The middle of defence will pose a slightly more difficult problem for Kenny Dalglish. With many critics calling for Jamie Carragher to be axed from the team last year due to his loss of pace and old age. His absence through injury proved why the talismanic figure was sorely missed. His positional sense is second to none and his ability to organise defences is reminiscent of Alan Hansen. The local lad is certainly guaranteed one of the two slots in central defence. The second slot will be wholly incumbent upon the opposition Liverpool will face and the type of style Kenny and assistant Steve Clarke look to exert on the opposition. In my opinion Daniel Agger should be given the role in most games because of his ability to bring the ball out from the back and great tackling ability.
Martin Skrtel and Kyriagkos on the contrary remain able centre backs and are great in the air but more often than not have been caught with “their pants down” via defensive lapses in concentration. They are also susceptible to giving penalties away as was demonstrated last year with miscalculated tackles. They do have their uses against teams that are prone to long ball tactics and where height may play a part in combating this. As seen last year Kenny employed three centre backs against Stoke and the tactical masterstroke paid dividends. One must not forget young centre back Danny Wilson, despite his tender age, some will see him as a player that may get some game time eventually, possibly in the cup competitions.
The final slot of defence that has proved an enigma to solve in recent years is the left-back position. Fabio Aurelio was re-signed in order to help fill in the slot. Emiliano Insua was sent out on loan in order to make way for Paul Konchesky who proved to be a mediocre signing of seismic proportions. Then there was the shining light of Jack Robinson, who despite being seventeen years old managed to keep Theo Walcott at bay when Liverpool squared off against the Gunners last season. With Konchesky being sold, Insua expecting to follow suit, Aurelio continually dogged by injuries and Robinson being a little inexperienced to make the step up this season a new signing is required.
After Clichy opted to sign for Man City and with Jose Enrique looking to wait for a Champions League team to sign him many Liverpool fans are hoping a speedy and solid left back will be signed to help fill a void that has been growing ever since the departure of John Arne Riise. The name Aly Cissokho has been linked but so far these have been just murmurings and nothing more. A first choice left back in his mould is required to go straight into the first team to help create a formidable yet forward thinking defence. A fully fit Fabio Aurelio will be second choice behind a newly signed left back, with Jack Robinson playing the role of understudy.
If you have any disagreements, voice your opinions on what your starting Goalkeeper and Defenders will be. Perhaps you will play with three centre backs and two wing backs. Perhaps you would drop Glen Johnson and play Martin Kelly instead to help shore up the defence. Maybe Carragher is too old and should give away to Skrtel and Agger to enable them to form a proper partnership. Or are new signings required across the board in our defence.
This article was written by Haider Ali and is courtesy of our partner website thisisfutbol.com. Read the latest news and blogs about European Football at TiF. – ed
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This week it is LFC WAG Alex Curran!
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5-4-1 formation: Goal k(Reina), Right WB(Johnson), Carra, Kelly, Agger, Left WB ?, Holding M(Lucas), WM(Suarez), CM(Gerard), LM(Downining), CF(Carroll)
Subs: Skrtel, Flanno, Soto, Robinson, Kyut, Aquillani, Adam, Mereiles, Maxi.
I think that Skrtel is far to over rated. Agger would be a cert if he could keep fit. Carra as much as i love him, Maybe it’s time to bring some youth through if we are going to win the league. I just can’t see it with carra being 35?? now. My team would be.
GK – Reina
RB – flanno
LB – Aurellio (if he can keep fit)
CB – Kelly
CB – Agger
RM – Johnson
LM – Downing
CM – Gerrard
CM – Henderson
FW – Suarez
FW – Carrol
Bench – Done, Skrtel, Robinson, Kuyt, Mereles, Adam, Maxi
I think your deployment of Johnson on the right wing is ideal and the most logical solution. Obviously when fit Carragher will start so the first question is, who is a better right back Flanagan or Kelly? Then Skrtel would join Carragher as centre back and Agger as left back. Also it is crazy to not include Lucas even on the bench as his potential as a defensive midfielder is unlimited therefore it seems using a midfield rotational system is the only answer.
if liverpool really wanna scare their opponents ,then our line up should be piercing with a scary 4.4..2 formation squad.. really typical.
REINA
KELLY CARRA SKRTEL JOHNSON
HENDERSON GERRARD ADAMS DOWNING
KUYT SUAREZ.
subs:
mereilles,carrol, Agger, maxi.
my defence:
LB: Kelly
CB: Carra
CB: Agger
LB: New recruit (failing which, Jonhson)
I meant RB: Kelly
REINA(GK)
LUIS ENRIQUE(LB) CARRA(CB) AGGER(CB) JOHNSON(RB)
MEIRELES (DM)
DOWNING(LM) ADAMS(CM) GERRARD(CM) KUYT(RM)
SUAREZ(CF)
FORMATION – 4-1-4-1
SUBS:-
HENDERSON (CM)
CARROLL (CF)
LUCAS (DM)
MAXI (AM)
SKRTEL (CB)
KELLY – (RB)
JOE COLE (CM)
AURELIO (LB)
DONI (GK)
Reina
Kelly Skrtel Agger Johnson
Meireles Lucas Gerrard
Suarez Carroll Downing
Subs: Doni, Carragher, Henderson, Adam, Cole, Maxi, Kuyt.
can’t believe the fuss over signing a left back. play johnson there and kelly at right back. kelly’s too good to sit on the bench. robinson and aurelio are good back up. don’t waste money on enrique.