Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has employed Raheem Sterling in a variety of different positions for Liverpool, but what is the 19-year old attacker's best position?
During his rapid-rise to prominence at Anfield, £20m-rated Sterling has played on the left and right of a front three; the number 10 role, and even as a right wing-back, and in an interview this week, he revealed his favoured position.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Sterling mused:
"I prefer the No 10 position. Every time I get in there I try to take the responsibility of creating and scoring goals. I enjoy that".
Some of Sterling's most effective performances have come from the number 10 position (either as a starting role, or drifting into that role during a game), and in the diamond formation - which seems to serve Liverpool well - Sterling is (arguably) the most effective player for the role.
Coutinho, Lallana, and Markovic are all capable of playing the number 10 role, too, so Sterling will have lots of competition to make the position his own.
Ironically, though, the one thing that may work against Sterling is his pace. Given blistering speed, there will always be a temptation to play him out wide, and it makes sense to play the fastest attackers on the wing.
Conversely, pace is not a pre-requisite for success in the number 10 role, and Rodgers - like many managers - may feel that playing Sterling there every game may mean Liverpool losing the benefit of his electrifying pace.
Pace notwithstanding, Sterling is a perfect fit for the role, and I'd like to see him given a run of games there. That may mean that Coutinho drops to the bench, but with the Brazilian's middling form right now, that may not be such a bad idea. The following attacking line-up looks pretty tasty to me:
-------------------- Gerrard
------------ Hendo ---------- Lallana
------------------- Sterling
------------ Sturridge -- Balotelli
With the current squad (not including injured players:
-------------------- Gerrard
------------ Hendo ---------- Lallana
------------------- Sterling
---------------------------- Markovic
------------------ Balotelli
There's also the option of playing Sterling up alongside Balotelli, with Coutinho or Markovic in the number 10 role.
Author: Jaimie K
During his rapid-rise to prominence at Anfield, £20m-rated Sterling has played on the left and right of a front three; the number 10 role, and even as a right wing-back, and in an interview this week, he revealed his favoured position.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Sterling mused:
"I prefer the No 10 position. Every time I get in there I try to take the responsibility of creating and scoring goals. I enjoy that".
Some of Sterling's most effective performances have come from the number 10 position (either as a starting role, or drifting into that role during a game), and in the diamond formation - which seems to serve Liverpool well - Sterling is (arguably) the most effective player for the role.
Coutinho, Lallana, and Markovic are all capable of playing the number 10 role, too, so Sterling will have lots of competition to make the position his own.
Ironically, though, the one thing that may work against Sterling is his pace. Given blistering speed, there will always be a temptation to play him out wide, and it makes sense to play the fastest attackers on the wing.
Conversely, pace is not a pre-requisite for success in the number 10 role, and Rodgers - like many managers - may feel that playing Sterling there every game may mean Liverpool losing the benefit of his electrifying pace.
Pace notwithstanding, Sterling is a perfect fit for the role, and I'd like to see him given a run of games there. That may mean that Coutinho drops to the bench, but with the Brazilian's middling form right now, that may not be such a bad idea. The following attacking line-up looks pretty tasty to me:
-------------------- Gerrard
------------ Hendo ---------- Lallana
------------------- Sterling
------------ Sturridge -- Balotelli
With the current squad (not including injured players:
-------------------- Gerrard
------------ Hendo ---------- Lallana
------------------- Sterling
---------------------------- Markovic
------------------ Balotelli
There's also the option of playing Sterling up alongside Balotelli, with Coutinho or Markovic in the number 10 role.
panel management
Author: Jaimie K
Coutinho seems out of sorts now. He must be dropped. For now at least.
ReplyDeleteWe seem to look better as a team when Sterling is played as a number ten. We could alternate between Sterling and Coutinho depending on the opposition, Sterling being better at turning and running at the defence and Coutinho the better passer (although not last night). Maybe even Lallana might want to play in that role, he doesn't seem to have the pace to play wide.
ReplyDeleteallen is better suited then lallana in that lam postion
ReplyDeleteBalotelli and Sturridge upfront with Sterling just behind them yes please but until Sturridge returns I suggest we stick Sterling upfront with Balotelli.
