How Will Liverpool Play Next Season?

After the major signing of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland, will Liverpool FC still be sticking with their current 4-4-2 formation? Or will the Reds emulate the Catalan masters Barcelona by playing an unfamiliar 4-5-1 role with 3 centre midfielders and putting Andy Carroll on the bench? Let us take a look at the possible tactics Kenny Dalglish will be using next season.

Maintain the 4-4-2

Jordan Henderson’s arrival will definitely put Jay Spearing and Lucas’ (or Aquilani if he’s not leaving) place in the starting lineup on the line. With that, skipper Steven Gerrard is certain to be pushed to a wider role by playing at the left wing while Dirk Kuyt most likely at the other. What we may also see is Argentine winger Maxi Rodriguez, who had a solid display last season, losing his place in the starting 11.

The lineup (for now) :

Reina

Kelly   Carragher   Agger   Johnson

Kuyt   Henderson   Meireles   Gerrard

Carroll   Suarez

Barcelona’s Famous 4-5-1

This might be a risky tactic as it’s been seldom used by Kenny Dalglish (or the previous Liverpool bosses). Yes, Liverpool are a good team but I guess it’s fair to say that we are not up to the Barcelona standard yet. Thus, trying to emulate their play style might not be the best of choices as at the moment, we do not have the likes of Xavi, Iniesta or Lionel Messi on our squad yet. Anyway, if King Kenny is to play the 4-5-1 formation, what will the Liverpool squad look like?

Steven Gerrard will be playing at his usual attacking centre role. Jordan Henderson will join Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles in his task to boss the midfield play while the back four are likely to remain the same. Maxi Rodriguez might win back his place in the starting lineup by playing down the crucial left flank position while Dirk Kuyt on the right. Suarez will be the David Villa of Barcelona, being Liverpool’s frontman and the lone striker – which will eventually bump Andy Carroll on the bench.

The lineup (for now):

Reina

Kelly   Carragher   Agger   Johnson

Kuyt   Henderson   Meireles   Maxi

Gerrard

Suarez

4-3-3??

It is possible to see Liverpool in a new 4-3-3- formation next season, with Henderson, Meireles and Steven Gerrard in the midfield while Kuyt, Luis Suarez and Carroll as the attacking trio. But the question is – Will it work for The Reds? Well, it can actually. As we take a closer look at this formation, Kuyt will definitely be playing at his trademark right wing position, Suarez at the left while Carroll in the middle. It might not be surprising to see Kuyt on the right, but seeing Suarez at the left might be a little bit worrying. Andy Carroll’s finishing hasn’t been up to the £35 million price tag standard, while compared to the ability that Suarez has in front of goal, the fans might want to see the Uruguayan at the centre. However, playing Suarez at the left and Carroll in the middle might be a good choice as well! Suarez is without doubt a good crosser, and that’s all it needs for Carroll to head it into the back of the net. With the ability of Suarez to get pass the defenders down the wing, all Carroll needs is just a good run and he’ll be at the right place at the right time to tap the ball into the net.

Not a bad tactic indeed ey?

The lineup (for now):

Reina

Kelly   Carragher   Agger   Johnson

Gerrard   Meireles   Henderson

Kuyt   Carroll   Suarez