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13 Oct 2013 13:04:01
I thought I'd give my two pence worth on our current formation, performances and the current pairing in midfield.

Our recent change in formation to the wonderful 3-4-1-2, has changed all sorts of dynamics with our side and in particular the holding/sitting two in midfield. It's worked exceptionally well for me and is something I hope we continue to utilise, along with a 4-3-1-2 or something along those lines.

Mignolet has started the season in excellent form. His shot stopping is as good as anyone in the leagues, which he's demonstrated each week. He's quick off his line and is learning to command his defence. His distribution and dealing with crosses is an area of improvement, but overall on recent seasons form he's a huge upgrade on Reina.

The three at the back really suits our current wealth of centre halves. Sakho and Kolo are working wonderfully in the slightly wider roles, both are confident and composed on the ball and strong in the tackle. The leadership qualities displayed by Kolo is also a huge factor in this seasons success in my opinion, so I just can't see how he, or the ever improving Sakho can be dropped.

Skrtel has also excelled in the deeper central role, which has been a pleasant surprise. Martin seemed to be on the verge of leaving in the summer, but for now it seems he has a place in our side and a renewed lease of life in the formation that best suits his abilities. That said his role will most suit Agger in my opinion. His immense ability on the ball and reading of the game, will work excellently in tandem with Mama and Kolo. He can step out of defence at times and stride forward, which won't compromise our defence and will also boost our midfield two, which right now desperately needs the support.

The wing back role is ideal for Johnson, he's always been touted as a right winger and this will let he shackles off even further. When he's on song, he's a great outlet on the right and with the movement up front, I feel he'll contribute immensely over the coming months. Defensively he's stronger than a lot think in my opinion as he showed against Man Utd.

His counterpart of Jose Enrique on the left, again should be suited to the system. Personally I'm not a big fan of Jose, whilst his defensive play (when in position) is good, even great at times. His ability (or lack of) to pass a ball 5 yards is infuriating, as his is insistence to hit 10 lofted balls over the top each game. Cissokho now fit can hopefully get some game time and rediscover his form of a few years ago, which touted him as being a top class left back.

Our attack in Sturridge and Suarez for me is the best in the league. Their movement both individually and together is excellent. Both are strong, powerful and purposeful runners and wonderful finishers. This system is ideal to incorporate both playing centrally, but also allowing them to drop off and dart wide when required, it's honestly working so much better than I'm sure even BR had hoped.

Behind these two Moses has worked tirelessly and impressively at times. He's a strong dribbler and as shown against Swansea, excellent on the counter. With the return of Coutinho, I'd imagine Victor will be used as an impact from the bench, which works well and Cou tends to tire around the 60-70 min mark. Luis Alberto is the alternative option to replace Cou and personally I'm excited about his development I've the next 12 months. He's get excellent control and vision, is a strong finisher and plays in a fashion that I love to watch, him and a returning Suso next season can become real standout performers for me in coming years.

Speaking of Coutinho, I honestly cannot wait for him to return. Whilst he's not started this season quite as well as he ended the last, his absence before Suarez return clearly demonstrated his qualities and what he brings to our side. His ability to dictate play, pick wonderful passes and walk past players is a joy to watch. Him behind a firing SAS, can only lead to one thing, goals!

I'll discuss the first pairing we've seen this year in midfield, Gerrard and Lucas. My feelings on the two is mixed. Whilst I'm of firm believe that both are excellent players, Gerrard formerly world class. The combination of both together is extraordinarily poor. Whilst that may sound harsh, the goals conceded usually down to a lack of closing down from our midfield in particular Gerrard. The astonishing 5 yellow cards picked up by Lucas already, clearly trying to recover from poor positions. Plus the sheer dominance in that area from Southampton, Swansea (once Cou went off) and for spells against a bottom of the league Sunderland, clearly shows this.

The biggest shining light of our midfield, is a man whose rarely played there, Jordan Henderson. The most improved player in our side over the last 12 months and up there with the most improved players in the league for me. His energy and stamina is vital to our side, he presses harder than anyone else, he goes on 70 yard lung bursting runs even into the 89th minute (see Sunderland) and he proving that mental strength is almost as important as ability. He showed against Palace that he can play that role excellently and has the energy unlike Lucas (who lost at least a yard of pace through injury), to not get caught out. His passing range is improving and his positional play pretty good. Over time he'll make himself undropable in my opinion, if he hasn't already. As a box to box player, next to a strong DM he'll flourish and has shown he has an eye for goal, which will only benefit the side.

The forgotten man to add to this side is Joe Allen. Personally going on pre-season form and the form he showed at the start of last season, I feel he can really excel if given the opportunity. The game vs Swansea, showed that there is always a role for a player like Allen. We literally couldn't keep the ball in the second half for more than 1 minute. Joe is excellent as hassling and harrying, keeping the ball and recycling/re-using extremely well.

