Gerrard has moved back. He now sits deep and plays the passes. He starts counter attackers and keeps things ticking. But is he really playing DM? He really does drop deep. Often right back between the CB's with the full backs running forward, leaving him in a back 3. So is Gerrard really being turned in to a DM or is he a sweeper? Or could this be the number 2 center back Rodgers was dtalking about?
Check out how deep he is on the average position chart here: http://www.liverpoolfc.com/text-commentary
I'm one of few on this board that think Gerrard has all the attributes to play a disciplined defensive role. His vision and passing ability is perfect for the role. Plus he can sit back and watch the game, a great position for a captain. I like his new role - and once he gets fully accustomed to it, he'll be perfect for it in my opinion. I realise others don't think it suits him, but for me he's perfect for it
I totally agree. The man showed that he has the ability to work both defensively and with an eye to attack. Despite the penalty today was a masterclass against the league leaders.
I'll bow down to all (Sky, Dave, Brendan Rodgers) who called for it early on. He looked great. Most comfortable and assured he's been. What he needed and got (like in the Everton match) though was the rest of the midfield working back and supporting him. Coutinho did this very well. So did Hendo. At last! A midfield with Gerrard working together as a three! I'd settle for this every week with Allen coming on to rest Gerrard once he's done his job. And a Full Backs who helped both Gerrard and the CM by cutting out crosses made a big difference as well. THATS a whole team performance. But Gerrard was immense. Excellent.
Don't thank me (or the others), Gerrard today proved he could do what was required (as he said he could). But you are right he needs Coutinho and Henderson to make it happen for him. Long live our 3 man midfield - to the end of the season anyway because we still need a replacement for Stevie in the long term.
Very solid today. Almost acted as a 3rd centre back at times and lets face it, his tackling has always been superb. He does however need to watch his tackling when he is in his own box, that tackle today was needless and gave a cheap peno away. That being said, a midfield 3 of Gerrard, Coutinho and Henderson is very good!
I don't doubt he has the ability or discipline, I question his mentality nowadays to perform such a vital role every week. I also have concerns about his lack of pace and work ethic against certain side such as Villa who setup with pacey counter-attacking, Stevie got raped in that game. Glad he's proving me wrong, three excellent games in a row and counting
Gerrard is class and has a very good footballing brain - this is why he is so versatile, he understands each position and has great awareness
He was less of a CB today than during the WBA game. At WBA, he spread it sideways to defenders most of the time, whilst today he combined often with Hendo and pinged it forward more frequently. Good decision by Rodgers to sub him to preserve his energies for midweek.
Thought he was very accomplished in this role against Everton and Arsenal. Two teams that set out to attack us, and we hit them on the counter. I just have my concerns when we come up against teams where we need to be the aggressors.
