18 Sept 2012

Rodgers to drop Gerrard? Liverpool fans give their emphatic verdict...

It's fair to say that Liverpool's Steven Gerrard has struggled to perform to his own high standards this season. Whether it's tactical indiscipline, losing the ball in crucial areas of the pitch, or failing to get shots on target, the captain is underperforming at the moment, and as is usually the case, Gerrard underperformance is symbiotically linked to the overall fortunes of the team. Could a game or two on the bench do him some good?

Gerrard was largely ineffective against Sunderland last Saturday, and with Nuri Sahin waiting in the wings, is it time to consider playing a team without Gerrard? I conducted a survey on the site last week asking that very question:

* 9200 people (approx) voted.

* A whopping 71% of participants voted for Rodgers to bench Gerrard.

That is a pretty emphatic result, and a little surprising given Gerrard's enduring popularity. Having said that, it's also heartening to see that so many fans are putting the team ahead of the individual for once.

It's going to be a long, hard season, and if Liverpool are going to get the best out of Gerrard, he shouldn't (IMO) be played in every single game. If that happens, he will inevitably get injured/burnt out, and that will be no good for anyone. Indeed, Gerrard's appearance stats from the last few years bear this out:

* Between 2007 and 2010, Gerrard played 164 games for LFC and England, averaging 54 games a season.

* In 2008-9 alone, he made 58 appearances for club and country.

This has clearly taken its toll on Gerrard, with the negative impact being felt from 2010-2012, and also this season:

*Only 64 appearances (club and country) in the last two seasons (32 per season average), with appearance numbers dropping dramatically as a result of injuries, and (arguably) playing too much without a break.

* If you factor in Euro 2012, and LFC's early start due to the Europa League, he's barely had time to recover.

I don't advocate dropping Gerrard, but it would be good to see him rested occasionally in order to prolong his career. As such, it would be good to see the following teams given a chance on a more regular basis:

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

Johnson ------- Agger ------ Skrtel ------- Enrique

----------------- Allen -- Shelvey

--------------------- Sahin

------------ Suarez --------- Assaidi

-------------------- Borini

OR:

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

Johnson ------- Agger ------ Skrtel ------- Enrique

----------------- Allen -- Sahin

--------------------- Shelvey

------------ Sterling --------- Assaidi

---------------------- Suarez

In my view, the Gerrard situation is a test of Rodgers' authority and strength as a manager: if he's strong, and not a soft touch, then he will manage Gerrard with the best interests of the player and the team at heart, and this (IMO) means restricting the captain to around 30-40 games this season.

Overplay him, and as we've seen over the last two seasons, it will impact negatively on the club and Gerrard himself.

Jaimie Kanwar


58 comments:

  1. I forgot which way I voted. But I dont see any harm in resting him for a game or 2. Probably wouldnt drop him against Utd though.

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  2. Ive been saying it for a while......... the second team above will win man u this week end!!!

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  3. People have short memories!!!...................... the I want it now generation to blame.

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  4. I agree JK. SG needs to be used sparingly as he comes to grips with Buck Rodgers system. He is clearly struggling now. It's like trying to get an old race horse to do equestrianism.

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  5. I like your first formation, but substitute Assaidi with Sterling depending on how they impose themselves on the game i.e creativity/pace/penetration. Idem for Borini / Morgan. Gerrard does need a rest

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  6. I would also add to that, Pepe Reina,
    Rodgers has to be bold ! Drop him for a few games ! Let him know that he isn't untouchable. Pepe Reina for me has been the worst performer for Liverpool these past few season.

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  7. Worst? that's harsh. AC, CA, SD, JH and Spearo to name a few will win hands down

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  8. Agree to drop Gerrard but why is Assaidi in your team? have you seen him play or is this based purely on hope.

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  9. If you look at Gerrard's appearance stats over the last 5 seasons, it's reasonable to infer that playing too much has had a negative impact on his career. He doesn't need to play every game; Rodgers needs to use him smartly, not just play him because he's Gerrard. For example, Gerrard should not play against Young Boys this Thursday (IMO); that would be madness, especially if he's to play against Man United.

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  10. I don't think Gerrard should be benched but only he should be moved from midfield to play as a part of attacking 3 as he is most clinical finisher Liverpool have got and it would be better to play him upfront. In midfield Liverpool have players good enough to replace Gerrard.

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  11. Option
    1





    Roll
    the ball out to the wing the winger runs with it till he is approached the opponent
    then pass the ball diagonally forward to the middle then pass the ball back
    onto the midfield winger who runs with the ball and crosses it in one of the 2 stickers
    one of whom scores.