For me in this formation I'd like to see Allen and Henderson used together at some point, whether it be in the FA cup, or when resting Gerrard if that would ever actually happen. I'd also like to see those two sit behind Gerrard, with 4 at the back and Cou with a free role behind LS and DS, as I feel they would provide excellent balance to our side.

We've got to start planning for life without Gerrard soon and hopefully we will target a strong DM in January, then rotate that player with Lucas. This would allow Henderson and Allen to develop throughout the year, next to either of the above. We can't expect Gerrard to play as effectively as years gone by, as he's demonstrating this year, so need to think about the team going forward.

Matic is being touted, but surely he's out of our range at the minute. There are alternative options around, Matuidi with only 6 months left on his contract is one, as is Fernando Reges another who I like the look of. I also think we'll look at one or two others. Micah Richards is being linked and we could well be planning longer term to replace Johnson. He wouldn't be cheap, but the sale of Skrtel or Agger would fund this move including their wage. Another more progressive midfielder or attacker will surely be targeted also, as we can't purely rely on Sturridge and Suarez, with Aspas yet to settle. It's a World Cup summer, so loans are common for people trying to cement a place in their national team and their is talent to be had.

I feel we'll be sitting top 3 by Christmas and hope that's enough to keep Suarez until summer. We really need all of our key players on song to compete and feel with a couple of sensible signings in Jan we can really achieve top 3, without the distractions of Europe.

Just a final note on Rodgers. I'm delighted that he's finally winning his critics round. His formation changes are inspired for me and he's really starting to improve tactically with each game. He dealt with the Suarez affair well in my opinion, as he's managed to keep the harmony and spirit strong in the dressing room. He's also instilled a winning mentality and if backed in Jan I hope he can reinforce to push us on for a strong assault of top 4 next year.

Papa G

26 Sep 2013 16:47:22
Haven't posted for a while, but I must say I'm pleased with how positive the site has become in recent months. A much better mix of views and banter all round.

With regards to the team, I'm satisfied and positive about the future, but I hope peoples expectations haven't been raised too far with the early season form. We had a strong summer in my view, especially for outgoings. We brought fairly sensible and well, but players like Aspas and Luis Alberto unfortunately haven't hit the ground running, like Coutinho and Sturridge in Jan.

We seem a little flat in the final third, most probably down to the loss of Coutinho and the fitness of Sturridge, who clearly is struggling with the pace (despite playing excellently on the most part still). Suarez return will give us a much needed shot in the arm and added balance, once things settle down.

I enjoyed the look of 3-5-2 last night. The balance suited our players, with Sakho and Toure both looking confortable at the back, giving them freedom to step out of defence when needed. Agger will be a huge benefit to the system, as will Johnson and Coutinho, plus hopefully Cissokho who should add a more direct approach down the left.

Our midfield is an area of concern and whilst Lucas is improving, I hope to see Allen return at some point too to add more control and discipline to our side. Gerrard looks tired and despite improving defensively, he seems to be lacking the poise and agility that made him such a top player. Whilst I love Henderson's work rate, I feel his passing range needs time to develop to make him a long term Gerrard replacement unlikely in my view. Their is talent in the academy, but Rossiter is a long way off and Texeira may not reach the heights hoped of him.

Midfield is the area we need to invest in most in my view, along with a pacier more direct player up top, Mkhitaryan and Costa would both have been great buys. We'll have to find another, as sadly both ships have long sailed.

Whilst we have a long way to go, I am still positive about the development of players around the first team. I'm also incredibly positive about our academy and general setup at all levels. Fingers crossed the owners see BR as a long term man, as I feel he's the right man for our long term goals.

On a side note, my wife gave birth to our second child Grace today. She went into labour literally 15 minutes after the final whistle. I live in Manchester so am fearing she was celebrating the win, but fingers crossed she just wanted to come out and shout at Enrique to WAKE UP!

Papa G

19 Aug 2013 12:11:10
Here's my take on the centre half situation.

Firstly I want to say I'm delighted with the acquisition of Toure. Not only is his ability still there in droves, but his personality both on and off the pitch is wonderful to see and very contagious. He'll be brilliant in the dressing room and prove a great signing.

Agger is also a great choice at vice captain. He's a very strong player and extremely loyal to LFC. He'll make a strong partnership with a commanding Kolo next to him, but I do think we need stronger back up and competition for that position.

I still feel that Coates will go when we the opportunity arises, which is understandable. He's got potential, but doesn't fit our system or the pace of the league.

