The Build-Up Phases in Liverpool's Diamond Formation
Since the introduction of the diamond system into the Liverpool team last season, the overall performance of the team improved radically. This article aims to look at the various build-up plays that are involved in the 4-3-1-2 system or the diamond system, as it is commonly known.
The basic principle in this system is to control the game while holding possession of the ball but also have the option of making a fast counter attack when opponents lose possession on …
How the First 10 Games Could Define Liverpool's Season
Anyone who follows me on Twitter will have noticed that I like to break a season down into groups of five games. Why? Well it’s an easy way to monitor how Liverpool are doing in relation to their goals for the season.
2013/14 was all about getting back into the Champions league. I worked out that if Liverpool were achieving 10 out of the 15 points available in every group of five games, they would have a very good chance …
Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool: A Year of Learning
It is at times required to look back to find focus on what lies ahead. As has been recited in articles, podcasts, and books alike, Liverpool's remarkable achievements last season were unfathomable, especially when one considers the obstacles and interrogations of Rodgers' ability which were met en route.
Unfortunately, many believe 'Brenton Fraudgers' will be found out next year, with a number of fans and pundits citing a lack of preparation time this season due to European competition as one of …
Replacing Suarez's Goals
He's finally gone. Weeks of negotiations have seen the third best player in the world move to Barcelona for £75m. Many have said this is too cheap, especially when you consider the 'less good' Gareth Bale, moved for £80m just last season. However, Bale has never bitten anyone, nor (supposedly) racially abused someone and wasn't serving a four month ban. So £75m is probably the best we could hope for, and Barcelona got a £100m player at a discount (for …
Lazar Markovic | A guide to the latest Liverpool target
Despite World Cup excitement and Chiellini shaped sound bites about Luis Suarez, the excitement around Liverpool’s transfer activities have suddenly resurfaced again after spending some brief time catching breath while the world football showpiece steals the bread and butter transfer stories of lazy journalists.
One story capturing the imagination is the news that Liverpool are intending to make Serbian wonder-kid Lazar Markovic their next purchase.
HISTORY
Markovic started his career playing for the Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade. He received his …
Liverpool Perspective: England Vs Italy Preview
The time is nearly upon us. At 11pm on Saturday night Steven Gerrard will lead Roy Hodgson’s England side out of the tunnel at the Arena Amazonia for their opening Group D game against Italy. The last time these two sides met in an international tournament the game ended 0-0 with Italy winning on penalties. It will all be different this time though right? I mean there could be as many as 6 Liverpool players starting, however ,with Roy in …
The Liverpool Midfield: A Tactical Analysis
To some, the midfield area is one which is overrated. One can look at how many goals a respective team has scored that season, and how many they kept out. Of course, while these spectators acknowledge the importance of a great middle unit, if you are substantially stronger in the first and final thirds, the centre will take care of itself. However, to be a true bastion of domestic and continental football, the midfield should the heartbeat of an effulgent, …
Sterling is Money
"This does not f***ing slip now.
"Listen. Listen. This is gone. We go to Norwich. Exactly the same. We go again. Come on!"
Steven Gerrard delivered the aforementioned words following the most dramatic ninety minutes of Premier League football this season. His side had let slip a two goal lead versus league chasers Manchester City, but a 78th minute striker from Philippe Coutinho edged the Reds further up the hill with the final score reading Liverpool 3-2 Manchester City.
As …
Brendan Rodgers and the Counter Narratives
From the first moment Brendan Rodgers was appointed as the new manager of Liverpool Football Club, fans angry with FSG for sacking a club legend couldn't wait to see him fail. First, his team played too many passes sideways. Then, Rodgers was ‘too idealistic’. He talked too much, had no Plan B and up until we could routinely thrash them, we couldn’t beat the league’s top sides. And so on, and so on.
Now that the quibblers have been dismissed …
Liverpool FC: Following the Dortmund Model into Europe
Back to the Holy Land
It’s that time of year again isn’t it? That annoying period in a season where every player, manager, pundit and fan peddles out the most irksome of cliché’s in the game: “if you offered me this position we’re in right now at the start of the season, I’d have bit your hand off for it!”.
*Patiently waits for the next passing bus and jumps out in front of it*
However I think an exception to …