ReplyDeleteLallana has not been given the opportunity to play alongside Henderson yet.
ReplyDeleteMy worry about Coutinho is that he does not have the ability to impose himself on a game.
ReplyDeleteSo if we are playing well Coutinho will play well, if we are not playing great I do not see him having the.. not sure what word to use I do not see him being able to change a game where as Stirling does have it.
The likes of Silva, Nasri, Mata (well he did) had that ability to be able to turn a game around even if they are having a meh game
Since the return from international (and all the hype he had received) he hasn't been as performant as he has been, i hope he's not starting to believe his own hype and doing what british players are doing at Arsenal.
ReplyDeletei'd like to now Jaimie because for now i've not see what he can bring to the team, why would you put lallana in the team in front of others player ?
ReplyDeleteCoutinho is inconsistent and raw. He has not matured yet like Sterling has. When he first came, he played some really glorious through balls but now, he just seems scared. He does have the ability to take a game by storm like at Everton and Arsenal but does not do it enough. Like most of our players, he seems to do better in the diamond.
ReplyDeletecoutinho has all the abiltiy in the world, apart from finishing, but he just dont make the desired impact for all of his ability. he needs the confidence and good years training on his shooting and i think he can set the world alight. until then we should restrict to substitute roles unless we really need his skills and vision. Lallana was likewise poor but i think he will play better away from home
ReplyDeleteI think we should give Borini a chance. Our play improved after he came on and by having two strikers in the box, we can be more dangerous. In Jan, a loan signing of an experienced striker could be great.
ReplyDeleteI agree, play two upfront. Go with the diamond formation!
ReplyDeleteWe have gone with 4-2-3-1 and failed miserably and gone with 4-3-3 and lacked instinct.
Just stick tow what suits us best...
Problem with Sterling being number 10 is that position is the only position Coutinho can be good in, With his form and Markovic probably improving constantly/ Coutinho may vanish...
ReplyDeleteThat is up to Coutinho now. We only play the best players on form and currently, Coutinho is not. He either adapts or perishes and he has to prove that he is worthy of a place in the team.
ReplyDeleteIs Allen back for the Hammers game?
ReplyDeleteI voted no10 as with Markovic we now still have that blistering pace out wide although I don't think he's ready to be our no10 yet.
ReplyDeleteI personally like Coutinho on the left hand side of the diamond, a little deeper however at the moment I think Joe Allen will walk back into the team when fit.
I think Sturridge also helps to bring the best out of Coutinho and I think he's missing him as much as the rest of us
Not sure but he would be a massive boost. Right now it is Hendo and Allen as our pressing men all the way.
ReplyDeleteGerrard
ReplyDeleteAllen-Hendo
Sterling
Borini-Balo
Play Lallana if Allen is not fit.
Looks good to me.
ReplyDeleteYou'd play Lallana central midfield?
ReplyDeleteYes but very few players(worldwide) are superior to Sterling so leaving Coutinho to fight for his spot with him would mean selling Coutinho come January...
ReplyDeleteAlongside Henderson yes. Lallana can press, chase and win the ball. That is what is required of Henderson and Allen. Lallana no problem.
ReplyDeleteIf Coutinho proves himself, he will rightfully earn his spot back pushing Sterling to the wing. Sterling is one of those players who excels wherever he plays so it would not be too much of an issue.
ReplyDeleteso be it then ...we have plenty of players who can fill his roll......im sick of tino making the wrong pass and giving the ball away ...when he gets it in the final 3rd i know exactly what will happen
ReplyDeleteBut statements like this might mean he wants strictly that role...
ReplyDeleteat some point rogers will play allen hendo and lallana together without Gerrard when he does Gerrard wont ever get back in the team
ReplyDeleteBorini must be 4th choice, if anything, out of principle.
ReplyDeleteif anything out of talent he is pants
ReplyDeleteSpot on regarding him missing Daniel. Plus I think he improved a bit when Sterling came on vs Villa..
