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Rodgers and Allen: A Work In Progress

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Allen & Rodgers of Liverpool FCSOME players symbolise a manager’s philosophy of how they believe the game should be played. His performances on the field, abject and indifferent or controlled and sophisticated, often mirror our opinions of the man in charge.

When Brendan Rodgers came to the club and signed ‘the Welsh Xavi’ Joe Allen, eyebrows were raised. We remained guarded, yet open minded about him – much like our eloquent new coach.

We have talked about transition and a new era on this site many times before, and Allen’s walking a tightrope at the moment. To many he was found out after a well below-par showing at Old Trafford. His normally astute passing game has been showing signs of rust for some time now. Opponents play a high pressing game against him, harassing and bullying him out of possession, and this increases the value of an overworked Lucas who often needs to act as the Polyfilla – filling the cracks the young Welshman leaves behind.

Of course Rodgers has shown unwavering faith in his midfield pivot. When Match of the Day dullard Alan Shearer criticised the former Swansea middle-man saying that he doesn’t play risk passes, the Reds gaffer came out swinging: “I saw something criticising Joe for not playing risk passes. Unbelievable. Our so-called pundits who don’t know the dynamics of a team and how it functions. Joe will prove an absolute bargain”. That was in October when he was the conductor and fulcrum of the side.

His form has dipped alarmingly since then so as honest and genuine his defence was, his role and importance in the side has decreased since the return of fan favourite Lucas. His presence on the bench during the 5-0 demolition of Norwich City was due to the re-emergence of Jordan Henderson who is finally starting to prove his worth to the side and was endemic of his recent fortunes.
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The two are very different players; the former Sunderland man has been a constant source of energy and dynamism lately, injecting a sense of immediacy into the side. Allen’s calmer, more measured approach to the game means he often dictates the pace of how the side plans to break down opposition defensive barriers. Predictably, this rightly or wrongly makes him the scapegoat when results don’t go to plan.

The added verve in our attack after Daniel Sturridge’s bright start to his Reds career should add to our forward pass options. There is nothing wrong with going backwards or sideways if that is the pass that is available. As a deep-lying midfielder and with the advancements in tactical play in the league, the defence-splitting pass is not always on; were we criticised Charlie Adam for hitting too many, the young Welshman doesn’t hit enough.

Sturridge and Luis Suarez have the strength and movement to be found from deep if they are found down the channels. The best midfielders play with a rhythm…slow, slow, quick. If Allen adds the ‘quick’ to his game, which I believe he is capable of doing, he will be just fine.

Joe Allen has split opinion with the Reds faithful; invariably you will find that if you back Rodgers you back Allen and vice-versa. Neither would receive a glowing report card for their early efforts at the heart of the club but all is not lost and it has not been all doom and gloom. As we teeter from the sublime to abject and back again, progress has been slower than some would wish.

With Inter Milan starlet Phillipe Coutinho possibly ironing out the formalities over his move to the club it will be interesting to see how “the Ferrari” as Mina Rzouki in The Mirror describes him, will fit in. It will be exciting to see another attacking threat in the squad – where he will fit in will be a cause of debate.

When the season gallops on towards the business end and two transfer windows have passed, then will be the time to assess the Rodgers blueprint and more accurately define Joe Allen’s future at the club. But for now, their half-term report would read “good ideas but plenty of room for improvement.

As always, your comments are welcome.
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I've been following the Reds ever since I set eyes on the majestic sight that is the Kop in full voice with flags aloft, albeit from the television with my dad as a 5 year old in my hometown of Dublin! He would tell me about the Irish contingent, the likes of Heighway, Whelan, Beglin and Houghton, he is a Leeds fan due to his hero Johnny Giles but I had to go against the grain on this one, his 3 year old grandson will not be afforded the same opportunity!
I completed a Higher National Diploma in Print Journalism back in Dublin where I briefly worked for the Irish Independent on a placement, covering Rugby, obituaries (including the great John Charles) and some sub editing. I then made the short journey to Liverpool, where I currently reside to undertake International Journalism at John Moores University. Some will say that over the years I have picked up a Jan Molbyesque native twang but I'm not so sure!
I was also lucky enough to have worked for the socialist publication "Morning Star" covering the Reds at Anfield which allowed me gain access to the press box and press conferences, I covered about 10 games and loved every minute of it!
I am excited to be joining the team at live4liverpool.com. From what I have seen so far the standard of articles have been first class, I hope to contribute to this by publishing pieces which create opinion and debate.

