No one is mentioning our holding midfielder from our first 2 games, Jordan Henderson. An option? I dont think we have the right strikers and wide players for 4231. But otherwise it is a great system for controlling a game. I think all of our strikers are better in a partnership and Ibe and Moreno are our only (risky) wide options.
Apart from Firmino, these have been our better performers this season and this formation has them in positions suited to them (take note, Rodgers). Coutinho may get more goals from wide left cutting in, but when he's played central and deeper, he's brilliant at starting attacks like Alonso used to although rather than a glorious pass, he does it with a dink and drop of the shoulder. Lucas has to play DM. Henderson played far better than Milner in that central position. Firmino may not have set the world alight, but he's rarely played in his proper position I'm sure he'll play much better linking up between Coutinho and Sturridge with Ings making runs rather than with Benteke and Milner. Defensive 4 are pretty much like anyone else suggests. Give them time to make mistakes and learn. Mignolet Clyne Gomez Sakho Moreno Lucas Henderson Coutinho Firmino Sturridge Ings
Firmino was brilliant last season and young enough to improve. Lallana was poor last season and won't improve much more. I'm a big Lallana fan, but I would rather give Firmino a chance to develop an understanding with Coutinho and Sturridge.
Firmino has been one of the best performing players over past 2 years across major leagues. He's young and has potential to become world class. Firmino out of position should have had a couple of assists to his name and his shooting is a lot more accurate than the rest of our midfielders. Off the ball, his movement is exceptional and plays with real intelligence. Give him a run of games in the middle and you'll see how good he is - especially behind Sturridge. These two plus Coutinho can be a frightening prospect.
Firmino is one of the hardest working attackers as well. But Sturridge and Ings up top, Firmino as number 10. Coutinho as number 8. Everyone is a winner.
Yup, lets all go back and agree that my team selection would be the best If you're reading this, Mr Henry, I would love a new job and pay rise. I'll do it for 1k a week with a bonus based on results and longevity.
In a top 4 side, he's a very good squad player. Basically what Milner was for City. For now - If Can plays as deepest mid, then Hendo and Coutinho CM. To
-- Sturridge - Benteke - Ings -- Coutinho - Firmino - Milner Moreno - Sakho - Gomez - Clyne ---------- Mignolet #attackattackattack
Really not a Lucas fan tbh although he did well against Villa. I just feel Can And Hendo give us more energy and physicality in the midfield. And Can can certainly drive us the field by 20-30 yards with his powerful runs.
Our defensive record and wins to losses without Lucas is appalling. Regardless of how 'slow' he appears, errors he makes or how many defensive fouls he commits, he is absolutely vital to us right now. Until the time comes when we buy a quality replacement, Lucas has to play. Coutinho has to play as a CM imo. That leaves one midfield spot between Henderson, Can and Milner. Hendo wins outright for me right now. Can can replace Lucas against 'weaker' opposition - although there aren't really any for us right now.
My concern with that would be Benteke hogging the central area too much preventing the superb movement from the others. Not saying Benteke is immobile as he isn't, but nor is he the most energetic either.
Doesn't matter what you guys think Rodgers will come up with a new plan to confuse the opposition and the fans.
