I think this different abstract from the article I posted yesterday in cloggy's Bony love thread might shed some light on Rodgers' preferences. Last season could well have been a one-off in the way he set up, and he was smart enough to find a way to accommodate both Sturridge and Suarez. What is useful to look at though, is the type of forward he supposedly wanted in the final zone.
http://thedugoutmag.wordpress.com/2...ormation-and-tactical-analysis-after-7-games/
[article]During the first season in the Premiership,
Brendan Rodgers revealed his 7 zones philosophy in an interview, of course the formation could be adapted to each opposition, but in essence the style of play and tactics remained the same. The purpose of the zones is to create over loads and triangles of play to essentially pass your way around or through the opponents.
The 7 zones
Zone 1 – The sweeper goalkeeper – The goalkeeper is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is able to play a short passing game as opposed to kicking the ball up the field constantly. He becomes an extra outfield player when in possession of the ball. You can often see the centre backs passing the ball back to the goalkeeper to alleviate pressure.
Zone 2 – The ‘libero’ – The centre backs are expected to dictate the play from the back and also relieve the midfield from pressure. Technical players are suited to this position – Ashley Williams can often be seen playing a long diagonal ball out to the right wing and carrying the ball out of defence to the half way line. Chico, also comfortable in possession, has been seen to bring the ball forward on many occasions.
Zone 3 – The ‘Pivot/controller’ – This player must be comfortable in possession and be able to read the game. Switching play from wing to wing or sitting in front of the defence to win the ball back when defending.
Zone 4 – The wing backs – the players work incredibly hard to attack in possession and defend when under pressure from the opposition. Linking up with the wingers to over lap and get a cross in from the by line.
Zone 5 – The box to box creative midfielders – the link from defence into attack. Rodger’s often deployed 2 box to box midfielders with one playing with the freedom to drift upfield behind the striker and the other playing in front of the ‘pivot’ and having defensive and attacking duties.
Zone 6 – The Wingers – Pacey, creative and flair players are needed for this zone. Expected to hug the touchline and attack the defence when in possession of the ball. Needed to help out in defence when the opposition is attacking to help out the wing backs.
Zone 7 –
The linking ‘target man/centre forward’ – Key attributes needed are when attacking the ability to play with back to goal and hold the ball up to bring the midfielders into play. A good first touch is also needed as they come under pressure straight away from the opposition defence. When the team is not in possession the forward must track back and help out defensively by closing down the defence.
Swansea 7 zones[/article]
