Was very strange seeing Steven Gerrard closer to Skrtel than Suarez against Stoke. But it appears to be a sign of things to come.
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard could play deeper - Brendan Rodgers
Steven Gerrard could continue in a deeper midfield role for Liverpool, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
The 33-year-old captain, who usually features as an attacking midfielder, played further back in Sunday's 5-3 Premier League win at Stoke.
"He has got the personality to play in that controlling role," said Rodgers.
"He gives us great variety in his passing. We saw today he picked it up from deep and stretched the game with his vision and quality."
Asked whether England captain Gerrard would continue play in that position, Rodgers said: "It is something I will look at. He's someone who fits the profile of that role. He does it a bit more with England.
"I have spoken to him a lot about it and it was just about timing. We saw today that he played really well. Steven showed great leadership as well."
Here's some of my possible theories about it.
1) Gerrard doesn't have the legs to play AM anymore. This is a way to keep him in the team week in week out.
2) Lucas hasn't looked as good since returning from his long injury in the role. Allen and Henderson have both shown more promise and are now preferred by the manager
3) It's only temporary. Rodgers wants to get someone else in to that role and move Gerrard back further forward.
I wasn't overly impressed with Gerrard there against Stoke. Some people thought he played well, I thought he looked lost and a yard off the pace most of the time.
My personal view is that I'd rather have Gerrard used more sparingly as an attacking midfielder than playing every minute as a glorified centre-back.
Interested in your thoughts.
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