Where is the Diamond? | Why are Liverpool Using the 4231?
In mineralogy, diamond is a metastable allotrope of carbon, where the carbon atoms are arranged in a variation of the face centred cubic crystal structure called the diamond lattice. Now in simpler terms, a diamond would be a pretty damn good formation for LFC in this moment in time.
Whereas the 4231 on the other hand..
Adaptation
In the season of 13/14, whilst trying to squeeze two of the most prolific goal-scorers into one starting XI, the diamond formation seemed …
Coutinho: The Future of Liverpool's Number Ten
Liverpool's number 1o may not be best suited for the role of his number. The performance of Stewart Downing in the number ‘10’ position against Liverpool made a few people take note of how the personnel tasked with making that position work is forever changing in the Premier League.
Examples of teams playing a quicker player in that position, for the purpose of counter attacks, is becoming the norm for teams who aren’t the best with the ball. Liverpool fans …
Liverpool FC: The Rough Edge of the Diamond
Right. Let’s get this clear up front. Me and tactics? It’s like asking David Cameron to be compassionate.
However, lately, I’ve made an effort to try and make sense of this Liverpool side. Watching it all I’m so confused as to what on earth it is we’re trying to do. Why play Gerrard and Lucas as a two? Why rest Raheem in the Premiership and then play him in the League cup? Why can’t we create chances?
Lots of why’s …
Rodgers' Diamond Distraction
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but the diamond is also starting to be crucial to Brendan Rodgers and his Liverpool team. The 4-4-2 diamond formation is bringing several benefits to this Liverpool team, most notably numbers centrally and lots of distraction up top.
After the departure of Luis Suarez, the additions of Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic and the pre-season form of Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho, it was felt by many that Rodgers would move away from the …
The United State of Liverpool's Pre-Season Tactics
It’s often said that pre-season friendlies are meaningless money-spinning exercises, which if anything serve only to improve match fitness and sharpness. However, there’s an obvious trend when it comes to Liverpool’s opponents for these warm up games, and some noticeable tactical systems at play even at this early stage. With this in mind, here’s a look at what we can take from these fixtures, as Liverpool head into the International Champions Cup.
We’re now four games into pre-season, and the …
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 …
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 …
Graft, Craft and How to Fill "The Lucas Role"
Getting the right mix of grafters and crafters is vital to a team's success. A grafter is the type of player who makes up for any failings in natural technical ability through sheer blood, guts and endeavour. Think Dirk Kuyt. On the opposite end of the scale you have crafters, players who have a very high level of technical ability but are are more tactile in their play. Jordan Henderson fits into this box.
Liverpool's squad has many players who immediately …
Liverpool V Man City | A Tactical & Stats Preview
This week the billions of Manchester City come to town, and what a game it promises to be. I'm not sure what it is about City, but they don't seem to attract the same envious jealousy that Chelsea attracted when oligarch Roman Abramovich arrived on the scene and bankrolled the Stamford Bridge outfit with his odiously acquired petro-roubles. Maybe it's the fact that we get a perverse satisfaction from seeing that lot down the East Lancashire Road get their knickers …