49 comments

  • Dale says:

    Not sure you can compare Allen with Hendo, the two (in recent games) have played in completely different positions, in fact Allen played the attacking midfield role on occasion (sub v Sunderland, I think) and looked pretty good doing it. You can only really compare Allen to Lucas in the current Liverpool set up or possibly Gerrard who was required to play a more defensive midfielder role earlier this season.

    Allen started off the season okay, perhaps his familiarity with BR helped, but your right his form has steadily dipped and lately and quite surprisingly he has been getting robbed of possession, cardinal sin for a DM. This isn’t something we saw of him even at Swansea where his efficiency at moving the ball was a cornerstone to the Welsh sides fluent play.

    I suspect he’s struggled to adapt to the return of Lucas, as playing in the same midfield will have meant he has fewer passing options as Lucas will be at best alongside him and more often behind him. However, at 22 and with the side now having alternatives, he’ll get it sorted.

    Have faith and support the team, we are playing better and better and it’s wonderful to opposition fans trolling the team. They must be ever so slightly concerned at the way we are now dismantling weaker sides.

    YNWA

  • Omensa says:

    I wish to have ur mail so that 1 day i c’d lecture u on the new scientific tiki taka that is circulating now by who ‘Guadiola’His blueprint is at the current barca’s style. Ask why? Barca under rijkard never played 433 but rather 451 or 442 in varians of 4231. Guardiola introduce the system of triangle that’s why i call is scientific system. Why coz all the 11 lads are involve. The only varians of the system that pep c’dnt utilise perfectly was 351. Next comment is the on 2days article.

    • TaintlessRed says:

      The 351 you mention that Pep tried a number of times is what Guardiola played himself under Cruyffs dream team. The 3 centre back model is increasingly popular, and effective, in Italy. Even Rodgers tried it once. He should have played that system against Stoke with Coates alongside Agger & Skrtle. But BR keeps getting his starting selection wrong against better teams.

  • Towson Tom says:

    I don’t think Allen is good enough for the premier league let alone a team with ambitions to be in the top four.

    • Dale says:

      Seemed pretty useful at Swansea in the Premier League last season?

      • TaintlessRed says:

        Swansea finished 11th. Big fish in little pond. Like Adam. Not presently up to standard, needs to put a lot of work on training ground and only play against poor teams in FA Cup.

    • Thomas says:

      Allen IS the most useless player to have played for us in years . He wont improve , at his age he cant improve his physique . Total waste of 15m , we will be lucky to get 3m back

      • Dave says:

        THIS i agree with

      • fotheringham says:

        Disgraceful waste of our money , maybe even the worst transfer in Liverpools history ( even Carroll offered something )

      • Chan says:

        You are totally right. BR says he is the “Welsh Xavi”, yiu mean this is the best JA can offer?

        Allen is a reflection on the person who signed him, we are just too big for him and a total waste of the club’s money.

  • Omensa says:

    Now on your article 2day. JOE ALLEN is never dip inform or overuse. Why? The question is why is ALLEN struggling 2 play with these middle pairing? Who? Lucas,Allen&Gerrard. The point is am explaining it in line with barca’s current middle 3. Which are Busquets,Xavi&Fabrdegas. Here is the link 2 our lfc team of rodgers current:Lucas,Allen&Gerrard. Why linked in that way. Here it goes a holder/Intercepter,Passer[MostlyShortPasses]& Creator[final Incisive passer/quick decisive in the final 3rd] 2bcontinue

  • Omensa says:

    Continuing… Lucas:Busque,Allen:Xavi&Gerrard:Fabregas. PS. Dont get me wrong by comparing them like compar… Sg&Fab? No! The point is lucas is not affect much in the epl but the problem lies btn allen and gerrard. When we are lose the ball gerrard does track back so it creat a huge gab bet 2 and 1 and since sg is no more younger as in 10yrs ago it increase allens duty as a recycler,passer,creating and cover for gerrard as well.so that got him confuse and allow oponent 2 exploit 4rm that gab created btn allen & gerrard. To remind u of the united game. When lucas was withdrawn and put allen at holding role the midfield battle change instantly and all was comfortably exquisite & brillant. So the solution is that 2 contain both lucas,allen and gerrard in the new scientific system 1 must be sacrifice 4 either henderson or suso and may be shelvey? Nb. When bringing in hendo there must be a balance. 2BC

  • Omensa says:

    Continuing… Balance showcase! If it is hendo coming on he s’d come in 4 either lucas or allen but not gerrard why? Cos hendo is physically strong and atlethic and wokeholic presser who will cover up easily and perfectly 4 gerrard. That’s the difference btn hendo and allen. Lucas luck pace as busquet so Fs. The other option is greatest gamble which the coward rodgers won’t there attempt 2 do. There it goes! Withdraw gerrard and bring in suso whom is always played out of position. The no#10 role. I doubt Rodgers will sustitute gerrard. That’s why sg has play all 90mins in 23games in epl.

