I'm a first time poster on this site, although, I have been browsing the threads on a regular basis ever since 606 closed. It has taken me some time to get used to the layout of the site but i'd like to say kudos to the mods and site producer. Moving on, i'd like to give my opinion on the squad as a whole as well as cover the notion that there are 'too many midfielders'. In writing this, I will expect that some players will leave and others arrive as the transfer season progresses. I am fairly young to have witnessed Kennys' team of the late 80's but what I have seen over the second part of the season is that he instils a team ethic into the players. We no longer look to one or two star players on the field for the win, but rather work as a unit to achieve it. In saying this, it takes away the tag that LFC is a 'one or two man team'. i.e. when Gerrard and Torres were the star of the show. With the new players who have arrived at the club, I think it points to us playing a 4-2-3-1 formation as follows: -------------------------Carrol ----------------Saurez Gerrard Henderson ----------------------Adam Lucas ------------Left back Agger Carra Johnson -------------------------Reina In applying this formation, I do not think that Adam and Lucas will be predominantly defensive midfielders. I think Lucas may be given the task of 'destroyer' but will also be expected to make forward runs past the attacking midfielders when possible. The same for Adam. Adam also seems to be the 'Alonso' type player that the team has been missing and will possibly be allowed to orchestrate the play as a deep-lying midfielder. A formation such as this with these players will provide a solidarity in midfield as well as allow the option of Gerrard and Henderson comfortably slotting into central midfield when either Adam or Lucas are out of position. Gerrard can also dictate the play just as Adam does. Although Henderson is not a natural right winger i.e. one who hugs the touch line, he does seem to have a good cross on him and can turn provider for Carroll or other players. Saurez has trickery which is an added attacking dimension on the left. Depending on the opposition, the full-backs will be allowed to get forward down the touchline and although defensively suspect, I think Johnson is a very good attacking full back. I feel a left-back in a similar mould will be purchased this transfer window. A lot of threads have mentioned that the midfield is congested with players currently at the club. I think Shelvey may go out on loan to gain some much needed experience. Spearing will stay to provide cover for mainly Lucas and to an extent Adam and Gerrard. I would like both Aquilani and Meireles to stay as they are very good squad members and do provide competition and cover for the CM positions and CAM. Though, I do feel one of them may leave. I think Poulsen will leave this summer together with Jovanovic and Cole who are on massive wages. Kuyt, Maxi and a possible new signing in the form of Downing or Mata will provide cover/competition for LAM and RAM. Kuyt can also cover as a stiker as we all know (so to Saurez). I think a youthful striker may be acquired as back-up this transfer window which would explain the Bojan and Wickham rumours. Defensively, as mentioned above, a left-back will be acquired and perhaps a central defender as-well. Aurelio and Insua may stay as cover/competition but I wouldn't be surprised if one of them left as Robinson has shown that he is able to cover for a few games. On the right back there is Kelly and Flanno as cover for Johnson and carra can deputise there if needed. In central defence, i'd like a pairing of Carra and Agger but we all know that Agger will probably not last the majority of the season. Therefore, i'm content with Skrtel and Krygiakos as cover but we still are fairly light in this position. Although, I am all for giving youngsters a go in the first team, I think central defence is an important position that requires some experience and therefore instead of relying on Ayala at el as cover, i'd prefer the purchase of a central defender. This again probably explains the rumours on Dann and Jones. Reina will be the first team goalkeeper for majority of the games and Doni or someone else as back-up. All things considered; with the (possible) first eleven mentioned in the formation above, I think the rest of the squad could look like this: Kuyt New winger/attacking midfielder - Downing/Mata etc New striker - Bojan etc Maxi Aquilani Meireles Spearing Aurelio Insua Robinson Kelly Flanno Skrtel Krygiakos Doni Other youngsters can make up the rest of the squad. Shelvey could possibly stay should Aqua or Meireles leave. However, I woul'dnt be surprised if another midfielder such as Gago or Matuidi came to Anfield. In light of all the above mentioned players, the following would possibly make up the home-grown quote: Carroll Gerrard Henderson Spearing Carra Johnson Downing? Shelvey? ...and other youngsters from the academy. Possible players to leave: Poulsen Jovanovic Cole Ngog Konchesky Possible player purchases: Left winger/attacking midfielder Left back Central defender Back-up goalkeeper (Maybe a central midfielder should one of the 'bigger' names leave) Several formations can be played with different players to suit different styles, however, the above are just my opinions and with the European transfer window just opened, I expect some more new faces which may affect formations and style. I respectfully await your opinions. (Apologies for the long post)
For me: -----------------------Reina-------------------------------- --Johnson----Agger---------Carragher----------Enrique*- --------------Adam----------Lucas-------------------------- ----Kuyt--------------Gerrard-----------------Suarez------ -----------------------Carroll-------------------------------- *=hopeful buy. Then have a bench with the likes of Henderson, Doni on etc..... If Downing does come to Villa then move Suarez to the right wing and have Downing on the left wing with Kuyt dropping to the bench.
Welcome to the forum! It might have been a long post but it's a top-notch post with some excellent points of view put across well. Have some rep! Regarding your team and the defensive side of the team, I agree with most of your points. You have said that Agger will get injured and I believe that Martin Kelly could move into the centre-back position in the event of Agger getting injured. Apart from that, I can't argue with the views you have put across.
