Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool and the importance of ‘gegenpressing’ (Jonathan Wilson, 16 October 2015, The Guardian)
Who is the best playmaker in the world? While others squabble over individual players, Jürgen Klopp has no doubt. Nothing, he believes, creates more chances than gegenpressing.
It is his faith in that style and his ability to instil its principles in his players that allowed Borussia Dortmund to compete with far wealthier clubs. The system was able to negate the fact Bayern Munich were able to afford better individuals. The hope at Liverpool is he can have a similar impact in the Premier League. [...]
“The best moment to win the ball is immediately after your team just lost it,” Klopp has said. “The opponent is still looking for orientation where to pass the ball. He will have taken his eyes off the game to make his tackle or interception and he will have expended energy. Both make him vulnerable.”
In itself, perhaps that is not a particularly revelatory insight; where Klopp – and Pep Guardiola, who was also a pioneer of gegenpressing – were innovative was in how they took advantage of that realisation, pushing high up the pitch and co-ordinating how the hunt for the ball was conducted.
Most importantly, the team have to be compact. If there are spaces when a team presses, then it’s relatively easy for the opponent to thread passes through the gaps. That applies both vertically and laterally – Arrigo Sacchi, who pioneered pressing at Milan in the 1980s, spoke of an ideal of 25m from the most advanced player to the back four, while there is also a requirement for, say, the right-winger to move centrally when the ball is on the left. At Bayern, Guardiola has one of the training pitches divided into zones to help players work on their spacing. At Barça he operated a principle of “one and three”: when the ball is lost, one man goes straight to the ball and three race to the scene to try to cut out passing angles.
A team also have to understand when to stop pressing: the ball cannot be hunted relentlessly, partly because to do so is exhausting and partly because once that initial moment, when the opponent has gained possession has passed, it is not that difficult to hit a long ball into space behind the pressing defence (which is one of the reasons goalkeepers such as Víctor Valdés and Manuel Neuer, who can sweep behind their defence, are so valuable).
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
THE FASTEST MOST PHYSICAL LEAGUE IN THE WORLD:
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard misjudged MLS, says Landon Donovan (Jamie Jackson, 18 November 2015, The Guardian)
Donovan, a former United States captain who played for Galaxy, Bayern Munich and Everton, said of Gerrard and Lampard: “They have been perceived well but it’s not easy. Sometimes people have this impression that you can go there and it will be easy – people from the outside. The players will tell you ––and I think Steven has spoken about it openly – it’s quite difficult. Not because there is more quality from Liverpool but it’s difficult to travel and the pace of the game is fast.”
Donovan, who retired in December 2014, added: “The Premier League is probably the fastest in the world but the pace [in the US] is faster than you realise. There are a lot of different issues so I think both of them will come back next year and be more prepared and make a much bigger impact.”
Donovan, a former United States captain who played for Galaxy, Bayern Munich and Everton, said of Gerrard and Lampard: “They have been perceived well but it’s not easy. Sometimes people have this impression that you can go there and it will be easy – people from the outside. The players will tell you ––and I think Steven has spoken about it openly – it’s quite difficult. Not because there is more quality from Liverpool but it’s difficult to travel and the pace of the game is fast.”
Donovan, who retired in December 2014, added: “The Premier League is probably the fastest in the world but the pace [in the US] is faster than you realise. There are a lot of different issues so I think both of them will come back next year and be more prepared and make a much bigger impact.”
Saturday, March 21, 2015
GUYS NEED TO SHOOT MORE FROM ZONE 4:
How Liverpool FC 'reprogrammed' Jerome Sinclair ahead of first-team chance : Revealed: the intricacies of preparing a striker for a shot at the big time (James Pearce, 3/20/15, Liverpool Echo)
[F]or analysis purposes the penalty box is divided into five zones. The central area in front of goal is zone 1.
A line is then drawn from each post to the far corner of the box – creating 2R and 3R on the right as well as 2L and 3L on the left. Zone 2 is closer to the centre with zone 3 being where the angle for strikers is much more acute.
For a right-footer, the easier zone to score in should be 2R but prior to Christmas, Sinclair hadn’t scored once from that area. Reds staff were concerned that the kind of goals he had scored through the age groups simply aren’t netted at the highest level.
[F]or analysis purposes the penalty box is divided into five zones. The central area in front of goal is zone 1.
A line is then drawn from each post to the far corner of the box – creating 2R and 3R on the right as well as 2L and 3L on the left. Zone 2 is closer to the centre with zone 3 being where the angle for strikers is much more acute.
For a right-footer, the easier zone to score in should be 2R but prior to Christmas, Sinclair hadn’t scored once from that area. Reds staff were concerned that the kind of goals he had scored through the age groups simply aren’t netted at the highest level.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
RUN, MARIO, RUN:
Mario Balotelli agent says striker has never been asked to run before (The Telegraph, 3/07/15)
[H]is agent, Mino Raiola, has offered an insight into why his client has struggled by saying that the player has never before been asked to work as much as he is on Merseyside.
He is quoted in The Mirror as saying: "Mario has found a coach who asks him things that had never been requested of him, including the fact of running without the ball.
"Right now I think Mario makes a very interesting development for his career.
"This allows him to grow as a person and as a footballer. He will come out even stronger. He is proud of the Liverpool team and that is most important."
[H]is agent, Mino Raiola, has offered an insight into why his client has struggled by saying that the player has never before been asked to work as much as he is on Merseyside.
He is quoted in The Mirror as saying: "Mario has found a coach who asks him things that had never been requested of him, including the fact of running without the ball.
"Right now I think Mario makes a very interesting development for his career.
"This allows him to grow as a person and as a footballer. He will come out even stronger. He is proud of the Liverpool team and that is most important."
Monday, March 2, 2015
PSSSST...THAT'S NOT A MEASURE OF HENDERSON BUT OF GERRARD:
Stunning Jordan Henderson captaincy stat! Great news for Liverpool fans (talkSPORT, March 2, 2015)
So far this season, Henderson has started a match as captain 12 times and his record over the course of those matches is pretty close to flawless – won nine and drawn three – with Liverpool yet to suffer defeat under his stewardship.