    Kenny Way





    Option 2





    Roll the ball out to the winger who passes the ball back
    to the goalie who passes to the other winger who passes to a midfielder who
    passes back to a winger who passes back to the goalie (yawn) who then passes
    back to the winger who passes back to a midfielder (Gerard) (yawn again) who
    passes forward and the ball goes to an opponent (what do we do now he asks
    himself) Oh too late the opponent has scored!! Story of Liverpool’s life!!!!!





    Rogers Way

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  12. I've seen him play in Holland. I watch other leagues regularly, not just the PL. It's also based on hope, yes. Assaidi has been bought for a reason; he's not going to sit on the bench all season.

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  13. I'll drop him against any team right now. He looked lost on Saturday! I value the performance of LFC more than an individual be it Captain fantastic, and right now there's nothing fantastic and I think all LFC fans can agree even if it hurts. OPTION number 2 goes for me.
    The problem right now is not only Stevie but about 8-9 players in the first 11. The players are simply not sure of what they're suppose to do on the pitch, hence, no fluidity and no conviction and pace going forward. I'm sure things will improve but surely we cannot play 5 games without a win if we want to finish in the top 4! Anything less than a win of Sunday is unacceptable, regardless if it's Man U. And please BR stop playing GJ out of position. Time to bring in Enri if his fit and move GJ back to right back.

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  14. The old style give more defense but lack of creating chance. If we can score almost everytime we create a chance then it would be great. The problem is we are not clinical enough

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  15. jaimie very misleading headline there is a massive difference in dropping and resting also your two teams above only have one different player in .a lot more players are going to after be used just to cope with thursday and sunday matches there lays my point what ive been trying to make for months fsg sold good squad players kuyt bellamy maxi eg to cut down on wages but did not replace them leaving the squad woefully short in depth fair enought give the youngsters ago but at his rate the season will be over before its begun

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  16. the Europa league this Thursday will give brenden rodgers the option to exercise this if he chooses to do so, Its a win win opportunity to see how the side applies themselves with out there captain who with out doubt still has the ability to influence them in some way, lets see if the boys can become men!

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  17. i agree gerrard has not been playing to his best but here is the question you should of asked and you would of got a true answer that sums it up; if you where Brendan Rogers would you drop gerrard for the man utd game on Sunday?? if the answer is YES, you have big balls and if you where BR you are putting you life on the line if you lose. If the answer is NO then you think gerrard is still a top player and should be leading us into battle against the to teams. mine is play him 100 million%. Iwould like to hear your thoughts JK!!!!

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  18. very misleading headline jaimie there is a massive difference between dropping and resting someone also in your two teams above there is only 1 change in personel we are going to have to use a lot more players now that were playing thursday/sundays you cannot let good squad players leave like kuyt ,bellamy ,maxi ect without replacing them then still expect the team to make progress in the cups

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  19. S Gerrard looks burn't out and tired, its not surprising considering he single handley has been the driving force within side for over a decade. It seems it is taking his toll on him now, S Gerrard is still a vital player for club. But he should be used as part player and in the big games, he should start against United. And play in the centre of Park with Allen and Shelvey should stay as the attacking midfielder. Assaidi needs to be used and Borini needs to take a rest on bench. But Gerrard should not be playing in every game, as he looks tired and burn't out and its only start of season. Hopefully B Rodgers can start resting him over course of season

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  20. It's one thing that Gerrard needs to be protected from exhaustion, but there are also his performances that need to be analysed as not good enough up until now .... so, there is nothing wrong with Stevie being put on the bench, if there are others who have performed better than him .... no player should automically walk into the starting eleven .... it's all about previous performances, hard work in training and attitude.
    Having said that, I think that Gerrard will become a saving grace for us this season once again.
    He isn't called "Captain Fantastic" for nothing after all !!!!

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  21. dont think rodgers will drop gerrard he might rest him on thursday if he did drop him totally agree with you

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  22. this season is going to be about rebuilding i would be happy if we can get in the europa next year

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  23. 1) He is rested.
    2) He was effective against Sunderland.
    3) He won't be dropped, won't be a liability.
    4) Funny how we can't criticize UNPROVEN manager like BR after just 4 games but can criticize PROVEN world class player like SG after 4 games - who was named in Euro team of the tournament.

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  24. if the second team above wins on saturday we should get rodgers out and get jaimie in lol you could be assistant manager kidding

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  25. i agree rest gerrard a lets give the kids a run he is struggling a bit with the new style

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  26. No, I wouldn't drop Gerrard for United. I advocate reduced playing time for him, but that just means being on the bench more regularly for certain games so he's not at risk of burning out/getting injured.