ReplyDeleteThimk he is rightfully worried for his spot and trying too hard at times, he had a doyen shoots in last 2 games.. sterlings statement wont make him happy either...
ReplyDeleteAnd one more thing/ last night Tino was tracking back at left back and had the chance to close down on the opposition player but instead waited for Moreno to get the ball, did you notice that.
I would love to see all 4 with gerrard in the most advanced role...
ReplyDeleteI would love to see all 4 with gerrard in the most advanced role.....
ReplyDeleteif i consider a PS3 controller than i would say that the triangle thing is missing in the final third..and that is because players doesnt run behind the defenders a lot..they all looks for the ball at their feet and thinks alot before doing something..one example is of villa game where moreno could ve crossed it for markovic to score but took his time to make a decision..awareness is a key component of a game..i miss sturridge more now for his runs behind defenders.
ReplyDeleteCan't see what everyone's problem with Gerrard is all of a sudden. He's still one of our best players.
ReplyDeleteThat's not his position though mate, that's not why we paid £26m. He plays in behind the striker or wide. If we want someone to chase and pressure the ball then buy someone who plays in there and does that. I've seen nothing in Lallana which would suggest he could play that role.
ReplyDeleteAnd he started playing a bit deeper
ReplyDeleteyour joking right, yah I know you are.... Allen makes for a good CM/CDM, never as an attacking player... Lallana on the other hand is awesome, as shown for Southampton.
ReplyDeletej henry tweeted
ReplyDeletehe is going to try and sign marco reus
I think Lallana is one of LFC's most versatile players, winger, attacking mid(all 3 positions) and I think he is more than capable of doing a great job as either LCM/RCM, preferabley in a wide diamond...
ReplyDeleteThe 20 million valuation must be out of date by now ? If England and Liverpool's best player is only worth that both teams are in deep sh*7.
ReplyDeletehahahahaa! What@s Henry been smoking? nah but seriously though, quality
ReplyDeleteplayer who would be a dream signing for LFC, don't see it happening
though, if anything, he'll be at Real or Barca come next summer... LFC
will have to break the bank to get him, for wages aswell.
tracking players is a major problem in the system we play with the players we use ...it doesn't matter what the level of opposition is if a player any player runs from deep you can usually giarentee he will have a free run without anyone checking or running with them
ReplyDeletehe just hasn't the legs for a 3 man pressing midfield ..the system in which we play best
ReplyDeleteDrop him, REPLACE Mignolet asap .. http://www.liverpool-kop.com/2014/05/simon-mignolet-admits-he-needs-to-improve-liverpool-goalkeeper.html? no you won't!
ReplyDeleteOnly British team with a win in the first round of matches =D I know we had the easier tie, but surely Chelski should be beating teams like Schalke at home.
ReplyDeleteCout never looks as good against teams that sit deep and are physical. So he shouldn't play our next game. If there is space to pass in to and a fast willing runner then he can be effective but he needs to find the run of the pitch and so needs chances. The last couple of games chances have been few.
ReplyDeleteSorry pal but I disagree, I think he still gets around the park just fine. We take his passing out of our team and we're not as effective.
ReplyDeleteMore games will help that though I think. People need to learn the runs of their colleagues.
ReplyDeleteHis passing has not been effective recently and he can't make up ground fast enough at the moment. If he is more tactically disciplined the legs thing won't matter as much. He has not yet found last seasons form and lets be honest we have to start planning for the future anyway.
ReplyDeleteWould you want Lallana in that position playing against someone like Ya ya Toure? All I'm saying is play him in the position he excels in, it's hardly fair trying him in a new position when he's played all his adult playing career in another position. Let's at least give his a fair chance of succeeding at Liverpool.
ReplyDeleteI'd agree we have to plan for the future and in Emre Can I think we might of already covered it. His form this season hasn't been as good as last year but then again nobody's has. We as a team attack with numbers which leaves us vulnerable to counter attacks, which sometimes leaves Gerrard exposed. But to say his legs have gone I think is unfair, admittedly he's not as quick as he used to be but in no way is he slow. He's only 34, he's not ready for his bus pass yet.
