15 Oct 2009

The ALBERTO AQUILANI PROBLEM: Where will he play + will he be used effectively?

Liverpool fans should hopefully see Alberto Aquilani in a red shirt for the first time at the end of this month, but where will the Italian fit into the team and will he be used effectively?

With three defeats in 8 premiership games already, the pressure is on for Liverpool to start producing premiership winning performances on a more consistent basis. There is also huge pressure on Aquilani to show that he is capable of:

1. Staying fit.
2. Making a consistent, positive contribution to the team’s success.

Fan expectation has risen to ridiculous levels since the Italian’s signing, and given Liverpool’s less than impressive start to the season, fans seem to be expecting Aquilani to be some kind of saviour, as if his mere presence is going to change everything for the better.

The reality is there will be no instant quick fix, and Aquilani’s effectiveness will largely depend upon how Rafa Benitez chooses to utilise him in the team.

In the title I referred to the 'Alberto Aquilani problem'. It's a problem because, inevitably, one or more of Liverpool's key players will have to miss out to accommodate him.

Here are a few examples:

LINEUP 1 – 4231


--------------------------------- Reina

Johnson --------------- Carra ------ Skrtel/Agger ------------ Aurelio

---------------------------- Mascherano

----------------------------------------------- Aquilani

Kuyt -------------- ----------- Gerrard ------------------- Benayoun

-------------------------------- Torres

This is nominally a 4231 formation, but in practice, Aquilani will hopefully play higher up the field. Two defensive-minded holding midfielders are not required – especially at home - and with Mascherano protecting the back four, there will (hopefully) be no need for Aquilani to prioritise defensive duty over attack.

That formation is lacking any real width, which would be provided by having Albert Riera in the side.

LINEUP 2 – 4231

--------------------------------- Reina

Johnson --------------- Carra ------ Skrtel/Agger ------------ Aurelio

---------------------------- Mascherano

----------------------------------------------- Aquilani

Kuyt -------------- ----------- Gerrard -------------------Riera

-------------------------------- Torres

The inclusion of Riera would probably mean Yossi Benayoun dropping to the bench, but I wouldn’t want that to happen, especially given the Israeli’s superb creative contribution for the team this year. Benayoun deserves to be an automatic starter.

What about the Lucas factor? Rafa Benitez has his favourites, and Lucas is definitely one of them. And to be fair, the Brazilian has been a steady performer this season, which is why I can’t see Benitez just dumping him to make way for Aquilani.

Lucas is progressing well, and as much as I think he deserves to be in the team at the moment, hard choices need to be made, and when it comes to doing what is best for the TEAM, Lucas is surely the player who must make way?

Having said that, OPTA stats this season show that Lucas is one of the most effective tacklers in the Premiership - streets ahead of fellow midfielder Javier Mascherano. As such, there is an argument that Mascherano should be the player to make way, which could lead to the following line-up:

LINEUP 3: 4231

--------------------------------- Reina

Johnson --------------- Carra ------ Skrtel/Agger ------------ Aurelio

---------------------------- Lucas

----------------------------------------------- Aquilani

Kuyt -------------- ----------- Gerrard ------------------- Benayoun

-------------------------------- Torres

Does Lucas have what it takes to play the holding role effectively? It’s a big responsibility, and I think against poorer teams, this line-up could be very effective. However, in the Champions League and against the best defences, I think Mascherano is probably a better option here as he is far more tenacious and physical.

Lucas is also NOT a holding midfielder; he is more of an Aquilani type player; someone who should be playing further up the field, not throwing himself into last-ditch tackles. In any event, I am against converting Lucas into a defensive midfielder; we’ve had enough of that already with the conversions of Kuyt and Babel.

If Rafa is stubborn, and he IS (!), then I think we will see Lucas shoehorned into the side at the expense of other players/what is best for the team. We have already seen that this season with Benitez’s refusal to replace Lucas with Gerrard in central midfield. What indication is there that he is going to change his philosophy now?

There are a couple of other formations to consider:

LINEUP 4 : 4231

--------------------------------- Reina

Johnson --------------- Carra ------ Skrtel/Agger ------------ Aurelio

------------------------- Gerrard --- Aquilani

Kuyt -------------- ---------- Benayoun -------------------Riera

-------------------------------- Torres

In this line-up, the Gerrard-Torres partnership is sacrificed for balance on the left and Benayoun as the link-man. I personally like this line-up, and I don’t see why it couldn’t be effective against some teams. Gerrard is used to playing in the centre; indeed, some fans argue it’s his best position.

