Image Credit: oh you beauty - Liverpool FC blog
Nate, owner of oh you beauty - a blog devoted to all things Liverpool FC, has been writing about the club at his blog since 2006. He kindly took time to speak with Soccer City FC via email.
First, we asked Nate for some insight on Liverpool FC:
Q. Can you give your assessment of the 2008-09 campaign. What went right and what went wrong for Liverpool?
There's overwhelming disappointment because the title was so close yet so far. But that can't blind to the immense strides made this season: highest points total since the '87-88 campaign, a title race until the bitter end, and Benitez is finally assembling a squad in his image from top to bottom. Individual players made huge leaps forward, especially Kuyt, Benayoun, and Alonso. There's decent depth in both attack and defense, very few glaring holes, and Liverpool's clearly not far from the ultimate goal. And this was often done with the best #9 in the world injured for long stretches.
Q. Who was your Player of the Year?
Xabi Alonso. Gerrard had a great season, stacking up the goals and assists, but Alonso was utterly crucial to Liverpool's good play. He proved that it would have been a mistake to sell him with a vengeance. Kuyt's not far off those two either.
Q. If you could bolster the side this summer, who would you bring in over the transfer period?
If it's completely fantasy football, a player like Iniesta, who could play anywhere on the line of three in the 4-2-3-1. But there's no chance he's leaving Barca. However, there are a few similar names being mooted in recent transfer gossip - and that person would often line up ostensibly on the left. That's the most important hole. A backup striker and competition for Arbeloa at right back would also be quite helpful.
Q. Will we see highly-regarded left back Christopher Buchtmann next season?
I doubt it; maybe in the Carling Cup, but that's still questionable. On the whole, I have been hoping to see more youth players in general: Nemeth, Pacheco, and Darby are others frequently mentioned. Buchtmann's gotten rave reviews in the Academy, but needs to make the step up to the reserves first. He's 17 - and Rafa always beds in the youngsters slowly. Plus, he's got Aurelio, Insua, and Dossena in front of him.
After we discussed his oh you beauty blog - history, operation, etc:
Q. How did you decide to start a Liverpool blog?
I needed to write more regularly to take my mind off the dead-end job I had at the time, and I know more about soccer (it's football), especially Liverpool, than anything else. Plus, there were far fewer soccer blogs in September 2006. Easy decision, really.
Q. Has the experience been rewarding?
The internet is a wonderful thing. I adore hearing from readers, and some of the comment threads on previous posts have led to great discussion. You learn the most by argument and debate; other points of view are always welcomed, and it's why blogs/the internet have taken over as a major medium. You cannot beat that immediacy.
Q. What has been your greatest challenge with maintaining the blog?
Because I focus on Liverpool, and because I usually write longer (800-1000 word) pieces, it can be difficult having enough ideas to write about. Far too often, especially this season as I'm getting my master's degree, much of the content is either match previews or reviews. The longer I've had the blog, the greater the focus on Liverpool, and you can only write so much about one team. But I've tried to do more that takes a look at different, interesting stats. In general, it's also a little odd focusing on an English team from America, but I think I've done alright on that front.
Q. Looking to add any new features or columns for the 2009-10 season?
Nope, and now you've made me feel guilty about it. I'm a "when the muse strikes me" type of writer, and usually a post results from a blast of inspiration. I don't really write, or enjoy, recurring features, especially with such a specialized topic. That's not to say I wouldn't do it, but it'd have to be a good idea that no one else has done.
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