Go on, lets discuss it.. the final fossil in the team, Stevie G.... Over the last few weeks, I've seen people post several formations we could be playing, IF we end up buying all these midfielders we keep being linked with. And without fail Gerrard is always in the team and everyone else is getting shuffled around him If we get Allen, and if we get Ramerez or Adam Johnston or God only knows, we are going to struggle to get them all in. Also consider that Shelvey has just been given a big contract, which makes you scratch your head over the stories that he may go out on loan for a year. Also we have Conor Coady working his way through in the next 2 years. Just like Carra, I think Stevie has to start looking at playing less of a roll. But how do you sideline your club captain? I'm sure Rodgers has thought about it.
I think he'll play most games in midfield. Gerrard Lucas Shelvey/Allen But be rested when needed. I think that the system under Rodgers will suit him as he could also play in the front 3. Gerrard Carroll Suarez for example. So for me he still has a big part to play, he has a good footballing brain so will adjust and I expect to see him playing this season and the next.
First of all it's Ramirez and Johnson, sorry but spelling is a real bug-bear of mine. Secondly I still think he has something to offer to the first team. He showed against Newcastle and Bolton last year he definitely still has the quality. Shelvey will feature a lot more but I still don't think he's ready to be starting every week. I think a midfield three of Gerrard, Allen and Lucas is likely with Henderson and Adam as backup (in all honesty I can't see Adam featuring much this season). I think if we are to play with Carroll at the centre of a front 3 then we need Gerrard in the team as he is the only person in the squad who can consistently put in a great cross.
Another reason I'd like Mandy to be given a chance this season. Definite signs of a connection between Stevie and him towards the back end of the season and during the Euros.
It is a question that has to be asked. At the end of last season I was suggesting that we could probably only expect 1/2 more seasons from Gerrard and therefore we needed to discover an heir apparent. I have not changed that opinion. However, I agree with Billy that he can easily adapt his style to fit whatever role he is required to fill - the Euros were a prime example of that. Now I have no idea if Rodgers is planning to use his skills laying deep or in the 'hole' but I do know that he is a class above the majority of players in the Premiership and we are fortunate to have his commitment.
I think most people on this board probably know my feelings towards Gerrard, but I would love to see him play with Lucas behind him. Lucas is such an important player for the team for obvious reasons and he will allow Gerrard to play his more natural game. Having said that, I don't see Gerrard playing in this new style of football. I think he would struggle to keep up with the passing and moving as his legs seem to be going. He also likes to play difficult balls and ends up losing possession. In addition, BR needs all of his outfield players to press and win the ball back quickly. I get the sense that Stevie has become a bit lazy recently (probably due to old age). I think he would definately be a quality 'super sub' though and he still possesses the abiltiy to change a game just like that.
An aging sg in decline is still much better than any midfielder most other clubs have. How long he can keep it up depends on a lot of factors... he still appears to have the drive. For at least one more season he will continue to start most games.
BR has been waxing lyrial over how great Carra is, this is what we want at the club, a legend, etc etc but when it comes to say another player it is " everyone has a price, but I won't speculate" I know he is plaing the fan favorite legend card but I really hope carra isn't the first name on the team sheet. He was outstanding for us but just think he needs to be used sparingly ( again)
I actually think in the next two or three seasons, as his legs start to go even more, you will see Gerrard play at centre back. He's perfect to play there in Rodgers system.
Well... he did start out at Centre Back- so he qualifies for the position. Dunno though- I think he'd retire before he changed back to a defender now- I think he's very much driven on by being the big-fish and centre of attention... centre backs don't get that kind of attention.
Haha - didn't want to disappoint! I don't like the idea of building teams around individuals. I think a successful system enables anyone to come into a position and keep the team flowing as normal. Similar to Barcelona in that if Sanchez is injured, they can bring on Pedro etc etc. I know they have Messi but I believe the team would still function pretty well without him (for a couple of games at least). Having said that, if we are to build a team around individuals, it should be around Lucas and Suarez as both are integral to our defence and attack. Both are 25 and are raching their best years ...
