Liverpool attacker Raheem Sterling is a man of many positions, but where should Brendan Rodgers play him today to best utilise his burgeoning talent?
There are several options:
* Wide right (or even left)
* Up-front alongside Balotelli.
* The number ten role.
'Fantastic' Sterling is capable of excelling in any of the above positions, but Liverpool legend John Aldridge insists that the youngster should be given a more expansive role today:
In theory, Sterling just roaming around wherever he wants is an enticing prospect, but within Rodgers' fairly rigid system (whether it's 433, or 442), it's doubtful he'll be given the freedom to operate in a truly free role.
Playing as a number 10 is (IMO) slightly different to having a genuine 'free role' in the team, but Sterling arguably has the discipline, and the defensive capability to make it work.
Meanwhile, ahead of the game, Rodgers has delivered another veiled warning to Simon Mignolet:
“Be aggressive, don’t wait for it. He [Mignolet] is a bit of a laid-back type of person. But I think he is aggressive too. He’s our No.1 keeper, and he just continues to work on that relationship with the back four and deal with that."
He's only LFC's number 1 'keeper because there's no one else at the club to challenge him. Hopefully, that will change at some point over the next few months.
Author: Jaimie K
There are several options:
* Wide right (or even left)
* Up-front alongside Balotelli.
* The number ten role.
'Fantastic' Sterling is capable of excelling in any of the above positions, but Liverpool legend John Aldridge insists that the youngster should be given a more expansive role today:
Id play sterling in a free role behind balotelli today.
— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) September 20, 2014
In theory, Sterling just roaming around wherever he wants is an enticing prospect, but within Rodgers' fairly rigid system (whether it's 433, or 442), it's doubtful he'll be given the freedom to operate in a truly free role.
Playing as a number 10 is (IMO) slightly different to having a genuine 'free role' in the team, but Sterling arguably has the discipline, and the defensive capability to make it work.
Meanwhile, ahead of the game, Rodgers has delivered another veiled warning to Simon Mignolet:
“Be aggressive, don’t wait for it. He [Mignolet] is a bit of a laid-back type of person. But I think he is aggressive too. He’s our No.1 keeper, and he just continues to work on that relationship with the back four and deal with that."
He's only LFC's number 1 'keeper because there's no one else at the club to challenge him. Hopefully, that will change at some point over the next few months.
Author: Jaimie K
The other players must improve should there be "Free fole" football again at anfield... but then again, sturra, Balo and sterling could theoretically do it...
ReplyDeleteHopefully diamond with Balotelli and Borini up front. Sterling behind them and Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana/Coutinho in midfield. Wouldn't chance backline but if Skrtel starts that's okay for me.
ReplyDeleteWill not be an easy game but a must win so hopefully players will deliver today after two lackluster efforts.
My prediction: 2-1 for Liverpool.
If Ballo. Daniel, Sterling and Markovic become starters, I think they will all be free-rolers driving defenses crazy..
ReplyDeleteGerrard
ReplyDeleteHenderson. Markovic/Lallana
Sterling
Borini. Balotelli
Very attackive (don't know if this is a word) lineup but seems the best to me. Coutinho isn't at his best so play markovic instead.
have to reach the level and comfort in the system first though...
ReplyDeleteYes, and it will take time. That is why ugly wins like vs So'ton and Ludogortes are so important...
ReplyDeleteVery attacking* :) I would leave Coutinho on the bench
ReplyDeleteWhy Borini?
ReplyDeleteYes, and it will take time. That is why ugly wins like vs Southampton and Ludogorets are so important...
ReplyDeleteAproval system is just beyond me...
ReplyDeleteHope Lambert starts..
ReplyDeleteTwo Italians up front, could really work out. I didn't watch CL match but heard Liverpool played better with Borini upfront with Balo.
ReplyDeleteWe just operate better with two upfront. With Lambert we would have their defenders affraid from crosses and Ballo's magic- it would be too much for them, me thinks..
ReplyDeleteRodgers just can't stop heaping exaggerated praise on the players at the moment ;)
ReplyDeleteRodger's rigid system? If anything, it's fluid.
