Five Successful Converts to the Rodgers Philosophy

WITH Liverpool in 12th position after ten games, the predictable knee-jerk reactions are already starting to raise their ugly head amongst the less realistic fans on the message boards and radio phone-ins. Stand back for a moment though, and you see Liverpool unbeaten in their last five league games and showing a number of positive signs.

Of course, fans want to see the draws turned into wins, and the squad is still way short of the requisite quality in-depth, however the new manager can only work with the resources that he has in front of him. Brendan Rodgers has been clear all along that he wants to play in a certain way, and players will have to listen, learn and show they can adapt to his system and his philosophy.

Several high profile players have clearly not made that transition, or have already been moved on. Andy Carroll and Charlie Adam were shipped out before the transfer window closed, with Rodgers clearly unsure that they were going to be able to adapt. Similarly, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Joe Cole and even Jose Enrique at times have struggled to fit in with the way the manager wants the team to play.

There have however, been a number of honourable exceptions, and ten games in, it’s worth looking at five players that have successfully adapted their game and their style, thriving under the new manager.

1) Glen Johnson

One of Liverpool’s players of the season so far, Johnson has shown signs of fitting in well with the tactical setup that Rodgers is looking to put in place. The system relies on attacking full backs providing width and overlaps to get in behind the opposition – think Dani Alves and Jordi Alba of Barcelona – and also favours players that can play on the ‘opposite’ side to their natural side in order to come back inside on their favoured foot. Johnson has been excellent, both at right back and at left back, and is clearly enjoying his football under the new manager.

2) Luis Suarez

An obvious one this, as Liverpool’s top scorer and major (sometimes sole) attacking threat, but Suarez has thrived in the new system. With three attacking players starting up top, Suarez has had the freedom to roam across the forward line, receiving the ball deep and using his superb movement and ability to beat defenders in order to bring team-mates into the game. Rodgers’ emphasis on pressing high up the pitch also suits Suarez’s style. As and when Liverpool get some reinforcements up front to support him, the benefit of Suarez in this system will be even clearer.

3) Raheem Sterling

Again, one of the more obvious bright spots of the season, but Sterling’s rise to prominence this year has definitely been helped by the fact that he has come into a system – with high energy and pace up front strongly emphasized – that suits his game. He has proven that he is willing to listen and learn from Rodgers’ leadership, and he will only get better. If Rodgers had been a man to simply go with the most obvious style of play, and the most immediate options, then Sterling would not have seen half of the game time – and the development – that he has managed.
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4) Daniel Agger

A natural ball playing centre half who often reminds fans of Alan Hansen in his left-sided, easy elegance on the ball, Agger is another that has certainly enjoyed life under Rodgers. A vocal critic of the more direct approach favoured by Hodgson at Anfield, Agger is proving to be an important part of the desire to rely on a shorter game where centre halves can bring the ball out of defence and play out from the back. Agger is seeing so much more of the ball, and looks extremely comfortable in the way he is approaching the game. Reds fans should be delighted that he rejected the overtures of his suitors in August and signed a new long-term deal.

5) Andre Wisdom

One of the less high profile youngsters, but also one of the most effective, Wisdom has come into a team where he can be encouraged to get on the ball and play, and is showing the confidence to do exactly that. Still just 18, he has shown a maturity way beyond his years, defending solidly and never looking rushed in possession. With Wisdom, Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson all capable of slotting into the right back slot, at least there’s one area of the squad where Rodgers might have some depth and flexibility.

There have been other bright spots too, more of them than people have recognised, but the aim of this article is to look at those players in particular that have been most successful in adapting to Rodgers’ new system and ideas. Rodgers is taking Liverpool on a journey, and is doing so with limited resources and a paper thin squad. Of course, everyone wants to see Liverpool further up the league – no-one would deny that – and there are a lot of expensive players in this squad that are rightly being criticised for their performances, and failure to adapt to the way that Rodgers wants to play.

Sometimes though, it’s important to step back and recognise that not everyone is failing and not everyone is disappointing the expectant fan base. With the ability to develop his ideas – and these players – further, Rodgers will be looking to build on the successes he’s achieved so far.

Find me on twitter @rossco1981
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