So far this season, Henderson has started a match as captain 12 times and his record over the course of those matches is pretty close to flawless – won nine and drawn three – with Liverpool yet to suffer defeat under his stewardship.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
MAYBE THE MOST UNDER-RATED ASSET IN THE GAME...:
Javier Mascherano – the last great Argentine hero (Juan D'Angelo, 2/22/15, Backpage Football)
Silent hero, a born leader, the mood engine of the team. These are just a few adjectives that the press has been used to qualify Javier throughout his career.
Surely Marcelo Bielsa saw what Almeyda did at the time, because in June 2003, and before Mascherano had even played a single game as a professional for his club River Plate, the “Jefecito” debuted internationally for Argentina in a friendly against his Uruguayan counterparts.
From that moment, Javier built a career worthy of a legend. From his first steps in River Plate up to these days in Barcelona, where he is a fundamental part of one of the best teams in history, “Masche” turned into a leader and a reference for his teammates.
One of its early discoverers, the Argentine coach Jorge Solari, said that,when he saw Javier in action during a match played in the small town of San Lorenzo (the hometown of a Mascherano) he was surprised by the commanding voice of that young boy.
The leadership shown by Mascherano is not based on intimidation and fear, as it was with Vinnie Jones and the “Crazy Gang” of Wimbledon. The Argentine midfielder is the example of everything good that should be a professional football player.
Javier gives everything in every workout, play every game like a final, is correct to the press without being condescending and, most importantly, knows when he should be a leading player and when it should remain in the background.
...is the defensive midfielder who's so aggressive he's always one second away from a red card. If Arsenal had such a player they'd have won some titles the past few years.
Silent hero, a born leader, the mood engine of the team. These are just a few adjectives that the press has been used to qualify Javier throughout his career.
Surely Marcelo Bielsa saw what Almeyda did at the time, because in June 2003, and before Mascherano had even played a single game as a professional for his club River Plate, the “Jefecito” debuted internationally for Argentina in a friendly against his Uruguayan counterparts.
From that moment, Javier built a career worthy of a legend. From his first steps in River Plate up to these days in Barcelona, where he is a fundamental part of one of the best teams in history, “Masche” turned into a leader and a reference for his teammates.
One of its early discoverers, the Argentine coach Jorge Solari, said that,when he saw Javier in action during a match played in the small town of San Lorenzo (the hometown of a Mascherano) he was surprised by the commanding voice of that young boy.
The leadership shown by Mascherano is not based on intimidation and fear, as it was with Vinnie Jones and the “Crazy Gang” of Wimbledon. The Argentine midfielder is the example of everything good that should be a professional football player.
Javier gives everything in every workout, play every game like a final, is correct to the press without being condescending and, most importantly, knows when he should be a leading player and when it should remain in the background.
...is the defensive midfielder who's so aggressive he's always one second away from a red card. If Arsenal had such a player they'd have won some titles the past few years.
Monday, February 9, 2015
DONE WANDERING:
Jordon Ibe illuminates stalemate in Steven Gerrard’s final derby day (Andy Hunter, 2/09/15, The Guardian)
The 19-year-old signed from Wycombe Wanderers excelled on his surprise derby debut, only his second league start for Liverpool, carrying the threat to Everton throughout, striking a post with a venomous drive from 20 yards and almost capitalising on Sterling’s deflected shot across the goalmouth.
For 26 minutes Liverpool’s forward line contained Ibe, Sterling and the returning Daniel Sturridge. It’s a prospect that should alert Roy Hodgson and it reflects Rodgers’ inherent belief that British-born talent is not technically inferior to its continental counterparts. “Maybe I have too much belief in young players,” he admitted. “But part of me thinks you never know until you throw in a young player and it doesn’t matter what the game is. This is a real springboard for Jordon Ibe. I would have no qualms about playing Jordon now and there is no greater pressure than a Goodison game with that intensity and he was obviously man of the match. [...]
Liverpool’s clean sheet was the first time they have kept four in a row in the league under Rodgers and featured another commanding performance from Emre Can.
The 19-year-old signed from Wycombe Wanderers excelled on his surprise derby debut, only his second league start for Liverpool, carrying the threat to Everton throughout, striking a post with a venomous drive from 20 yards and almost capitalising on Sterling’s deflected shot across the goalmouth.
For 26 minutes Liverpool’s forward line contained Ibe, Sterling and the returning Daniel Sturridge. It’s a prospect that should alert Roy Hodgson and it reflects Rodgers’ inherent belief that British-born talent is not technically inferior to its continental counterparts. “Maybe I have too much belief in young players,” he admitted. “But part of me thinks you never know until you throw in a young player and it doesn’t matter what the game is. This is a real springboard for Jordon Ibe. I would have no qualms about playing Jordon now and there is no greater pressure than a Goodison game with that intensity and he was obviously man of the match. [...]
Liverpool’s clean sheet was the first time they have kept four in a row in the league under Rodgers and featured another commanding performance from Emre Can.
THE KEY
How Philippe Coutinho became the key in Liverpool FC's 3-4-2-1 formation (Kristian Walsh, 2/09/15, Liverpool Echo)
The contrast before and after Liverpol’s switch in tactics – and therefore, Coutinho’s switch in position - is stark. Most notable of all is how the midfielder managed to create just five chances in 12 appearances before 3-4-2-1, but is now on 23 created in just nine; zero assists have transformed into four.
His shooting accuracy has also improved – 57% now, 45% then – having taken eight more shots at goal in three fewer games, though he’s scored the same number of goals (1).
His passing has not been as accurate, although he averages more passes now; an explanation also comes with the sort of passes he’s making.
In a more advanced position, he is taking risks and looking to feed his team-mates, rather than the risk-averse style which crippled his style earlier in the season. That is evidenced in his pass length also lengthening in the 3-4-2-1, as well as making six successful through balls – five more than he managed in his first 12 games.
