Source: Liverpool_Echo
Tommy Smith: Liverpool FC stand up to tough Blackburn test
THE Blackburn game wasn't football as we know it. It was a bit rough around the edges, with an awful amount of fouls in the game.[LNB]That's why it was pleasing to see Liverpool stand up to it. We never gave up.[LNB]You can't always play the way you want to.[LNB]It may not be pleasing on the eye at times but you have to be able to adapt and take on whoever you're up against.[LNB]Liverpool took it all in their stride against Blackburn and did quite well. It wasn't the greatest game but it's a win and another three points.[LNB]Fernando Torres coming back made a big difference. With Steven Gerrard there as well, we're instantly a much better side.[LNB]The pair of them are so good at what they do.[LNB]Gerrard was back in midfield on Sunday but you can see he goes forward when he feels he has to.[LNB]He picks his moments and certainly wasn't playing in midfield when he put the ball in the back of the net.[LNB]Whether Gerrard plays off Torres' shoulder or further back, just having both of them on the pitch means Liverpool function better.[LNB]Then there was Javier Mascherano playing right-back.[LNB]He was excellent.[LNB]Perhaps Emiliano Insua can pick up a few tips from Mascherano's performance at the weekend.[LNB]Where Insua still gets some of the basics wrong, we chuck Mascherano at full-back for one game and he does everything right.[LNB]He epitomised everything that was good about Liverpool's display against Blackburn.[LNB]He doesn't have to play in midfield to play well. He'll do a job for you anywhere on the pitch.[LNB]Because of his height the only place you wouldn't put him is in goal. He'd probably still have a go though!
