24 Oct 2019 08:10:57
Good win last night and some quality goals. It was great to see the Ox score 2 great goals and Keita get 90 mins. However I think the gaps in the first half show why Klopp goes for industry over flair in the bigger games, as if we give that amount of space away in midfield in the Prem I think we would get punished or have to rely on winning games 4-3. We know there are teams that will just sit back and these are the games for Ox and Keita but I think we still need either a Milner, Hendo or Gini in there to support Fab in the bigger games.
24 Oct 2019 09:31:52
Rd001 I did not think the midfield was balanced last night I thought that before kick off when I see the team. I think one of Ox or Keita with Gini Hendo or Milner would be best with Fabinho sitting. My best 3 would be Fabinho Gini and Ox if all fit. Ed001 what would your top 3 be say for a final if all fit and playing well.
{Ed001's Note - I have no idea mate. It would depend on the opposition.}
24 Oct 2019 13:11:34
There was lots of space in midfield but I'm more concerned with the amount of space behind the defence we seem to be leaving game after game. Genk had a number of opportunities over the top last night and had it been for better finishing it could have been a far stickier game.
24 Oct 2019 13:22:44
I think the gaps behind the defence are exaggerated due to the delay in offside decisions, it is giving the impression we are a lot more open then we are.
24 Oct 2019 16:53:17
It was the same against United when they split the toe strikers and played wide.
Teams are now looking to exploit the space when Trent and Robbo are bombing forward. Teams will try and win the ball back then play the ball quickly into the space, leaving only the two CB’s to cover. Against more clinical opposition we will get caught out.
24 Oct 2019 17:46:47
Those spaces don't look exaggerated when its the striker baring down on our goalie with a shot.
24 Oct 2019 19:05:42
A possible answer is keeping both FBs deeper and playing the 4-2-3-1.
The onus on creativity is on the 4 more advanced players and specifically an AM perhaps, whether that be Ox or Keita (or even a new Summer signing) .
Less goals but greater solidity.
It depends on the situation to hand, but I can see Klopp having to utilise different formations more regularly now as opposition managers look to negate our beloved 4-3-3.
24 Oct 2019 23:25:49
Juicer, you are correct with your analysis however, that system will stifle our ability to be able to attack from different angles of the final third. I also agree that you simply cannot have both Keita and Ox in midfield cos as we saw vs Genk, there is no cover for the FB's when the bomb on. I know we seem vulnerable due to the fullbacks bombing on and leaving gaps in behind. This is why Hendo and Gini/ Milner are essential cos they are there to cover the spaces left in behind.
That is and has always been the way we have played under Klopp for the past 2 seasons now for the brilliant results we now know of. If we switch that now then the players have to re-learn a new way of playing which is difficult. I think we just need to tweak the system a bit to make us less vulnerable. After all, we still have one of if not, the meanest defence in the PL, at least despite all of this.
25 Oct 2019 02:49:18
Yeah Redwolf we would likely have to lose our FB threat if we were to give up that disciplined engine room type midfield for a different style. We can't take for granted the benefits and impact Trent and robbo provide in the hope an alternative midfield might better their high goal involvments. About 30-35goal contributions between them last season in all comps is not likely to come from a midfield in exchange.
25 Oct 2019 23:45:50
Alison was brilliant imo. He makes a massive difference, in attacks too. Adrian has been a great cover but becker is a special keeper. We are harder to beat with him in the team.
26 Oct 2019 00:37:40
Surely klopp makes players play where they should and how.