The Central Midfield Debate

Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Meireles, Spearing, Aquilani, Shelvey, Poulsen.

8 Central Midfielders within our first team 25 man squad. With Charlie Adam being lined up to be brought to Anfield. That would take us to 9.

Who will be our starters? Bench warmers? Be cast in to a different position? Or sold before the transfer window shuts?

Discuss.

Very good question mate. You have missed out Shelvey even though it is likely he will go out on loan.

I for one would be happy with that & going into the season. Adam would only replace Poulsen and that's not essential as Poulsen gets no where near the pitch.

I think that the other 6/7 (Shelvey) all have a fighting chance of becoming a regular in that team and I think we will see it change week in, week out.

I do believe that the Centre Mid vs Sunderland will be Lucas, Gerrard and then one of Henderson/Meireles/Aquilani. 2 of those 3 if Stevie isn't 100%.

I prefer to see complete central midfielders who can and do do it all. So if we're going with two out and out central midfielders, Stevie and Spearing for me.

If we go, as I think we will, with 3 central midfielders behind a front three of Kuyt, Suarez and Carroll then I'd throw Lucas in there as well.

Shelvey will be loaned out, Poulsen hopefully sold, Meireles more than likely sold, Aquilani and Henderson warming the bench until they manage to convince Kenny to start them.

I'd sell Poulsen, send Spearing and Shelvey on season long loans leaving Aquilani, Gerrard, Meireles, Lucas and Henderson to fight it out for the 2 spots.

i personally see us using 3 in a game, so the starters being Lucas, Gerrard then possibly Adam as the natural left foot option (i think thats why kk wants him so much) so we need at least 6 in the squad to get you through the season.. leaving Poulsen to go(if we can find a buyer) and Henderson for me being used right side and occasionally in the middle..

The other three, Aquilani/Merieles (if they are still here) spearing rotating the three main midfielders

Henderson       Gerrard     Lucas/new defensive midfielder    Downing or other new winger

I think either Aquilani or Meireles will be sold, along with Poulsen hopefully. I hope we sign a new defensive midfielder along with Adam, with Downing and/or another winger coming in as well. 

Shelvey I presume will be loaned out along with Pacheco.

Very good question mate. You have missed out Shelvey even though it is likely he will go out on loan.

Amended. He slipped my mind for a minute! 

Although yes it's looking more and more likely that he will be sent out on loan.

Interesting thoughts so far. I should imagine Aquilani will have to prove his worth to Kenny during pre-season & the first few fixtures of the League, if he is to contend with the likes of Lucas, Meireles (if he stays). Which will more likely coming from the bench.

It's going to make our Midfield unbelievably competitive to get in to the side and perform well week in, week out.

Where does Charlie Adam come in to the equation? We still appear interested, despite Oyston F***ing us around. If he comes someone will definitely be sold.

Talk of Meireles leaving has damped down over the past week. Aquilani appears to be staying (but he still could go) & Poulsen will be playing the rest of his Anfield career in the reserves, unless sold.

Lucas has proved his worth in the side. But obviously, nothing is set in stone and he could have a nice warm spot on the bench waiting for him.

Which leaves me to our newly signed star, Jordan Henderson. I know DLS said in a different thread that he could possibly be controlling the right hand side. But will he challenge Lucas's spot in the team?

It's mouth watering with the strength in depth we've suddenly gained.

 Personally haven't got a clue at the moment who'll be starting or how we'll be playing next season. The closest idea in my mind is we'll play with 3 central Midfielders (considering the surplus of CMs in the squad and our confirmed interest in Adam). Again can see us selling Aquilani, Poulsen and MAYBE Meireles. Would also like another Defensive Midfielder here to replace Poulsen and create some 'real' competition for Lucas as I guess he'll not be 100% this season having had to play in 'Copa America'. Another thing I can't understand is how people see Adam a replacement for Poulsen as we all know he can't defend to save his life. It's not that the latter CAN but he SHOULD.

