Gerrards playing position

[Dog]

In response to threads where we are linked to players like Alves. It is often mentioned that we already have Gerrard in the midfield and where does a player like Alves fit in to the squad.

 

I seem to remember that Rafa was talking about giving Gerrard a more attacking role. This can only happen if he is playing in a more attacking position, i.e. a midfield/strikers position.

If Gerrard is played in a different role then we will have holes in midfield to fill and the presumed positions of existing and new players will not be as rigid as some on here believe. We already have players regularly swapping positions from right to left during games. If done right, it makes defending for the opposition very difficult. Man marking will pull opposition players into positions they are not good in.

 

In such a case, Alves and/or several other players linked with us would fit in nicely.

 

 

Dog

[Phil236849]

  Dog said:

In response to threads where we are linked to players like Alves. It is often mentioned that we already have Gerrard in the midfield and where does a player like Alves fit in to the squad.

 

I seem to remember that Rafa was talking about giving Gerrard a more attacking role. This can only happen if he is playing in a more attacking position, i.e. a midfield/strikers position.

If Gerrard is played in a different role then we will have holes in midfield to fill and the presumed positions of existing and new players will not be as rigid as some on here believe. We already have players regularly swapping positions from right to left during games. If done right, it makes defending for the opposition very difficult. Man marking will pull opposition players into positions they are not good in.

 

In such a case, Alves and/or several other players linked with us would fit in nicely.

Dog

 

so what you're saying is

 

Reina

 

Carra Hyppia Agger/Finnan (on other side)

 

Alves Xabi Momo Riise/Gonzalez

Gerrard

 

Crouch Kuyt

[fred milne]

I imagine that for most games the centre-mid pairing will be Alonso and Sissoko.

 

Perhaps against some of the weaker sides at Anfield we'll see Alonso and Gerrard, but otherwise I expect to see Gerrard playing RM or behind the main striker.

 

If Hamann sticks around (and I hope he does), he'll probably be used as cover for Alonso.

[alias75]

  fred milne said:

I imagine that for most games the centre-mid pairing will be Alonso and Sissoko.

 

Perhaps against some of the weaker sides at Anfield we'll see Alonso and Gerrard, but otherwise I expect to see Gerrard playing RM or behind the main striker.

 

If Hamann sticks around (and I hope he does), he'll probably be used as cover for Alonso.

 

For some games id like to see Gerrard and Sissoko in the middle too

[fred milne]

  alias75 said:

For some games id like to see Gerrard and Sissoko in the middle too

The onus would be on Gerrard to sit, which doesn't really suit his game.

[alias75]

  fred milne said:

The onus would be on Gerrard to sit, which doesn't really suit his game.

 

? not sure about that Sissoko plays that role perfectly

[fred milne]

  alias75 said:

? not sure about that Sissoko plays that role perfectly

Sissoko's game is about winning the ball all over the pitch, not sitting in front of the back four and controlling possession.

[Knox_Harrington]

  fred milne said:

I imagine that for most games the centre-mid pairing will be Alonso and Sissoko.

 

Perhaps against some of the weaker sides at Anfield we'll see Alonso and Gerrard, but otherwise I expect to see Gerrard playing RM or behind the main striker.

 

If Hamann sticks around (and I hope he does), he'll probably be used as cover for Alonso.

Think that that's too secure an analysis, Fred. We were fortunate with injuries this season and especially so in central midfield. One injury to Sissoko (as we saw) and suddenly we look flat in the centre. A fit Zenden may have been able to offer something there but there can be no guarantee of that. I expect that Gerrard will play a lot of games in central midfield and that we'll rotate to stay as strong as we can. A youngish prospect to cover Alonso (Carrick of two years ago) and Hamann to offer total reliability when required will fill that out. We'll try to challenge on all fronts next season and be strong at all stages.

[Guest TanMan]

  Dog said:

In response to threads where we are linked to players like Alves. It is often mentioned that we already have Gerrard in the midfield and where does a player like Alves fit in to the squad.

 

I seem to remember that Rafa was talking about giving Gerrard a more attacking role. This can only happen if he is playing in a more attacking position, i.e. a midfield/strikers position.

