I seriously don't think they are. They work back to help out much like any wide midfielder would but they don't sit deep in line with the three CB's forming a back five. If they are WBs then why isn't it being referred to as a 523 system...? WBs are defenders, the clue is in the word 'back'.
I think Rodgers is expecting too much of his wingbacks but credit for picking players like Marko and Ibe. It's clear that he wants pace and players who can carry the ball and run into space, and it's big part of our attack. However, we can be exposed - which is why we need a quality DM and CM partnership to patrol the area.
Brod expects too much of his defenders. Always has and I suspect he always will. We need a quality DM but I'm convinced Brod doesn't want one. He's only recently accepted that Lucas needs to play but even then, Lucas gets the licence to roam / get forward too.
DM's are so crucial in the game and I hope that Rodgers has finally seen the benefits of playing Lucas in the midfield because we're clearly far more solid.
In Brod's system, they are there to protect the defence but they can also get forward given the opportunity and Brod expects them to be involved in the build up play, maybe as the deep lying playmaker if you like. I believe this is why he played Gerrard there. Brod doesn't like a player to be stuck to one area of the pitch, he even gets his CB's to pull wide
