I'm not usually a fan of building a team around one player because if that player leaves the team is screwed. But Coutinho is almost carrying us ATM, with some help from a few others (Henderson, Can, Mignolet). I'm tempted to say how could we build a team around Coutinho and Can as I believe Can has a big future. But right now Coutinho is the focus. So, with as little transfers as you feel is possible, how could we build a successful team around Coutinho? - My main thought with Coutinho is he plays best with maximum freedom and minimum defensive responsibility. So a solid midfield behind him is vital. Quick players who make good runs ahead of him are also important to getting the best out of his creativity. One thing I look at is Rafa's team in 2006 when Gerrard was given a free role in a 442, with 2 solid CM players (Mascherano and Alonso) allowing him the freedom to drift in behind 2 strikers. A winger then provided width on the other side for balance. If we tried this with Coutinho I think he would work better from the left. Ibe or Markovic can provide width from the right, as well as an added goal threat. For killing pace and flexibility I will but Sterling off Sturridge upfront. But in more physical games I'd be tempted to trade Sterling for Balotelli. Moreno can bomb forward to give width from LB and a new DM and CB of the highest quality are a must, as well as another striker similar to Sturridge (with out the injuries) so that we can rotate. ---------------Mignolet------------- Flanagan-New-Sakho-Moreno ------------Can-----New----------- --Ibe--------------------Coutinho-- ---------Sterling--------------------- ---------------Sturridge-------------- It doesnt quite seem right leaving Henderson out, but I dont see how he fits in that midfield. He'd still have an important role to play from the squad and will still be a valued asset. I'm interested to see your alternative ideas.
Rodgers did the right thing last season and built the team around Suarez. This season, it's as if he was building around Gerrard and Sturridge. Sterling and Coutinho should have been the players we built around, along with Sakho and Can. but Rodgers thought it was a good idea to spend £20m on a Sakho replacement, use Gerrard in midfield more than Can, and sign Lallana to rotate with Coutinho/Sterling.
I wont add Can to that as he arrived as a young player. Can took several months to show his true capabilities. Sakho was very injury prone last season and from what I'v heard not so happy here, and Lallana can be very useful among our AM options. Gerrard's passing worked wonders for SAS last season but is useless with out, and others teams also learnt that stopping Gerrard's passes stops SAS's time on the ball.
I still don't get what people have against Lucas, cracking player imo and not many DM's of his quality around.
---------------Mignolet------------- Flanagan-New-Sakho-Moreno ----------------Lucas----------------- -----Hendo------------New-------- --------------Countinho------------ -----------New------Studge------
I like Lucas and would keep him around. I'd like some one who can add a bit more magic, but Lucas is satisfactory. Lucas is also injury prone would at a minimum need a worthy deputy.
I'm still not sure where he fits, he's brilliant at times and at times I just feel he needs that time to improve, he's certainly playing but if I'm playing fantasy footy then I think we can do better in midfield and at center back. He's the type of player I'd like to see play his way into the team.
See id rather have him than lucas at the moment mainly because he offers that bit more mobility and energy. I do like lucas but he's just losing what little pace he had before his injury and tends to make him be 1/2 second late with tackles at times. Still keep him in the squad because certain games he's be more than useful but if play diamond with the below with what we have atm. Can Allen Henderson Coutinho Sterling Sturridge
The reasons for why I think Lucas is an average DM is because he is inefficient. His tackling success % is average to say the least - which is understandable because he's not a natural DM. He was originally an AM before Rafa converted him. He's slow, immobile and can be easily beaten. Doesn't really add much physicality (more than Allen though). Just think he lacks the real intelligence to play in a role but again, that's not his fault since it's not his natural position. But the single biggest reason why I don't rate him is because we were blessed with the likes of Hamman and Mascherano who were proper DM's. That is the level of quality we require. Lucas is a solid squad player to have but along with Skrtel, Hendo, Allen etc - we need players who have that extra bit of quality . We need a quality DM - one to replace Mascherano, which is criminal as we still haven't but also a CM. I would prefer a box to box CM who will work alongside Can. For example, a midfield trio of Carvalho/Kondogbia at DM, Can and Hendo/A Nother would add real strength, mobility, fear but more important, drive. People often associate having a DM as negative - it's not. A quality DM will protect the defence but it then gives the midfielders like Can freedom to play their attacking game, without having to worry about tracking back and defending. It's all about adding balance. Chelsea have Matic. United have Carrick - who has been instrumental in United's turnaround (IMO), and Arsenal have been in great form since Cocquelin came into the team.
I think his late tackles are usually intentional fouls that are covering for someone further forward making a mistake, he knows what he's doing and keeps his fouls away from the 18 yard box. I don't see Can as DM, he's quick over longer distance but not over shorter distances and I feel that's needed in the DM position. I'd like him either alongside another DM or going box to box.
I agree to some extent. I'm not sure Can has the discipline to play that role, as his natural instinct is to attack. I think his best role is as the libero - playing from between the centre backs and driving forward. He is perfect it. .
my view would be relatively simple. I would start with a 4-3-3/ 4-2-3-1 type approach but have a 4-1-2-1-2 in mind too NEW GK (don't rate mingolet) NEW RB NEW CB Sahko Moreno (god help us) CAN - Henderson Ibe Coutinho - Sterling Sturrdige this is based on where oscar played for cheslea. Cheslea get willian and hazard wider and one up in costa. Is it the old gerrard position with torres? maybe mut i'd be looking to can to sit more and henderson to leg about like the headless chicken he can be closing down especially against lower sides Its like this though.. I could write new all over this side.
In a 4-1-2-1-2 I'd put him doing what you are saying. gerrard's legs were gone wbut this lad could play that role... but out coutinho at no 10 behind the two up front.... its all about getting coutinho advanced and central where he can go hurt sides and find sapce. sticking a player like this deep wide left defending is criminal.