He has also produced more successful dribbles (31 v 29) with a better success rate, and is fouled far more now in his advanced position.
The 3-4-2-1 is a curious system. At its optimum, it is a phenomenal mix of control and attacking balance - but if some key components are missing, replicating previous performances could prove difficult.
Coutinho is one of those players who turn the system into a winning one. His pressing is excellent, as his ability to find little pockets of space between defence and midfield – something this position allows him to do often.
He also has plenty of options in front of him. The striker, usually Sterling but soon to be Sturridge, is available; there will also his attacking midfield partner to his right. The wide men also push forward, as does one of the central midfielders. Coutinho fills his boots, and fires them towards the ball.
The space this movement creates also allows him to move further up the pitch. Coutinho is at his most dangerous close to goal. He has been tasked with improving in front of goal, but when his sights are locked on players to pass to, he is a dead-eyed sharpshooter.
The contrast before and after Liverpol’s switch in tactics – and therefore, Coutinho’s switch in position - is stark. Most notable of all is how the midfielder managed to create just five chances in 12 appearances before 3-4-2-1, but is now on 23 created in just nine; zero assists have transformed into four.
His shooting accuracy has also improved – 57% now, 45% then – having taken eight more shots at goal in three fewer games, though he’s scored the same number of goals (1).
His passing has not been as accurate, although he averages more passes now; an explanation also comes with the sort of passes he’s making.
In a more advanced position, he is taking risks and looking to feed his team-mates, rather than the risk-averse style which crippled his style earlier in the season. That is evidenced in his pass length also lengthening in the 3-4-2-1, as well as making six successful through balls – five more than he managed in his first 12 games.
He has also produced more successful dribbles (31 v 29) with a better success rate, and is fouled far more now in his advanced position.
The 3-4-2-1 is a curious system. At its optimum, it is a phenomenal mix of control and attacking balance - but if some key components are missing, replicating previous performances could prove difficult.
Coutinho is one of those players who turn the system into a winning one. His pressing is excellent, as his ability to find little pockets of space between defence and midfield – something this position allows him to do often.
He also has plenty of options in front of him. The striker, usually Sterling but soon to be Sturridge, is available; there will also his attacking midfield partner to his right. The wide men also push forward, as does one of the central midfielders. Coutinho fills his boots, and fires them towards the ball.
The space this movement creates also allows him to move further up the pitch. Coutinho is at his most dangerous close to goal. He has been tasked with improving in front of goal, but when his sights are locked on players to pass to, he is a dead-eyed sharpshooter.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Guilty Because Charged (THEODORE DALRYMPLE|, 1/22/15, Liberty & Law)
Even the most thoroughgoing of penological liberals, I have noticed, has a category of crime – a favourite of sorts, I suppose – that he thinks ought to be severely punished. However much he may deny that punishment is justified, morally or practically, for other crimes, the crime he has selected as being of special heinousness deserves only the most condign punishment. All other crimes may in his opinion merit, and be susceptible only to, explanation and understanding, but this crime must, for moral reasons, be treated with exemplary harshness.
At present in Britain the crime selected by penological liberals for special severity is rape. While they are perfectly happy for other criminals to be treated with leniency, and are fierce in their support for every conceivable protection for the accused, they find the sentences given to rapists to be totally, even ludicrously, inadequate, and sometimes argue for a different standard of proof to secure conviction of the accused. The presumption of innocence ought in this case be abandoned or at least diluted; and because in this crime there can be no smoke without fire, they are distressed that so many cases end in acquittal.
This vengefulness, so ill-assorted with the rest of the penological liberal’s outlook, was succinctly expressed in an article in the normally liberal British newspaper, the Guardian, in a recent article about the case of Ched Evans. [...]
After his release on parole from prison, Evans tried to resume his lucrative professional footballing career. The football club for which he had played at the time of his conviction, Sheffield United, initially took him back, but public reaction was so negative that it soon reversed its decision. Another club, Oldham Athletic, agreed to take him on, but again reaction was negative and some members of the public sent menacing messages, including threats (here one can only admire the fineness of the logic) to rape the wives of some of the staff if he were employed.
Penological liberals would probably be outraged if, for example, a released murderer were refused access to the airwaves or permission to publish a book on the grounds that he was a murderer. But most of them would be equally outraged if a convicted rapist were permitted to resume playing football. Rape is thus a more serious offence than murder, or football a more important activity than broadcasting or writing.
However, it was the last paragraph of the article in the Guardian that struck me as deeply sinister. It read in part: Whether or not [his appeal] is successful, Ched Evans has a great deal more to do before he can find acceptance again as a professional footballer…
In other words, he is guilty even if he is found innocent. So the penological liberal adopts the great principle of totalitarian jurisprudence: guilty because charged.
Why even let prisoners out after their sentence if no one can employ them?
Even the most thoroughgoing of penological liberals, I have noticed, has a category of crime – a favourite of sorts, I suppose – that he thinks ought to be severely punished. However much he may deny that punishment is justified, morally or practically, for other crimes, the crime he has selected as being of special heinousness deserves only the most condign punishment. All other crimes may in his opinion merit, and be susceptible only to, explanation and understanding, but this crime must, for moral reasons, be treated with exemplary harshness.
At present in Britain the crime selected by penological liberals for special severity is rape. While they are perfectly happy for other criminals to be treated with leniency, and are fierce in their support for every conceivable protection for the accused, they find the sentences given to rapists to be totally, even ludicrously, inadequate, and sometimes argue for a different standard of proof to secure conviction of the accused. The presumption of innocence ought in this case be abandoned or at least diluted; and because in this crime there can be no smoke without fire, they are distressed that so many cases end in acquittal.
This vengefulness, so ill-assorted with the rest of the penological liberal’s outlook, was succinctly expressed in an article in the normally liberal British newspaper, the Guardian, in a recent article about the case of Ched Evans. [...]
After his release on parole from prison, Evans tried to resume his lucrative professional footballing career. The football club for which he had played at the time of his conviction, Sheffield United, initially took him back, but public reaction was so negative that it soon reversed its decision. Another club, Oldham Athletic, agreed to take him on, but again reaction was negative and some members of the public sent menacing messages, including threats (here one can only admire the fineness of the logic) to rape the wives of some of the staff if he were employed.