    I would play him against United, Everton etc, but other league games should depend on his performance levels.


    Rafa subbed Gerrard off once in an Everton game and brought on Lucas. I defended him for doing that, and to this day, it's the bravest thing Benitez ever did (IMO)


    Rodgers needs that kind of strength.

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  27. Agreed! Stevie on the bench is not such a bad thing! Bring him on fresh while other players are tiring. He's perhaps lacking a bit of confidence... make him hungry, bring him on with devastating effect (hopefully).

    I like those team set ups, however, Borini has justified being dropped also... really excited to see Yesil in action, so perhaps that's the only change I'd put to these team selections aforementioned. I'd even consider throwing Coates in there seeming as though clean sheets have been a problem this season thus far, but as has been said... that's largely down to Reina... should also be considered for the drop...

    !! Result on the weekend! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!

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  28. drop Stevie G never when there is no one capable of replacing him.
    Sahin, not fit up to EPL standards, never got a game at Real Madrid, no thanks he isn't the answer, Stevie G has single handedly carried this team for years, he was burnt out after the Euro's and needs to be rested in both the league cup and Europa Cup to save him for the most important games in the EPL.

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  29. It is not just 4 games with Gerrard. We've been watching him for 12 years! Plus, the last two seasons have not been his greatest. There is context there; with Rodgers, there is not, so it isn't a fair comparison.

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  30. its about effectivity of the player... he can play almost every game, but maybe just not start every game...

    We all love Stevie, don't even begin to think we've forgotten!

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  31. If Brendan brought SAHIN and ASSAIDI what is the point of benching them constantly,
    If it was up to me, I would have played with 3 strikers including YESIL
    Just because he is young , that doesn't mean ye is not allowed in the first name.
    If we had a NATURAL GOALSCORER at the age of 10, I would have played him in every league game

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  32. need to get Yesil started!

    quite obviously a natural goal scorer... can he produce at top level... throw him in there and find out BR!

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  33. Stevie G wasn't good last season?? He played after long sustained injury and the impact was immediate against Newcastle. Hattrick against Everton, he wasn't as good in FA cups but he is not superman, prone to some bad games and we can't just write him off. He is still IMO best player for LFC considering the current squad. 100 times better than Allen.


    Rodgers have been coaching for long too, he haven't achieved anything compared to Stevie G really. His reputation is not even close to Stevie G, yet we spare him. Just coz he is now with new club doesn't mean he has just restarted his career.

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  34. I think our over reliance on him and had a toll in him, not only physically but mentally as well. For the 1st time in a while we have some midfield options. Gerrard does not need to play every game. I agree that he should not play against Young Boys, he needs to be fit and ready for United. Against young boys I would like to see Assaidi, Sahin, Enrique, Yesil and Sterling (not full 90) play. And play not play Agger, play Coates for this game.

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  35. He still need to consider other players feeling as well. If not it will turn like another Benitez story

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  36. I really hope he can hit the ground running. This Europa League is a big opportunity to play our new signings and our younger player. We really need a win against them though, a defeat before a United match would be the worst start possible.

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  37. If you know the fact then why would you mention "Drop" instead of "rest"

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  38. Don't think it will turn into that... Rafa was cold and tactical, BR is more of a players manager than rafa... Players will understand their place... it's for the good of the team

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  39. Nobody here has written him off. Did you read the article. and the responses.

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  40. Am talking about the general attitude towards Gerrard of the Author and some fans around here

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  41. This again?  there is nothing wrong with the 'attitude' to Gerrard in my post. There is nothing insulting/derogatory; you just cannot hack fair criticism of him. Get over it already.



    Sent from Samsung Galaxy Note

    -------- Original message --------
    Subject: [liverpoolkop] Re: Should Rodgers drop Gerrard? LFC fans give their emphatic verdict... | Liverpool-Kop.com

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  42. This again?  there is nothing wrong with the 'attitude' to Gerrard in my post. There is nothing insulting/derogatory; you just cannot hack fair criticism of him. Get over it already.



    Sent from Samsung Galaxy Note

    -------- Original message --------
    Subject: [liverpoolkop] Re: Should Rodgers drop Gerrard? LFC fans give their emphatic verdict... | Liverpool-Kop.com

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  43. jaimie just a note on the new posting system the posts seem to be random and in no specific order is there away i can sort out how i see posts eg oldest first most popular i just cannot seem to see anything to click on thank you

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  44. we do he will be 13 or 14 now he broke owen fowler and rooneys record 2 years ago

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  45. click on 'Discussion' (you will find this under the 'leave a message...' box and you will get a choice of 'best', 'newest' and 'oldest'.

