I feel deep down that although we need some depth to the squad, which is evident. We also need a few players to come into the starting eleven, in my opinion.
We played a varied 4-4-1-1 on saturday against Norwich and i'm a firm believer that this system gets the best out of Gerrard and Suarez, i really am.
With this in mind, i feel we need to improve during the summer and possibly this window in the following positions:
----------------------- ? --------------------------
Johnson--- ? -------------Agger----------- ?
? -----------Lucas------Gerrard------------ ?
---------------------Suarez--------------------
--------------------Sturridge------------------
Firstly, GK: Pepe has been an excellent servant, he really has. But to me he looks half hearted and has had a drop in form for the past two seasons. I think it would suit both parties to part ways and bring in an adequate replacement.
CB: I may get slated for this, but i think Skrtel is a liability, i'm worried everytime he makes a tackle in or around the box and i think Agger makes him look a lot better than he is. I think a top quality, pacey partner for Agger would make us very strong with Wisdom, Kelly, possibly Skrtel as back-up.
LB: This is another one that needs sorting, the best left-back we have had for years was Aurelio, unfortunately he was made of glass. Anyway, we need someone who gives us some quality from that side. I have to disagree strongly with people who rate Enrique because technically he is very average. I'm a firm believer of having full-backs who are comfortable on the ball, which Enrique isn't. If we could get someone of Johnson's quality on the left we would be in business. Long term, 3-4 seasons time i think the slot will fall nicely for Robinson who i rate highly.
RM: In any successful team, you need wide-men who can make and score goals. This is something LFC have missed for years (untill Stevie G played there for a brief period). Someone who can contribute 10-15 goals a season and near the same in assists would gives us another dimension.
LM: Now, the same as right midfield, a tricky, goalscoring wide-man. I think long term we are extremely blessed with Sterling, Ibe and Sinclair of the accademy but for the time being we need quality wingers who can take advantage of the space that Suarez creates.
Improvements...
posted on 23/1/13
Reina looks like he will gone for sure. Plenty of good keepers in the prem that can replace him.
We do need a CB but part of me is tempted to allow Wisdom, Sama and Kelly to fight for a spot with Agger.
Left back i fully agree with but not sure who is available other than Andre Santos
It could be argued that we will not use the convential wingers anymore and that those positions will be filled by Suarez, Borini and even Sturridge.
posted on 23/1/13
It could be argued that we will not use the convential wingers anymore and that those positions will be filled by Suarez, Borini and even Sturridge
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I don't think BR wants the typical winger, yes he likes the wider players to have pace but i think thats more because he likes them to run at defenders espeically in the box. Also he likes them to quickly take up the position or space Suarez or Sturridge will create with their movement and always get in support in the box.
I think eventually you will see the the front 3 change positions with each other when they naturally read and fill in for each others movement. If not then the front 3 behind the striker Suso and Suarez i think will be best at this as it comes naturally to them already imo. The verdict is out on Borini Sterling Downing Enrique and who ever else may play as a front 3.
posted on 23/1/13
Before Enrique injury i felt he was outstanding he was more of a threat than Johnson. When he played LM also he got forward and into the box and even nicked a few goals. Really did show downing up tbh but maybe they can learn from Enrique when hes back because its not all about pace and trickery to beat your mans its about timing and arriving in the box to stick the ball in the net ala maxi and kuyt.....
posted on 23/1/13
Skrtel and Enrique have been excellent bar a lapse in form. This happens to all players but fickle fans have to learn this.
posted on 23/1/13
Since when do we play 4-4-1-1
posted on 23/1/13
It was 4-2-3-1 with Suarez given a free role.
posted on 23/1/13
I think you need to think about priorities
GK, CB, LB, LM, RM
I think we play a 443 when attacking and it appears a 4231/4411 when defending. However using your setup I think we need a LM and RM in the next two transfer windows
Reina and Skrtel are very good quality players. They aren't bad players, and replacing them with promising youngsters like Wisdom/Kelly is, I'm sorry, naive and a fairy tale. They aren't his quality yet, and may never be.
To sum up, wide attacking players yes, NEEDED. LB, personally yes, I think NEEDED in the summer. But replacing Reina and Skrtel would be an expensive process (not to mention a gamble) and therefore would be a luxury
posted on 23/1/13
^^ Kelly is no longer a promising youngster. He's a fully fledged squad member that can hold his own and Wisdom is not far behind.
Look at Spurs and how they promoted Caulker and he looks class for someone his age.
posted on 23/1/13
But Kelly isn't as good as Johnson so we need to think about using him as cover for the centre as well as right back.
posted on 23/1/13
It was 4-2-3-1 with Suarez given a free role.
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This
Gerrard Lucas
Downing Henderson Suarez
Sturridge