Its been a while since I wrote an article on 606 but over the last few games I think a valuable few lessons have presented themselves going into the Newcastle game.
1) The back four picked against Hull is our best atm. Manquillo has improved massively in the last few games against Hull and Swansea. Despite Johnson playing well last night Manquillo should be our first choice RB since he is looking solid both defensively and offensively, something we currently lack. Moreno picks himself at LB. The CB situation could be interesting, there is an argument for starting Toure after his performance last night. He also gave us a sense of leadership at the back which has been desperately lacking. Despite that after Lovren's winner its important that he starts against Newcastle. Skrtel's form I know is patchy but he was by far our best CB last season and has been put in a difficult position under Rodgers by never really having a regular or reliable defensive partner.
2) The striking situation. Balotelli is going start against Newcastle after his goal last night. But he cant be expected to lead the line on his own, he is quite simply not that sort of striker. Therefore one of Borini or Lambert has to partner him. I rate Lambert but for me Borini deserves an opportunity and is better suited to Balotelli's game.
3) Return to the midfield quartet of last season. Borini/Balotelli as partnership went horribly wrong against West Ham. But I think that was also a result of an ineffective midfield behind them.The most effective solution is to return to last season's midfield of Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho with Sterling at the tip of the diamond. Liverpool looked a hell of a lot better against Hull when we switched to this kind of system and its effectiveness is proven. Neither Borini/Balotelli are anywhere near as creative as the SAS partnership. But this can be best remedied by a creative midfield playing behind them, Coutinho is particular. Plus as we try to integrate so many new players its a good idea to have a midfield which are already well integrated with each other.
So on paper this would be
Mignolet
Manquillo Skrtel Lovren Moneno
Gerrard
Henderson Coutinho
Sterling
Balotelli Borini
In more defensive minded games ( Madrid) it would probably be worth bringing in Allen. But given our current situation for me at least this is currently our most effective starting 11 until Sturridge returns. Thoughts?
Valuable Lessons
posted on 29/10/14
As Robbing says I definitely think its a deliberate fitness regime that makes us more potent in the 2nd half of the season.
As last season wore on you saw the pressing improving, culminating in the watershed moment of destroying Spurs in mid December. We then carried that on for most of the rest of the season, with largely spectacular results until we started to run out of gas/feel the pressure in the closing weeks.
If my theory is correct you will see us gradually improving in the near future, and, as we now have a bigger squad, potentially won't suffer quite as much late on as we won't be relying on 14 players.
The start Chelsea have made has been so fast though that even if we did improve as much as that, we still wouldn't challenge for the title unless they dropped off considerably.
posted on 29/10/14
is it just me or does Johnson play much better at LB ?
posted on 29/10/14
Johnson has looked sharper since coming back from injury, a bit more like his old self, pleasing to see.
posted on 29/10/14
I think Johnson looks better at left back because he doesn't take as many risks so doesn't get exposed as much.
He is a good option to have with Enrique constantly injured.
posted on 29/10/14
comment by Neo Liverpool (U9135)
posted 20 minutes ago
Johnson has looked sharper since coming back from injury, a bit more like his old self, pleasing to see.
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Totally agree, at the moment I'd say GJ is first pick for big games but Manquillo will get his fair share of game time.
OP, I think Lallana deserves a place in the team, he's been one of our more creative players. But I do agree that Coutinho has played himself into a starting position. For me that means the Balotelli conundrum continues because I'd leave out Borini. Personally I think I'd try to get Sterling to play closer to Mario.
posted on 29/10/14
OP, I think Lallana deserves a place in the team, he's been one of our more creative players. But I do agree that Coutinho has played himself into a starting position. For me that means the Balotelli conundrum continues because I'd leave out Borini. Personally I think I'd try to get Sterling to play closer to Mario.
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Fully agree with people's thoughts on Johnson. Yeah I kind agree with you on Lallana. Coutinho as you said fully deserves a place on the team due to his form. Therefore the player to drop out would be Borini. However the strategy is dependent on whether Sterling can play off Mario. I would love too see that work but the evidence from the Madrid, Hull etc games is that it doesn't work.
On the other hand having Sturridge back would be the game changer for the team as a whole. Sturridge is more than capable of leading the line on his own and that means we could have all of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho in support. A very nice proposition indeed but we shall see.
posted on 29/10/14
The Mancs are all over the place nowadays. Utd will improve but Liverpool wont? If you haven't seen anything to worry you about Utd its because you dont watch them. We've also had rotten luck but the tinted specs dont let them see that or the potential within the team if it comes together.
posted on 29/10/14
Wrong thread again. Feck!
posted on 29/10/14
Id start Johnson and enrique
posted on 29/10/14
For me, Manquillo hasn't actually improved. For me he has been very good indeed since day one. He has my vote over Glen any day.
JimmyTheRed