Meireles is awful. I have no idea how he strung together that three months of good form at Liverpool. He has been abysmal all season for Chelsea. He works hard and has a decent shot on him, but he's really not a good player.
As for the EURO squad, it's an affront to football that Downing is in the squad, and then you have Henderson on the waiting list with Carrick nowhere to be found. Unbelievable.
Raul needs to be played with no defensive responsibilities. Last year when he was in great form he was played in behind Suarez, with Lucas as the DM cover behind him. Chelsea has been playing him in a three man midfield, correct? I know he hasn't produced the goods for you so I can understand your apprehension, but he's an attacking mid all the way. He bitches out of 50-50s all the time, and we always commented on it last season. How he survives as a regular CM/DM for Portugal is beyond me.
Downing has had a rough season, but I honestly haven't given up faith in him yet. He's been very unlucky and he started to perform decent after the January transfer window. He should have had a ton more assists, but Liverpool as a whole, Downing included, couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. Again, his performances haven't merited a place in the squad, but I think he's in there because he plays with Carroll and can put in a cross. Let's be honest, Uncle Roy is a hoof and hope manager, and Andy fits his perfect striker mold. He needs service for Andy, and Downing has pace and a wicked cross. Played like **** this year, but the same thing happened when he got to Villa, he needs time to acclimate to a new setting.
Henderson has shown some signs of potential, but he belongs no where near a regular starting XI at this point in time. I have no idea why he's listed. I have no idea why Kenny insisted on playing him every single game, and I have no idea why he was played on the right. He's too young and inexperienced, and this season doesn't appear to have helped his development, he just isn't ready.
