Source: Liverpool_Echo
Maxi Rodriguez has tough first game for Liverpool FC
THE fact it brought the biggest cheer of the night simply underlined the miserable lack of entertainment on show at Molineux.[LNB]Kevin Foley's flying boot caught Pepe Reina right in the crown jewels and the home supporters lapped it up.[LNB]This was a painful evening for Liverpool all-round as they squandered the chance to use their morale-boosting victory over Tottenham as a springboard in their pursuit of a coveted top-four finish.[LNB]Just as was the case at Stoke and against Spurs, there could be no questioning the desire, passion or commitment of Rafa Benitez's side.[LNB]But, worryingly, quality was in desperately short supply throughout an instantly forgettable contest.[LNB]It was a rude awakening for Reds new boy Maxi Rodriguez on a bitterly cold night in the Black Country.[LNB]This was the Argentinean's first start since he arrived on a three-and-a-half year contract from Atletico Madrid.[LNB]It's fair to assume it was something of a culture shock for the 29-year-old midfielder.[LNB]You might get time on the ball in La Liga, but not in the Premier League and he's got the bruises to prove it.[LNB]Rodriguez's work rate couldn't be faulted, but he wasn't able to stamp his authority on proceedings.[LNB]In truth, Wolves never allowed him to, constantly snapping at his heels and halting his progress by fair means or foul.[LNB]When he was clattered by Wolves skipper Karl Henry in the first half and referee Peter Walton waved play on, he looked on incredulously.[LNB]Late on he was whacked by Ronald Zubar and threw his hands up in frustration as the defender escaped with a ticking off.[LNB]Rodriguez earned the nickname 'La Fiera' as a child when his youth coach decided he raced around the pitch like 'A Fighting Bull'. Last night he must have felt like the matador.[LNB]It wasn't the full debut he had dreamed of, but having been in and out of the side at Atletico he clearly needs games under his belt.[LNB]He's small in stature and not blessed with great pace but he was tidy in possession and one defence-splitting pass created an opening for returning skipper Steven Gerrard.[LNB]If Gerrard had been fully fit he would have burst on to the ball and buried it. As it was he didn't have the legs and a rare opportunity went begging.
