LFC Awards for August

First our best XI:
GK - Pepe Reina
No one else played there for us so this is pretty much a given, though not allowing a goal from the field in 6 matches is not an unimpressive feat.

LB - Alvaro Arbeloa
His ability to defend was rarely held in question last year, especially with his speed and strength, but the things he seemed weak on, especially positioning and discipline, has improved immensely. Not to mention his passing has been spot-on.

CB - Jamie Carragher
Same old reliable Carra and hopefully he'll have the legs towards the end of the season after retiring from International play

CB - Sami Hyypia
Has appeared to find his second legs after faltering a little earlier last year. I really think the fact that he thought he was just a bench player at the beginning of last season hurt him in a negative way, but now he knows that if performs well, he'll get plenty of time on the pitch.

RB - Steve Finnan
Who else? The best right-back in the game has been just as good as ever.

LM - Ryan Babel
Has been simply electric in his performances and though not wholly consistent, has shown flashes of world class ability. His passing and vision are amazing for a 20-year-old and he's only going to get better.

CM - Steven Gerrard
The free kick goal against Aston Villa and the assist to Torres against Chelsea may have been the highlights so far, but our skipper does so much more.

CM - Momo Sissoko
This is the hardest to pick so far as Mascherano has been great as well, but the goal and the calm, calculated nature of his play gives him a slight edge. He has definitely showed signs of maturity this year.

RM - Jermaine Pennant
Though slow to start, he has shown flashes of improvement over his impressive form from last season. At times, he's simply unstoppable with his unpredictable play, but he needs to know that it's alright to shoot once-in-a-while.

F - Fernando Torres
World Class, that's all I really need to say. The kid does so much more than score goals, he literally worries defenses tireless.

F - Dirk Kuyt & Andriy Voronin
I honestly can't pick between the two, both have been tireless and versatile in their performances.

Honorable Mentions -
Daniel Agger, CB - Has appeared to put it together a little in the last couple of matches, but he still has not shown the same form we were treated to most of last year

Yossi Benayoun, MF - It's sort of ridiculous that Yossi is our second choice at the wingers because he's such a threat and a catalyst on attack

Javier Mascherano, CM - The best in the business has been no less than dominating in the few matches he's played this season

I can't stress enough that nobody on our squad has played bad, but in the case of someone like Xabi and even Agger, I just expect so much more. Maybe Xabi's two goals versus Derby will give him more confidence, though he might just still be trying to figure out what his role on the team is.

Player of the Month: Fernando Torres
I could easily see Stevie-G picking this up as well, but Torres truly showed his class and has been the reason for our great start.

Goal of the Month: Steven Gerrard's free kick goal versus Aston Villa
I could have went with Torres' goal against Chelsea, but the Captain's goal just oozed world class. It was simply unsaveable.

Today's Banter: Gerrard & the needle debate, Micah Richards' thoughts on that subject, Jimmy Ryan would rather play for Shrewsbury Town, & more

- The big debate in the British papers today seems to be whether or not Steven Gerrard should receive a painkiller injection in his injured toe if it allows him to play for England on Saturday versus Israel at Wembley. It is no secret that Rafa thinks if Stevie-G needs an injection, he is still not fit, and no risk should be taken to further aggravate that injury. Steve McClaren sees no problem in it. The problem is Stevie wants to play, almost at all costs. I understand him wanting to play for his country, wanting to be the hero that helps them qualify for Euro 2008, but with our start in the league and our tendency over the last couple of years to get better as the season progresses, we have the best chance at winning the EPL for the first time in 17 years. McClaren dug this hole himself and I say let him make the sacrifice to get England out of it.

- For some reason, Micah Richards has offered his two cents on the Gerrard-needle debate, saying that he would gladly take the needle to play for his country. Oh the ignorant optimism of youth, it's what keeps the body bag industry in business during time of war. If anyone gives a rat's ass what a 19-year-old with a total of 5 international caps has to say, then you're an idiot. Leave it up to the big boys, son.

- On-loan Jimmy Ryan has revealed that he'd rather stay at Shrewsbury Town than return to Liverpool to fight for a spot. I say give the player his wish because if he'd be happy just to play instead of playing for a top club, he has no place on our squad.

- Finally, Fernando Torres has vowed to bring the title back to Anfield while Jamie Carragher has expressed his desperate desire to bring number 19 to his club before he retires. Maybe Carra can have a sit down with Gerrard.

Carra full photo classic