  • Erin says:

    Our eloquent manager is making a transition to the pl . Pure and simple. Here is hoping he learns fast. As for Allen, not sure sideways passing contributes to anything. Harassed/ bullied/ scared to pass forward/tackle. Here is hoping he becomes something

  • Simon says:

    Joe allen is good enough,he only needs to learn he’s playin 4 a big team…i just lyk his composure with d ball

  • ali says:

    The worse signing of BR ,15 ,WHAT waste of money ,my god ,,, we didnt need him with Aquilani lucas shelvy there plus S G. this 15 m should have spend on attacker

    • oliver says:

      Aquilani are you serious??????/

    • simon says:

      Yes Aquilani is a quality player , you dont play for Italy consistently and for the best teams in Italy without being highly talented . Allen is an embarrassment for LFC

      • oliver says:

        Not really worthy of a reply

        • Dave says:

          oliver once again your ignorance about football shines through . im starting to wonder if there is ANYTHING about football you understand

        • TaintlessRed says:

          Why? Simon’s right. Aquillani was technically excellent. Could see a pass, make a pass and score a goal. Lacked physicality to his game, and perhaps the dynamism necessary for Premier League (same weaknesses of Sahin although Sahin is a more defensive mid and Aquillani is more a trequarista), but he’s much more of an athlete than Allen ever could be.
          Aquillani was never given a chance. When he played, he played well and he was over his injury problems. He’s a better option than Allen for sure, and would fit perfectly with Lucas and Gerrard deeper.

        • Geoff says:

          You talk sense taintless – one of the few writers from this site to do so .

          Aquilani has been a regular for Roma ,Juventus , AC Milan and Fiorentina – Class player

          If Allen went to any of those clubs – They wouldn’t even let him be the ball boy

  • simon says:

    Allen has a totally negative impact on the team every time he plays . Shocking waste of money , and should never play for liverpool again

    If Rodgers persists with Allen , he wont keep his job for long

    • oliver says:

      He may actually be the most important player at the club.

      He is totally familiar with the way BR wants his teams to play, so to have someone in the side with this experience may well have helped the rest of the team get to grips with BR’s demands more quickly

      Just a thought.

      • harry86 says:

        ridiculous thought , ridiculous . Do you understand football at all ?

      • Garret says:

        LOL – If u mean that because Rodgers likes to play slow sideways possession footie , and that the only thing Allen can do is pass sideways , then yea . Both of em should f**k off bck to swansea

  • Snake Plissken says:

    Work in progress? No, not for me, it’s more like the same old tired excuses we’ve heard all too many times before. Why couldnt we beat Villa, Stoke, West Brom for example? Have they got a £23m striker, an £18m right back etc? If we had beaten those three teams alone we would be 9 points better off, 2 points ahead of Spurs and challenging for 3rd, realistically we weren’t gonna win the title but challenging for third would be progress, look at our squad, wage bill etc compared to West Brom who are currently level on points with us. We have a ‘rabbit caught in the headlights’ manager. Where was the preparation, organisation etc? When Mourinho took over at Chelsea he gave his players the most detailed reports and analysis of every individual player in the league, Brenda’s philosophy seems to be ‘just keep possession and see what happens’.

  • Dave says:

    “work in progress ” ? NO . The phrase “work in progress ” has been used way too much this season . It should be banned

    What “work in progress ” really means is – they have fked up , they are not sure what they are doing , but give them more time and hopefully they will figure it out

  • Ryan says:

    It makes me laugh how Rodgers and Allen are being slagged off!! Rodgers has a huge job on his hands changing the style of the team and having limited funds. There is no doubt the ten are starting to look better, and with Sturridge now we are starting to look like a real threat. He is starting to get the best out of some players (Enrique, Henderson, downing) and he has fast tracked some quality youth players in wisdom, shelvey, suso and sterling. You are slagging off Allen already, how about we give him a chance? He is 22 and just moved to a huge club with a big transfer fee on his back. He needs to adapt and improve but he has a great starting point where he is. I bet you all said exactly the same about Lucas until he became a fan favourite. I think hendo will also start proving to be a real quality player over the next 12 months. Everyone says its going to take time but then still moan when we don’t get instant results. We were a million miles from champions league places last season, now we are 7 points going into the second half of the season and we are starting to look very confident ad the squad looks a lot stronger with players coming back from injury and others gaining form. When huge changes are made, sometimes you need to go backwards before you can go forwards. We have done that and we have grown as a team and a squad and now we are firmly moving in the right direction. Sign up coutihno this week and then we would have added a real skilful and flair played with massive potential, then press on for that 4th spot! Have faith!! YNWA