On the negative side, using Gerrard as a defensive midfielder brings its own problems, positional indiscipline; roaming around and leaving gaps in the centre; tendency to waste possession with too many Hollywood balls; rash tackles etc. Plus, Gerrard probably doesn’t want to play there anymore, which would lead to the inevitable sulking.

LINEUP 5: 442 (or 4-4-1-1)


--------------------------------- Reina

Johnson --------------- Carra ------ Skrtel/Agger ------------ Aurelio

Kuyt ------------------ Masch --- Aquilani ------------- Benayoun

-------------------------- Gerrard

--------------------------------------- Torres

Once again, this could be a very effective formation; the Gerrard/Torres partnership is preserved, and Kuyt could easily interchange with Gerrard on occasion.

What I don’t want to see is Aquilani played out of position. He is a central midfielder so he must be played there. Let’s hope we don’t see this:

--------------------------------- Reina

Johnson --------------- Carra ------ Skrtel/Agger ------------ Aurelio

---------------------------- Lucas -- Masch

Kuyt -------------- ----------- Gerrard ------------------- Aquilani

-------------------------------- Torres

With Benitez’s track record of playing square pegs in round holes, I wouldn’t bet against it. For the record, my preferred formation is LINEUP 1:

--------------------------------- Reina

Johnson --------------- Carra ------ Skrtel/Agger ------------ Aurelio

---------------------------- Mascherano

----------------------------------------------- Aquilani

Kuyt -------------- ----------- Gerrard ------------------- Benayoun

-------------------------------- Torres

If it's a choice between Riera and Benayoun making way, it has to be Riera in my view. And as much as I think Liverpool can survive without Mascherano, until Masch leaves and we have a more suitable replacement, he has to be in the side ahead of Lucas.

The positive thing is Liverpool can change formations/personnel to match the opposition, which should mean everyone gets to play their part.

----

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40 comments:

  1. aquilani wont get in the team - lucas levia is much better.

    ReplyDelete
  2. you're a crazy man. A crazyman

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's almost impossible and therefore a rather futile exercise to predict teams in this way.  Each line-up will depend on a number of external factors which cannot be predicted.


    The best points in this article are raised early on when you talk about the expectation levels on Aquilani.  I will not be expecting much from him early on and i imagine he will be used sparingly to protect him and that would also allow Lucas many more minutes as i agree he a favourite of Rafa.  I completely agree that he should used exclusively through the middle and hope we don't see him out wide for any reason.

    With Mascherano, Lucas and Gerrard playing nearly every minute so far this season in the central areas, i think Rafa will be looking to add another option in there and i thik he can play in any of those positions and hopefully be effective, although i will admit i have not seen much of him before.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lucas is not good enough. I cannot understand Rafa's devotion to this guy.
    He is the player who must make way for Aquilani.
    How can you drop Benayoun? He's great every time he plays.
    The best 11 is:
    Reina
    Johnson
    Skrtel
    Agger
    Aurelio
    Riera
    Mascherano
    Aquilani
    Benayoun
    Torres
    Gerrard

    Subs:
    Babel
    Kuyt
    Carra
    Ensua
    Goalkeeper.


    And we have never seen it yet.   Mark my words.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I would agree though that expectation levels are unrealistically high regarding Aquilani and it would be a lot to ask for him to slot perfectly into the team at the first time of asking.

    In reality I think its likely to be Lucas fighting it out in midfield with either Masch and Aquilani for a central midfield role, with Lucas acting as the holding player if paired with Aquilani.

    ReplyDelete
  6. [<span style="">With Benitez’s track record of playing square pegs in round holes]</span>

    Just couldn't resist having a sly little pop could you Jaimie? As per usual! How's that restraining order coming along?

    On a serious note, when you refer to square pegs in round holes I don't suppose you're talking about RB turning Dirk Kuyt into one of the best 'hod-carrying' right midfielders in the Prem? Or exploiting Steven Gerrard's potential to the full by playing him in 'the hole' instead of centre mid?

    Funny that both of these players find their way into all of your sage-like team selections.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I suggest you look at the team line ups that beat Chelsea and Man U home and away last season mate!

    Mark my words you'll be surprised!

