Vladimir Smicer

When Smicer signed for us from Lens, we were told he was one of the best players to ever come out of the Czech Republic - unfortunately he turned out to be an utter joke. He has to be one of the weakest players in the Liverpool squad who gets brushed off the ball so many times without putting up a fight. But many wingers aren't that strong but have the skill and pace to make up for it - unfortunately Vladimir is lacking badly on this front as well - he lacks the directness of a Ryan Giggs, the pace of a Marc Overmars and the skill of a Denilson (all far better wingers than Mr Smicer!). He almost dishonours the No.7 shirt at LFC and should just give it up to someone ...

Liverpool’s number 7 shirt has always been a difficult position to fill. Ever since the days of Keegan and Dalglish, there’s been an air of expectation. The fans want someone who can entertain them, preferably by dribbling through the opponents’ defence and scoring wonder goals week in week out. The last number 7 was arguably such a player, the occasionally dazzling if sometimes inconsistent, Steve McManaman (still possible my favourite Liverpool player, although now at Real Madrid). The man bought to fill his boots, however, was Vladimir Smicer, who recently played his 100th game for Liverpool (against Middlesbrough 16/3/02). To be ...