Liverpool FC Forum

This sums up my concern tactically:

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/tacticsan ... 76?cc=4716

Liverpool needs to put away red carpet for Luis Suarez's return

One of the reasons to be thankful for the popularity of the 4-2-3-1 in recent years, as opposed to the brief 4-3-3 obsession following Jose Mourinho's success in his first spell at Chelsea, is the semi-return of the strike partnership.

Whereas the 4-3-3 depends upon one strong centre-forward to fend for himself, the 4-2-3-1 offers the possibility of playing a deep-lying forward behind the main striker. In Sunday's Manchester derby, Sergio Aguero partnered Alvaro Negredo, and Wayne Rooney played a similar role just behind Danny Welbeck. In newspapers they were depicted as 4-2-3-1; in reality they weren't far from 4-4-2. There are few greater things in football than a natural, cohesive partnership between two players, and it's particularly enjoyable when two star centre-forwards are on the same wavelength.

Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have a natural understanding up front and can pose problems for opponents -- given the right roles.
Brendan Rodgers has switched between the 4-3-3 and the 4-2-3-1 during his time at Liverpool, effectively "flipping" the midfield triangle when a shift is necessary. The 4-3-3 was generally used in the first half of last season, when errors in the transfer market left Rodgers without many attacking options. Luis Suarez was forced to shoulder a huge goal-scoring burden, supported enthusiastically but inconsistently by Raheem Sterling and Suso, neither of whom is prolific.

The arrival of Coutinho and Sturridge in January, plus the good form of Jordan Henderson when played in advanced positions, encouraged Rodgers to play a 4-2-3-1 system more regularly. Coutinho can play either from the left or in his favoured No. 10 position without any problems, but Sturridge, while also versatile, has more questions about his role -- and particularly, his relationship with Suarez. Ahead of the Uruguayan's return to the first team against Manchester United on Wednesday evening, Rodgers will be considering his tactical options.

Unlike many pairs of centre-forwards, Suarez and Sturridge appear to have a natural understanding together up front. In the first match they started together, Suarez scored a fine goal after Sturridge excellently dummied Lucas Leiva's forward pass, tricking the Norwich centre-backs and giving Suarez time to convert. He immediately ran to Sturridge to celebrate, thanking his new colleague for the assist that won't be recorded as an assist.

Actually, that goal was rather an inaccurate representation of their roles. Suarez was actually playing behind Sturridge, in the No. 10 role he supposedly prefers, rather than in advance of him. In theory, the goal should have been the other way around -- but in a way, that's the point of playing two centre-forwards together in the 4-2-3-1. You have that unpredictability and variation up front, making it more difficult for the defenders to guess where the runs are coming from.

Rodgers didn't always stick to that combination in central positions, however. Away at Arsenal, he fielded Suarez on the left and Sturridge up front, using Henderson to press from the No. 10 role, which worked excellently. Later in the season, for example in the frustrating 0-0 draw at Reading, Suarez was up front with Sturridge cutting inside from the right. For the 2-2 home draw with Chelsea, Suarez's last appearance before his ban, Sturridge was only a substitute. Both players' versatility means tactical tinkering is natural, but one wonders whether the strike partnership should have been given time to develop.

Without Suarez, both Coutinho and Sturridge have thrived. Sturridge has played up front on the shoulder of the last defender, while Coutinho -- particularly toward the end of last season -- played some delicious through-balls. Suarez's greatest footballing weakness, aside from his disciplinary problems, is his insistence upon doing everything himself. He attempted the most shots and the most dribbles last season in the Premier League, both by a considerable distance; it's tough to define such a hard-working player as selfish, but when in possession the Uruguayan always looks for goal, rather than a teammate.

Without him, Liverpool seem rather more structured and defined. In the eight games with both Sturridge and Coutinho in the side, Liverpool have won six and drawn two -- the weekend defeat to Southampton came when the Brazilian was out injured. Suarez remains Liverpool's best player but could disrupt a happy, settled side.

"It will be interesting to see whether [Rodgers] puts Suarez or Sturridge in to a wide position. I think he tried that a bit last year and it didn't work," former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher said last week. "I don't think either Sturridge or Suarez are really comfortable in that No. 10 role, because if you are that you've got to put a defensive shift in."

Daniel Sturridge (center) and Coutinho (right) have thrived without Luis Suarez, who insists on shouldering Liverpool's burden.
Earlier reports had suggested Rodgers' intention was to field Coutinho behind Sturridge, with Suarez operating from the flank. That seems the most logical option, not merely because Coutinho and Sturridge's relationship needs to be preserved up front, but also because it's dangerous to place such a troublesome individual, and someone who arguably hampers the performances of other attackers, directly in the middle of the Liverpool attack. From the perspective of morale and team spirit, returning him to such a pivotal role after his self-induced ban would be difficult. In fielding Suarez out wide, Rodgers would both be making an astute tactical decision, and subtly informing the Uruguayan that his importance to the team has lessened in the past few months.

