Interesting article today in the Leicester Mercury,
(No, I don't have a link; and yes, "Interesting" and "Leicester Mercury" can go in the same sentence,)
where Rodgers is one again challenging his wide players to deliver more in terms of assists and, particularly, goals.
It's been pointed out in certain quarters that our attack hasn't actually been that strong so far this season, despite our league position and rout of Newcastle. It may be a flawed stat, but our xG is through the floor and our shots taken and chances created haven't really been much to shout about. Essentially, although our midfield and defence have been strong, we've got by through being incredibly clinical so far.
This is demonstrated in a large part another stat: That we are 9 games into the league season, the majority of minutes have been played with wingers of some form, and our four main contenders for the position have contributed 1 goal between them. (Barnes vs. Sheffield United.) There have been some assists, but in general our wide players haven't been influencing the opposition penalty area well enough.
All this has led to Rodgers calling for them, quite bluntly, to "do more". Now naturally I hope there is a slightly more detailed tactical plan of how to do this behind the scenes, and he's not calling out any one individual directly, but this feels like a bit of a kick up the bum from the manager. Obviously he's happy with the league position at present, but he's eager that we need to improve in the forward areas in order to maintain that position. He also points out the contenders usually look better when they come off the bench as compared to starting.
So, is he correct to offer a little critique this way? He's not throwing an individual under the bus, but we know which four players he's primarily referring to here - possibly to differing degrees but all to an extent.
Either way, it's hard to argue that he wrong to believe that we need more from those areas. With the upcoming fixtures being easier on paper than those in a relatively difficult start, the attacking areas do need to step up their game over the coming weeks in order to take proper advantage.
Rodgers on wingers
posted on 21/10/19
I think it is a gentle nudge to our side players to get them to step up. Done in the right way for me.
None of us are here stating that Pérez, Gray, Barnes have started strongly. The fact that Albrighton is still being talked about as an option, and for me still the most influential on the game is a problem.
Even Praet has looked more effective wide right.
This can’t be ok, but like you Dunge I’d extend my challenge to Rodgers. Add in Maddison and Tielemans to the players listed above and I believe we have more than enough to be causing teams more problems. Is Rodgers getting the best out of our squad?
4-1-4-1 seems to be getting us through, just. However I’m still not convinced that we either have the right balance, or the right personnel to make Rodger’s system work.
For me I’d still have Albrighton in and there lies the problem!
A good nudge from Rodgers. But if it is still not working after another 10 games then the spotlight should turn around and point at him.
That’s not a criticism, he’s clearly doing a very good job.
posted on 21/10/19
Could the lack of winger creativity come from instructions from Rodgers to avoid crossing the ball into the box? I've noticed tactics tend to stifle quick ball, making the winger's role less effective in open play. Rodgers goals often come from an attacking mid supporting a striker with a clever pass. A case could be made that a wingers position should mean assists are easier to come by through lumping the ball into a packed box but that simply put isn't Rodgers tactics and never will be it seems. Perhaps instead take heart in what appears to be a very well organised mid field which is what I have come to expect of any Rodgers team.
posted on 21/10/19
comment by council bin man (U21986)
posted 1 hour, 22 minutes ago
Could the lack of winger creativity come from instructions from Rodgers to avoid crossing the ball into the box? I've noticed tactics tend to stifle quick ball, making the winger's role less effective in open play. Rodgers goals often come from an attacking mid supporting a striker with a clever pass. A case could be made that a wingers position should mean assists are easier to come by through lumping the ball into a packed box but that simply put isn't Rodgers tactics and never will be it seems. Perhaps instead take heart in what appears to be a very well organised mid field which is what I have come to expect of any Rodgers team.
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Chillwell is on a winner then! Lol
Hi BS
posted on 21/10/19
As a manager BR will be looking at his lineup, with his back office staff, to identify where it can be improved. Where is the weakest position? At the moment we are actually really strong in the 4-1-4-1 in every single position except the wingers. To improve on any other position would be £50m plus, easily. The wingers have been put on alert, if we go into the transfer market this January it will be those positions we will be upgrading. I'd love someone like Ante Rebic, aggressive and direct winger. Hopefully Barnes will step up and nail down the position, Gray, sorry, just doesnt have the football brain for this level.
posted on 22/10/19
Good result in the Arsenal game. If these so called top 6 teams keep imploding we may just have a chance, wingers or not!
posted on 22/10/19
Also, with the rumours growing, why not sell Maddison to Utd in Jan for £180m. Move Pérez to the middle and invest £30-£40m in a winger that can actually operate in our system or wide left in a front 3.
Maybe Mahrez fancies some game time again? 🙃