Penological liberals would probably be outraged if, for example, a released murderer were refused access to the airwaves or permission to publish a book on the grounds that he was a murderer. But most of them would be equally outraged if a convicted rapist were permitted to resume playing football. Rape is thus a more serious offence than murder, or football a more important activity than broadcasting or writing.
However, it was the last paragraph of the article in the Guardian that struck me as deeply sinister. It read in part: Whether or not [his appeal] is successful, Ched Evans has a great deal more to do before he can find acceptance again as a professional footballer…
In other words, he is guilty even if he is found innocent. So the penological liberal adopts the great principle of totalitarian jurisprudence: guilty because charged.
Why even let prisoners out after their sentence if no one can employ them?
Saturday, January 17, 2015
ALL ABOUT PACE OF PLAY:
Exciting times for Liverpool fans: How lightning quick attackers could fit in to the Reds' team (Carl Robinson, January 16, 2015, Talk Sport)
For those who didn’t witness the striker emerge at the World Cup, Origi is very athletic and uses his explosive acceleration to beat defenders trying to face him down one on one.
Origi has scored five goals for club and country this season – one goal more than Sturridge, Balotelli and Lambert have managed for the Reds so far this campaign.
Along with his two assists for the season, Origi can play either as the main striker or cutting in from either flank.
Rodgers will look to use this versatility in combination with the returning Daniel Sturridge.
Origi will add power and pace to a front line that will leave defenders looking foolish in their wake.
\
Like Origi, Ibe has been gaining valuable experience on loan, notching up five goals and two assists for Derby County this season with some scintillating performances.
It is these performances that have led to Rodgers recalling the 19-year-old with a first-team role in mind.
Ibe has impressed more than just Rodgers, with Derby manager Steve McClaren saying: ““We wanted to bring players here who can get the crowd on the edge of their seats when they pick the ball up. That is what Jordon has done. He has lit us up when he has played.”
Rodgers may well look to add Ibe to an attacking four that will include Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Origi.
Raheem Sterling's greatest gift is his unmatchable speed, which is wasted at the point of attack.
For those who didn’t witness the striker emerge at the World Cup, Origi is very athletic and uses his explosive acceleration to beat defenders trying to face him down one on one.
Origi has scored five goals for club and country this season – one goal more than Sturridge, Balotelli and Lambert have managed for the Reds so far this campaign.
Along with his two assists for the season, Origi can play either as the main striker or cutting in from either flank.
Rodgers will look to use this versatility in combination with the returning Daniel Sturridge.
Origi will add power and pace to a front line that will leave defenders looking foolish in their wake.
\
Like Origi, Ibe has been gaining valuable experience on loan, notching up five goals and two assists for Derby County this season with some scintillating performances.
It is these performances that have led to Rodgers recalling the 19-year-old with a first-team role in mind.
Ibe has impressed more than just Rodgers, with Derby manager Steve McClaren saying: ““We wanted to bring players here who can get the crowd on the edge of their seats when they pick the ball up. That is what Jordon has done. He has lit us up when he has played.”
Rodgers may well look to add Ibe to an attacking four that will include Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Origi.
Raheem Sterling's greatest gift is his unmatchable speed, which is wasted at the point of attack.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
HE HASN'T PLAYED THE NEWCOMERS ENOUGH:
Pick these players Rodgers! The stars Liverpool are more likely to win with (Talk Sport, 1/14/15)
3. Jordan Henderson has the third highest win rate percentage (45 per-cent) in the Premier League of Liverpool’s players this season [...]
2. Emre Can and Javier Manquillo have been on the winning side in 50 per-cent of the Premier League games they have featured in so far this season. [...]
1. Lucas Leiva – 63.6 per-cent of Premier League matches won this season
There was a great statistical analysis a couple years ago showing that if you wanted to replace Stephen Gerrard, two of the players most like him in the world are Lucas and Joe Allen.
3. Jordan Henderson has the third highest win rate percentage (45 per-cent) in the Premier League of Liverpool’s players this season [...]
2. Emre Can and Javier Manquillo have been on the winning side in 50 per-cent of the Premier League games they have featured in so far this season. [...]
1. Lucas Leiva – 63.6 per-cent of Premier League matches won this season
There was a great statistical analysis a couple years ago showing that if you wanted to replace Stephen Gerrard, two of the players most like him in the world are Lucas and Joe Allen.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
FORCED INTO PLAYING PROPERLY:
How the 3-4-3 Formation rejuvenates Liverpool (Ayo Anibaba, 12/27/14, Backpage Football)
Recently, due to injury and a run of bad results, Rodgers has been playing without a recognizable striker in a 3-4-3 formation. I believe that if Brendan Rodgers plays this right, he could turn around Liverpool’s season. This is because the 3-4-3 formation is a counter-attacking formation by nature.
When Liverpool broke with the ball last season, midfielder made penetrative runs into the opposition half, whilst the forwards stretched the back line with their runs, often into the wide areas. With the 3-4-3 formation, Liverpool can easily overload these wide areas and the opposition full-backs and cause confusion amongst centre-backs and full-backs as to who is marking who.
The 3-4-3 also offers pressing. The front three could press the centre-backs whilst the wide men of the midfield four could press the full-backs. If Rodgers wants to do this right however, he needs to select the right players and give players specific roles for the section of the pitch they are playing in.
The front three need to be the most energetic as they defend from the front. Sterling, Coutinho and Borini should make up the front three currently, and Daniel Sturrdige should replace the latter when he returns from injury.
When Sturridge returns, Coutinho and Sterling have to be on either side of him. They are clever players that will be in the space Jonathan Wilson calls, “that awkward pocket of space between the full-back, centre-back and midfielder.”
Sterling and Coutinho should be able to take advantage of this space to their full ability. Liverpool have many options for the wide midfielders, but I personally would go with Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana, as they offer creativity in going forward.
