Couple of interesting posts lads there..
I was thinking earlier about how the formation is developing and where Coutinho is going to come in..
I personally think the formation is evolving with time and indeed new additions to the squad.. I think (even though we will eed to see over a longer period) that at home against the "weaker" sides Brendan still sets up 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, a variation between the two with the front 3 flexable in terms of being able to shift positions.. Away or against "stronger" sides there seems to be a determination to be tighter at the back and not commit so many forward that we have been doing.. Something im very grateful for.
There seems to be a lesser need for both full backs to bomb forward constantly, they seem to pick and choose when to go and seemingly one at a time, and if one goes Lucas has the responsibility to cover that full back and Gerrard then drops slightly deeper into the middle..
Sturridge now stays high... Keeps the defence on their toes and pushed back, Luis has more of a free role to get involved where he wants.. And Dowing, whilst still frustrating at times is key to the defensive aspect as he has the awareness to drop in to midfield when needed, whereas a Suso, albeit still learning the game was leaving the full backs exposed by not doing the defensive side at times..
Henderson is Key, or more his legs, his engine.. Now we are when available always going to pick Lucas and Gerrard in the 3, Henderson though is providing the 110% energy to knit the midfield and attack in terms of ground covered and always being the first (along with Suarez who is an excellent presser) to put pressure on the oppostion when they are starting attacks.. Its vital.. It allows Lucas to stay deeper in the midfield and allows Gerrard to do things as and when he requires, as at 32 his days of 90mph for 90 minutes are going.. Henderson at times does his running..
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this11.comThat brings me on to thinking where Coutinho comes in, and i think he will going on what Rodgers said about him being ready straight away..
Im not sure on his workrate, not that he doesnt do it, ive just not watched him for 90minutes game in game out to know if he is defensively switched on or if he is more a traditional "luxury" playmaker..
If he is then Henderson's energy in the No.10 role will be missed.. Even though Hendo isnt a playmaker as such his energy in that balanced 3 is vital.. So will Coutinho take Downings place on the wide forward role? Especially to start while he gets used to the pace of the league id gues so..
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tactics for footballPersonally thats what im hoping for at least to start with, let the 3 up top do the damage, have Sturridge as the focal point, have Coutinho and Suarez drifting and causing havoc.. Let Henderson continue as essentially the first line of defence and in a midfield 3 with Lucas and Gerrrard which is getting better by the week, and let the back 4 be just that.. Defenders first.. Yes the full backs adding width but with responsibility..
That side with time to develop for the next 3 months and we could start to see the vision coming to show the results