Whilst I understand this point has probably been made over the last few months I still feel the need to say it.
Yesterday Gerrard, to me anyway, played a free role and when he gave the ball away (a fair number of times) he barely got back..not because he didn't want to, simply because he hasn't got the legs he used too which isn't his fault, just a natural change as you get older. Him not getting back isolated Allen to do more than a fair share of both players' work - Sahin looked off the pace slightly but duly so as he hasn't played much) and inturn exploited the defence hugely.
I've felt this for the last year or so, and whilst you might think its a knee jerk reaction to a couple of bad performances from him, it isn't.
I think he should sit deep and play from there (the general thing to say I know) but at least then he can dictate play, getting forward when neccesary and also help out defensively, but playing in a free role attackingly and not being able to get back physically for 90 minutes against Arsenal of all teams should be a wake up call. I'm not saying drop him or that he is awful, he isn't, still has the footballing ability he had 5 years ago, but he just doesn't have the stamina to play such a role unless Lucas is in the team, and even thats a risk. But at least while Lucas is out I feel we'll get opened up a lot more if he plays further up than sitting deep and attacking with discipline.
That's all
Gerrard.
posted on 3/9/12
He's not been the player he was for us since coming back from injury.
That said I still think he is bringing enough to the game to warrant a starting place but maybe not at cm.
We're short of a striker at the moment, maybe we should throw him up top.
posted on 3/9/12
The problem with Gerrard sitting back is that he will 90 percent of the time look for the 40 or 50 yard ball over the top. He rarely allows other players to do any work for him attacking wise unless he is the main initiator. As in he wants to be the one recognised for the assist or the main move maker.
With Gerrard sitting deep picking the ball up off the centre backs I can't see him playing a simple ball to a man 5 or 10 yards away. His natural instinct is to look for the run in the channel or down the flank. Don't get me wrong this can work sometimes but it's a risky ball and more often than not will result in the loss of possession.
Rodgers wants his players to play simple football, something that Gerrard just isn't used to. He will try and play too quick he will try and dominate the play in a way that Allen and Sahin will find foreign. Either he has to improve his game in a radius of 15 yards behind the striker or be dropped.
Harsh perhaps. But at the end of the day, Allen, Sahin and Lucas are far more accustomed to controlling the possession with short passes and triangular patterns. A movement that slowly works the team forward.
Gerrard throughout his career has excelled through his direct play. Rodgers doesn't want to play direct. Therefore he either changes his mentality and understanding of football or he won't fit the system and will continually give the ball away through hasty action.
posted on 3/9/12
I just feel that Gerrard doesnt do well as a AM, he had one season there which was great!
But on the whole he is a CM with a free role simple as!
I reckon Gerrard has still got it, look at his England perfomances and he hadnt played for a while before that too!
Suarez, Borini, Reina and Skrtel have all been useless recently - so have they lost it too? Time to replace them?
Gerrard is on the downward spiral a bit, but some fans are so fickle and love to scapegoat!
We've had it with Babel, Kuyt, Carragher, Lucas... etc
The midfield needs to settle and still some CM's have to go, but the defence and attack are shocking...
I dont know why people arent looking at Reina these days, does he look like he wants to be there?
posted on 3/9/12
For me, Gerrards problem is his attitude. When he loses the ball, he looks as though he feels sorry for himself for a few seconds instead of immediately trying to get it back! Drives me mad. Cost us against West Brom and Arsenal.
I think this will be his last season as automatic starter.
posted on 3/9/12
posted on 3/9/12
I'm not saying he's past it as I said, and I'm not using him as a scapegoat, but it seems that you can't say a negative thing about Gerrard.
posted on 3/9/12
He doesn't fit in the disciplined 3 man midfield at all. He doesn't defend, and he gives the ball away. Rodgers' nightmare. Another big problem is not having Lucas there, we need a replacement DM. I could see a new Gerrard role as a super sub, or a "false 9" in the front trio, he could get us much needed goals, I'm not seeing that from Suarez, Borini or Sterling.
posted on 3/9/12
Gerrard CAN'T play CM in Rodgers system. He's not comfortable enough on the ball and tries the long balls too often and gives away too much possession.
posted on 3/9/12
Well Honest... what do we do with him?
I suppose he will just have to adapt and what do we do about goals! I want your opinion
no lies please
posted on 3/9/12
Gerrard cannot play in a 3 man midfield. He hasn't got the patience to keep the ball and insists on being the hero who supplies the final pass. And he will keep doing it until he finally squeezes one through. He is a liability at the moment cos when he isn't scoring or making them, he is just a serial giver away of the ball.
Rodgers must be seething every time it happens cos it is so far away from what he wants to see. It is why Allen shines so brightlyat the moment cos it just shows up more than ever how wasteful Gerrard is in possession.