If Gerrard is played in a different role then we will have holes in midfield to fill and the presumed positions of existing and new players will not be as rigid as some on here believe. We already have players regularly swapping positions from right to left during games. If done right, it makes defending for the opposition very difficult. Man marking will pull opposition players into positions they are not good in.

 

In such a case, Alves and/or several other players linked with us would fit in nicely.

Dog

 

Gerrard's position?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just behind Sheva

[Buzz]

  TanMan said:

Just behind Sheva

 

Gerrards position?

Whever he bloody likes!

[RedNik]

Is Stevie himself opposed to being on the right? - i guess someone like Elisha might be able to throw some light onto this ..

 

The problem with this situation is that Crouch cannot be up front as our soul striker, as he isn't a good enough finisher. We would need someone more in the mould of Sheva or RVN - who are both available it seems ... - to play here. Crouch's holding the ball up and posession play is good, but I feel there would be too much distance between midfield and him for our attacks to be effective, especially with Stevies tendency to roam.

 

If he does play in front of Xabi and Sissoko, i can see rafa placing HK on the right, with Gonzalez/ Bolo/ JAR on the left, depending on whom were playing. He might play garcia at right mid instead of Kewell too.

[Guz]

I dont think Stevie takes on (or beats) enough full backs to play out wide permanently. That problem is only confounded by the fact that it's a similar situation on the opposite wing with Kewell or Riise, so maybe it wont be a problem if Speedy is a hit.

[beejay]

Gerrard does a job on the right (a f*** good job) but he is far better in the middle. Even when he starts on the right he will switch into the middle - like in the fa cup final.

 

We need a class right sided player who can stay out wide and stretch the opposition. Gerrard should be given licence to get forward but from centre midfield.

 

Xabi is developing into a deep lying, holding midfielder - he added plenty of physical edge to his game last year - as well as being the first receiver from the back 4.

 

We just need some more pace out wide which speedy and a couple of new recruits can supply.

[RedNik]

Thats really the problem with G on the right - it needs to amount to him playing on a free role, for us to get the best of him. With him on the right, we get a quality crosser, playing in balls from DEEP. Gerrards no the type to get to the by line and put balls in. We also get an outlet, and take advantage of his abiltiy to run at defenses, especially on counter attacks.

 

What we lose is his shot. If he plays in a strict right mid position, he is gonna have to keep cutting in, and even then he is placed with his left foot in power and not right.

 

We also lose his great vision and passing ability - which is great when he is lower down the pitch, and starts our attacks off.

 

Thats why I'd prefer Gerrard in a central position, on a free role.

[meepins]

4-5-1 seems the way to go.

[L19red]

he's the best centre midfield player in the world. problem is that he is also one of the top 10 right wingers and we've got no-one else who can play right wing but we've got alonso and sissoko for centre mid. Answer is to buy a good right winger and get gerrard back in the centre.

[RedNik]

4-5-1 with Crouch as the one striker - as i said earlier, i dont think it'll work.

[meepins]

Yeah but I would seriously doubt that Crouch is going to be the main man next season. Even his most ardent supporters must realise he is a player you put on to mix things up... despite his presence improving the football somewhat. It's gonna be wingers next season and that will be the outlet as opposed to a high ball for crouchy to control.

[RedNik]

Then surely you think were gonna acquire a striker who can hold the ball up and bring midfield into play - like crouch does. he would also need to be stronger,have a better header and a quality finish. If this is the system we want to play, our big striker signing WILL NOT be defoe, johnson or bellamy. Furthermore, it quashes any ideas of buying 2 strikers - as we have more than enough backup strikers for a one up top system then.

 

The only players that come to mind and are available are RVN, shevchenko, torres and Dirk Kuit (whose finishing isn't that great itself).

[Knox_Harrington]

We'll have a squad capable of playing any system the manager wants for any game.

[Rimbeux]

He can play right in a midfield four, in a midfield three, or a midfield two, and that's where he'll be used, but I'd guess more central than wide next year as the squad fills out.

[Owen1978]

  Knox_Harrington said:

We'll have a squad capable of playing any system the manager wants for any game.

 

True, against the best teams in europe i.e CL & in the prem theres only one formation rafa will play that is 4231. That just leaves the question who is this mystery striker rafa is after - my money is on kuyt

Edited May 23, 2006 by Owen1978