Liverpool FC Forum

[stmichael]

I think its more down to KK changing the team and bringing Carroll in. We had smashed the opposition before sundays game and I for one was convinced we would do the same to spurs. Reality bit me on the ar'se but Im still hopeful for next season.

In many respects we've been spoiled by the fact that Suarez has walked into the side without out any problems at all. Carroll is a quality player but he has anew system to learn here. I'll give him time and let him get fit in pre-season before I start judging him.

[Thommo's perm]

I think its more down to KK changing the team and bringing Carroll in. We had smashed the opposition before sundays game and I for one was convinced we would do the same to spurs. Reality bit me on the ar'se but Im still hopeful for next season.

In many respects we've been spoiled by the fact that Suarez has walked into the side without out any problems at all. Carroll is a quality player but he has anew system to learn here. I'll give him time and let him get fit in pre-season before I start judging him.

Me too
But there is no doubt that the game passed him by, probably due to his lack of match fitness

[stmichael]

I think it's fair to say that with the influx of central midfielders we have now that we'll see more of a flexible 4-3-3 next season. We're luck in that the likes of Gerrard, Henderson and Mereiles can fulfill a number of roles. Personally I expect to see Henderson on the right which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned as it would free Dirk up to be more of a central striker which is his best position, especially if he showed an excellent understanding with Suarez in the second half of last season.

[jacdaniel]

We're trying to build a squad not just a first 11.  We need options for each position and its great to have versatile players.  its certainly looking like 4-3-3.

Really excited to see what the starting line up will be on the opening day.

[Raoul]

It does look like 433 right now, but I'd still like to see who we get in at LB before I'm convinced that is the plan. And the Downing talk suggests that 433 isn't the only formation Dalglish is planning on using. I think we'd have played 433 more last year than we did with the players we had, the fact that we didn't suggests 433 is an option, but only that for King Kenny.

[stmichael]

It does look like 433 right now, but I'd still like to see who we get in at LB before I'm convinced that is the plan. And the Downing talk suggests that 433 isn't the only formation Dalglish is planning on using. I think we'd have played 433 more last year than we did with the players we had, the fact that we didn't suggests 433 is an option, but only that for King Kenny.

I wouldn't be that disappointing with Downing signing. At the end of the day he may not be particularly fashionable but we need someone who can put the ball on Carroll's head and he could be just the man.

[metalhead]

Its going to be very interesting how we are going to play next season with the players we are linked with. I don't think the footballing philosophy will change, but I do see different formations being set up.

Good to have some squad depth and a Plan B

[stmichael]

Its going to be very interesting how we are going to play next season with the players we are linked with. I don't think the footballing philosophy will change, but I do see different formations being set up.

Good to have some squad depth and a Plan B

I agree. the prospect of playing two styles in the same match is really exciting.

[Ola Mr Benitez]

i would like to see..

                   PEPE

JOHNSON  CARRA  CAHILL  ENRIQUE

HENDERSON   GERRARD   DOWNING

KUYT        CARROLL     SUAREZ

Maybe not away from home and against the top teams but that looks reall attacking.  Dont know where Lucas, Merielles and Adam are going to fit in.


or
                    REINA

JOHNSON  CARRA   CAHILL   ENRIQUE

                   LUCAS
HENDERSON  GERRARD   DOWNING
             
          SUAREZ    CARROLL

[Ola Mr Benitez]

but then we have Kelly, Flanno and Robinson

[aCe']

Cant really see us playing anything but a 4-2-3-1 from here on unless we drastically change our transfer targets (assuming media reports are to be believed).... Probably the only style that would allow us to accommodate all of Carroll, Gerrard, Suarez and Henderson without jeopardizing the defensive balance of the side.

GK. Reina
RB. Johnson
CB. Carra
CB. Agger
LB. ??
CM. Lucas
CM. Henderson
LAM. Suarez
AM. Gerrard
RAM. Kuyt
ST. Carroll

With the system above, only Suarez is played somewhat out of position but with a decent leftback behind him and extra support from the midfielders, a flexible system with him roaming about to get on the ball more often shouldnt be a problem.

Could probably argue a case for a different formation but looking at the players we have at our disposal it seems rather unlikely..

4-4-2

GK. Reina
RB. Johnson
CB. Carra
CB. Agger
LB. ??
RM. Henderson
CM. Gerrard
CM. Lucas
LM. ??
ST. Suarez
ST. Carroll

Quite a few problems with that setup. Gerrard isnt the best at playing the CM role.. Has been discussed to death and imo he doesnt have the discipline to control the play in the middle of the park. Another issue is the wide positions. Henderson despite the 20mill tag isnt a natural winger and i would be surprised if we brought him in to play him regularly down the flank. He lacks the pace needed in transition and given the players around him it's going to be a bit of an issue imo with us being too predictable and likely having to resort to long balls. Another problem is the other wide position that would need to be filled. Kuyt, Meireles, Maxi, Cole are all options who have been used in wide positions but they have all struggled when played deeper roles and arent exactly suited to the position. As part of an attacking trio maybe. As wide midfielders im not too sure.

Same would apply to a 4-4-1-1 . And a 4-3-3 is just a slightly more rigid 4-2-3-1 with more natural wide players whom we simply don't possess.

[Ben Patrick]

No Adam or Downing in either of your sides mate ?
I think they are both nailed on to be coming in.

[stmichael]

Interesting to see the notion of playing Downing narrow in a midfield three rather than out wide. It was Martin O'Neill who first played Downing in that role as they has Ashley Young and James Nilner playing wide at the time and to be fair to Downing he did a more than decent job there. I don't think he's got the passing range of Charlie Adam though. I suppose he could also play on the right if needed.

I'm confused. We'll have so many options.

[aCe']

No Adam or Downing in either of your sides mate ?
I think they are both nailed on to be coming in.

Downing is a signing I'd understand. Not that big a fan of him as a player but he would certainly fill a void in our squad. He'd probably be a nailed on starter regardless of the formation i would think.

Charlie Adam on the other hand im not too sure about. Even if we do decide to play 3 in the middle, it would most likely be Lucas, Gerrard and Henderson.. With Meireles providing backup for Gerrard/Henderson and maybe Spearing for Lucas.

Adam will never be a holding midfielder... Same applies to Gerrard and Henderson. To make it even more exciting, Henderson will struggle if played higher up as part of an attacking three so his options for a regular starting role under such a system are probably limited to the CM position.

Factor in the players we'll have as backup and the players we'll have to get rid of : Meireles, Poulsen, Aquilani, Shelvey, Spearing    ..   And it makes no sense whatsoever for us to be going after Adam when we've just signed another player for 20Mill who will most likely be filling the same position..

[Ola Mr Benitez]

I know we are all confused with what, who and how we are going to play next season but for the first time in many years there are so many options, which has to be a good thing!