ReplyDeleteMignolet, Manquillo, Moreno, Lovren, Skrtel, Gerrard, Henderson, Lucas, Sterling, Borini, Balotelli.
ReplyDeleteJones, Toure, Enrique, Sakho, Markovic, Lallana, Lambert.
Not to excited about this match i am afraid...
no coutinho in matchday squad and lucas starting
ReplyDeletei have a bad feeling
so unfair to take off sakho rather then lovren
losing faith in this manger every game
Lucas and Gerrard Together!!! Expect to see some high speed pressing from those two.
ReplyDeleteWhy Toure and Sakho on the bench and where is Coutinho. At least on the bench.
ReplyDeleteexpect to lose
ReplyDeletelucas and gerrard together is not convincing
and skrtel starting over sakho and lovren keeping his place
I thought you left. What happened to that???
ReplyDeletei never put time scale on coming back
ReplyDeleteThink you are on your own on that one, because in recently times we have become static when these two have played plus gerrard having to babysit lucas. The two players who really press are henderson and allen.
ReplyDeleteIf you did not get that joke, I do not know what to say...
ReplyDeletethe only thing to see now is if they line up as a 442 or a 4231
ReplyDeleteLol I think he was being extremely sarcastic
ReplyDeleteThere are some people on here who would make such a statement, u nearly gave me a heart attack. Hopefully we are proved wrong but doubt it will happen.
ReplyDeleteThere are some people on here who would make such a statement, u nearly gave me a heart attack. Hopefully we are proved wrong but doubt it will happen.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you today that there was a hint of a warning in BR's comments about Mignolet.
ReplyDeleteQuite surprised to see Lucas in the lineup. Other than that, I'd have picked the same team
It's rigid in its fluidity.
ReplyDeleteTwo Italians up front ..... let's see some Italian flare today !
ReplyDeleteMoreno again...
ReplyDeleteSO who's gonna be next managaer at liverpool ?
Whatever happened to pass and move already looks like game over
ReplyDeleteBR just can't fix our defensive issues. I say bring back Rafa.
ReplyDeleteMignolet is the problem not sakho or lovren
ReplyDeleteBlame it on Sakho!!!
ReplyDeleteyep moreno definitely cause the fault and let the defender get into the box and get a shot...
ReplyDeleteyou're clueless
2-0
ReplyDeletethe goof rightback is already covered ;)
ReplyDeleteWell wanted to say Mignolet but obvisously freudian slip
ReplyDeleteI just do not understand how Rodgers cannot see that both Lucas and Gerrard in the same starting eleven does not work. How many more times does he have to be taught this lesson?
ReplyDeleteGo home Liverpool. the match is already lost.
he doesn't care he'll do whatever he want even if we finish second half of the league.
ReplyDeleteGet a grip
ReplyDeletetill he loses job
ReplyDeletehard to support him 3 defeats in 5 is pitiful
fsg need to man up and sack him
and i hope jaimie does not think i am overeacting
bring back rafa
The only way he'll learn is if we get a hiding
ReplyDeleteRODGERS, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? LUCAS AND GERRARD DO NOT WORK. HOW MANY F**KING TIMES DOES IT TAKE FOR YOU TO SEE THAT!? THIS IS DISGRACEFUL.
ReplyDeleteSo it is true uh... Suarez is the reason we finnished runner-up :/
ReplyDeletewhy because you feel as if grip is believing a man who has lost 3 out of 5 games
ReplyDeletemaybe you need to get a grip
Oh, so Suarez stopped goals did he?
ReplyDeleteI think it's time we replaced BR, he will never take us back to the Rafa era even with a full for squad, his selection is just awful.
ReplyDeletewe're getting trash home and away... what do you want our ruthless owner will do ?
ReplyDeleteWhere the hell did Mike and Kev blow in from? Jesus Christ...
ReplyDeleteRafa can stay where he is.
ReplyDeleteI am not suggesting Rodgers should be sacked but clearly he needs to stay away from selections that do not work i.e. Lucas and Gerrard in the same midfield.
Oh boy
ReplyDeleteEverybody demanding that BR be sacked are a fucking disgrace.
