Despite Liverpool’s continued form in his absence, Lucas is still hugely important for Liverpool
Centre Midfielders – Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva
No Steven Gerrard? Outrage!
Yes, well despite the legendary status of the skipper and his still ongoing ability to influence matches, the truth is the free-flowing system works better without him.
Whilst he is still sharp in his mind, allowing him to make accurate first-time passes, he lacks the pace and the identity of a firm position in this formation.
Rodgers has designed this 3-4-3 with the future in mind. With Sterling, Coutinho and Adam Lallana playing so well Gerrard is unlikely to be placed into an attacking role and the only place he could conceivably play is defensive midfield, akin to last season. Unfortunately, he has now been found out in that role with teams man-marking him from deep and securing the ball high up the pitch.
Lucas is a proper anchorman and had been in tremendous form, with more tackles per game (4.07) than anyone else in the league, before injury again halted his form and personal momentum.
However, whilst Allen has done an admirable job so far with some incisive passing and control, Lucas remains the superior option alongside the energy, consistency and growing quality of Henderson, who has impressed with his increasing assumption of responsibility.
He is now looking to take game more by the scruff of the neck with some fantastic passing and vision, such as with the assist for Daniel Sturridge against Crystal Palace, instead of passing on the mantle to other players, most notably (and understandably) Gerrard.
Attacking Midfielders – Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho
Despite praising Lallana’s form, I still wouldn’t have him in my strongest Liverpool team as Sterling and particularly Coutinho are on fire.
Despite Sterling’s continued inconsistency in front of goal he is a nightmare for defenders while the little Brazilian is creating havoc for every team he faces nowadays, stunning Southampton with one of the goals of the season and winning games with equally impressive strikes against Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City.
Their pace, movement and relentlessness will be pivotal for Liverpool if they want a successful finish to the season.
When Sturridge hits form, Liverpool will find goals much easier to come by
Striker – Daniel Sturridge
The England front-man hasn’t looked his true self since returning from injury, with Liverpool fans seeing only shades of his unmistakeable quality. However, once he is back to full speed and is able to play regularly he will score goals.
And this is key to Liverpool’s hopes of a top four finish, alongside a solid defence.
The Reds have been slightly fortunate in recent games with error goals (Sterling vs Southampton), wonder goals (Coutinho in general! Also Henderson vs Man City) or no goals (Besiktas in Europa League).
The old adage of it doesn’t matter how you score is great, but doesn’t last and Liverpool need to take more of their chances from open play.
There is no one better than a fit Sturridge for that.
Moreover, he offers as much pace and movement as Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho, unlike Rickie Lambert or Mario Balotelli. With them, the team lost its high intensity pressing game in the early part of the season, and it cost points and confidence.
One aspect which Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has got right is that a successful team needs a striker who can score 20 goals a season.
Whilst it’s good to see the whole team contributing with goals, you need a top scorer and Sturridge is that man for Liverpool, so he needs to be on form for a top four finish.
Sturridge may not hit 20+ goals this year because of his injury but if he can return to the strike rate he had at Liverpool then the Champions League beckons once again.
