Ronny Goodlass talks tactics: Liverpool v Barnsley

Feb 16 2008 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post

BARNSLEY are a team to be feared on their own turf having defeated Championship leaders West Brom a week ago but away from Oakwell they have won just once all season in the league and slumped to a 3-0 midweek reversal at Plymouth.

Defence

FORMER Liverpool reserve goalkeeper Tony Warner will be gutted not to be making an Anfield return but on-loan from Fulham, he is cup-tied.

Barnsley have drafted in Luke Steele on loan from West Brom and what a debut it will be for the former England under-18s international.

Although the former Manchester United FA Youth Cup winner is agile and good at taking crosses, he will surely be in for a busy afternoon.

Right-back Steve Foster is a good defender who is strong in the tackle.

With on-loan Derby starlet Lewis Nyatanga suspended, Bobby Hassll is expected to step into the back four.

Centre-back Rob Kozluk is the most experienced member of the team and is a solid and consistent performer.

At left-back, Brazilian-born Dennis Souza, another recruit at the start of the season, is dangerous from set-pieces having scored two goals so far this season.

Midfield

MARTIN DEVANEY is a crowd-pleaser who is confident on the ball.

Brian Howard is a real worker on either the left-hand side or the engine room.

He has been in outstanding form this season with 10 goals to date.

Another Brazilian Anderson De Silva should get the chance to play his first full competitive game on Merseyside having joined Barnsley on a permanent move on transfer deadline day from Everton.

The former Racing Santander and Malaga man has the dubious distinction of having the shortest Goodison career on record, playing just two minutes against Charlton last season.

However, he’s now a regular at Barnsley and is a talented midfielder who is a good passer and links up well with the forwards.

DIego Leon started out with the superstars of Real Madrid but after a spell with Grasshopper Zurich he has settled in quickly since his move in the New Year and is the team’s playmaker.

Attack

DANIEL NARDIELLO is a former Manchester United starlet who is back at Barnsley on loan from QPR.

He possesses a good shot and has the ability to beat defenders.

With experienced front-man Jonathan Macken unavailable, Simon Davey might adopt a tactical reshuffle and bring in Jamaican international Jamel Campbell-Ryce who is quick and likes to dribble past defenders.

Another option is the much-travelled Hungarian international striker Istvan Ferenczi who has been a consistent goalscorer throughout his career and while being good in the air is also skilful on the ball.

Dangerman

DANIEL NARDIELLO – Talented striker possesses the ability to play at a higher level.

Overall verdict

WITH three key individuals missing down the spine of the team, Barnsley are really up against it.

They’ll enjoy their day at Anfield but Liverpool won’t give them much charity as they bid to avoid a repeat of their scare against Havant & Waterlooville. I can see Rafael Benitez’s side knocking a few past them.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to CHRISTOPHER BEESLEY