The centre of midfield should be made up of Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva. Lucas will offer reliable defensive cover and Henderson’s energy will be useful in winning the ball back.
The point of Lambert and Balotelli was to break down Chelsea in the second half if you didn't score three in the first.
Recently, due to injury and a run of bad results, Rodgers has been playing without a recognizable striker in a 3-4-3 formation. I believe that if Brendan Rodgers plays this right, he could turn around Liverpool’s season. This is because the 3-4-3 formation is a counter-attacking formation by nature.
When Liverpool broke with the ball last season, midfielder made penetrative runs into the opposition half, whilst the forwards stretched the back line with their runs, often into the wide areas. With the 3-4-3 formation, Liverpool can easily overload these wide areas and the opposition full-backs and cause confusion amongst centre-backs and full-backs as to who is marking who.
The 3-4-3 also offers pressing. The front three could press the centre-backs whilst the wide men of the midfield four could press the full-backs. If Rodgers wants to do this right however, he needs to select the right players and give players specific roles for the section of the pitch they are playing in.
The front three need to be the most energetic as they defend from the front. Sterling, Coutinho and Borini should make up the front three currently, and Daniel Sturrdige should replace the latter when he returns from injury.
When Sturridge returns, Coutinho and Sterling have to be on either side of him. They are clever players that will be in the space Jonathan Wilson calls, “that awkward pocket of space between the full-back, centre-back and midfielder.”
Sterling and Coutinho should be able to take advantage of this space to their full ability. Liverpool have many options for the wide midfielders, but I personally would go with Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana, as they offer creativity in going forward.
The centre of midfield should be made up of Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva. Lucas will offer reliable defensive cover and Henderson’s energy will be useful in winning the ball back.
The point of Lambert and Balotelli was to break down Chelsea in the second half if you didn't score three in the first.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
PLAING FOR '18:
GK Bill Hamid Is MLS' Best, Should Be USMNT's Next (JOHN GODFREY, DECEMBER 21, 2014, ASN)
The 24-year-old Virginia native managed a 1.13 goals-against average despite facing 110 shots, helping Ben Olsen's side overachieve its way to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Hamid is a gifted shot-stopper blessed with agility, size (six-foot-three, 225 pounds) and solid positioning instincts. He also plays a position that tends to favor experience over youth, evidenced by the three 30somethings (Howard, Guzan, Nick Rimando) ahead of him in the U.S. national team pecking order. With Howard on hiatus, however, Hamid becomes the clearcut choice to join the American troika of backstops whenever the national team convenes.
It's also time to clear our Dempsey & Jones.
The 24-year-old Virginia native managed a 1.13 goals-against average despite facing 110 shots, helping Ben Olsen's side overachieve its way to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Hamid is a gifted shot-stopper blessed with agility, size (six-foot-three, 225 pounds) and solid positioning instincts. He also plays a position that tends to favor experience over youth, evidenced by the three 30somethings (Howard, Guzan, Nick Rimando) ahead of him in the U.S. national team pecking order. With Howard on hiatus, however, Hamid becomes the clearcut choice to join the American troika of backstops whenever the national team convenes.
It's also time to clear our Dempsey & Jones.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
THE NATURAL:
Eight years after famous miss, New England Revolution's Jay Heaps on the brink of cathartic title (Andrew Wiebe, 12/06/14, MLSsoccer.com)
Jay Heaps knows better than most that fate can be cruel. In his case, repeatedly so.
Four times Heaps and the Revolution went to MLS Cup. Four times, New England left with nothing but second-place medal to show for it.
And while each game had it’s own agonizing moments - 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007 - none was more formative for Heaps than the wild 2006 final that included dramatic extra-time time goals from the Revs and the Houston Dynamo and a decisive penalty miss that will live with Longmeadow, Mass., native for life.
#LAvNE | Sunday at 3 ET | ESPN, UniMas and UDN in the US; TSN1, RDS2 in Canada
Now, eight years after Pat Onstad saved his tame effort to give the Dynamo the first of back-to-back titles and almost three years since he left behind a career in finance to pace the sideline, Heaps has a rare opportunity at redemption.
If MLS were better at marketing this storyline would be getting more play than Donovan's final game.
Jay Heaps knows better than most that fate can be cruel. In his case, repeatedly so.
Four times Heaps and the Revolution went to MLS Cup. Four times, New England left with nothing but second-place medal to show for it.
And while each game had it’s own agonizing moments - 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007 - none was more formative for Heaps than the wild 2006 final that included dramatic extra-time time goals from the Revs and the Houston Dynamo and a decisive penalty miss that will live with Longmeadow, Mass., native for life.
#LAvNE | Sunday at 3 ET | ESPN, UniMas and UDN in the US; TSN1, RDS2 in Canada
Now, eight years after Pat Onstad saved his tame effort to give the Dynamo the first of back-to-back titles and almost three years since he left behind a career in finance to pace the sideline, Heaps has a rare opportunity at redemption.
If MLS were better at marketing this storyline would be getting more play than Donovan's final game.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
BUT IF HE CAN'T ACCEPT BEING A SUB, SELL HIM:
What Liverpool should do with Steven Gerrard (JAMIE CARRAGHER, 11/28/14, THE DAILY MAIL)
If Liverpool had a penalty or a free-kick in a dangerous area, Steven is the only person I'd want taking it. He's proven that against Ludogorets and Everton this season. He is also the man I'd pick to play a killer pass and the one I'd back over anyone else if he was racing through on goal.
The issue, however, is that at 34, he doesn't get into those positions as regularly as he once did. Furthermore, the dynamic of the deep-lying role he occupied last season has changed as Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have not been around to provide outlets.
After his outstanding efforts last year, he has yet to reach the same levels – who has in a red shirt?
Steven is not a great protector of a defence. He's there to start attacks from deep rather than shield a defence as Dietmar Hamann or Javier Mascharano did for me. [...]
Over the next 18 months, Brendan will have to start to take him off and leave him out for his own good. People have questioned whether the manager has the resolve to do so but history shows he makes big calls. Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez, Pepe Reina and I will testify to that.