Welcome to the forum. Any problems send me a PM. You make interesting points.Yes Kenny likes players that fit into certain positions.However there is one thing and I've noticed that Kenny doesn't believe in is rigidity. What I mean is the team may be set up a certain way,but don't expect each player to finish where they started.They move about.Luis Suarez never stays centrally. He doesn't know how to be honest,He's got at least 4 different dimensions to his overall play.He can play two different positions at once.You could see him win possession deep and then release it and then recieve it wide and then create a chance.Thats what busy players like him do. It will be completely different to what it was like when Torres was in the side,as Torres didn't do team-play.Suarez is more of a team-player,he will do the donkey work himself and create chances for others to finish,and doesn't mind doing it.He will also contribute a decent number of goals.Thats why Dirk Kuyt loves playing alongside him.For all his skill and breath-taking ability,he puts in a shift.He's a pest.He never gives defenders a break. Now I think with the expected acquisition of Charlie Adam,and to compliment that a touch-line hugger aka an outlet lets say for the minute Downing.Andy Caroll will be compliment.See how it all fits.Its all about fitting pieces into formations and systems and strengthening areas of weakness.
Welcome. I'll just give you a few rules for new members: 1. I am the almighty ZL - you should refer to me as Lord, Your Majesty is also acceptable. 2. I require a blood tithe every new moon. 3. I require a money tithe every week. 4. You must agree with everything I say. Failure to comply with these terms will end in a witty remark coming your way!
Welcome to the site Kewell and Aiden. As has been said, any probs give one of us mods a shout. Why Kewell in the name? Was never personally a fan. In regards to the article, i'm not sure about Hendersen on the right. To be honest I don't know where he fits in our team at all, but i'm willing to change my mind. Who would you want to leave? Mereilles or Aquaman? b4f
Welcome to the newcomers to the site. Quality post and no need to apologise for it being long Meireles would be better to leave. He showed at the latter stages of the sesaon that his fitness isn't upto scratch. He is two years older than Aquilani and I reckon we could still make the same amount on him as Aquilani himself, who, if stays, could drive his own value up within a season of playing with us again
To Ze Liverbird; I will try to adhere to your terms. To bf4: I'm not entirely sure why 'Kewell'. But I suppose I did have high hopes for him when he joined the club and I was definitely a fan when he was at Leeds. Unfortunately he couldn't live up to the expectations probably due to injuries. In regards to Henderson on the right, i've only put him there because from what i've seen of him is that he's a good crosser of the ball and very energetic, similar to Kuyt. Logically i'd assume he would slot in there. But like KPR said, Kenny doesn't play a rigid formation (I agree), and Henderson is one of those players that likes making those runs into the box similar to Gerrard and to an extent Adam. Therefore, I think there will be a lot of interchanging between the midfielders. What I am pleased about though is that most of our midfielders are work-horses. I like the idea of having players that will fight for the team and make the effort to defend high up the pitch. I'd probably prefer Meireles to leave if the option did present itself. Meireles is in his late 20's and his value is going to drop drastically so i'd prefer cashing in on him as soon as possible, especially after this past season which has been a fairly good one. Aqua seems to be more technical and probably has better ball control (his footwork reminds me a lot of Benayoun) and has an eye for a pass as compared to Meireles (something that we've been missing in the team). Therefore, i'd prefer Meireles to leave between the two should an acceptable bid come in.
I pretty much agree with all of that. Despite Fernando having a good season, I still feel Aqua is the better player. I also wanted Kewell to do well. I'll never forget being at Anfield hearing and singing "Harry, Harry Kewell! to the obvious tune. He did well out of us though I think. He needed to go.
Kewell. I wouldn't say they are work-horses.Barcelona's midfielders switch about,would you call them work-horses? However I see what you mean,the more the players switch about the more confused the oppostion is.The more chances there is to score.There seems to be a greater work ethic under Kenny and thats a clear sign that this is going to be a successful era.I'm hugely encouraged.
Your squad is shaping up nicely, although I do expect some of those higher wage earners such as Maxi, Kyrigiakos and Aqualani to leave your side. I really think Spearing is a big talent. Whilst think that XI looks fairly good I would play Adam further forward as defensively he is not too hot, perhaps playing either him or Henderson and Spearing behind with Lucas.
Hi mate. I agree Adam might be better further up the pitch. Kyrigiakos is confimed to stay though. Don't think him and Hendersen wills start with Lucas. Either Merielles or Aqua has to fit in there.
Thanks bow4fowler, I'm still not sure what formation you are looking to play under Daglish next season if he is interested in players like Downing, who I incidentally think is overrated. Personally I think you need another centre back who can keep the ball, a bit like Smalling etc. Still it seems that the chairman is willing to back your boss strongly in the market, where do you think would be a fair finish for you next season with the current squad?
Top four is my opinion,plus both the cups.I also believe Chelsea will be crowned Champions.Barcelona to retain the CL. I reckon we can replace Arsenal in the top four. There is as much chance of Everton finishing in the top four as Spurs.Spurs got a lucky break with Liverpool being in financial turmoil,and they capitalised on it.It was a one-season fluke,nothing more.They cannot compete with a stable and solvent Liverpool that has began flexing its muscles.
It's going to be tough KingPepeReina. Personally as a Premiership outsider I cannot see beyond Manchester for the Premiership winners next season. I also expect Chelsea to spend big. Fourth or fifth is prob about right, depending on Arsenal's buys and Spurs' keeping all their players.
I don't share your optimism regarding Manchester. If City lose Tevez,they will have less up front than Kylie Minogue,as Balotelli is a sulking diva,and Dzeko couldn't hit a bulls arse with a banjo.And Mancini is an imbecile.They have to be the most poorly managed side in the premiership. As for United,Their lack of a central midfield is going to come back and bite them.If they sign the two central midfielders they need,they will walk the league and deservedly so.If they don't.My money is on Chelsea.
I'm not sure about City but certainly United, who are assembling a young squad (no pun intended). I really rate Smalling and De Gea is a good acquisition. As you rightly said they are one midfielder away from having an awesome team, that I fear could dominate oncemore.
