Sparks

[SummerOnions]

God I miss Gerrard.

This isn't a moany thread, i'm far too optimistic for that shit. That said, I can't help but feel we lack a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to that little edge, that spark if you will. Back in the day when Gerrard pulled us out the mire many a time, it was often no more than one moment of brilliance from Captain Marvel where he stood apart from the rest. Thats all we needed though, that unstoppable shot, that 60 yard beauty of a pass.

Where does it come from now? Sure, we've got Suarez but he's too far forward a lot of the time to orchestrate something from the midfield. Do we need another Gerrard type in our midfield, a something out of nothing player? I had high hopes Meireles may well have fulfilled that role but with the lack of replacement and the offcasting of Aquilani it'd suggest Kenny doesn't seem to fancy the flair type players in the centre of the park, prefering to stick with Adam and Lucas.

My question is, do we really need a Gerrard esque player any more, or is a playmaker in the midfield something that could really add to the team?

 

[Squiggles]

This all depends upon how Gerrard comes back really. We're a lot less reliant on him now then we used to be, but I reckon he'll still be our catalyst when things are not going our way.

I'd really like a world-class right winger, but I have no idea who that is. I don't think Henderson is a solution there at all.

 

[Cerberus]

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=46863.msg1398564#msg1398564 date=1315930585]
This all depends upon how Gerrard comes back really. We're a lot less reliant on him now then we used to be, but I reckon he'll still be our catalyst when things are not going our way.

I'd really like a world-class right winger, but I have no idea who that is. I don't think Henderson is a solution there at all.
[/quote]

I know it's been done to death on this site, but I really think now more than ever Gerrard could be best used on the right of a 4-4-2. I think our personnel in midfield and attack allows it to work in our favour, and Gerrards.

Gerrard----Lucas--Adam--Downing

---------Suarez------Carroll

We all know how well Gerrard can cross the ball from open play. Dangerous balls from BOTH flanks will benefit Carroll AND Suarez. Then there's Suarez himself, who pops up just about everywhere, dragging defenders out of position which would give Gerrard space to move inside where he's arguably at his most dangerous. I know he's getting on a bit and may not have the same pace and acceleration as before, but Beckham never had blistering pace either.

 

[Squiggles]

Yeah, I've never been against the Gerrard on the right idea, but I was more supportive when we had Alonso and Mascherano in the middle.

Are Henderson, Adam and Lucas really good enough to be pushing Gerrard out wide? I'm unconvinced at the moment. For that to change, Adam will have to prove himself a consistent performer.

 

[Sunny]

I'd love to see a fit and firing Gerrard in the side but I think he should be in the middle. If he's totally match fit our side will be quite impressive

 

[RedStar]

Its not necessarily a given that Kenny will keep the same formation once Gerrard is available, he showed alot of tactical flexibilty last season employing different systems depending on the opposition and the players available. I think Stevie will need to be eased back in after such a long time out but I wouldnt be surprised to see him settle into a role as the right sided player in an attacking trio along with Downing and Suarez supporting Carroll, with Adam and Lucas anchoring the midfield. Thats just one option I suppose, there are many others so I think we might see a few variations before Kenny settles on his go to line up

 

[Mystic]

[quote author=RedStar link=topic=46863.msg1398922#msg1398922 date=1316005783]
Its not necessarily a given that Kenny will keep the same formation once Gerrard is available, he showed alot of tactical flexibilty last season employing different systems depending on the opposition and the players available. I think Stevie will need to be eased back in after such a long time out but I wouldnt be surprised to see him settle into a role as the right sided player in an attacking trio along with Downing and Suarez supporting Carroll, with Adam and Lucas anchoring the midfield. Thats just one option I suppose, there are many others so I think we might see a few variations before Kenny settles on his go to line up
[/quote]

I see him in the middle of that three, Downing, Gerrard and Suarez can all comfortably interchange between those positions, it will make for some fantastic football.

If Carroll can just start firing, we'll be immense.

 

[Glock21]

[quote author=Cerberus link=topic=46863.msg1398567#msg1398567 date=1315931888]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=46863.msg1398564#msg1398564 date=1315930585]
This all depends upon how Gerrard comes back really. We're a lot less reliant on him now then we used to be, but I reckon he'll still be our catalyst when things are not going our way.

I'd really like a world-class right winger, but I have no idea who that is. I don't think Henderson is a solution there at all.
[/quote]

I know it's been done to death on this site, but I really think now more than ever Gerrard could be best used on the right of a 4-4-2. I think our personnel in midfield and attack allows it to work in our favour, and Gerrards.

Gerrard----Lucas--Adam--Downing

---------Suarez------Carroll

We all know how well Gerrard can cross the ball from open play. Dangerous balls from BOTH flanks will benefit Carroll AND Suarez. Then there's Suarez himself, who pops up just about everywhere, dragging defenders out of position which would give Gerrard space to move inside where he's arguably at his most dangerous. I know he's getting on a bit and may not have the same pace and acceleration as before, but Beckham never had blistering pace either.



[/quote]


I totally agree with you 120%. Fucking spot on. Gerrard on the right midfield is deadly. Hope Kenny realises this and play him there.

 

[robinhood]

Either:

-------------Carrol Suarez
Downing Adam Gerrard Henderson
...

or:

Downing Carroll Suarez
--Adam Lucas Gerrard

if we need a dedicated DM