ReplyDeleteAfter what he accomplished last season and all the plaudits he got after only 5 games people are screaming for him to be sacked !!!
nop he scare the living hell out of the opposing team so much they did not dare to attack fearing they would be punished, and that's what happened when they attack they were heavily punished
ReplyDeletewhat the f*** did Balotelli get a yellow card for? Their goal keeper is the one who carried on like a f***wit.
ReplyDeleteCan not believe people are screaming for BR to be sacked after only 5 games.. disgraceful
ReplyDeleteAt this rate BR needs to go, so much money given to him and we are creating nothing in chances.
ReplyDelete2-0 in the opening 10 minutes 3rd defeat in 5 match, fell like hodgson all over again.
ReplyDeleteYou have ZERO idea what you're talking about, no offence.
ReplyDeletewhy is it disgraceful?
ReplyDeletelet him carry on this bad form till december then sack him
or sack now and maybe someone can steady the ship
It's only Mike and Kev...I feel like they're two twelve year olds working in conjunction with eachother.
ReplyDeleteYeah the keeper kicked balo and balo gets a yellow too how is it fair
ReplyDeletei don't call for the manager to be sacked, Henry showed that he's ruthless.
ReplyDeleteWe're having a nightmare of a start of the season.
so...
Why is sakho coming on now?
ReplyDeleteHis goal scoring prowess
ReplyDeleteThink of it this way, we can come back and win this game, but if this were one of the big boys in the league or CL, there would be no coming back. I want trophies not just top 4 finish, we are bigger and better than that.
ReplyDeletethe scoreline and the results in the opening 5 match speak for itself :/
ReplyDeleteThis should be interesting...
ReplyDeleteSays who..
ReplyDeleteWhy not take of Lucas> We need to get hold of the midfield FFS.
ReplyDeleteRodgers is already desperate he's gonna play 3-4-3 with moreno higher up the pitch
ReplyDeleteSakho hattrick
ReplyDeleteYou know it's true, 2 down against chelsea or madrid, game over.
ReplyDeleteWe are going to concede more goals. Watch this space.
ReplyDeletetalking about them it's gonna be funny when they'll come at anfield...
ReplyDeleteThey need a breather to come back to their senses just calm down and start scoring
ReplyDelete25 mins not one shot on goal !
ReplyDeleteAtheletes vs The spice boys (in matching white suits)
ReplyDeleteThey speak for how bad the defence is, it doesn't speak for the fact we miss Suarez. Please note: Suarez is an offensive player. He doesn't have hypnotic powers which makes West Ham players scared of scoring.
ReplyDeleteYes goal
ReplyDeleteif we win this one it's a miracle
ReplyDeletethis is so sad
ReplyDeleterodhers has changed the whole team and bought 8 more aspas's
he also hinted liverpool will not spend like that again
maybe mariciou pochetino can come in we are still a big club he could get best out of lallana and lovren and steday the hsip like he is doing at spurs
young respected and plays attacking football
I hate to be the one who comes here saying I told you so, but I am WAY WAY beyond fury right now. If I was in the stadium I would run in the pitch and punch BR in the face.
ReplyDeleteWe can win, but that does not mean we don't have problems in selection that need to be addressed
ReplyDeletehonestly when you're 3,4-0 in the first 20minutes it haves to be depressing and it must scare the opposing midfield to leave some space, sure i'm no pro coach whatever but the pyschological effect of having a player is the origin of more than 1 goal every match must put a lot of pressure on your defensive players.
ReplyDeleteLooks like there will be lots of goals and probably someones going to be sent offknowing west ham they'll always give us a chance
ReplyDeletethe problem is rodgers and hi s belief he can change football
ReplyDeleteall his achievements so far have been down to luis suarez
this man is not flexible look at mourinho and what he does to rodgers
Yay, and then BR will be the best manager in the world again.
ReplyDeleteCalm down mate we can still win and at the end of the game only the 3 points matter
ReplyDeletei'm not even mad, i'm apathetic, when i saw the line-up i could feel that it would come to something bad :/
ReplyDeleteCome back to me when you can make sense.
