So we as a whole or just we as in us on this forum? That should be interesting ... Don't think I could put up with MFG's negativity, As well as you and Baz bitching about each other
I'd be interested to see how Suso did out on loan. Would have no issues seeing Shelvey or Hendo starting games (suspect for now at least they will start the season as our bench players). What I would also say is that it would be massively beneficial to us if we had some goals off the bench next year. I'm still not sure we have that strength in depth when it comes to being able to change games late on.
This is going to be a very long post ahead, so skip it if you're not into that kind of thing. Analyzing our squad, Tello and Sahin could be excellent tactical signings, by providing us with a variety of players and different plans in case something goes wrong. We can group the squad into the following categories (assuming we would sign Tello and Sahin). This is grouped based on how likely the player is to play IMO (likely -> unlikely). GK: Reina, Doni, Brad Jones, Gulacsi RB: Johnson, Kelly, Flanagan, Wisdom (can play at CB too, I think?) CB: Agger, Skrtel, Carragher, Coates, Wilson LB: Enrique, Robinson ----------------------------------------------------- DMC: Lucas, Sahin, Spearing, MC: Gerrard, Allen, Henderson, Adam, Shelvey, Suso, Cole W: Downing, Sterling ---------------------------------------------------- FW: Suarez, Borini, Tello, Carroll, Pacheco, Ecclestone, Morgan Given that Rodgers has spoken of a front three, it's realistic to assume that Suarez, Borini and Tello would play the most similar style to what he asks for. Carroll would most likely be used as a backup plan in case an opponent is really parking the bus, a type of battering ram. It remains to be seen if the game plan would see Carroll isolated up front with two wingers trying to lump the ball to him - I think this wouldn't be effective as Carroll really excels with Suarez next to him, he is best at getting those long balls back onto the ground with link up play to Suarez. As a backup to the initial tactic of a fluid, technical front 3 I think that Pacheco would be immensely useful off the bench or in case of injury to any of the front 3. Ecclestone and Morgan could maybe get an appearance or two. We can see that CM has 7 players (realistically 5 CM + 2 wingers, if you don't count Cole who hopefully will be offloaded/ Suso who will get mostly cameos) fighting for 2 or 3 spaces. If the team were to be based around Carroll as a backup I think that Rodgers would opt for a 4-5-1 with two wingers so I strongly doubt any new players will be coming in to fill those roles. Unfortunately for us that does mean Ramirez is unlikely, with the positive being that Dempsey wouldn't be good enough to fight for this space. Shelvey would be competing with Henderson, but I assume they will both be used in different tactics. Shelvey would be paired with the Carroll option in a 4-5-1 to get some offensive play in, while Henderson is more suited to the possesion style play of the fluid front 3. Adam will hopefully drop off the radar a bit as our youngsters take up his role. DM is set, we would usually play Lucas but Sahin would provide a slightly more attacking flair in that position, if Lucas were to become unavailable. Spearing would not benefit from this signing but that's unfortunately for him, going to benefit LFC CM, RB, and GK are solid, but LB is very makeshift. I wouldn't sign a top class backup but more of a stopgap in case Enrique gets tired and Robinson can't step up. I believe that Rodgers will use 2 main tactics, for different types of opponents. The first, and the one we saw against Gomel, would be something like a 4-3-3, with Tello replacing Downing. -------------Reina------------- -Johnson-Skrtel-Agger-Enrique- -------------Lucas------------ --Hendo/Allen--Gerrard/Adam-- --Suarez---Borini---Tello--- ----v--------v----------v--* *the v indicates an arrow, showing a fluid front 3 running anywhere in the final third as needed. The second option would use a 4-5-1, against different style teams that have a great defence against fluid players. Same defence, only: -------Lucas/Sahin--------- ------Gerrard---Shelvey---- -Downing-----Tello/Sterling- ----------Carroll-------- This is a really really really good position for LFC to be in, as it has a good Plan A and a good Plan B.
Good analysis with regards to the left back spot I think we are ok for cover there as long as we can keep Kelly fit (switching GJ to left back). My biggest worry still is the cover up front though. Any sort of serious injury to Suarez or Borini (god forbid) really does leave us short on options up top so another front player for me is a must.
Yeah, I forgot that most of our defence can play the LB spot, albeit not too well. I wouldn't move Johnson onto the left unless absolutely necessary.
This is an excellent post. But has one glaring omission. Andy Carroll isn't Tore Andre Flo, John Carew or Jan Koller. None of those mentioned were useful on the deck. Andy Carroll is useful on the floor. He may be an enormous battering ram that scares the **** out of defenders, he cured John Terry's constipation thats for sure. However he's just as useful on the floor. Have a look at todays goal? It was classic Andy Carroll, the Andy Carroll of his Newcastle days even. He was involved in a one-two with Charlie Adam and whack. That left foot which I'm convinced is lethal exploded into life. He's a better footballer than he's given credit for.
After today's games I have already made 3 changes to my fantasy prem team. Can't see Carroll going now, not yet at least.
I'm actually one of the biggest supporters of Carroll, I feel that he has excellent link up play on the ground, and I feel as if he should be a backup for that first squad I posted. However, in every game so far Carroll has played in that second formation which suggests to me that Rodgers assumes the same of Carroll - Solitary battering ram getting crosses in. This is of course a waste, because I think he excels in a system with Suarez. The only reason I put him there is because thats the way it looks like Rodgers is going to use him, unfortunately.
I thought he was pretty solid at LB when he's been there but yeah definitely 3rd option IMO....and we can always move Skrtel to right back if necessary.....(only joking )
Quick question for you, would it be better off to post something of that length as a seperate post, or keep it in the thread as a comment? Considering it's to do with the 3 new signings we were going to make... and I don't know the forum etiquette perfectly.