All this might not be entirely relevant for Wednesday night's game, when Rodgers is likely to make changes and is without Coutinho through shoulder surgery. But when it comes to Premier League matches, Suarez might find himself playing in a relatively unfamiliar position. Sturridge has established himself up front, and Rodgers wants Coutinho to play as a No. 10.

Liverpool also need to be intelligent enough to recognise the potential of losing Suarez in January -- it's extremely rare for a player of his quality to be not playing in European competition at all this season, which means he's not cup-tied. Many big European clubs are lacking depth up front, and the two clubs linked most strongly with his signature in the summer, Arsenal and Real Madrid, are both depending heavily upon a single centre-forward, although it's unlikely Arsenal would return with another bid. Still, the point remains -- this is a player who said he wanted to leave in the summer and is hardly likely to prove a reliable base to build around for the next few years.

You can look at this from a variety of perspectives but in terms of tactics, discipline and long-term planning, it's difficult to see why Rodgers should roll out the red carpet for Suarez's return. He unquestionably has a role to play for as long as he remains under contract at Liverpool, but Rodgers must avoid Liverpool depending upon him too heavily.

I think that is about right, we should have him out wide and not disrupt the good chemistry that has developed between DS and FC. He is going to leave the club sooner rather than later and we need to think for the future. I expect him to have a great year this year since of all the top strikers in the world he seems to have the most to prove as he is looking to be sold, a greater motivator than wanting to justify a high price like Bale or Falcao for example. Despite this we as a club need to use him but not build the team around him.

I'd take Suarez on his own over Sturridge and Coutinho any day of the week.

Suarez on last chance - Fowler

25 September 2013 Updated 06:29

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has one more chance at the club, according to former Reds forward Robbie Fowler.
Suarez could face Manchester United in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday after a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic last season.

But after a summer where the Uruguayan agitated for a move, Fowler thinks it is time Suarez showed loyalty.
Asked if it was his last chance, Fowler said: "Without a doubt. He has let a lot of people down, including himself."

Fowler, who scored 183 goals in 369 games for Liverpool, told BBC Sport: "The club have stood by him, so have the Liverpool supporters, and you can see why because he is a phenomenal player and you want phenomenal players in your side.
"I know in the summer it looked like he was leaving and quite rightly Liverpool expected a bit of loyalty back off him and thankfully he is still a Liverpool player.
"I don't think he'll get many more chances but I don't think he will be doing anything remotely as silly as he has."

Suarez was signed from Ajax in January 2011 for £22.7m by former boss Kenny Dalglish and has been involved in moments of controversy and brilliance in equal measure.
The 26-year-old has scored 51 goals in 96 appearances and is a key player in manager Brendan Rodgers's side.
But in addition to the 10-game suspension which was served for the last four games of last season and six games this term, Suarez was also banned for eight games and fined £40,000 for racially abusing Patrice Evra in December 2011.

After those two episodes, some supporters felt aggrieved when Suarez said he wanted to leave Anfield for Champions League football this summer.
Arsenal made two formal bids to sign him with Real Madrid also linked, but the club maintained Suarez was not for sale.

Liverpool finished seventh in last season's Premier League table and have made a positive start to this campaign while Suarez has been sidelined. They sit fifth in the table with 10 points from five games.
Now that a line has been drawn under the summer's saga, Fowler wants the South American to prove his greatness at Liverpool.

"You get players of the past who do silly and stupid things, it's not right but you do expect loyalty back," Fowler said.
"[I'd say] don't give anyone licence to shoot you down. Go and do the right stuff and be the player that we know you are.
"Let's start talking about Luis Suarez as one of the great players rather than the stupid things he does on the pitch."

Really looking forward to Suarez's return. Win's matches by himself and scares the Sh*t of defenders. Great match for him to come back into it and he will be up for it this season, no doubt about it. Sadly, I do think this will be his last season with us. As much as it leaves me gutted to say it, he is world class and should be gracing the CL with the top players. I would find it hard to begrudge him a move to a top side if we don't make 4th. Hope he has learnt his lesson though and if he does want to move next summer, he goes about it in a much better manner and respects the club

Doeboy » Wed Sep 25, 2013 6:23 pm wrote:Really looking forward to Suarez's return. Win's matches by himself and scares the Sh*t of defenders. Great match for him to come back into it and he will be up for it this season, no doubt about it. Sadly, I do think this will be his last season with us. As much as it leaves me gutted to say it, he is world class and should be gracing the CL with the top players. I would find it hard to begrudge him a move to a top side if we don't make 4th. Hope he has learnt his lesson though and if he does want to move next summer, he goes about it in a much better manner and respects the club

Unfortunately thats the worrying part. Since I was a child we've ALWAYS had two or three players other teams looked at and wanted.

Fowler, Owen, Gerrard, McManaman, Hyypia, Alonso, Suarez, Torres, Reina...

Now I look at our team and really... its just Gerrard and Suarez... Gerrard's on the way out and Luis may well be.

