Signing Brendan Rodgers
Appointing Brendan Rodgers as manager is a very good decision, I applaud you for that. Having impressed in the Premier League in his tenure with Swansea, he would be the ideal choice as gaffer. Here some statistics that I know will entice you :
At Swansea's home ground, the Liberty Stadium, they kept 59.3% of possession on average in their 19 games.
Away from the Liberty Stadium, Swansea kept 55.9% of possession on average in their 19 games.
Overall, they kept 57.6% of possession in the Premier League 2011/12 season.
With the limited funds that he had, he got the best out of his players, and got them playing some of the best football in the league. Passing.Moving.Passing.Moving. This is what football is about. If Brendan can install this philosophy into Liverpool, then top 4 can be taken into serious consideration.
The Return Of Lucas Leiva
Liverpool have really missed this player. Before his anterior cruciate ligament injury caused by a collision with Chelsea's Juan Mata, he was looking like the Premier League's best CDM. In fact, in his 12 Premier League games, he made 68 tackles and 33 interceptions, which is, literally, world class. With Lucas being ruled out for the season, Liverpool collapsed. 11 defeats in 24 games saw them plummet to the bottom end of the top half. What a difference one player can make. His return will surely boost the Reds.
Tactics
Play Lucas As A Pivot
At Swansea, Rodgers used Leon Britton as the pivot, Liverpool are very lucky that they have someone ever better in Lucas Leiva. Playing Lucas in the ' Makalele role ' is the best option for the Brazilian. He has a harry opponents to prevent any attacking opportunities. Cover the back four if one of them decides to maraud forward to start an attacking move themselves. Something that Daniel Agger is notorious for. Distributing the ball cleanly to the more offensive minded and more creative midfielders. Lucas will fit in perfectly to that role.
Unnamed Midfielder
If you're wondering, Liverpool have not got a player called ' na '. I've named the player in the position ' N/A ' because I really don't know who's going to play there. First and foremost, the player has to be a playmaker. Someone who can create chances for the front three. Build up attacking moves from a deeper position. And maybe get on the end of one. There are three or more candidates for this role :
- Jonjo Shelvey
2012/13 may be the breakthrough season for the England Under 21 midfielder. Having spent his entire career at Anfield with the reserves, we may see more of him in the coming season.
- Jordan Henderson
He endured a difficult season with the Reds, only amassing 2 goals and 1 assist in his 37 appearances. But under Brendan Rodgers, we may see the Henderson that convinced Kenny Daglish to splash out £20 million on.
- Gaston Ramirez
A player that is heavily linked with a move to Anfield. His 8 goals and 4 assists may not be world class, but what he offers in between is worth accounting for. As a CAM, he made 47 tackles and 32 interceptions, his defensive work rate is very good compared to other midfielders. He also made 81 dribbles, which should add some creativity into an otherwise bland midfield.
Gerrard As The Box To Box Midfielder
No surprises there.
Three Attackers
This is a very key area. As well as providing the goals for the team, the front three must use high pressing to get the ball back earlier than in the final third, maybe even starting a counter attack. Suarez and Dempsey should change positions if they find that nothings working for them on their respective flanks.
Transfers
- Clint Dempsey
It's no secret, Liverpool need goals. Utilising a goal shy striker like Andy Carroll isn't going to help them. They NEED Dempsey. The American forward hit 17 goals for Fulham last season. Liverpool's top scorer, Luis Suarez, netted 11. Premier League experience? Bingo. Goal scoring pedigree? Bingo bongo.
- That playmaker
Creativity. Every team needs it. Manchester City. David Silva. Manchester United. Paul Scholes. Arsenal. Tomas Rosicky ( Soon to be Jack Wilshere ). Chelsea. Juan Mata. Even West Brom have James Morrison. Nuri Sahin is a perfect option, but unfortunately for you, he'd rather be a benchwarmer at Real Madrid, than play first team for Liverpool. Alberto Aquilani could be the answer. The Italian midfielder could be part of the first team plans under Brendan Rodgers, unlike Kenny Daglish.
- Fabio Borini or Andy Carroll
It's all up to Brendan here. Will he choose the Italian prodigy, whom he trained in his Chelsea days, and mould him into a classy frontman? Or will he go for the much maligned, yet unpredictable, powerhouse of a striker?
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