Midfield

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Magic Ted

Talulah
Sep 7, 2011
11,197
1,313
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Oslo, Norway
Rumours that Gerrard will be out for 1 month are starting to gather pace.

Firstly, how unlucky have we been with injuries so far this season? Sturridge started the season without a pre-season, then Suarez came back and Coutinho got injured.. Coutinho came back and then Sturridge and Enrique got injured, and now Gerrard.

Anyway, it's probably the worst time to lose him but this also gives an opportunity to another player to step up and earn their place (Allen I'm looking at you), but with tricky away trips coming up (Spurs, City, Chelsea), what is the way forward in terms of setting up our midfield?

Do we revert back to 3-5-2? Or take a risk and play Alberto?

Out of our current midfield options which three would you start? And how would you set them up?

Allen, Henderson, Lucas, Alberto, Coutinho.

Looking at that doesn't fill me with confidence, but out of the options available I'd probably go..

-------Allen-----Lucas--------
Henderson----------Coutinho----
-------Suarez--Aspas-----------

With limited ability in the middle I think we'll have to play it safe and put 4 in the middle, with Coutinho having more freedom than the others. With Henderson dropping deep without the ball and Coutinho coming inside.

Definitely going to be a tough month now, but I have faith that Allen can prove people wrong and put in a few good performances.

#asyouwere
 
I'm confused. I thought you were being all high end joking here and now I don't know if yer serious or keeping it going......

<confused>

Its a little from column A and a little from column B <ok>

Ie...he wanted to discuss the midfield but because it was merged with a true discussion about the midfield he's been acting the **** since <ok>


PS...<smooch> @ Magic (just in case you take me too seriously)
 
Its a little from column A and a little from column B <ok>

Ie...he wanted to discuss the midfield but because it was merged with a true discussion about the midfield he's been acting the **** since <ok>


PS...<smooch> @ Magic (just in case you take me too seriously)

Magic dislikes this post.

Frank, deadly serious mate! Been biding my time for the resurrection, and with Cardiff coming up it was the perfect time. Embrace it my friend <hug>

-------Hendo--Lucas----------
-Sterling----Allen---Coutinho--

?
 

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Brendan Rodgers believes the midfield axis he deployed during Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur proved beyond any doubt that they can step in and fill the void left by Steven Gerrard.

The Reds captain picked up a hamstring problem at Anfield during the 4-1 win over West Ham United - and it was later confirmed that Gerrard would be sidelined for at least four weeks.

In his absence, Lucas Leiva, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson went toe-to-toe with Tottenham's imposing midfield line-up of Sandro, Paulinho and Moussa Dembele at White Hart Lane.

The three were relentless in their pressure, dominant in possession - and ultimately, they helped inspire Liverpool to a memorable win.

And with games coming thick and fast over the Christmas period, Rodgers insists he has full confidence in the trio to continue their fine form.

"I thought the three of them and how they complemented each other was outstanding," Rodgers told reporters gathered at Melwood.

"You had Lucas, who was in that controlling role. He did his job with the ball, moving into different lines to receive it and he was aggressive when he didn't have it.

"Joe is a dynamic player and he can control the possession while he's being aggressive in his pressure.

"Jordan is one who is comfortable on the ball with great running ability to get in and get goals. I thought the dynamic of the three was very, very good. We had a great performance, but what you can't rule out is the presence and the quality of Steven Gerrard.

"This guy is still a wonderful player. He's still the big captain of this club. He's a monumental figure here and I've always said that if he's in the team, Liverpool is a better team.

"It's just unfortunate that he's injured at the moment. He's working very well to get back. But what we showed was that it's about the team. We can't rely on one player.

"It really has to be about the model of our game. If we have top players in that, then of course it will make it better."

The win was Liverpool's third consecutive victory in the Barclays Premier League, and the club's first triumph over Spurs at the Lane since May 2008.

Luis Suarez netted two, Henderson volleyed home, Jon Flanagan grabbed his first ever senior goal and Raheem Sterling completed the rout with an assured finish.

The manager confirmed there is something of a feel-good factor around Melwood at the moment, but naturally, Rodgers warned against complacency.

"If any game defines what we're trying to do here in terms of our football, it was against Tottenham where the team was outstanding in every element," said the boss. "We feel that we're improving. That's what we have been looking to do all the way along on the journey here.

"I've always been concerned about the performance, because I know that when we perform well, the results will follow. Right the way through the club it's been brilliant.

"There's a real good feel on the field and off the field and the club is progressing. The headlines are about football, which is important. We still feel that there's a way to go for us.

"It was a statement of how we've been working over the last 18 months or so. We're looking to play the game in a different way and with different ideas of how to play our football, but always with the mentality and the will and determination to win.

"What we showed is that aggression in our game, with and without the ball. That can lead us to winning big games at home or away from home.

"That's what really pleased me - the performance level and how the players went into what is a really difficult place in White Hart Lane.

"To go there and play the charisma that we showed, as well as that steely determination was important for us. When you win to that level in a big game like that, of course it gives you that belief and confidence.

"I think there's always a high when you win a big game. After the game on Sunday, I went home and analysed the match twice before going to bed at half three in the morning, because we need to prepare for the next game."

Rodgers reserved a final word for Suarez, who was unplayable once again as he donned the captain's armband in the absence of Gerrard.

The Uruguayan has now notched 17 goals in 11 Premier League games - which is more than the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa have managed throughout the entire campaign.

"He's a man who plays football because of the love of the game," said Rodgers. "He's accepting the role and the responsibility that I have given him here as one of the senior players.

"He's not only a top player; he's one of the pillars of the group.

"We've got a young side. The average age of the team was the lowest it has been for a number of years in the Tottenham game and Luis has taken on that mantle in order to help and support those players, while having that real 'X' factor that he has to his game.

"He's in a good place, his family is in a good place, and long may it continue."

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/151581-lucas-and-co-proved-they-can-cope

<ok>.