harney312This formation is in a way a nod to Manchester United's use of Rooney, Young, Nani and Welbeck over the weekend at the Hawthorns. Here, the front four of Suarez, Aquilani, Kuyt and Downing fluidly operate in the final third. The offensive threat comes from the movement of the front four as each of the four have the grit, guile and vision to operate without definite shape. Lucas provides the anchor in the midfield by breaking up play in a defensive midfield role. Gerrard operates in support of Lucas defensively while also stepping forward to initiate the offensive attacks in a rather withdrawn role (a la Xabi Alonso?). Carragher and Agger are the first choice centre-backs while the lively Enrique and Johnson provide thrust and width in this formation. Goals are generated by accurate and patient passing all over the pitch. Defensively, the formation is able to able pressure high up the field and then also coil back soundly.
The obvious omission is Andy Carroll. While a huge admirer of the centre-forward, this formation allows Liverpool to play a different style of football. Dalglish must continue to cultivate his ability as he is truly capable of being unplayable on his day. In the meantime, however, he can strike a lumbering pose.
16.08.2011
harney312Aquilani is class, while Henderson still needs to learn the subtler half of the game.
16.08.2011
mojojojo101Would personally swap Aquillani and Gerrard,
For me Aquillani's distribution would be better exploited from deep while Gerrard's energy and movement would be better used higher up.
16.08.2011