ReplyDeletedon't matter you don't want to believe Suarez was the difference we'll just look at the table at the end of the season and see where we are, the they'll be no argument whatsoever.
ReplyDeletewho ever said that needs their head checked
ReplyDeletelfc bring in a guy whos esentially never won anything so a loser
over raf,van gaal,pellegrini etc
guess what we are becoming a loser club with this brent in charge
Its not only 3 pts mate, its the way they play. We have CL this season, I dont wana be embarrassed internationaly
ReplyDeleteWhy not make the change in midfield?
ReplyDeletewe did...
ReplyDeleteKolo to save the day!
ReplyDeleteno, some of what you write just makes zero grammatical sense whatsoever! It's like I'm trying to read a drunk man talk backwards.
ReplyDeleteCannot believe how utterly sh!t we are. Wake up Rodgers. You are pissing all your hard work down the drain.
ReplyDeleteIt's now effectively a 5 man midfield :)
ReplyDeleteNo cohesion and aggression this was bound to happen with so many newcomers
ReplyDeleteIt is bound when you go with the midfield that has proven not to work time and time again.
ReplyDeleteOur defense makes downing look like messi
ReplyDeleteWhat option do they have?
ReplyDeleteAnd you underestimate how well West Ham are playing, how resolute they are, and how fortunate they've been.
And there's lots of time left in the game.
ha ha.. the defense of the opposition was so scared of suarez and his teeth that their attackers did not dare to attack. even in these troubled times we have guys like him who offer comic relief. *slow clap*
ReplyDeleteHope the mod removes this.
ReplyDeleteYeah Rodgers selection deserves blame too we have to prioritize the premiere league not the champs league
ReplyDeleteFinally 47 minutes into the game I hear Borini being mentioned, why is he still in the pitch?
ReplyDeleteWith Gerrard and Lucas in the same midfield we are allowing WH to play the way they are. Did you see how sh!t we were vs Southampton yet Rodgers cannot see it.
ReplyDeleteI hesitate because I'm not sure if you are mentally ill in some way, but you do seem to be a troll. Either way the weak moderation of the constant nonsensical posts like this from the likes of you have started to put me off from reading and posting here.
ReplyDeleteGoodness Sakho is a disaster...
ReplyDeletesorry to have learned english by myself...
ReplyDeleteI'll be clear psychological fear of a player able to score anytime kept opposing team from going wild like west ham is doing, because they knew if they did they would be punished badly.
the trashing we gave to arsenal-everton or tottenham is just a proof of that.
mignolet!
ReplyDeleteCan't blame borini mate our midfielders have be overrun comprehensively
ReplyDeletePunch the players first.
ReplyDeletesooo it was his fault for the 2 goal in this match too ?
ReplyDeleteHa ha. Blame Sakho for the disaster thatb was unfolfing before he came onto the pitch.
ReplyDeleteLame!
Shots on target: WHU 7, LFC 1. C'mon.
ReplyDeleteThe entire defence is playing awful mate not just sakho
ReplyDeleteYou're assuming that I'm blaming him for the goals, I don't know where you got that from. He's come onto the field and hasn't done anything right.
ReplyDelete10 shots all up to 3 says it all to me.
ReplyDeleteHe needs to move into the midfield and get it then, that's what good forwards do.
ReplyDeleteWhat has he done wrong? Explain.
ReplyDeletehe's not elegant on the ball ;)
ReplyDeletewhat the hell is going onnnnnnnnnn ........
ReplyDeleteI see what Brendan is doing. He is playing a game. How to win a game without using the Diamond Formation. Nobody has won it yet.
ReplyDeleteHow on earth people are saying "we should get rid of Rogers now" is beyond me what kind of sense does that make. Has everyone already forgotten the results of last season seems like so many people have short term memories. It was always going to take time to incorporate all the new signings the only issue for me is Mignolet. He's the only weakness in this entire starting 11 for me.
ReplyDeleteYeah he wont win miss world so what.
ReplyDeleteSmashed Lovren in the head when it clearly wasn't his ball to go for. Instead of clearing his lines, passes a panic ball to Skrtel in the 6 yard box, ...
