by aCe' » Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:02 pm
I amongst others seem to be suggesting that Gerrard's return will help some of the players around him improve their game. Of the names mentioned were Carroll, Bellamy, Suarez, Adam, and Henderson. I find it interesting that our expectations of Gerrard are of such magnitude given his long spell on the sidelines. More interesting is the position we expect him to fill.
Realistically, there are only 2 positions where you would expect Gerrard to operate given our system . CM or behind the striker. That said, the notion of playing him down the right flank in a Henderson-like role is one that shouldn't be dismissed if our formations for this season are anything to go by.
The way I see it, our main problems atm come from the middle of the park lacking in quality and more importantly balance. The Lucas-Adam axis is yet to get it right and tbph Henderson is being carried more often than not. That leaves us with 2 good candidates that could logically be replaced in Adam and Hendo without much complaining from either.
Further up the pitch, we have problems of a different nature. With Suarez guaranteeing his spot as our main forward, the question of whether to include Kuyt or Carroll to support him has made for interesting discussion so far. While Kuyt has proved to be a good foil for Suarez in many occasions so far, a case could be made for Carroll not getting the support he needs from wide areas and more importantly deeper positions (Nolan?).
Other factors come into play such as Bellamy's shout for a starting spot given his good displays or even Maxi's inclusion given his linkup with Suarez and his excellent goals/assists record whenever given the chance.
For me, its a simple one. Gerrard plays where he's most effective. Might mean that the likes of Kuyt and Bellamy would have to play in wider areas to get games, and that our 55million duo of Carroll and Henderson are resigned to bench warming roles, but so be it.
This is what I'd go for
Lucas Adam/Spearing
Kuyt/Bellamy Gerrard Downing/Maxi
Suarez
Give the Lucas-Adam-Gerrard trio a few games to try it out but I still think that Spearing would be the better option in terms of providing defensive cover and overall balance. Moving Gerrard back to accommodate one more attacking option (Gerrard behind Kuyt+Bellamy+Downing+Suarez) might work against the smaller sides at home but I'm not sure we can consistently pull it off.