He is fine at the moment, should be the first player subbed off when a game is all but done with i.e. 2-0 up with half hour to play and he will last another 2-3 seasons. He has been on and off the field with injury in the past couple of years which has been frustrating for him and us and I think it has blinded people to the ability he actually has. Regarding BR's comments on Carra - It wouldn't surprise me if he knows full well he can not be in the first 11 very often any more but doesn't know the fans understand and are fine with it so he is singing his praises so he doesn't look like he is ditching and disrespecting a legend.
its a good question. I would honestly push Gerrard forward. Ramirez is not signing and johnson is a load of bull. that what i think anyway so if we look at things seriously i think gerrard cannot play the way rodgers wants a midfield 3 to play so he should play right side forward with suarez and borini with him and leave midfield to those who can get up and down and hold their positions with discipline.
I think he will play both positions at times during the season, I've stated on a few occasions that a front 3 of........ Gerrard Carroll/Borini Suarez looks dangerous. However if I was to pick the midfield and attack at the moment (with Allen) it would be.... Gerrard Lucas Allen Borini Carroll Suarez
Gerrard is an interesting case as I think that currently he is now far more valuable as a marketing/image asset than a playing one. Now let me explain. Statistically over the last few seasons its shown that Liverpool do actually perform better (win more games, keep more clean sheets etc) while Gerrard is not playing. This is probably down to the fact that when he does play he demands the ball all the time and people automatically pass to him. It's a very similar situation to the Henry at Arsenal. On top of this he is guilty of trying Hollywood balls on an annoyingly regularity. On the flip side he is still capable of dragging the team through bad matches (v Everton hatrick last season for example) What he does bring to the table is his reputation that does make Liverpool a more recognisable team, he is a marketing tool, and players will want to play with him. On top of this he is an inspiration to the younger players and will always give his all for the team so is useful without a doubt. Now does his marketing/leadership/inspirational image counter the fact that on the pitch he isn't the force he used to be. He can also make the team weaker, I remember a game against Chelsea several years ago when Essien simply man marked Gerrard which cut off all the supply to Torres, as people only play through him. I hope BR can use Gerrard in the same way as Giggs and Scholes have been used at Man U. Still very useful experiences heads in a team, but not being relied upon. He is a good player, but not the player he was, also I have always questioned his temperament, and so would be great to harness his best points while limiting his faults. I am not a Liverpool fan, I would class myself as a supporter of Liverpool, as I follow them and want them to win but don't feel comfortable with the tribalistic fanatical elements of the support. I hope Gerrard can wind down gracefully and not expect too much special treatment. One of the reasons SAF is so successful is that no player, no matter how legendary, is bigger than the club. BR needs to have this attitude and when Gerrard is not benefiting the team, he shouldn't play. I think he has gone beyond being an automatic choice. In fact some bench time and non starts might spur him on more. (eg Giggs 05/06 time when he had a slump)
Why should he have to start playing less of a role at the moment? Gerrard will be dropped when players of ours become better than him, as Carra was. As is, I think Gerrard still is a fantastic player and on of the best in the team and hope he can play as long as Giggs has. The issue I see though is as he gets older he will get more injured and probably need longer between matches to regain fitness, this isn't a reason for dropping him it just means that Rodgers needs to have backups who can fill the role.
I agree that we would probably use him in both as availability requires..... I don't think rodgers agrees with you about carroll though... mine is Henderson Lucas Allen Gerrard Borini Suarez front three to float, no number 9 in there.... wall width to come from full backs and i can see a very solid team if the work ethic and positioning from the midfield is where i think it will be. I expect a lot of low scoring games for the opposition, just not sure if we'll score much.
Like I said, Liverpool perform generally better without him, he can't maintain a full season for fitness and much of his game was based on being able to run about non stop for 90 mins. Think they are fairly decent reasons to play him less. The suggestions of him playing as part of a front 3 would potentially work.
I think Gerrard should play further up front, he only under performs when he's forced to track back and play more defensively, on the right of the front 3 would be a great position I think
Not many people mentioning Downing in their formations... he had a bad season with Kenny but I can't help but think he will be better under Rodder tactics. Maybe not a shoe in to start every game... but I'm expecting much better from him this season. How was Cole on loan last season... didn't see him much... could he surprise us any? Or is he really done and busted?
he was ok but nothing special - and this is in the French league. I think he is just so unfit still, always knackered. I wish he would leave because I really hate to think he's earning 90k a week for not even a role as a sub most probably
Just gonna throw this idea in the water and see if it floats.... How about Gerrard at centre-back? Especially if Agger goes? No?