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  46. Had it been me who suggested that maybe Gerrard where to be dropped I would have been crucified by Liverpool faithful. You saw the anger you got from fans when you suggested that Carroll should be moved on. I think that if our beloved Liverpool club were to ever move ahead we need to play our best players every game and not just the popular players. Sometimes the popular players are not the best players. We all need to show tough love to the players. Anybody having a bad game should be pulled off no matter who it is.


    We need to see the reduction of player power. Players have become to powerful these days and super stars threaten to leave when they don't start games. Not saying this will happen to Gerrard but it takes a special kind of coach to say to your iconic super star captain "Hey big guy I think that you need to sit this one out because you are not at your best!" A measure of a great coach is someone who can manage superstar egos and get the best out of them and reign them in when the need arises. Gerrard is an integral part of this great club but has time has gone on his energy level and the quality of game has diminished. It is only normal for that to happen over time. No shame in his game at all and resting him from time to time should not be a sin.


    I personally believe that a lot of tinkering will need to be done with the team before we can become a dominant force we once used to be. The new guys will need a little bit of time to gel and more influentcial and creative types of players need to be signed before you see us competing for major honors with the big boys.


    I believe in the next subsequent windows we should get more players who are playmakers. Players who are good on the dribble and can probe into the opponents half taking people on and creating both space and chances for their teammates. We lack enough of that kind of player on the squad.

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  47. Another pop at Stevie !

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  48. u nailed it on the head. just sensationalising his article

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  49. Gerrard has always made mistakes, remember the back pass to Henry and similar for England v France, but he also used to repeatedly bury shots from distance, which helped mask things a little.

    He is a great goal scorer, but very difficult to play him up front as there is a lot of work to get through there.

    He has never been able to control a midfield, so is not going to start now.

    BR can't drop him for obvious reasons, so this discussion is totally academic.

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  50. Has no one noticed Suarez playing terrible lately? Yes he scored the goal against Sunderland but let's be honest it was a sitter. All he done all game was moan and lose the ball more than any other player, also the same against Arsenal. I don't think Gerrard has been playing bad at all, I think it's just peoples expectations for him to play brilliant every single game which is impossible for any player! Remember it's not a 1 man game it's a team game!

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  51. Has no one noticed Suarez playing terrible lately? Yes he scored the
    goal against Sunderland but let's be honest it was a sitter. All he done
    all game was moan and lose the ball more than any other player, also
    the same against Arsenal. I don't think Gerrard has been playing bad at
    all, I think it's just peoples expectations for him to play brilliant
    every single game which is impossible for any player! Remember it's not a
    1 man game it's a team game.

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  52. Assaidi is a class player, has pace, determination, skill on the ball, can pass and cross with accuracy, tricky two feet, and can score some really good goals. Having Assaidi one wing, Sterling wide on the other and Shain behind Suarez would be a lethal combination. With Borini, Gerrard on the bench to come on in the last 20-25 mins.

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  53. Granted, Gerrard hasn't had the best of seasons, but he was not 'ineffective' against Sunderland last weekend! I believe he had his best performance playing deeper along side Allen. Gerrard is far more effective in the deeper role, picking up the ball from defence and having time to turn and make great forward passes - the through ball to Johnson in the first half took out the whole Sunderland team. Gerrard is ineffective in the advanced role, sitting behind Suarez, his back is always to goal, always under pressure and his movement isnt as effective as say Suarez, who can create space or even beat players in this tight area. I'd like to see the second of your formations, give Assaidi a chance, and Sahin looks impressive. Suarez in the wider role is a no no - he can't defend. The front wide men have a duty to get back and defend, Suarez was partly at fault for the sundeland goal, trying to defend but easily beaten, Johnson as well..

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  54. i think its high time liverpool moved on dropped the idea that gerrad is a guaranteed starter when fit onsidering the number of good midfielders (shelvey, allen, sahin). someone else stepped up to carry the team. i would love to see sahin , allen, suarez and lucas(when he returns) do that

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  55. reina has been declining for the past two seasons we need a new keeper and a decent RB coz johnson is awful

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  56. Stevie G has been a victim of his own success for Liverpool FC. Having bailed Liverpool out of trouble so many times in the past people will always expect him to do that as long as he has a red shirt on. The problem with Steven G being so dominant is that other players failed to step up too. With the Liverpool squad being so thin, We do not have a lot of real offensive talent to call upon if anything were to happen to Steven Gerrard injury wise. I don't think the Liverpool offensive line really puts fear in the hearts of many defenders in the league. We have lost the respect we used to have that's for sure.


    I think that Stevie G's performance has not been up to the standards that we are used to and the club as a whole has also under-performed of late.

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