KopTalk.com Forums Football Liverpool FC Forum 4-2-3-1

I've posted this before and I think it deserves a mention again: we need a formation that plays between the lines and 4-2-3-1 could be the formation that saves our season.

How many times have our 4-4-2 failed to break down defences this season due to our static play? We lack inventiveness and opposing teams know exactly how to stop us from scoring. We look stale tactically from start to finish.

When we play 4-2-3-1, we have 3 players that play interchangeably upfront with one forward and that confuses defenses. They play between the lines and we destroyed teams under rafa using that formation. It's no coincidence that Kuyt, stevie and even maxi excelled in those roles.

And when we have 2 mids that protect the back 4, the roles become more defined and it was no coincidence that we had one of the best defensive records under rafa. What happened at bolton for the 1st goal would never have happened under rafa's watch.

We need to save the season fast and this could the solution.

If we had 2 midfielders to play in that role in front of the defenders I'd agree it could work but in the past we had Mascherano & Alonso. Also with Lucas & Spearing out who can play that role from the current available players??

when KK took over at the end of last season, and maxi went on that goal scoring run, I believe we were playing 4-2-3-1?

'Liverpool played a skewed 4-4-1-1/4-2-3-1 cross, with the former being more accurate a way of describing it. With the back four fairly standard, the midfield two resembled the ‘holders’ of a 4-2-3-1 in style and ability. However, they played higher up the pitch, more or less level with Meireles, who was tucked-in on the right. On the other flank, Maxi was given free rein to go forward and roam across the pitch in support of Suarez and Kuyt.'

http://dotsandcrosses.[oops].com/2011/05/10/fulham-2-5-liverpool-match-report/

It's become pretty clear that Kenny doesn't have a preferred formation, or he hasn't yet worked out what it is. This contradicts an interview that he gave liverpoolfc.tv last summer saying that the only reason that Aquilani was sent to Milan is because 'he didn't fit into the clubs preferred formation'. Whilst it sounds like kenny was talking rubbish, is Aquilani SO bad that the likes of adam, shelvey, henderson and spearing are considered to be better???? And if it's a case of only playing players in their correct positions then why is henderson getting game time on the right wing (or 'anywhere' on the pitch it may be argued!). I find it hard to believe that someone can play for roma, juventus, milan, liverpool and at every international for Italy yet not be as good as the aforementioned dross. Very strange indeed.

Call it 4-2-3-1 or 4-5-1, it's the modern way of playing and it's our best option at the moment. Let's face it, our form has dipped since the Suarez case blew up before the Wigan game. The only games we've won since have been the ones that Spearing started - look at the CC-semi at City, we were excellent until he went off after 20 mins. We need a specialist defensive midfielder, not least because Adam's weaknesses are exposed in a 4-4-2. Until Spearing is fit (how long, anyone know?) I reckon Henderson is best-equipped to fill that role. He's disciplined, mobile, passes simply and efficiently and can tackle without fouling too often. Alternatively, Conor Coady could be given a chance.

I agree that 4-2-3-1 probably is one good formation for us atm, however this also pinpoints the Carroll problems. He simply can't play alone up front. Bellamy is our only player who might pull off the lone striker trick (apart from Suarez)...

So if we do play 4-2-3-1 or similar, then let's prepare for a lot of 1-0, 0-0 and 0-1 displays.

On the other hand there are a number of formations that fit the description "modern way of playing". One of them are 4-1-4-1 and another is 4-3-3 just to name a few.

The important thing is to first evaluate the squad and then determine what formation to be used for each match. I'm very puzzled of KD's choice of formations in a lot of games!

Agree van, I've thought for some time now that we should try 4-3-3 given that Carroll can't play up front on his own ( I think it was House who first identified that) and given that our midfielders won't or can't push up quickly enough.

442, 4141, 451 system only.

until qaulity players are signed, formations shud not change too much.

KD needs to keep things simple and play to the players ability.

if he played a 442 system v bolton, i think KD wud of got 3 points.