But that isn't a bad thing for Steven. Can you imagine the reaction inside Anfield with 30 minutes of a tight game remaining and seeing No 8 getting stripped for action? With space to exploit and energy to change the game, he could be a lethal weapon.
If Liverpool had a penalty or a free-kick in a dangerous area, Steven is the only person I'd want taking it. He's proven that against Ludogorets and Everton this season. He is also the man I'd pick to play a killer pass and the one I'd back over anyone else if he was racing through on goal.
The issue, however, is that at 34, he doesn't get into those positions as regularly as he once did. Furthermore, the dynamic of the deep-lying role he occupied last season has changed as Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have not been around to provide outlets.
After his outstanding efforts last year, he has yet to reach the same levels – who has in a red shirt?
Steven is not a great protector of a defence. He's there to start attacks from deep rather than shield a defence as Dietmar Hamann or Javier Mascharano did for me. [...]
Over the next 18 months, Brendan will have to start to take him off and leave him out for his own good. People have questioned whether the manager has the resolve to do so but history shows he makes big calls. Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez, Pepe Reina and I will testify to that.
But that isn't a bad thing for Steven. Can you imagine the reaction inside Anfield with 30 minutes of a tight game remaining and seeing No 8 getting stripped for action? With space to exploit and energy to change the game, he could be a lethal weapon.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
OF COURSE HE SHOULD BE MAKING IT PLAING IN PLACE OF THE CAPTAIN:
Steven Gerrard eager to see Emre Can make his mark at Liverpool (Paul Wilson, 11/22/14, The Guardian)
“I have always liked English football and believed I would be suited to it,” he says. “I think it is the best league in the world to watch, possibly the strongest league, too. The conversation I had with Brendan Rodgers helped sway me, I could see he thought highly of me, but to be honest as soon as Liverpool showed interest it was a no-brainer. What I like about English football is that it is very quick, very physical. You hardly have time to breathe. That suits my game, and I haven’t been disappointed. The one thing I learned very quickly is that you have to be physically 100% ready to play in England.”
Can’s Liverpool career did not get off to quite the start he wanted, with a couple of early injuries delaying his first-team progress, but he has now played against Real Madrid and scored a goal against Chelsea, so he is up and running. “The goal gave me a confidence boost, especially after struggling a little bit at the start of the season,” he says. “I was never quite 100% fit for the first couple of months, and as I say, in England that can be crucial.”
Speaking at the Academy facility in Kirby as part of a first team visit to “inspire, educate and encourage the club’s young players and reinforce Liverpool’s One-Club philosophy”, Can says Steven Gerrard gave him some advice before the Chelsea game. “He told me it was a big game but it was my turn to shine,” he says. “I see myself as a similar player to Steven but I don’t know if I’ll ever match all the success he has had. He has had a great career and is still playing very well. I like playing next to him, he helps me out and looks after me, like a big brother. I hear people say he is past his best but he is still very influential. I don’t think he keeps getting in the team because his name is Steven Gerrard. He gets picked because of his performances on the pitch.”
Sadly, no, it's his name now. The problem is, you could bring him on ffor the final twenty minutes of big games and he'd perform well, but you can't pull him for the final twenty.
“I have always liked English football and believed I would be suited to it,” he says. “I think it is the best league in the world to watch, possibly the strongest league, too. The conversation I had with Brendan Rodgers helped sway me, I could see he thought highly of me, but to be honest as soon as Liverpool showed interest it was a no-brainer. What I like about English football is that it is very quick, very physical. You hardly have time to breathe. That suits my game, and I haven’t been disappointed. The one thing I learned very quickly is that you have to be physically 100% ready to play in England.”
Can’s Liverpool career did not get off to quite the start he wanted, with a couple of early injuries delaying his first-team progress, but he has now played against Real Madrid and scored a goal against Chelsea, so he is up and running. “The goal gave me a confidence boost, especially after struggling a little bit at the start of the season,” he says. “I was never quite 100% fit for the first couple of months, and as I say, in England that can be crucial.”
Speaking at the Academy facility in Kirby as part of a first team visit to “inspire, educate and encourage the club’s young players and reinforce Liverpool’s One-Club philosophy”, Can says Steven Gerrard gave him some advice before the Chelsea game. “He told me it was a big game but it was my turn to shine,” he says. “I see myself as a similar player to Steven but I don’t know if I’ll ever match all the success he has had. He has had a great career and is still playing very well. I like playing next to him, he helps me out and looks after me, like a big brother. I hear people say he is past his best but he is still very influential. I don’t think he keeps getting in the team because his name is Steven Gerrard. He gets picked because of his performances on the pitch.”
Sadly, no, it's his name now. The problem is, you could bring him on ffor the final twenty minutes of big games and he'd perform well, but you can't pull him for the final twenty.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
THE LOST PLOT:
Liverpool FC manager Brendan Rodgers says outstanding Borini has staked a claim for Newcastle clash (James Pearce, 10/30/14, Liverpool Echo)
Brendan Rodgers admits Fabio Borini has staked a strong claim for more regular action with his contribution to Liverpool FC’s midweek Capital One Cup triumph.
The Italian striker hadn’t even made the bench for the Reds’ previous three matches before being handed a rare start in the fourth round tie with Swansea City.
Borini, who rejected a £13million transfer deadline day move to Queens Park Rangers having spurned Sunderland’s advances earlier in the summer, responded by producing one of his best displays in a Liverpool shirt.
Mr. Rogers seems to have confused himself early in the season. Mario Balotelli was the guy you needed to break down Chelsea in the last twenty minutes last year. Borini is more the striker for a game where you're attacking at pace, which is how the rest of the team is built.
Brendan Rodgers admits Fabio Borini has staked a strong claim for more regular action with his contribution to Liverpool FC’s midweek Capital One Cup triumph.
The Italian striker hadn’t even made the bench for the Reds’ previous three matches before being handed a rare start in the fourth round tie with Swansea City.
