Interesting post.
It's always been a crucial part of a Managers job to decide if a players major strengths, be it passing, tackling, pace, are to such a high level that they demand team inclusion despite allowing for what may be glaring weakness in their game. Additionally, should we afford them a specific (often lesser overall) player alongside them to compensate for their deficiencies.
Prime examples, Jan Molby & Xabi Alonso - Centre-Mids with no pace, imobile, hardly dynamic, never got in the box, but their vision and talent for passing was so great, and in Molby's case, was afforded what would seem quite limited players (Kevin McDonald/Nigel Spackman) next to him to compensate specifically for his weaknesses.
Didi Hamann. Nobody ever considered that Gerrard was "Carrying" Didi for his lack of pace, because he had his own outstanding attributes.
This is not the case in the current side. Lucas/Insua both regulars with no attributes above the level of fair/average to deem them worthy of maintaining a regular place and be helped out by our better players to compensate for their numerous weakenesses.
Even a player like Aurelio. Does his considerable deadball ability outweigh his defensive frailties and make him a worthwhile inclusion? I'd say NO for a team with title ambitions.
On the other hand, Glen Johnson - Does his attacking ability outweigh his defensive shortcomings and make him worth a place and be afforded a player (Kuyt) to help cover his weaknesses? I'd say YES.
People have slated Mascherano's passing of late, but he would always be in my team for his outstanding , tackling, work rate, defensive covering. He has an outstadning talent in that regard.
What we have now are several decent to average players with no discernable major attribute being CARRIED by our better players.
Gerrard & Masher CARRY Lucas
Torres CARRIES every strike partner bar Gerrard
Carragher & Reina CARRIES most of the back four.
Thats not enough for a team wanting to be consistant title contenders.