Rodgers' philosophy is primarily based on the Spanish playing style - ball circulation. His old Swansea side were the surprise package last season, playing a very fluid style of football which earned them the nickname, 'Swanselona'. They kept, on average, 58% of possession per game, ahead of Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea. For a newcomer to the world's best league, that is outstanding. Brendan has been trying to implement his style to the Reds. Let's see how he is doing.
The 4-3-3 formation is being utilised by Rodgers. His Leon Britton, the midfield pivot, is Joe Allen, whom he brought with him to Anfield from Wales for £15 million. His deep lying playmaker is Nuri Sahin, on loan from Real Madrid. And his advanced playmaker is Steven Gerrard. However this pattern does change frequently during games. And the shape as well. The double pivot has been in use by Rodgers.
Martin Skrtel is being urged to carry the ball into midfield, in order to instigate an attack by making the transition from defence to attack. Daniel Agger is already comfortable on the ball and is making the transitions as he does so often.
Suso and Raheem Sterling have made tremendous progress, both being promoted from the reserve set up. Andre Wisdom and Jonjo Shelvey likewise.
Remember the False 9 role that I introduced to you back in Barcelona Tactics Revealed? Well, what if I told you that the Reds' main man, Luis Suarez, takes up this position for Liverpool?
Exhibit A Luis Suarez vs Norwich 5-2
Exhibit B Luis Suarez vs Fulham 4-0
Roaming. That is what the role allows him to do. He has been given the free role to hurt the opposition anywhere on the field of play. And these defences couldn't handle him.
The Plan B for Brendan is to use wing backs to provide the width in order to stretch the game. Which means making the switch to three centre backs or using two and Joe Allen being the libero, in the style of Franz Beckenbauer and Sergio Busquets. That's why Jose Enrique had that three games of fame spell earlier in the campaign. Against Everton, with Liverpool squandering a 2 goal lead, Coates was brought on in place of Nuri Sahin and the Reds converted to a 3-5-1-1 with Enrique and Wisdom as the wing backs.
Statistics
Average Possession
58% per game, compared to the 55.5% attained from last year, it is a big improvement.
Action Zones
Swansea were criticized for playing a lot of their football away from the final third, it was seen as a beautiful defensive tactic, to keep the ball so the opponent's cannot score. It was true.
At Liverpool, with a vast array of attacking talent, Brendan has been able to take the game to the opponent using possession, rather than defending using the ball.
Luis Suarez
Playing in the Messi role, Suarez must score as well as create for others.
He has taken 102 shots this season, averaging 6 per game, and scored 11.
He has created 48 chances, averaging 2.8 per game.
He has completed 53 dribbles, averaging 3.1 per game.
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