Blaine Tulley

When Dirk Kuyt tries to collect a long pass out of the air it's like the the scene in the nature channel documentary when the gazelle eludes the mountain lion. The cat gets a paw on his prey, but cannot take the thing down. The ball scoots out of Kuyt's reach and he helplessly chases […]

He took down the long pass along the left side touchline. He turned the first West Ham defender who came at him and carried the ball into the box. Two quick touches and he turned the next defender as well. The box was still thick with players from the recent corner kick, but Giggs didn't […]

On paper, FC Barcelona could be the world's most formidable attacking side. Messi, Henry, Eto'o, Xavi, Alves, Iniesta, Abidal. Some of the most prestigious names in world football and are among the great wealth of talent in Barcelona's ranks. They have been a dominating force this season with 24 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses, […]

Who knew staring at a sweaty, stoic Frenchman for ninety-three minutes could be this rewarding? Filmmakers Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno must have suspected such when they set out to create Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait. The film was shot in 2005, released (limited) in 2006, but is now finally starting to reach a wider […]

Torres was visibly irritated when subbed off in the 74th minute with the scoreline still two-nil. He wanted his hat trick against Blackburn, but Rafa Benitez's message was clear: save it for Chelsea. As Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge needing to score at least three goals to survive in the Champions League (0-3 would mean a […]

What do Liverpool, Fulham, Aston Villa, FC Porto and Sunderland all have in common? They've all scored on Manchester United within the last month. The champions boasted a staggering number of clean sheets this season, but in recent contests, as the aforementioned sides have proven: if you attack Man U you can break down their […]

It was a strange booking. Xabi Alonso stuck out a leg and caught Real Madrid's onrushing defender, Pepe, but Javier Mascherano took the booking. This may have been for kicking the ball away, but the Argentinian seemed to be clearing it in case play didn't stop. It didn't look a bookable offense. As Liverpool's midfield […]

The rumors have begun to churn: Benitez wants to go after Samuel Eto'o in the summer. The Barcelona striker has already scored 25 goals in 27 matches for his club this season, but could the Camaroon international find a place at Liverpool? With Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard both in great form and leading the […]

Maybe I'm a sentimentalist, but watching a former top flight stalwart fight for promotion holds an undeniable appeal. Former league giants Leeds United nearly made it back to the top flight in 2006, and I found this notion exciting. Leeds repaid my interest with a disastrous season the following year and relegation in the spring […]

Daniel Agger is stalling on signing a new contract with Liverpool FC. The obvious problem: his position is overcrowded with quality. The top Danish centre back must compete with Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel who have enjoyed the bulk of the starts this season and don't forget Sami Hyypia. Jamie Carragher: When Steven Gerrard comes […]

Baros. Cisse. Morientes. Crouch. Kuyt. Bellamy. Voronin. Keane. Since Rafael Benitez took the helm at Liverpool FC, he's maintained a revolving door of strikers, searching for the perfect frontline duo. And while he's fielded many natural hitmen with the ability to keep his side in top four contention and remain a serious Champions League threat, […]