 Finally, Central Midfield is one of the main problems in our squad and it deserves a debate. Fortunately, it's Kenny in charge and not any other as I'd be really worried about that.

Christian Poulsen has got to be sold.

Let the rest fight for the two spots. Could do with the strength in depth for once

I think Aquilani will cement his place in Kenny's plans during pre-season, Kenny likes pass and move football and with that possibly being the strongest part of Aquilani's game, I expect it will not escape the attention of Kenny, whilst he's working so close up to him.

Gerrard, Lucas, Aquilani and Adam will fight it out.

Spearing and Shelvey will be loaned. Henderson will play on the right. Poulsen and Meireles will be sold...

Maybe?

Just out of interest how many of Barcelona's players are classed as midfielders? Aquilani Gerrard Henderson and Meireles can all play off the top man. Kenny may well stick with Lucas and Spearing maybe? I do think Aquilani will get into the side, he likes to be on the move as soon as he's passed it and I reckon that could be a factor in him getting plenty games.

Plenty of options though and that can only be a good thing.

Joe Cole must be reading this with a bit of dread.....

It's mouth watering with the strength in depth we've suddenly gained.

And the amazing thing is that vast majority of them were already with us when Roy took over and our squad seemed thread bare.

I prefer to see complete central midfielders who can and do do it all. So if we're going with two out and out central midfielders, Stevie and Spearing for me.

If we go, as I think we will, with 3 central midfielders behind a front three of Kuyt, Suarez and Carroll then I'd throw Lucas in there as well.

Shelvey will be loaned out, Poulsen hopefully sold, Meireles more than likely sold, Aquilani and Henderson warming the bench until they manage to convince Kenny to start them.

Pretty much this

Depends on the formation that we will be playing most often ... If we are to play the classic 4-4-2, we have too many central midfielders ... If we are to play the 4-2-3-1 or the 4-3-3 formation, we have just enough central midfielders ... If we are to play the 4-4-2 (diamond) formation most often, we still need at least one more central midfielder ...

Depends on the formation that we will be playing most often ... If we are to play the classic 4-4-2, we have too many central midfielders ... If we are to play the 4-2-3-1 or the 4-3-3 formation, we have just enough central midfielders ... If we are to play the 4-4-2 (diamond) formation most often, we still need at least one more central midfielder ...

i do think the 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations are more likely where we are heading, judging on the current players in the squad and the reported targets (the genuine ones that seem to stick)
Thats why i think we need 6 within the squad this year. It does seem that we will have a flexability within the formations though and that we will have more 'game changes ' on the bench if games arnt going right

Suppose we use Henderson as a RM, we sell Poulsen.

I guess will want to use Henderson as a RM. since he is a very good crosser,

Vs Sunderland I expect

Henderson       Gerrard        Lucas        New LB
                      Suarez
                     Carroll

Suarez, Lucas and Gerrard may be at rest however.

Suppose we use Henderson as a RM, we sell Poulsen.

I guess will want to use Henderson as a RM. since he is a very good crosser,

Vs Sunderland I expect

Henderson       Gerrard        Lucas        New LB
                      Suarez
                     Carroll

Suarez, Lucas and Gerrard may be at rest however.

your new Lb plays high up the pitch lad

In a 4 3 3

               Lucas

   Aquilani          Gerrard


In a 4 4 2

              Lucas   Gerrard
Henderson                       New LW
             
I do see Aquilani forcing his way into the side more often than not if he stays as someone earlier said he plays the style of Football Kenny likes.

Overall even without Adam we have plenty of options and styles of midfield player and Meireles could easily play in place of Alberto or Henderson in my formations and Spearing can replace Lucas.

Sell them all and play with 10 defenders. Has Woy taught you people nothing?

TWO of Lucas/Aquilani/Meireles at the base.

ONE of Meireles/Gerrard behind the striker.

ONE of Gerrard/Henderson to play on the right.

Shelvey will be loaned out for the season.  Spearing will be backup.  Poulsen will be sold.

With so many Central midfielders we should play 4-3-3 but I prefer suarez just behind Carroll...