No More Onion Bags

11 Responses to “Lay off Robbie”

1. pede says:

   January 8, 2009 at 6:12 pm

   Well, speaking honestly as a United die-hard, you’re sounding like Tommy Smyth here. Dangerous territory son.

   I somewhat agree but the idea that Berba “strolls” around the pitch is a half-truth. He’s just more of a traditional striker, not tracking back on the hustle like you often see Rooney doing. Thus, the apparent disparity.

   My thoughts on Keano are this: the horrible nature of his misses (see: versus Preston…good lord) seem to outweigh his other contributions. I know this is a shitty way to judge a player but when you’re a forward your main job is to score. If he isn’t doing that but he’s contributing elsewhere on the pitch…why is he up front?

   I realize the same could be said about Berbatov. However, in my completely biased opinion Berba’s a world-class finisher and Keano’s not. And that’s why Pundits jump on RK.

   Thoughts?

   Reply
2. Lazar says:

   January 8, 2009 at 10:44 pm

   I have to agree with pede, somewhat, in that some of Keane’s misses have been pretty appalling. The nature of Berba’s game is that even when he isn’t playing that well, he still looks kind of languid and stylish (in my eyes, at least). When Keane isn’t doing well, he starts to work even harder, which is a good thing, but sometimes it makes it look like he is running around somewhat crazed.

   In the end, I think they’ll both be fine, but I don’t think either are great signings. I really think both are superstars at big-but-not-huge teams, who will struggle a bit farther up the food chain. Keane is always going to look bad next to Torres, and Berba will always seem a bit slow in that fast United team — I still think Tevez is a better fit to start.

   Reply
3. Cass says:

   January 9, 2009 at 11:06 am

   Sounding like Tommy Smyth?!?!?!?!? That’s certainly fighting talk. See some responses below:

   Based on your point about judging forwards on scoring records, Keane and Berbatov both had pretty identical scoring records for Tottenham last season (23 goals from 54 appearances for Keane, 23 goals from 52 appearances from Berbatov). It’s also not like Keane only scores tap ins. He’s scored as many screamers as anyone else in the Premiership.

   Also, my point about Robbie working hard wasn’t meant to be as old world as it sounded. I think Keane sometimes (like this season) tries too hard, and the phrase you were looking for Lazar is “running around like a headless chicken” but Berba does come across as someone who is more self serving and probably less “committed” than Robbie.

   Reply
4. Er Pupone says:

   January 9, 2009 at 3:42 pm

   Keane’s problem–in addition to the misses that you mention–is that he doesn’t fit into the Liverpool scheme at all. He’s best playing off a striker who can hold the ball and distribute (as Berbatov did so well at Spurs) but Torres doesn’t really do that–he goes straight for goal. Also, Gerrard charges into the area behind Torres, so there’s no real room for a second striker on less he moves wide, as Kuyt has learned to do. I think Rafa has come to recognize the fact that he doesn’t fit in, which is why he subs him so often and benches him even after a good game. Maybe this will change, but I can also see Babel taking his minutes.

   I have a weakness for players who play at a slower pace than everyone around them but seem to control play nonetheless: Riquelme, Totti, Bergkamp. No, Berbatov isn’t quite in their league and hasn’t put it all together yet for United yet but I think he has contributed in his own way. Despite missing several games, he is second in the Prem in assists with seven–first among forwards–even though United is struggling for goals.

   Sounding like Tommy Smyth, eh? Man, that’s harsh!

   Reply
5. Lazar says:

   January 9, 2009 at 5:14 pm

   This is a good analysis. With Torres, who has said he prefers to be alone, next to him, and crazy Gerrard behind him, Keane is kind of in no man’s land. It must be horrible being the second striker on a Gerrard team. SG keeps flying into the box thinking HE’S the second striker…

   Reply
6. Cass says:

   January 9, 2009 at 5:31 pm

   but hasn’t the problem been that Robbie’s been asked to play up front as the lone striker, rather than behind Torres for most of the seaon? Whatever way you look at it it definitely seems to be 98% the fault of Benitez.

   Reply
7. Er Pupone says:

   January 10, 2009 at 1:14 pm

   Benitez deserves a lot of the blame for some ill-advised signings–not just Keane but Dossena, who’s too slow for the Premiership. And what was with his obsession this summer with Gareth Barry, who’s simply not as good as Xabi Alonso.

   And yet….Liverpool are top of the table and have played without Torres much of the year. Must be doing something right.

   Reply
8. pede says:

   January 10, 2009 at 3:29 pm

   The only reason I likened the author to Smyth is because the good ol Onionbagger himself often christens Keano a “world-class striker” during live game commentary (seemingly forgetful of his penchant for awful misses). No feelings meant to be hurt.

   And I second (or third) all the discussion of how the formation of Liverpool’s front line greatly affects Keano’s chances. But the story of the year for Liverpool, as it has been for a few now, is Reina. Without him they are shambles.

   By the way, can we have a fight to the death between Smyth and that truly pathetic GOL TV announcer who inevitably makes some ridiculous metaphor about football and “magic” between orgasmic screams of goal glory?

   Reply
9. Lazar says:

   January 12, 2009 at 11:36 am

   The problem with the death match idea is that one of them will survive it.

   At some point, we’ll have to do a “Who’s Worse: Tommy Smyth or Ray Hudson?” article, although I’m not looking forward to it. I mistakenly taped the Atletico-Barsa Cup game in English last week, and when Hudson screamed “Ayyyyy!” right before Messi’s first goal, I thought (maybe hoped?) he had been shot. I’m not looking for those types of sounds to come from my TV when I’m relaxing at home.

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10. Peder says:

    January 14, 2009 at 9:56 pm

    Ha!

    Reply
11. Cass says:

    January 15, 2009 at 6:30 pm

    If you read No More Onion Bags’ manifesto, you’ll see that we call out Ray Hudson and reprimand him for screaming ‘aye aye’ every time he gets even a little excited (or catches a glimpse of Messi). It’s just not commentary.

    Reply