    Riera and Yossi in the same team at the expense of Dirk!?!?
    Sheesh!
    Don't hold out for those coaching badges pal!

    ReplyDelete
  8. -If you had watched 1-2 games this season, then you would know, that Insua played the majority of the games in the left back position, not Aurelio...
    -It is exactly clear that Aquilani will play in the centre midfield positions or in the Gerrard position, everything else is more Fantasy Football, than it actually is!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Carrard - stop making ridiculous assumptions.  Oif course I watch the games; does that mean that player positions are set in stone for the whole season?! No.  I'm well aware that Iinsua plays at Left back, but my personal preference is for Aurelio.

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  10.    kuyt is a hard working player...nothing more.

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  11. Are you Lucas useless Leiva ? OR a Man U Fan ?

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  12. What are you talking about?(fans ridiculous expectations?) All the fans i know and talk to (around me in the lower cent...) know how much of a loss Alonso was and aren't expecting aquilani to be a world beater and lead us to the title. hmm... that's common sense i suppose, not the knee jerk reaction of a so called streaming fan. 

    ReplyDelete
  13. Another C-rap Liverpool (i'm really a Manc/Toffe)-Kop articla.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Team Should be:

    ....................Reina..................
    Johnson  Carragher  Agger  Aurelio
    Kuyt Maschernao Gerrard Benayoun
    ...............Aquilani.......................
    ................Torres........................
    Subs:
    Diego C
    Skrtel
    Babel
    Insua
    Riera
    Lucas / Spearing
    Ayla / Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  15. Come on....to be fair to Jamie, this is hardly in his usual tone of negativity is it.  He is just trying to raise some potentially serious issues regarding where Aquilani will best serve the team, and more importantly, who will be around him.

    It's vitally important for our chances of success both this season and future seasons that Aquilani does well in a Liverpool shirt and considering how best to accomodate him is a fair and legitimate article!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I like your favorite line up, Jaimie. I still think we need to get a new player to replace Kuyt. Any suggestions? I like Kuyt because he works hard and makes his contribution each time never failing the team, but we should be honest, and he just doesn't have enough speed and creativity to play as a winger. He's too predictable cause you know he can't beat the opposite player. He's been great to Liverpool and I hope he never leaves the club but he just isn't my first choice right winger, and to play as striker he should be able to beat Torres. Impossible. Kuyt would be great squad player though. I don't know if it's going to happen Kuyt seeming to be Benitez's favorite as well.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ok so how much is a replacemwent winger who scores 12-15 goals a season and create 10 assists mmmm... 30 mil!!! Haaaangggon a minute isn't that what Dirk gives us! deeep breeaaaath. then a big sigh!  

    ReplyDelete
  18. I agree with you for once Jamie. The 1st formation you've given is no doubt our strongest. Even if Lucas is in the team, against stronger opposition he is more of a liability on the field than anything else. Riera needs some time on the bench, and Aurelio is a much stronger, more experienced left-back than Insua.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I agree Liv'pool - in the long term, we need a replacement for Kuyt.  I refuse to accept that of all the players in the world, Kuyt is the best we can do on the right.  His goal/assists stats from last season are good, so he warrants a starting place this season, but I still think we can do better.  As for who, I'll have to think about it.  I don't know every player out there but I'm sure there's someone out there. or are people suggesting that Kuyt is the best right-midfielder in the world.

    ReplyDelete
  20. masch is ahead of lucas no matter how well hes played this season
    and agree kuyt has been poor this season although he should be given a bit more time before he should be dropped (obviously depending on how well he plays in the coming weeks)
    and insua ahead of aurelio for me, hes nearly as good at the moment, and considering his age he will only get better, hes going to be our first choice LB for a long time if he keeps improving as he is.

    ReplyDelete
  21. It's not futile at all - if speculation was futile then football fans would have nothing to talk about.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Well i checked out all the line ups that u think should make the first 11, but i have a feeling that carra in that team. If anything Agger and skrtel make the team for me and Carra has to get enuf rest maybe to get involved in chosen games. My team : Reina,Johnson,Skrtel,Agger,Aurelio,Masch,Aquilani,Gerrard,Benay,Torres,Kuyt.Probably i'm dreaming.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your contradicting yourself there pal, your sure we can do better but you dont know who WHAT????? Put it this way i dare you to find a better rightesided player with better stats than Dirk since you so fond of stats anyway it shouldn,t take you to long. But for me yea dirk is the best, might not be the easiest on the eye, but it's about being effective!!! find a better one go on!!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. go 4/1/3/1
                    reina
    johnson agger carra aurelio
                  masch
    kuyt       aquilani   benayoun
                gerrard
               torres

    ReplyDelete
  25. Ppl are suggesting that for the way the manager wants his team to play, Kyut fits in very well.