ReplyDeleteWe started with the diamond and it quite clearly wasn't working your point seems invalid in my opinion
ReplyDeleteYou have got to be kidding me if the only weakness is Mignolet. Lucas has to go off now and so does Lovren( due to injury). Bring on Lallana and Lambert and bloody go for it.
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot that footballers need to be ballerinas.
ReplyDeleteWest Ham have a few newies not hurting them.
ReplyDeleteand yet you forget the heading clearance he made
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of idiots who follow football. And a lot of idiots who follow a famous club like Liverpool. And a lot of idiots who pretend to be idiots following a famous club like Liverpool. And because of the internet, we have to put up with the rancid inane shite they say. Just hope they don't have any responsibilties in life.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how anyone can feel secure playing alongside him
ReplyDeleteWith rodger's squad selection this was bound to happen we have had almost no possetion near the west ham penalty area, also why is stevie playing soo deep nowadays I thought lucas was the defensive mid.
ReplyDeletei really don't get the fuss about sahko if you look closely you will see lovren is making most mistakes
ReplyDeleteWe were playing 4-3-1-2 with bloody Lucas so I do not get the point. Play with Stevie at the back, Lallana and Hendo and then Sterling. What has Lucas done to warrant a game?
ReplyDeletewell every time people have a go at him they say he's not looking reassuring on the ball or whatever.
ReplyDeleteif you look closely you'll see that the " ;) " actually mean it's ironic.
not as much newies as we have mate
ReplyDeleteYes. Let's blame Borini when we have no midfield whatsoever. The ease with which they are getting in behind our backline is amazing. Put Markovic, Coutinho, Lallana or whoever we have and the answer will still be the same.
ReplyDeleteSecond goal doesn't happen if Mignolet positioned himself better. I don't see lambert making much of a difference tbh not a dig at him just don't see him affecting the game much. Lucas could be better I agree but that's down to playing him with Gerrard. I don't think Lucas has negatively contributed to the team but then again he hadn't positively contributed either to be fair still he's not the main problem for me
ReplyDeleteExplain what he does wrong. Here is your opportunity.
ReplyDeletesecond goal doesn't happen if the defender stop the forward going around the penalty point and get a shot without having any sort of pressure.
ReplyDeleteStill not learned to spell Schneiderlin then.
ReplyDeleteYou've already given up on this season? I haven't given up on this match yet. We're on the same points as city and they lost their first champions league match whereas we won ours. Do you think city have given up on this season?
Here's a simple answer: he doesn't play football well and it's his job.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't believe what I was reading to be honest you would think people would have more sense than to suggest bringing in a new manager who wants his own players and to play his own way right at the start of season but hey guess that's the internet for you!
ReplyDeleteIMO he is. We have no pace whatsoever and Mark Noble is dominating us. Either take Gerrard off or Lucas and Gerrard has a higher chance of contributing so take Lucas off. Lambert always makes an impact and he will aid us a lot. Build the team around Balo and Sterling and show some damn urgency.
ReplyDeleteRodgers needs a neat little plan B forget the defending we need goals and at least 2 to 3 more and the means to create them we are getting smashed.
ReplyDeleteBTW when are allen and sturridge coming back?
ReplyDeleteif we don't finish top 4 at the end of the season the owner won't accept excuse he'll just do what he already did and sack the manager.
ReplyDeleteLucas comes off. It's a start.
ReplyDeleteWe need to get the ball front to get a goal. Our one half attack and we scored from it. Balo is the player who can create something out of nothing a she just did and so is Sterling. Build the team around them.
ReplyDeleteWhich cost a fortune yet its not affecting Moreno any.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I didn't know that you were watching these guys train every week to see who should play. Lucas may have been showing promise in training which neither you or me can say is true but obviously Rogers has seen something so is leave it at that
ReplyDeleteTime for Borini to show us why he was so eager not to leave the club.
ReplyDeleteWell done Rodgers. Should have been done in the first half.
ReplyDeleteMay be too late.
Borini why do you insist on those shitty little fouls?
