WITH the Premier League campaign now in full swing, we all have an idea of how Brendan Rodgers wants his Liverpool side to play.
My first impression of the high intensity, pass and move style of play that Rodgers is looking to adopt is a good one.
Of course, our results have not been justified by our performances. With a goalscorer or even the odd decision from a referee, then maybe the Premier League table would have a more truthful look about it based on our performances.
Despite this I still have worries that some of our more senior players are struggling to adapt to Brendan’s high demands. I’m not one to criticise any player that wears the famous red shirt but it is worrying that two of our most vital figures from previous years, Pepe Reina and Steven Gerrard, look to have really struggled to come to terms with Rodgers’ style of play. Gerrard has been guilty of some very sloppy performances, in particular against Manchester City and Arsenal where his mistakes cost us dearly.
In Pepe Reina, we have undoubtedly one of the most talented goalkeepers in the world. However, during this campaign it seems that every cross, every shot and every time Reina has the ball at his feet, the Anfield faithful hold their breath as they anticipate a mistake being made.
A lot of people claim that Pepe’s shaky start to the campaign is due to a lack of competition for the number 1 jersey. For me, Pepe’s form and the defence as a whole, is down to the sheer fact that the defensive unit is being asked to adapt a style of play that is not familiar to them.
Whether it be Rafa Benitez, Roy Hodgson or Kenny Dalglish, all who worked with the majority of our current defensive players, the style of play in defensive areas will have always been the same. If in danger, clear your lines, rather than the ‘bring the ball out from the back’ approach that Rodgers has introduced. You only have to look at when Rafa first changed to zonal marking from man to man.
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This took a while to settle but when it did the results were evident. I think in time, Pepe and the defence will become more settled, confident and accustomed to this new style of play. A well known phrase around Anfield is ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’. I have no doubt that this class will begin to shine through eventually.
On the flip side it’s no surprise to me that a few of the youngsters are relishing the opportunity that Rodgers is presenting to them. Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom in particular. Rodgers’ style of play seems to be a big hit with the youngsters. For me this comes as no surprise. You only have to take a trip to Kirkby and watch the youngsters in action. The philosophy that Rodgers wants in place at first team level is something that has been in place at the academy for a long time. A pass and move style of play and defending from the front is not an unusual site at the academy.
As a youngster you are more likely to learn and take advice on bored. You’re at such a critical stage of your career as you are breaking into first team football. Failure to take advice and do what is expected could be the difference between you playing week in week out for a Premiership club, or being frozen out and eventually sold on to a lower league club. For the established, successful, senior players adapting to new philosophies can be slightly more difficult. If you have had a successful career playing the way you have learnt then you may well have a negative attitude, as the way you have known has always brought success previously.
This season should be seen as the transitional period. As fans we should be patient with both players in their prime and players who are at the beginning of what will hopefully prove to be long and successful careers at our great club. For me, next season will be when we start to judge who fits in and who doesn’t. Success will not happen overnight.
Follow me on Twitter @RichoKop for more views and opinions.
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