    As for Aquilani I don't think there are overly high expectations at all. No one in their right mind expects him to come in an immediately take over the creative reins @ CM. I think he'll be given time by the fans to get his feet under him. I expect u'll be labeling him a bust after his first 3 games

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  26. After his first 2 games actually. if he hasn't scored at least 3 goals and provided 5 assists by that time, then he's clearly going to be a failure.

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  27. jaimie you contradict yourself. in once part of the article you say that lucas is progressing well. you have even cited statistics showing lucas performing better than masch this season. you even say lucas deserves to be in the team. and then in the very next paragraph you ask the question  "does lucas have what it take to be a holding midfielder". you have to make up your mind jaimie even when evaluating possibilites. and aquilani on the left?? that is not even a possibility. i have a feeling that benitez will play a 4-1-2-2-1

    johnson         carra          skrtel        insua


                         lucas/masch


                 gerrard            aquilani


    kuyt                                            benayoun

                            torres


    gerrard and aquilani will probably take turns to support torres in attack in such a formation.

    ReplyDelete
  28. i think too much fuss has been made about kuyt being converted into a right midfielder. you must keep in mind that in the modern game formations and personnel are more fluid. kuyt does play on the right more often than not but he also does move into the box on many occasions. jus look at his goal and assist stats last season. in every team supporting strikers and even one tops tend to drift off wide on many occassions. for chelsea drogba is omnipresent. for arsenal bendtner has played games on the right and by no means is he a right sided midfielder. for manu rooney was playing on the left for most part of last season. but nobody accused ferguson of playing square pegs in round holes. today its all about being flexible.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Excellent piece Jaimie nice to see a positive now and again,  It shows how much Liverpool will be able to change the system in the coming months with Agger and Aquilani fit. Lucas is much better than is being said and people jump on the media bandwagon too easily, I like SHUAIN'S line up very much. We are getting close to a fully fit squad for the first time this season and to a strong first 11.

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  30. Speculation in general is fine and important but in thsi instance there is very little point.  as i said, you make some good points but your first 3 teams consist of 1 change each time.  Yossi or Riera and then Msch or Lucas.  Both debates whis should be left for another time.  We all know Rafa will pick the team he thinks best suits the occassion.  hence why Yossi is generally ahead of Riera at the monent but why Riera started at Chelsea to give specific width against a narrow Chelsea midfield.  Half of this article is irrelevent, surely you can see that?

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  31. USELESS is Lucas's middlename.I'll bet with my last penny that Liverpool will lose to Sunderland if he plays.Even Sunderland wont him  take for free.Only Rafa thinks he is good.The team will lose balance with him playing.

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  32. I totally agree with this lineup with alteration of Kuyt/Riera/Yossi depending on form/opposition I'd like Aquilani and Stevie to exchange in suppoort of Nando with Gerrard dropping a bit deeper with better opponents to provide a little bit more cover for DM and always marauding Johnson 

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  33. yes 4-1-3-2 is a very positive formation

    johnson  carragher  agger/skrtel  aurelio

    kuyt            aquilani            babel/benayoun

                    torres          gerrard         

    ReplyDelete
  34. furthermore rafa should buy 1 more good midfielder and striker. look at chelsea's squad and man u they have a very strong squads. Liverpool are missing out by a lot. come on lfc.

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  35. if liverpool want to win cups and titles they, will have to get themselves together and play like a team.

    ReplyDelete
  36.                   Reina

    Johnson    Skrtel   Agger       Insua

                     Mascherano
           Kuyt                       Lucas
                        Aquilani

            Gerrard
                                 Torres

    ReplyDelete
  37. <span>For me, the best formation 4-1-2-1-2 (diamond)    

                         Reina   
    Johnson    Skrtel   Agger       Insua  
     
                     Mascherano  
           Gerrard                       Lucas  
                        Aquilani  
     
             Kuyt                 Torres

    <span></span></span>

    ReplyDelete