Borini, who rejected a £13million transfer deadline day move to Queens Park Rangers having spurned Sunderland’s advances earlier in the summer, responded by producing one of his best displays in a Liverpool shirt.
Mr. Rogers seems to have confused himself early in the season. Mario Balotelli was the guy you needed to break down Chelsea in the last twenty minutes last year. Borini is more the striker for a game where you're attacking at pace, which is how the rest of the team is built.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
AMAZING HOW MUCH BETTERTHEY ARE WHEN YOU PLAY THEM WHERE THEY BELONG...:
Jordan Henderson: The evolution of Liverpool FC's vice captain (Kristian Walsh, 10/16/14, Lierpool Echo)
[I]t is forgotten just how promising Henderson had been at Sunderland – and then how he played too often, and too much out of position, in his first season on Merseyside.
He arrived at Liverpool as a midfielder who had created 83 chances in 2010/11 for Sunderland, aged just 20. He contributed in seven of the Black Cats' 45 league goals, made 1,334 successful passes and won 62 tackles.
But then he became a young player stationed out wide, scared to open up defences with passing, and limited in what he could do in the final third.
Henderson didn't simply develop – he evolved. Here's the five stages of evolution he has underwent during his time under Rodgers and how, gradually, Henderson has become the player he has.
Henderson arrived at Liverpool with a reputation of being a player with good delivery with his right foot, and with the ability to run from deep and cause problems in the opposition's area. But in his first season at Anfield, he scored just twice, contributed one direct assist and created just 31 chances.
When he was given his chance under Rodgers, he was moved from his deeper, peripheral role on the right, to a more advanced role, either central or tucked inside off the wing. Of his five goals scored, three came from late runs from deep, with his intelligence undoing the high defensive lines. He also assisted four goals and made 33 chances.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
GAALLING:
Shades of Oranje (Rowan Ricardo Phillips, 6/24/14, Paris Review)
Holland has, since 1974’s “Clockwork Oranje” team, led by Johan Cruyff, been the symbol of offensive football; that team, and the great Ajax teams of the mid-seventies, were the great global ambassadors of an offensive 4-3-3 formation. Those teams were coached by Rinus Michels. Michels, Cruyff, and Johan Neeskens then went together to Barcelona; Cruyff ended up coaching Ajax and Barcelona. To this day, both Ajax and Barcelona play 4-3-3. Doing otherwise is taken as a great affront; when a coach does that, however rarely, his days are often numbered.
But in the case of the Dutch National team, there are exceptions. One would be France ’98, when Guus Hiddink deployed a 4-4-2—four defenders, a midfield diamond, and staggered forwards—and the occasional 4-5-1 to great effect. Another would be now, with Louis van Gaal, whose tactical decisions have been more fluid and unpredictable. Holland debuted against Spain with a 5-3-2—that’s five defenders for a team famous for attacking.
As you know by now, Holland scored five goals in the span of forty-five second-half minutes. Spain didn’t know what hit them. In their next game against Australia, Holland again played 5-3-2. Australia had clearly studied the formation, and consequently Holland sputtered through the first half. In the second, they switched to the tried-and-true 4-3-3 and put the sword to the team from down under.
Now, against Chile, with everything and nothing to play for, more changes were afoot. Holland had to make due without one of their star strikers, Robin van Persie, who’s been suspended. Instead of making a like-for-like switch and simply replacing van Persie with another forward, they changed the entire formation, playing a 4-2-2-2 and subbing another forward, Dirk Kuyt. But they were playing him as a carrilero—a wide player who defends and attacks equally along a specific sideline—out on the left. Kuyt is right footed. The stratagem was effective: Chile hardly had a shot on goal. But the South American commentators were appalled. How could Holland just throw away their tradition? Holland should always want the ball. That’s the legacy of the orange shirt. And here they were just letting Chile have the ball to themselves.
Although Chile seemed a shade of the side that had been so spectacular during their first two games, a Chilean broadcaster in the booth, Luis Omar Tapia, paid the team a telling compliment amid the general distaste that was being expressed of Dutch side before them. To paraphrase, he said it was lovely to watch this Chile, as they were designed first and foremost to recuperate the ball, to take it from the opposition—most teams now, he said, didn’t emphasize this trait, and it was beautiful to see Chile do so. It was telling, but not in the way he intended: he’d implied that Van Gaal’s tactics were working on the pitch. Chile, to be effective, needed the opposition to have, or at least desire to have, the ball. Instead, Holland left Chile increasingly toothless with the ball. Holland’s second goal came on a corner kick—taken by Chile.
By the end of the game, Holland had won 2-0; once again, their best players had been expressive and decisive, and even the most romantic devotee of 4-3-3 could see the point. Van Gaal’s Holland will not here be burdened by its history, but will change as needed, even if they risk looking unattractive for large parts of a game.
Holland has, since 1974’s “Clockwork Oranje” team, led by Johan Cruyff, been the symbol of offensive football; that team, and the great Ajax teams of the mid-seventies, were the great global ambassadors of an offensive 4-3-3 formation. Those teams were coached by Rinus Michels. Michels, Cruyff, and Johan Neeskens then went together to Barcelona; Cruyff ended up coaching Ajax and Barcelona. To this day, both Ajax and Barcelona play 4-3-3. Doing otherwise is taken as a great affront; when a coach does that, however rarely, his days are often numbered.
But in the case of the Dutch National team, there are exceptions. One would be France ’98, when Guus Hiddink deployed a 4-4-2—four defenders, a midfield diamond, and staggered forwards—and the occasional 4-5-1 to great effect. Another would be now, with Louis van Gaal, whose tactical decisions have been more fluid and unpredictable. Holland debuted against Spain with a 5-3-2—that’s five defenders for a team famous for attacking.
As you know by now, Holland scored five goals in the span of forty-five second-half minutes. Spain didn’t know what hit them. In their next game against Australia, Holland again played 5-3-2. Australia had clearly studied the formation, and consequently Holland sputtered through the first half. In the second, they switched to the tried-and-true 4-3-3 and put the sword to the team from down under.