ReplyDeleteI warned rodgers all summer
ReplyDeletewe need morgan schniderlin but he like always thinks he knows best
gerrard should retire now while eh still has a bit of use
legend but kenny and hansen knew went to leave as did barnes and fowler
gerrard your time is up now its morgan schniderlin time
Can Borini control a ball? You're a striker for heaven's sake!
ReplyDeleteI said it last season too, Gerrard should be coming off the bench.
ReplyDeleteso you're asking Borini to do what Suarez did for us last season and create a goal out of nothing ?
ReplyDeleteBecause last time i checked except messi (Ronaldo imo can't neither) nobody on this planet can do it and that's why he was considererd one of the top 3 player in the world.
It was like reading a terror plot against logic.
ReplyDeleteWould you like to try again?
ReplyDeleterobben dude
ReplyDeleteSterling is our best player on the pitch.
ReplyDeleteI am not asking for 30 goals, just 10 from borini and that should justify him staying, if not he will be wishing he had signed with Southampton, off the 3rd tier football in China he will go next season.
ReplyDeleteoh yeah you're right, but he was not as consistant as Suarez and Messi to that though
ReplyDeleteHe never mentioned Suarez god read whats in front of ya.
ReplyDeleteSterling is & will carry this team this season!
ReplyDeleteBeen really impressed with how Balotelli has handled himself this season.
ReplyDeletebasically he's asking borini to score.
ReplyDeleteConsidering how poor we are offensively today the only way is if we create the goal himself.
For the last time. Please no more Lucas and Gerrard in the same midfield.
ReplyDeleteAnd Borini is an idiot. Goes for an impossible shot instead of a simple square ball. Farout.
ReplyDeleteBeen very surprised too.
ReplyDeleteAre we actually getting forward? FFS Rodgers. Have you learnt your lesson now? Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised.
ReplyDeleteBORINI FOR GOD'S SAKE!
ReplyDeletedesperately need a goal now
ReplyDeleteAdrian is one nasty piece of work. Don't like him.
ReplyDeleteadrian should be sent off for kicking at players he has kicked at balo and borini
ReplyDeletethe game seem pretty much over west ham just control us and they don'tt looke like attacking that much either
ReplyDeleteSo I cannot see us winning the match but there are some things we have figured out tonight.
ReplyDelete1. Sakho is not the issue in our defence.
2. Starting with Gerrard and Lucas in the same midfield will lose us matches.
3. Why the F*** do we not start with the diamond formation which is best suited to our play?
Frustrating!!!
I agree, nasty, nobbly, aggressive, ruthless, cunning, nasty piece of work.
ReplyDelete...would take him for us in an instant!
the number of time lucas and gerrard has been pointed as a problem in our midfield and the number of time we saw them again together make me think Rodgers don't want to learn that lesson.
ReplyDeleteDo you mind if I ask how old you are, or how long you've been watching football?
ReplyDeleteWhat you are watching is Liverpool getting on top of the opposition.
I think we've won 0 headers on offensive set pieces today. Unacceptable.
ReplyDelete24, since i started playing football as a kid (about 4) and i watch liverpool because i support them, but sorry for saying the truth, now i'll just say what you seem to want to hear.
ReplyDeleteI feel we can put an other 2 in, West ham are out of their depth and our forward can find the target so easily that i think we'll win. Happy ?
Time for a last sub, but no one on the bench can get us goals, same problem we had last season.
ReplyDeleteSterling should be playing centrally.
ReplyDeleteI disagree here. We've been much better since he went a little wider. Lallana is better, has more options on the ball, through the centre.
ReplyDeleteThe notion that West Ham are in control of what's happening in this game just seems wildly inaccurate. I strongly doubt that's how their players feel about it.
ReplyDeleteWe just have to go back to how we thrashed Spurs.
ReplyDeleteSterling did not play out wide then. I really do not understand what Rodgers is trying to achieve with all this tinkering. Sterling is our most deadly weapon.
It's like Rodgers is trying to be too clever. Honestly feel that way.
ReplyDelete3 losses in 5, it's going to be a long season.
ReplyDeleteRodgers is going to ruin our season if he keeps on f****** around.
ReplyDeletethe days of frustration are back , we look like a top 6 team again
ReplyDelete