature of English Premier League action presents him with unique challenges for which South American soccer cannot fully prepare him.
He's appeared in games against Brighton, Tottenham and Rangers so far this season. His debut against Brighton (weaker competition) was good enough. Games at Spurs and Rangers showed some weaknesses in his game that Dalglish and Clarke must work on. The Liverpool defense in the Scotland friendly was out of sorts from the start and he was a big part of that mess.
It seems Coates needs a veteran leader playing next to him to do the organizing and positioning work that he -– like any young player –- cannot do on his own. He flourished in Copa America playing alongside Diego Lugano.
I did like his energy and willingness to go on Lucio-esque runs forward. It adds a new dimension to the Liverpool attack.
Coates' father is either Scottish or of Scottish descent.
What are your thoughts on the new players so far this season?
— lfcmaster, West Midlands, U.K.
In short, the new players have added depth of quality and quality of depth to the Liverpool team. Each player's integration into the team is linked to their age and experience.
The veteran Craig Bellamy takes the field and has an impact on every game in which he plays.
Charlie Adam and Stuart Downing became automatic starters and hit their top form right away. If they can maintain their current levels throughout the season, they will be seen as successful additions. The downside is that they may not improve beyond current levels.
Jose Enrique has been the best of the bunch, in my opinion. His performances for Liverpool merit a call-up to the world and European champion Spanish national team.
Jordan Henderson is still learning and developing, which is why you see a lack of consistency from him. I would put Andy Carroll in that category as well.
See my answer above for thoughts on Coates.
Luis Suarez is the cream of the crop and Liverpool's most important player at the moment. As he goes, so do the Reds.
Marcus, Any thoughts on Argentina's World Cup Qualifying Campaign? Sabella's loss to Venezuela an aberration or are we seeing the steady decline of Argentina?
— Burt, Washington D.C.
Rumors of Argentina's demise are greatly exaggerated, Burt. Argentina lost away to a very good Venezuela team. Based on their recent performances (especially in Copa America), I wouldn't be surprised to see them in Brazil 2014.
Argentina is going through a process of reinvention that happens whenever a new coach comes on the scene. It has a ridiculous amount of attacking options, not to mention the Rolls Royce that is Lionel Messi.
The main problem is in defense. Argentina lacks champions in that area. Players that command respect in the locker room and intimidate on the field. If 33-year-old Walter Samuel remains their defensive anchor throughout qualifying, they'll be in big trouble in 2014. But I'm sure there's another great somewhere on that conveyor belt.
That's all for now folks. Thanks for the questions and keep them coming.
Photo courtesy of Flickr/AndyNugent
