Liverpool legend Jan Molby has launched a scathing
attack on the club's underperforming stars, stating that big-name
players, such as Steven Gerrard
and new
signing Alberto
Aquilani, need to step up their game if the
Reds are to achieve the top-four Premier
League finish
promised by their manager Rafael
Benitez.
Speaking through the Liverpool
Supporters Club New York and their MP Red podcast, the Dane - who
made nearly 500 appearances for the club between 1984 and 1996 -
asked questions over skipper Gerrard's form, accusing the
29-year-old of "sulking" during the Reds' tumultuous start to the
season.
"Gerrard has not been 100 per cent this season with his injury,"
said Molby. "And it begs the question: 'what are we looking to
achieve with him?'
"Yes he has been restricted by his injury, but to me it seems he
has also had a bit of a sulk on this season. He looks heavy legged,
there isn't really that spring in his step this season so far and
the team has suffered."
Yet despite Gerrard's lack-of-form this term, and
mischievous reports linking him away from Liverpool, Molby believes
that the 29-year-old will remain a Red for the rest of his
career.
"Steven Gerrard is a Liverpool player, there is nowhere else for
him to play," he added. "I'm not sure what it would mean for him to
lift the [Premier League] title with another club. He wants to win
the title with Liverpool but, if not, I have a feeling he could
live without it."
Hands up | Molby Blames
'Sulking' Steven Gerrard For Liverpool Woes
As one of Liverpool's first foreign imports, signed from
Ajax in 1984, Molby knows a thing or two about settling into a
new football culture, and says that if the Reds' latest midfield
maestro - injury-hit midfielder Aquilani - is to have an
impact at the club, then next season may be his best
bet.
"Being brutally honest, we are halfway through the season and
his [Aquilani's] contribution has been zero," Molby continued.
"That is not all his fault, with the injury etc, but it is still
a fact. "I actually spoke to Rafa Benitez about him a few weeks
back and said that, from my experience, if Aquilani is to make a
big impact at the club, then it will probably be next season at the
earliest."
Yet despite admitting to some misgivings about the
Italian's ability to adapt to English football, Molby
says Aquilani has the attributes to establish himself as a good
signing for the Reds.
"It is a totally different style of play [to Serie A] and you
have to learn to look after yourself quickly," he added.
"You have to face the Blackburns and the Sunderlands - with
players like Lee Cattermole biting in - and you have to
compete. If you don't fancy it, you can get snowed under very
quickly.
"But if it comes down to talent, then Aquilani certainly has
what it takes to be a success. He has ability, no question."
Molby is the latest ex-Red to stick the boot into Benitez’s
embattled side, who welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield on Sunday
knowing that a defeat would leave them seven points adrift of the
top-four.
In December, former manager Graeme Souness declared that the
club was on the verge of “meltdown” after their exit from the
Champions League, whilst Ronnie Whelan and Jamie Redknapp have been
highly critical of Benitez’s methods throughout Liverpool’s
below-par start to the season.
Saturday’s FA Cup draw at Championship strugglers Reading
represented another below par display in a season dominated by
false dawns and disappointment for Reds fans.
One player who Molby reserves special praise for, however, is
goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who the Dane believes can go on to become
Liverpool's best-ever stopper.
"I said a few years ago that Reina has all the tools to become
the greatest keeper in Liverpool's history, and I stick by that, he
has been fantastic this season," said Molby.
"People say he doesn't come and catch enough balls, but I think
he is a truly exceptional keeper, and deserves to be mentioned up
there with the best."
And in a season of minimal promise for Liverpool supporters,
Molby reveals his excitement at the prospect of
young Spaniard Daniel Pacheco, who has shone in two
first-team cameo appearances this season.
Molby concedes that the 18-year-old's lack of physical presence
may prove a hindrance, but says Reds fans have reason to get
excited about Pacheco's progress.
"I like the kid because he has great ability," added Molby. "He
has a great first touch - schooled in Barcelona of course - can
spot a pass, and has fantastic set-piece delivery. If we talk about
Steven Gerrard's ability from set-pieces, well this kid is
something special.
"My only worry about him is his lack of strength, he is very
slight. That probably means he is unlikely to dominate games, but
he certainly has the ability to be a match-winner for
Liverpool.
"He is confident, he always wants the ball, wants to play -
that's down to his upbringing - and I think he is a very exciting
kid for Liverpool fans to get excited about."
Jan Molby was speaking to the MP Red Liverpool
podcast via the New York branch of
the Official Liverpool
Supporters' Club.