I was thinking Dzeko had looked exactly like that for Citeh though up until two games ago and yesterday he looked like something has just clicked with him (maybe a fluke and he'll be **** again next week). I think it's important Carroll gets time simply because if we can improve his mobility and reading of the game I can see why his attributes (physical presence and a lethal shot) can prove massively useful to us over the coming seasons. As for the Gerrard scenario I agree with the above who say he should be eased back in. Give him a couple of games off the bench, build back up his match fitness as we now know we really don't need to rush him back. For me I think he'll possibly play in behind Suarez, and Kuyt and Hendo will share wide right responsibilities, either that or Kenny may play him wide right and leave Kuyt in behind the front man. Will be interesting to see how he utilises him but wherever he plays what an asset to have returning into the squad happy days
ChrisWood. It was like that at the Emirates. Arsenal fans were relieved to see Andy Carroll go off, but that relief turned to worry when they saw who was replacing him. Now that was a masterstroke by Kenny, Frimpong got himself sent off and Kenny made a double substitution. It worked to perfection. I was watching LFCTV on saturday evening and the analysis after the Liverpool and Bolton game, and one point was made that Kenny got his tactics spot on by not starting Andy Carroll and going for the Suarez/Kuyt combo. Big physical centre-backs thrive on a physical battle, and they would have relished having a contest against Andy Carroll. They do have a weakness however they don't like playing against ''busy players'' and thats what Kuyt and Suarez are. Both are little terriers that bite ankles. In dog speak, Carroll is like a rottweiller and can be dangerous, whereas Kuyt and Suarez are like jack-russells who can be just as dangerous.
The good thing is that because of the players we now have,he can be brought back gradually.So often when a player has been out for as long as he has they pick up other unrelated injuries because they are rushed back into it.Gerrard is still class (except for his corner taking which he should now hand over to Adam and just hang around the edge of the box) and would get in just about and midfiled in the prem but he needs to come back over a period of time,I am sure kenny will do the right thing. When he is fully fit I could see him playing in a 4-1-3-2 with Downing right,Adam left and Stevie in centre of the 3 with Lucas behind.
Never before have we been in a situation where when Gerrard is fully fit, we are hoping he is introduced slowly in to the first team and not rushed back in too early. I think this really shows how far we have come and how good DC, KD & JWH have done in getting the right players in. I think now Gerrard hasn't got the whole weight of the club resting on his shoulders he will get somewhere back to his best.
Absolutely right and who knows what a fully fit reved up Gerrard can do.After all Giggs last couple of years have been some of his best because he has been used somewhat sparingly and Gerrard is a lot younger,so used correctly he could still be a top player for a good few years yet.
Good point. I think we can now say tio Stevie, there is no pressure on you. We no longer need you to pull rabbits out of a hat. We have players that will step up to the mark when required. Our strength in depth has improved considerably, you are here to make us even stronger. As for a formation with Stevie in the side, here's mine. Suarez Kuyt Gerrard Downing Adam Lucas. However this formation is flexible, and it has the security of having Henderson, Carroll and Mereiles on the bench plus Jay Spearing who is an able deputy for Lucas.
Agreed that would be my starting line up when everyone is fit and if Gerrard is playing well. Don't think he should just walk back into the team though. I do forget about Spearing. He never seems to let the team down when ever he plays and is like that annoying kid at the park that takes things way too seriously and never stops trying to tackle you! He seems to run around non stop and reminds me of Mascherano in the way he hassle's players constantly!
The main point here is that Gerrard's role has changed, he doesn't have to be the crux of the team anymore and I hope that will allow him to play and be an important player for us for a few years yet. When he is fit and playing he will have a huge influence on this season. Quote me on that.
Carroll has a big problem on his hands if he wants to regularly start games, because I can see Kenny keeping the same midfield and then having Suarez upfront with Stevie G just behind.
Agreed. Am I the only one who was surprised Carroll debt start last game? after his goal at Exeter, I would've though kd would have started him to keep confidence up... Strange to me.
--------Lucas-Adam--------- --Gerrard----------Downing-- ------Carroll----Suarez------ Gerrard in the free role.
--------Lucas-Adam--------- --Suarez--Gerrard--Downing-- ------------Kuyt------------ Gerrard as a #10, Suarez and Downing switching sides with Suarez cutting into the box and Downing staying wide. Adam free to push up the pitch in attack. Carroll can play when he starts running