    • fotheringham says:

      it makes me laugh that there are still blind ignorant fools out there that think Rodgers is doing a good job

      And ANYONE who thinks Allen is even remotely good enough for LFC doesnt have a ounce of intelligence

      • TaintlessRed says:

        What on earth is the point or replying if your just going to insult a poster? I may not share Ryans view point when it comes to Allen, the boy has a lot of improving to do (and will struggle to overcome his lack physical stature), but that doesn’t mean I resort to name calling a poster who thinks otherwise.

    • Biggsy says:

      ‘there is no doubt the team is lookin better’ ? r u for real ?
      everythin u wrote was pie in sky nonsense , do less writing and more learning cos u know FA mate

    • kirbyking says:

      Ryan get your head out of the sand and wake up . Dreamer

  • ozred says:

    The Stupidest thing Rogers has said so far is that Allen was a bargain at $15m and that he’d have paid much more than that for him…. Thank god they excepted $15m.

    The second most stupid thing he’s said was the Welsh Xavi comment in front of the cameras…

    No doubt Allen has been a dissapointment. Whilst he started ok, his form of late has been horrible. Having said that, he did show in a 30 minute stint against Sunderland that there’s alot there to work with.

    Some things will work, others wont. To right off Allen after 3 months is just as stupid as Rogers comments.

    In saying that, Henderson has his spot at the moment and there is no reason other than injury that would justify Allen starting right now.

    • TaintlessRed says:

      Well said Ozred. Allen started well (when he took over from Lucas), but wasn’t able to kick on and his weaknesses were quickly found out. His confidence has been so shot over the last couple of months that even things he’s good at, like passing accurately (all be it far too conservatively without enough imagination) or making himself available to receive a pass have become difficult for him. I have strong reservations of whether he’ll ever be able to hold down a place as he can’t play as the furthest forward midfielder, he’s not strong enough to play defensive midfield against any decent team (and he won’t displace Lucas) and he’s not going to play ahead of Gerrard for the other midfield position.
      It’s little surprise we have consistently had better results when he hasn’t started. Rodgers was foolhardy to say what he did about Allen. It was just as worse to say that drawing 0-0 at Swansea was never 2 points dropped.

      • Colm says:

        Look lets not try and find excuses cos there are none for Allen – he is just not good enough . Huge costly error by Rodgers

        2nd biggest mistake in Liverpool transfer history

  • kirbyking says:

    Rodgers is a fool . Latest transfer target .so the papers say – Ashley fking Williams . If given enough time Rodgers will turn us into a totally average team that will take years to return to even top 6

    • harry86 says:

      It wouldn’t surprise me

      Dont know why the moron moved to Liverpool if he justs wants to work with average joes

  • Marvel says:

    Enough with the ‘Welsh Xavi’ talk. Its embarrassing. Rodgers results have bn mixed. I’ll give him a mild pass given resources available. Allen has bn terrible since after d first 4 matches. Assaidi was a bad buy (though cheap). Even BR jnows this. His decision making and end product is poor. Jury is still out on Borini.
    BR has shown so far that he cant motivate/assemble his team to win big matches. Imagine him praising the team for drawing at Chelsea. You’ld think we just beat Barca 5-0. BR needs to raise his standards of player recruitment n expectations. Show some tough love and stop using words like ‘magnificent’ after beating Southampton 1-0 at Anfield.
    I rate BR dis season at 50%.
    His signings were poor. Borini might cut it but Allen and Assaidi are substandard.
    Signings = 30%

  • Marvel says:

    Allen is a refined polished version of Jay Spearing. His passing range doesn’t go beyond 20 yards. He’s totally clueless what to do with the ball once he takes it into the opponents’ half. He’s a poor signing. Dont tell me he’s 22. Poor is poor. Carroll, Allen, Henderson, Downing*, Assaidi all NOT LIVERPOOL STANDARD. Defend them all u want.

    • Garret says:

      Correct – none of them are Liverpool standard especially Allen .Im not joking when i say i think Spearing is way better than Allen , atleast Spearing gets stuck in and tries to pass forward sometimes

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