Have to say that I was quite happy to see Gerrard pushed on later in the game at the weekend. All of a sudden, we had player movement that I hadn't seen that much of this year to date. Right now, I'd be much happier seeing him play in a more advanced role for say, 70 minutes than him in the holding role. Thoughts?
If we were to move him about it keeps the opposition guessing too. They can't get their forward to mark Stevie if he's further up the pitch.
i suggested this ages ago but dont think it was popular at the time. i have always held the opinion that its silly to try and prolong his career by moving him back and playing him in a position that doesn't suit his play ie restricted. rather have seen him pushed forward and see if he can get back that lethal shot we know he has on him, also make space available for other players as he is good enough to draw defenders, our attack has been too static and not enough movement up front. rather 60 -70 mins a game of the stevie we all loved than 90 mins of a frustrated player.
He hit a pretty decent one on Saturday but for the keeper to save it. can't recall if this was before or after he moved forward though
At last....people talking sense re Stevie G. Never cut out to be a holding midfielder for the simple reason he's not disciplined enough for it. He wants to be involved and gets sucked into battles he doesn't need to. At times it's fine to drop him deeper but in the main I'd love to see him and Hendo as the two higher players of a 3 man mid. Total waste of his natural pass and move game playing him so deep.
As long as it's not for 90 minutes why not? Many have said they'd prefer a 45 minute full fat Gerrard than 90 minute diet Gerrard. Try 90 up there though, every game and it'll nose dive. But will Gerrard accept his preferred role but limited time and regular subs off as opposed to every game in the DM role?
He's a lot better playing more advanced than has a DM. He did look good against WBA for the last 20 mins but we should remember that he had more time and space as WBA were more open and looking for an equaliser. However - moving Gerrard away from DM means we can have Can, Allen and Hendo midfield which will give us much more protection in the back, more mobile but it allows Stevie to do what he does best which is ATTACK! Would definitely welcome this move once Can/Allen are fully fit.
As has been said, I don't think he can play 90 mins very game there but why not. He's more dangerous up there and I really don't think him in DM is working. In Italy it might work with pirlo given the pace of the league but Gerrard gets caught out playing there a lot. He's more of a threat higher up the pitch than back and opposition will have to mix up their plans of we move him.
i should have added, not sure if i was on here or the other forum at the time though, as i used both equally as much as the other at the time i think, i should imagine both forums were more on the side of prolong his career though ie dm, even though i dont agree personally. quite funny when you do use 2 dif forums as you see similarities in users from both, wonder who the GB version on here is bet its mito
IF you move Gerrard further forward then you have to have both Can and Allen available and playing well. It was good to see him move forward and it did enliven the attack but I'm not sure just how long he can sustain it.
Much better playing higher up. If only we had better players to play further back. Hope Can develops well!
It could be much more effective to move Gerrard forward when we are seeing out a game. Bring Lucas on to just defend, Henderson and Allen can do what they always do and Gerrard can deal with the opposing holding player and keep link with the attack.
i think there is a flexibility that we need to look at. 1. was he looking good cos the others gave west brom the run around so he could look that good. 2. did playing deep and not being pressed allow him to save a lot in his tank to be able to deliver. 3. was it the case that having the tactical flexibility to switch it up not more valuable than a short burst player who's then f'd for the rest of the game/ I think personally it adds something to rogders tool box and next time a donkey like downing comes to run aorund chasing gerrard at the back he can switch forward and find space there. More than ANYTHING it showed how dire coutinho and sterling were at getting close to balotelli v basel. surely lallana showed what getting close to your striker can do for interplay too? I would not permanently switch him but would love to see it be an on field switch we could make and see someone like allen or henderson drop in and take over the role at the back to allow it. example diamond gerrard Henderson allen sterling so we have to sub someone here to move gerrard? eg allen Henderson gerrard sterling or allen henderson sterling gerrard Actually put in lallana and it might actually work... move stelring up to striker with sturridge.... i dunno