Wisdom will likely take his place, which sits fine with me, although I would like him to go out on loan to gain experience personally. He's got a lot of potential, but doesn't have the greatest acceleration to recover and he'll need lots of work on his positioning to account for that. That may improve in training, but ideally he'd be getting regular football, which would improve this.

Kelly isn't remotely proven as a CB for me. He does have the physical attributes to play there, but hasn't played a single senior game in that role, so it's a big risk for me. He'll cover right back when required, but he's almost as injury prone as Harry Kewell so can't be relied upon.

Skrtel is a conundrum for me. Personally I wouldn't loose sleep if he was replaced. Yes he had a quality season two years ago, but if you look back over his time at LFC, he's only often had a good spell right before renegotiating his contract. I don't mean to sound harsh, or judgmental, but I think the man (or his agent) thinks he's better than he actually is. He's a strong reactor to danger, but doesn't read the game that well and seems uncomfortable in BR's system and against strong opponents.

One potential replacement, who wouldn't be bullied is Papadopolous. I like man have mentioned him a few times before. Firstly because I know his quality, but also because he's a player in that position we were strongest linked to. I know the fears over his knee are there, but he genuinely has the ability to go on and be one of the best in the world. He's an absolute animal, a talent that like Willian would normally feel our of our reach to Champions league clubs. Perhaps given his high tag and knee, we stand a chance. You may say well that's why others aren't buying, but he may be a risk worth taking.

A brief note on Mignolet, as he does come into this. Firstly I'm delighted with his penalty save. For me he's up there with the best shot stoppers in the league. His distribution, whilst it needs a little work is decent. His main area of weakness is his collecting of crosses, not unlike Reina. I think this can improve with training and experience, especially when he's used to playing with our defence. Personally I have faith that he'll go into to being on of the best in the league, he's a tier below Cech, Begovic and Lloris at the minute.

We will need physicality in some games this season, plus a stronger defence, maybe even a back three if we're going to play an attacking front 4. Coutinho will be quality at 10, but we need a strong base behind him to allow for this, plus Sturridge, Suarez and dare I say Willian (I'm still confident) in attack.

Lucas is finally looking like his old self, but with our attacking full backs and a slower Gerrard we will get exposed (as we did once yesterday) on the break, against top sides. Perhaps adding Henderson into midfield will help, but the defence has to be very strong with an attacking team.

Some may want the goals and all of the glory, out scoring opposition 4-3's 5-2's etc. not me however, I like to see us playing fluid attacking football, but I'd happily take a 1-0's all day long.

Whether we sell Skrtel and buy a new centre half remains to be seen. But I for one hope we do. We've brought well all summer for players that fit the style were looking to achieve. Kolo fits this, but him and Agger can't do it alone, we need a strong squad to compete on all areas of the pitch, if we're to stand a chance of top 4.

Papa G

11 Aug 2013 17:38:01
Cissoko seems to have edged a step closer now and I'd be happy with his signing, as he can be better than Enrique, who although is defensively sound (at times), lacks the ability to play simple pass and move football. Mostly because he struggles to complete a 5 yard pass.

Now Agger seems likely to stay, surely Skrtel will leave. Personally I still want Papadopolous, despite the costs and risk. That said I would be happy with Sakho, although two sided centre halfs playing together may lack balance. In happy with Toure playing, but we need three top CB's with further support coming from Kelly/Wisdom.

What concerns me higher up the pitch is the imbalance in the side. I'm not going to try and sound like an expert, but it's clear that if Lucas missed his tackle (he doesn't patrol, he attacks), then we're often left exposed on the counter. Good sides punish this, especially when our full backs are caught high up the pitch. Agger although a good leader, interceptor and tackler is often turned easily when one of one and without a beast next to him we may struggle. Toure is no slouch, but we do need someone quicker, unless we look at two stronger holding players or a shift in formation.

The stronger base in midfield, will allow Coutinho to play at ten were he really excels, especially with Sturridge up top. I'd personally like to see Luis Alberto play left and Sterling right, as I feel they'll make the strongest contributions. However it's clear we're targetting a player for up top, with Downing and Assaidi soon to be out the door. I like Aspas and Borini, but see them as slightly down the pecking order at the minute, but it's a long season with lots of opportunities.

Suarez is a huge factor in all of this. I still think he'll leave to Madrid, but we desperately need to work on the defence and midfield before any talk of replacing him. Once he goes, let's hope his replacement has quality and for me experience. I'm unsure on Yilmaz, but he can certainly score goals.

Its a crucial few weeks for LFC, but I do trust the board and BR to get it right. All will be revealed in a few short weeks, but no matter what happens I'm pleased to have regular, competitive football back.

Papa G

07 Aug 2013 08:59:14
I see a meltdown Ed's.

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