If we fail to make fourth, next season could be the first season in years we've gone into without any top bracket players... For me, thats a big big big thing as it could well be the end of this club and see us starting a new chapter as a permanent mid table side (somewhere we're nearly at now).

StuYesThatStu » Wed Sep 25, 2013 5:50 pm wrote:

Doeboy » Wed Sep 25, 2013 6:23 pm wrote:Really looking forward to Suarez's return. Win's matches by himself and scares the Sh*t of defenders. Great match for him to come back into it and he will be up for it this season, no doubt about it. Sadly, I do think this will be his last season with us. As much as it leaves me gutted to say it, he is world class and should be gracing the CL with the top players. I would find it hard to begrudge him a move to a top side if we don't make 4th. Hope he has learnt his lesson though and if he does want to move next summer, he goes about it in a much better manner and respects the club

Unfortunately thats the worrying part. Since I was a child we've ALWAYS had two or three players other teams looked at and wanted.

Fowler, Owen, Gerrard, McManaman, Hyypia, Alonso, Suarez, Torres, Reina...

Now I look at our team and really... its just Gerrard and Suarez... Gerrard's on the way out and Luis may well be.

If we fail to make fourth, next season could be the first season in years we've gone into without any top bracket players... For me, thats a big big big thing as it could well be the end of this club and see us starting a new chapter as a permanent mid table side (somewhere we're nearly at now).

It is sad and to think only back in 2008-2009 we were so close to winning the league. The whole Gillett/Hicks fiasco IMO was akin to the club having a major heart attack which allowed our rivals to creep ahead while we spent the following years recuperating. I'm sure the good times will be back. Truth is we needed to steady the ship and over the last few years we have done exactly that. It's not great to see it happening but deep inside it's something we needed as a club. It's always gutting losing your big players, but the club will always be bigger than any one player. When Suarez does leave, no doubt there will be another player who will turn out to be a gem

Doeboy » Wed Sep 25, 2013 7:05 pm wrote:

StuYesThatStu » Wed Sep 25, 2013 5:50 pm wrote:

Doeboy » Wed Sep 25, 2013 6:23 pm wrote:Really looking forward to Suarez's return. Win's matches by himself and scares the Sh*t of defenders. Great match for him to come back into it and he will be up for it this season, no doubt about it. Sadly, I do think this will be his last season with us. As much as it leaves me gutted to say it, he is world class and should be gracing the CL with the top players. I would find it hard to begrudge him a move to a top side if we don't make 4th. Hope he has learnt his lesson though and if he does want to move next summer, he goes about it in a much better manner and respects the club

Unfortunately thats the worrying part. Since I was a child we've ALWAYS had two or three players other teams looked at and wanted.

Fowler, Owen, Gerrard, McManaman, Hyypia, Alonso, Suarez, Torres, Reina...

Now I look at our team and really... its just Gerrard and Suarez... Gerrard's on the way out and Luis may well be.

If we fail to make fourth, next season could be the first season in years we've gone into without any top bracket players... For me, thats a big big big thing as it could well be the end of this club and see us starting a new chapter as a permanent mid table side (somewhere we're nearly at now).

It is sad and to think only back in 2008-2009 we were so close to winning the league. The whole Gillett/Hicks fiasco IMO was akin to the club having a major heart attack which allowed our rivals to creep ahead while we spent the following years recuperating. I'm sure the good times will be back. Truth is we needed to steady the ship and over the last few years we have done exactly that. It's not great to see it happening but deep inside it's something we needed as a club. It's always gutting losing your big players, but the club will always be bigger than any one player. When Suarez does leave, no doubt there will be another player who will turn out to be a gem

In the past we've always had Gem's though... now we haven't. He's really the only one.

The Gillet and Hicks "fiasco" was never half as damaging to the team as the charlatan would have had you believe. I'm not saying it helped, but had that arrogant ***** been able to handle the pressure of this job better and not completely changed Character half way through his reign and started doing his washing in public we'd have been in a much better place.

His behaviour at times was unacceptable and his attitude towards people completely changed. c*nt still owes me £250 quid aswell  

StuYesThatStu » Wed Sep 25, 2013 11:52 am wrote:I'd take Suarez on his own over Sturridge and Coutinho any day of the week.

I cannot disagree!

Thought he had a decent game with his movement and holding the ball up, which is whats been missing
Obviously not match fit but very encouraging in the part he played tonight

Looked sharp and certainly the game against Burnley helped his fitness. A few signs of an understanding with Sturridge

Benny The Noon » Thu Sep 26, 2013 5:15 pm wrote:http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/ayre-suarez-damaged-reds-brand-143906427.html

For the sake of balance Benny

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news ... -in-summer

Congrats to the Suarez family. Had another baby boy last night!

http://www.teamtalk.com/premier-league/ ... reputation

A changed man, truly trustworthy & honest, loyal.... brings a tear to my eye. 

Anyone else moved by Suarez's amazing turn around?