We need two players for each position. Gerrard at DM to create from deep, or Lucas as a more defensive option. Unfortunately, we then only have Allen or Henderson as the box to box, central midfield options. I don't include Coutinho as he is far more advanced to be a proper midfielder, nor does he have the bite, strength or physicality to keep things tight. Allen's not exactly a beast either. Neither Gerrard or Lucas can play further upfield than DM. I think we need two midfielders; Lucas hasn't been anywhere near what he was since his injury and doesn't look like getting back to that form either - he won't oust Gerrard from his position. We need a DM to compete with Gerrard and eventually take that spot for himself. We also need someone of real quality to run box to box. Hendo's great, but nowhere near the top midfielders in Europe. He might get there, but not now. Allen's a bench player for me. Coutinho isn't consistent yet and still, imo, not mature enough to hold his own against European midfielders. If we get an injury right now, there's no midfield option. Even with no injury it's either Allen or a sub-form Lucas coming off the bench... Rodgers wanted 6 players; one wide forward, two central midfielders, two fullbacks and possibly a commanding centre back to run the back line. Lots want another goalkeeper, but Migs is ok and will improve and Jones isn't terrible as a backup right now. He'll do.
He needs a loan move, regular football will help him more than sitting on our bench. He's clearly not in Rodger's plans right now so is one for the future. ...unless you're talking about bringing Aquilani back
Aquilani would be sat behind Coutinho, Sterling and even Suso in thepecking order Agree about the loan for Alberto
Bit harsh on Coutinho. He's got the best tackle rate for any of our midfielders this year and although he may not be strong, like Sterling has developed and like a lot of foreign payers (look at most of the Spanish small midfielders) they use their body when on the ball to protect it rather than just pure strength. Getting your body between man and ball allows you to protect it and means the only way they can get it is to foul. Allen also does this very well in fact. I guess it's something as a smaller player you have to learn quickly to be able to play in that midfield position.
We have recognized this. A need for a DM and a need for probably a bit more of box to box type CM with a good physique and energy ( Guarin, Bender, M'Vila, FERNANDINHO would be the perfect type).
I like this midfield: ---------Gerrard------- Henderson-----Coutinho ---------Sterling------- or just this in a 433: ---------Gerrard------- Henderson-----Coutinho After that we have this: --------Lucas-------- -Texeira-----Allen----- This is tidy but lacks energy and muscle. We can mix and match a bit. Allen does well in Coutinho's spot. Lucas and Gerrard are both good deep but only one of them can play at a time. But Hendrson is the engine of the midfield and has become vital. When he is out the team suffers. We'v seen it in the last three games and against Arsenal away. We need another Henderson. Another player who can create from deep like Gerrard would be good to, but that is more of a fine tuning luxury sighing, not a priority.
Don't get me wrong, I love Coutinho, I think he's a great player when on form and he'll only get better. But, he isn't good enough right now to stand up to Europe's best midfielders - same for Henderson, who I also rate highly. We just need some real quality in there now to allow Coutinho and Hendo to progress in and around them and to give us options off the bench in every game, or allow us to play different styles.
What about Lallana lads? Is he the type of player you need? As for a strong DM, we have the exact same problem, and credit to Martinez he pull off a good signing in Barry for Everton.
I do think he would be a good signing but he plays the same role as Sterling. Being in CL next season will mean that have two quality players in each position will be very important, and that AM role will be especially important due to the work load it requires.
