Jürgen Klopp's Midfield Unit
Hello again Anfield Index, it's been a while. Sorry I've taken some time since my last article, but apparently being in the final year of your degree is quite time-consuming. Moving on, in this piece I will be attempting to analyse what I consider the most important component of any Klopp system: the midfield. Most will tell you that Klopp's preferred shape is a 4-2-3-1, which I agree with, and I'll start by discussing what the manager tends to expect from …
Nothing False about Coutinho as a Number Nine
False starts. Many could argue Liverpool had a false start to this season but there was nothing false about Coutinho's performance as a false 9 against Newcastle and that can only be a positive for Brendan Rodgers moving forward.
Liverpool showed some arrogance and confidence in their win against Newcastle, especially in the first half. The way the Reds lined up surprised a few people, myself includes, as it was expected that Sterling would once again lead the line. Many …
A True Legend as a False-Nine? Can Gerrard Play The Role?
Who needs a history lesson these days, especially as an article opener, right? Pfft. Let’s fast forward to the end of the summer of 2014 – past the shambles of Woy, the overly-domestic Kenny, and the brilliance of ‘SAS’ along with another 2nd place finish.
To a time where only half of the feared ‘SAS’ duo remained, with the other heading over to sunny Spain – Barcelona, to be exact. To a time where football veterans reunite with their boyhood …
Liverpool's Midfield Balance Without Gerrard
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers reached new heights during his second season at the club, seeing his team finish 2nd in the league, just 2 points behind eventual winners Manchester City. After several seasons of disappointment, the Liverpool team looked rejuvenated under Rodgers, striking 101 goals over the course of the campaign and doing so in the most attractive of fashion; Suarez and Sturridge leading the line with 19-year-old Raheem Sterling operating at the peak of a diamond represented arguably the …
Tactical Analysis: Liverpool 4 Borussia Dortmund 0
It is important to preface this analysis by saying the Bundesliga season doesn’t start until the week after the Premier League, so Borussia Dortmund were seven days behind in their physical preparation. However, at times, Rodgers’ Liverpool made them look like they had never played football before, with the exquisite movement, technical ability and break-neck speed of the attacking play.
Line-Ups:
Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson, Skrtel, Lovren, Manquillo, Gerrard, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho, Can, Sturridge.
Subs: Brad Jones, Jose Enrique, Toure, Lambert, …
Liverpool FC's Diamond Formation: An Analysis
How very interesting it was to sit down and watch Manchester United in Champions League action against Olympiacos, putting in a much better performance than that of three days previously against Liverpool (you know, the one in which we won 3-0? Remember that? Vaguely?).
After their midfielders got bypassed and played through by Liverpool, they unearthed from the midst of nowhere, a ‘diamond’ system for the Olympiacos game which they reaped the rewards from with a much more fluid and …
Bolton vs Liverpool | Passing Triangles - Graphical & Stats Preview
Next up is a trip to Owen Coyle’s Bolton Wanderers where we will look to put our recent problems at Anfield behind us and try to continue our good away form. In the previous meeting at Anfield this season Liverpool came out winners with a 3-1 scoreline. Bolton go into the game sitting second from bottom in the league table and with a last 6 that reads LWDLWL. That form guide includes defeats against, Man United, Newcastle and Fulham. However …
Liverpool V Newcastle | Tactical & Stats Report - Prodigal Son Returns
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Liverpool V Aston Villa | Stats & Graphical Preview
Next up is a trip to Villa Park where we lost our final league game last year 1-0. The goal scorer for Villa that day our very own winger Stewart Downing. Villa go into the game in 9th position in the table on 19 points from 15 games with a form guide and last six that reads WLDLWD. Those 2 losses coming at home to Man United and away to Spurs. If they beat us on Sunday they could move …
Liverpool V QPR | Tactical Stats & Graphical Preview
Not a great week for Liverpool Football Club. There is nothing more frustrating than an undeserved defeat. Add to that a spurious F.A. charge for failing to control your players, and an investigation into your lead striker for a provocative hand gesture, and you can quite comfortable say it hasn't been the best of weeks. I'm not going to go into the above charges, suffice to say, for both instances, there has been a number of similar incidents of such …