Football News: The Trent, The Bad, And The Ugly at Liverpool FC

So I've been wanting to write up a little deep dive of how I see things as they stand and as they might look going forward at Liverpool FC, in terms of positions, systems etc. I think we'll have more of an idea after we make a few purchases of the system we want to deploy next season.

So I'll start with Trent and I think it's pretty clear he's more effective as a midfielder. He has cost us a lot of goals as a RB and if it was me, I would look at our inverted full back system and take from it that A) Trent is more than capable of playing that role and B) we don't have the centre backs to sustain the system.

I would be tempted to put Trent in the right sided 8, however I may be more tempted to put him as a double pivot alongside another CDM ( Not Fab, if I'm honest) . Fab has had an upturn in form with somebody next to him, but I think we've reached the point where we have had the best part of his career, and he probably still has some decent stock left, leave that another 12-18 months I'm not so sure.

Going back to the system slightly, I think it has shown the clear strengths and weaknesses of some players. I've been impressed with Trents demanding the ball in tight situations because it shows he's confident to take it and turn it into something progressive.

I may be tempted this summer to buy a right back, bring in Mac Allister as an 8, bring in a 6 (Lavia, Thuram) and give Trent almost a free roam, so in possession drops into CDM next to the 6, buy out of possession is allowed the freedom to dictate play as he sees. I'm not sure. But I think buying a RB and bringing Trent into Midfield full time is the easier option than replacing Matip and Gomez with player's comfortable in a 3, replacing Robbo and Tsimi etc.

I just don't think we have the funds to make this switch to 3-4-3 permanent. We don't have the CBS to accommodate it, and it leaves quality players like Robbo and Tsimi without a clear role. The formation has been a clear positive for Jones, and a double pivot with an 8 doesn't suit him much, unless he plays as the backup 8 to Mac Allister. I'm not sure. Interested where other people see Jones and our system fitting next season.

This brings me back to a point I made earlier. I think potentially the first few signings we make this summer may give us the best indication of how we intend to play next season. If one of our first ( and major) signings is a CB comfortable in a 3, then we'll know if we intend to stick with a 3 at the back. If we ignore the RB space and sell Tsimi, chances are we're gearing for the 3 at the back.

There is a good argument for Ramsey and Bradley at RB, and a fair argument that funds shouldn't be spent at RB. I would agree, depending on the system. It's a difficult one, but if the scouting department identified a solid RB to fit out 4-4-3 and push Trent into midfield full time, I'd be tempted to take it. I don't think it does any good for his career nor our asset to have him playing at RB. And moving him to midfield saves the need to buy at least one midfielder.

Whether or not he wants to persist with the inverted full back, I would keep TAA in the midfield, yes he might not get as much time on the ball, but he's demanding the ball when he knows he'll only have a second to play it. He looks like he wants to play there, I'd say give him that choice.

Written by Easypeasysqueezy May 29 2023 20:38:59