Originally Posted by Rashid
I mentioned this in other thread but here are a few interesting snippets.
Liverpools best player this season has been Jamie Carragher, a player who has played every league game.
Chelsea's has been Frank Lampard and John Terry, a players who have played virtually every game.
Man United's has been Gabrielle Heinze, a player who has played every game when fit.
Arsenal's has been (again) Thierry Henry, a player who plays every game when fit.
The league champions of England have always had more or less the same starting 11, a first 11 that usually starts every league game. Looking back over the past 15 years, Man United, Arsenal and now Chelsea all have a first team that most of us could name of the top of our head.
Does this not tell us that squad rotation should only be used for injuries and extreme fatigue? I think we should find our best 11 and stick to it, and change it only if someone gets injured or give a kids a go in the league cup games.
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I think you have some good points, but to play a first 11 I think you have to decide which tournament you prioritize. You can't play a first 11 for some 60 games but it shouldn't be a problem for 38. Those who play more than 38 (Terry and Lampard certaily played nearly 60 this season?) are special and not exposed to injuries. Not every player are build to play that much but some are. Riise is one example, Carra another, but even they need rest sometimes. I also think it depends on what position you play in, i.e. a CB can do it easier than a CM.