THE season is over and it’s time to evaluate and – more importantly – have a look at this season’s general performance in relation to what we can expect next season. We’ll have plenty of time to discuss everything Liverpool FC the next couple of months, and I thought I’d kick it off with a look at our defence.
Earlier this season I wrote an article where I tried to illustrate roughly how Liverpool conceded their goals. I won’t bother you with details, but my findings were pretty much in correlation with the general consensus among the LFC fans: We struggled to defend crosses, from open play as well as set pieces, and we were vulnerable in transition from attack to defence.
When Brendan Rodgers sets out to fix our defensive issues this summer, the most important thing he must do is to get the right types of defenders. Obviously they need to be able to defend the penalty area, but being dominant alone won’t be enough to sort everything out.
The type of football he wants us to play is demanding in many ways, and this season I don’t think we have had the right types to pull off what he wants us to do – particularly in midfield and central defence. That’s why I’m not surprised to see us linked to defenders who are both quick and good on the ball.
Many fans have been craving another defensive midfielder throughout this season, myself included. At times we have looked way too open in midfield, and while Lucas Leiva is brilliant at reading the game and positioning himself, there have been times where we could have used someone like Javier Mascherano or Momo Sissoko to give the midfield more bite and defensive solidity.
But I also think this can be fixed by getting quicker defenders, which seems to be the route Rodgers is following. If we look back at how the team was operating defensively throughout large parts of the season it’s easy to see that one of the big problems was the distance between defence and midfield, especially when losing the ball.
Since we had a relatively slow central pairing in terms of recovery pace, it’s only natural that their instincts told them to back off in order to avoid the opposition to walk through and be one on one with Pepe Reina.
[ad_pod id=”unruly-video” align=”center”]
If we can get one or two defenders in who are more comfortable playing a higher line we should – in theory I may point out – stand a good chance of eliminating some of our defensive worries, and the need for that Mascherano type in midfield won’t be nearly as pressing as it has been at times the last couple of years.
Toby Alderweireld, Tiago Ilori and lately Kolo Toure; there’s three defenders we have been heavily linked to the last few weeks. If recent reports are to be believed, Alderweireld seems to be on his way to AS Roma and is out of the equation, while the other two could be our first summer signings.
Anyway, what those three have in common is that they are either used to or should be able to defend higher up the pitch than what we have seen Liverpool doing this season, as well as being tidy on the ball.
This leads me to believe that Rodgers is looking to implement more of his defensive principles next season than what he could this season. Much of the fundamentals of his philosophy revolves around getting it right in midfield; having the right type of players is essential for being able to do the aggressive pressing he prefers, but it very much depends on having defenders who can back them up and keep the distance between defence and midfield as small as possible.
There have been patches where our high pressing have worked quite well – the first-half away against Newcastle being a good example – but for it to become consistently good, new personnel is needed.
One thing is certain: the future of Brendan Rodgers as manager for Liverpool FC could depend on the success of this transfer window; not necessarily in terms of support from the owners of the club, but in terms of having the support of a united fanbase.
[ad_pod id=’pubsquared’ align=’right’]
Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at live4liverpool@snack-media.com
Follow us on Twitter here: @live4Liverpool and ‘Like’ us on Facebook
The defense was excellent before Rodgers got his hands on it. I don’t think we need many personnel , just one to replace carra. But we some organization and some cover from the midfielders which Rodgers was oblivious to last season
Maybe a defensive coach / assistant manager is needed. I don’t know what Brendas brother in law brings to the table , not much by the looks of it
We need 2 quick, ball plying centre backs, a cover left back and some faith in our young lads
That’s very stupid comment, how can u say our defence was excellent before brendan??! Our defense was lump the ball up there
Brendan has seen that Sktrel is stupid and can’t control the ball or isn’t comfortable on the ball, therefore replacements and cover are needed in central defence besides Agger
And our midfield needs maybe one addition but not priorty as allen is still to come back and shelvey is pushing for a place,
I have lost all faith in Reina and he needs to go, begovic is a perfect replacement
Check how many more goals we conceded under Rodgers. Very stupid comment Aaron to say something like that without checking the facts
I agree with u 50per but our problem are def who’re aggr,fast,tackle n good in air.And dm too ply with height, strong n good
passing accuracy.
Not necessarily a defensive overhaul but we need fast defenders that are also good on the ball. Defending high up pitch is good as seen with barcalona in the past few years but with the right defenders to avoid a bayern-like demolition of the spanish giants. I believe Rodgers but more effort is needed with correct signings in place to push the team to where we belong. YNWA
we need defender as well as one mid fielder how can be arround the ball to increase creating chances for the strikers
Alderweirand, toure and Eriksen. Jobs a gooden!
Look no further then kelly to take over from carra hes big strong good on the ball and vocal which is what we lost from carras retirement
Get lescott and play kelly in central defence which is his proper position anyway. Skrtel is going so one in and one out. Simple. Don’t forget wisdom. Have faith in your youngsters
With Rogers in charge, there will always be a problem to fix. Defensively we were top 4 material. No more. Goalkeeper linked with barca and co. it will be our next problem . A keeper. Honestly I have no faith in him. Just a wonderful talk the talk guy
So why don’t u take over as LFC coach…people like u always see negativity…shame on u…
What do u expect ? It’s a negative time. The worst Liverpool team in decades . Shame on you for being so ignorant
Erin rly,wel get this lfc was the 2nd highest to keep alot of clean shit after mancity.for the reina thing that started during the daglish era get some facts
Rodgers defensive organization leaves a lot to be desired . Totally inadequate
We had the second best clean sheet record last season. The addition of Papadopolos and kelly used a cb and we will be solid. We need a more creative cm like errikson, were gonna be playing some great football next season, i cant wait
Wow. 2nd best clean sheet record . Where did that get us exactly ???
Oh yes . Our worst season in 60 years. Fantastic !!!