Now, against Chile, with everything and nothing to play for, more changes were afoot. Holland had to make due without one of their star strikers, Robin van Persie, who’s been suspended. Instead of making a like-for-like switch and simply replacing van Persie with another forward, they changed the entire formation, playing a 4-2-2-2 and subbing another forward, Dirk Kuyt. But they were playing him as a carrilero—a wide player who defends and attacks equally along a specific sideline—out on the left. Kuyt is right footed. The stratagem was effective: Chile hardly had a shot on goal. But the South American commentators were appalled. How could Holland just throw away their tradition? Holland should always want the ball. That’s the legacy of the orange shirt. And here they were just letting Chile have the ball to themselves.
Although Chile seemed a shade of the side that had been so spectacular during their first two games, a Chilean broadcaster in the booth, Luis Omar Tapia, paid the team a telling compliment amid the general distaste that was being expressed of Dutch side before them. To paraphrase, he said it was lovely to watch this Chile, as they were designed first and foremost to recuperate the ball, to take it from the opposition—most teams now, he said, didn’t emphasize this trait, and it was beautiful to see Chile do so. It was telling, but not in the way he intended: he’d implied that Van Gaal’s tactics were working on the pitch. Chile, to be effective, needed the opposition to have, or at least desire to have, the ball. Instead, Holland left Chile increasingly toothless with the ball. Holland’s second goal came on a corner kick—taken by Chile.
By the end of the game, Holland had won 2-0; once again, their best players had been expressive and decisive, and even the most romantic devotee of 4-3-3 could see the point. Van Gaal’s Holland will not here be burdened by its history, but will change as needed, even if they risk looking unattractive for large parts of a game.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
PLAYING TO OUR STRENGTH:
Team Focus: Germany's Adaptation of the 'False 9' Can Steer Them to Glory (Ben McAleer, Jun 21 2014, Who Scored?)
Löw instead used Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller as the focal point in attack and despite having featured as a striker 8 times for Bayern last season, this is perhaps not his best position. Müller is best suited in the number 10 role, or out on the wing to cut inside and go for goal, but was flanked by Mario Götze and Mesut Özil against Portugal.
While it may not be an exact blueprint of the ‘false 9’ system Vicente Del Bosque deployed at Euro 2012, Germany’s approach still bears a striking resemblance to the Spain of two years ago. In Monday's win, Philipp Lahm and Sami Khedira operated as the two deepest-lying midfielders, similar to Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets in Poland and Ukraine, while Toni Kroos played the "Xavi role".
With no player attempting more passes (79) than Lahm and only Kroos (96.2%) enjoying a better pass success of every Germany outfielder than his Bayern teammate (93.7%) in the win over Portugal, Lahm is capable of matching the exploits of Alonso and Busquets 2 years ago. However, question marks remain over Khedira’s role in the team. The midfielder missed a substantial chunk of the season with a cruciate ligament injury and though he did not put a foot wrong in the win over Portugal, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s expected return may be well timed.
Schweinsteiger may not be a destroyer in the same vain as Khedira, but his passing and creative ability from deep renders him one of the finest players in his position, while his reading of the game means he needn’t use a similar approach as Khedira to break up play. Alongside Lahm, the duo can replicate Alonso and Busquets’ midfield threat from 2012 and with Kroos deployed alongside his Bayern teammates, the trio can pick apart any side on their day.
In defence, Löw opted against using natural full-backs in their Group G opener, instead deploying Benedikt Höwedes and Jerome Boateng at left and right-back respectively. The pairing made just 4 starts between them in the league and Europe last season at full-back, so the decision to field the duo either side of Mats Hummels and Per Mertesacker can be considered an unorthodox one.
This is pretty much ideal for the USMNT's formation. With the two defensive midfielders clogging the middle you spoil the false 9 formation--as witness Mourhino's success against Barcelona. And with Zusi and Bedoya and Johnson and Beasley on the wings you put pressure on defenders playing out of position. We won't need to beat Germany to move on, but we can.
Löw instead used Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller as the focal point in attack and despite having featured as a striker 8 times for Bayern last season, this is perhaps not his best position. Müller is best suited in the number 10 role, or out on the wing to cut inside and go for goal, but was flanked by Mario Götze and Mesut Özil against Portugal.
While it may not be an exact blueprint of the ‘false 9’ system Vicente Del Bosque deployed at Euro 2012, Germany’s approach still bears a striking resemblance to the Spain of two years ago. In Monday's win, Philipp Lahm and Sami Khedira operated as the two deepest-lying midfielders, similar to Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets in Poland and Ukraine, while Toni Kroos played the "Xavi role".
With no player attempting more passes (79) than Lahm and only Kroos (96.2%) enjoying a better pass success of every Germany outfielder than his Bayern teammate (93.7%) in the win over Portugal, Lahm is capable of matching the exploits of Alonso and Busquets 2 years ago. However, question marks remain over Khedira’s role in the team. The midfielder missed a substantial chunk of the season with a cruciate ligament injury and though he did not put a foot wrong in the win over Portugal, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s expected return may be well timed.
Schweinsteiger may not be a destroyer in the same vain as Khedira, but his passing and creative ability from deep renders him one of the finest players in his position, while his reading of the game means he needn’t use a similar approach as Khedira to break up play. Alongside Lahm, the duo can replicate Alonso and Busquets’ midfield threat from 2012 and with Kroos deployed alongside his Bayern teammates, the trio can pick apart any side on their day.
In defence, Löw opted against using natural full-backs in their Group G opener, instead deploying Benedikt Höwedes and Jerome Boateng at left and right-back respectively. The pairing made just 4 starts between them in the league and Europe last season at full-back, so the decision to field the duo either side of Mats Hummels and Per Mertesacker can be considered an unorthodox one.
This is pretty much ideal for the USMNT's formation. With the two defensive midfielders clogging the middle you spoil the false 9 formation--as witness Mourhino's success against Barcelona. And with Zusi and Bedoya and Johnson and Beasley on the wings you put pressure on defenders playing out of position. We won't need to beat Germany to move on, but we can.
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