ReplyDeleteThere have just been points this season and in last nights game where he will be out of the cebtral position not even really doing anything and when he realises the vacated space needs covering as we are getting attacked there his sprint looks like a jog. He can still get about, has enough energy to do it most of the game but he has lost his acceleration but it;s like he doesn't yet realise it. It can be painful to watch at times. This is perhaps why he is getting slack. His set peices hae not been good, his long range passing has not been good and so he is doing a slower job than Joe Allen can do. Apart from winning things in the air that is. I suppose we all want more from him especially when no one else is shining.
ReplyDelete34 in footy terms is getting on though. For an outfield player anyway.
There's been no movement up front to benefit Cout's game. Agree he should sit out the next game tho
ReplyDeleteI do not think Rogers has the balls to bench Mr Liverpool
ReplyDeleteBut is Allen fit enough?
ReplyDeleteProblem with Sterling being number 10 is that position is the only position Coutinho can be good in,
ReplyDeleteHe was most effective last season playing as a number 8 and was instrumental in the 5-1 win against Arsenal and 4-0 against Everton
Coutinho has said on Brazilian radio that he likes playing as a #8
ReplyDeleteThe whole team needs to hassle the opposition, not just one or two.
ReplyDeleteYes please Yaya Toure hardly runs unless he has the ball
ReplyDeleteExactly what I was thinking mate
ReplyDeleteIf not then Lallana
ReplyDeleteNo he didn't
ReplyDeleteIf an unfit Luke Shaw was worth 27 then Sterling must be worth 50 by now
ReplyDeleteThis! He's never really been played as a striker, but has the killer instinct, sets 'em up and knocks them down.
ReplyDeleteHe's not a great crosser of the ball, so on the right he's not too effective, get's it down the pitch, but doesn't deliver, and can't cut in and shoot with his left.
On the left he can cut in and shoot with his right, which is better, as he still can't cross.
And as the 10, can set them up pretty well, and occasionally get in the good positions to shoot.
But I think he'd be most dangerous as the furthest man up - he'd be a constant menace to defenders, could beat them for pace, and if not in shooting position, could make the right pass.
We need to get the best out of all our players and when the team needs to be changed then sometimes Sterling won't get to play centrally. I'm not convinced by Coutinho at the tip of the diamond, he seems to be struggling a little bit early this season to impose himself after what was impressive pre-season. But in the long term Coutinho is also at his best in a central role so that means Sterling will sometimes need to play a bit more on the right. Otherwise Coutinho is just wasted and that's not good for the team. Sterling will never be an old-school winger so I think he's utilised equally well in both roles. His early form for Liverpool was on the right and he was great there so I don't think we lose anything much, I think he can produce for the club in both positions, scoring and creating.
ReplyDeleteThe great thing about our forwards is that they don't need to be restricted to just one part of the pitch. Even if he's technically deployed on the right Sterling will pop up all over the pitch. It's the same with Coutinho and Sturridge. Suarez was the same too but I'm not sure about Balotelli. It will take some time before we see what he's capable of. But no matter what line up we put out there the idea is that the players can attack from any part of the ground. That's really what's so devastating about Liverpool at their best. How can you defend against a team that changes formation every time they launch a new attack? At any moment we might see Sturridge stay wide on the right while Sterling takes the ball through the middle, Coutinho working on the left, but then play switches and Sturridge comes through the middle while Sterling pushes right and Coutinho plays the 10 role. If you man-mark them you're screwed, defenders will get pulled all over the place, but if you use zones you'll have to expect a different player coming at you every time.
That's very true, but in the past few games Coutinho could have been used in that role and he hasn't been. I think that's telling. He's starting to become a bit of a utility player and unless he asserts himself on a bit more he'll slip down the pecking order. If Allen gets picked first game he's fit then I'd start to be worried about Coutinho's opportunities in the team.
ReplyDeleteFunny how no one mentioned we improved on Tuesday once Lucas came on in the middle.
ReplyDeleteWe were much more balanced in the middle once he came on and Gerrard had more time on the ball ...watch the game again.