Finding right shape a challenge for Rodgers (ESPN article)

 

Does Brendan Rodgers even know what his best formation is? Does he even think it's important to have a preferred system, or is he happy to shuffle things around and adopt a 'horses-for-courses' approach? 

 

It's a real conundrum for the Liverpool boss as there appears to be no perfect system to get the best out of his best players and not leave any area of the side weakened. To play Coutinho, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge in their best roles would appear to be the most logical decision moving forward.

 

After all, a team should play to its strengths and those three individuals are most definitely the strength of Liverpool at this moment in time. To incorporate all three in their best positions, however, throws up other problems that could potentially undo whatever magic the front three conjure up between them. 

 

The midfield is a particular concern, as it has been much of the season. Including Coutinho in a free role only leaves room for two central midfielders, unless, of course, Rodgers abandons the three-at-the-back system he's used of late. Can Liverpool afford to just use the two in the middle of the park when it has not worked especially well thus far? 

 

You could perhaps argue it depends who 'the two' are, but no combination of Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Joe Allen or Jordan Henderson inspires huge confidence right now. 

 

That said, a lot depends on the quality of opposition. A midfield consisting of any of those two playing behind Coutinho should be able to more than hold their own against most Premier League opposition, especially at home. In some of the more difficult away games or clashes with the big boys at Anfield? Well, it doesn't look strong enough, but Coutinho's recent absence means we haven't seen it yet, so no one really knows for sure.

 

Read the rest of the article here.