KopTalk.com Forums Football Liverpool FC Forum Are We Better Off Without Cole ?

Just play 4-3-3 with Gerrard, Lucas and Raul in the middle and Torres, Cole and Maxi as the front 3.

Really pleased Kelly had a great game - should put to bed these diversions of Carra at RB.

Cole struggles as a wide player, but definitely has impact in the center of the park. This is basically a selection dilemma that most managers would like to have, because it is an indication of squad depth that one can have Cole on the bench.

Whiskey, I like your line-up there, but (and I know this will draw some horrified glances) wouldn't we be better armed with Kuyt's work rate (over Maxi) to drift between midfield and attack in that formation? It's just a thought, and I am bearing in mind that he's not the fastest runner out there. I do feel that Raul and Gerrard should be able to boss any midfield in Europe, and if Lucas can keep his level of play up we're set. (I also happen to like 4-3-3 because it sends a clear signal to the opposition that we're out to get them)

The other alternative is to play a diamond 4-4-2 (which I've suggested before):
---------Lucas
--Gerrard----Raul
--------Cole
--N'Gog-------Torres

N'Gog (picked as a finisher not as a fetcher) can be replaced by any of Kuyt, Pacheco, Jovanovic as needs be, and Shelvey/Gerrard/Cole can fight over the AMC slot.

johnson should play right wing or not play at all, costs us too much possesion

I think with Cole around, Liverpool will be more threatening than yesterdays game. With the tall, big and clumsy Alex and Terry, going pass them with his nimble moves will be eased. Chances of earning a penalty will also increase. Apart from that pass to Torres, Kuyt will be better off on the bench. His touches is awful and he seems like lost when ever he gets the ball.
To me Liverpool current best line up would be...
Pepe
Kelly
Agger
Skrtel
Konch
Lucas
Raul
Gerrard
Maxi
Cole
Torres

Frankly, for me it is a toss up between Cole in the middle supporting Torres or Johnson on the right. Cole's best position in behind the striker where he can turn, dribble past the first man and pass the ball.

If Cole is in the middle, Kuyt will be on left or right. that means we lose someone who will run all day in the middle of the park, put pressure on the CBs and have some decent goal scoring instinct.

If Kuyt plays off Torres, Cole is not the solution at RM or LM. That means we may have to continue with Maxi and Raul/Johnson. If Johnson plays, Lucas or Raul may be dropped.

If we can get a pacy LM in, we will can use Johnson on the right and at least we have some speed and width on the wings which will add another dimension to our play.

Almost agree there!

Out: Skrtel
In: Kyrgiakos

With him on the pitch we add some strength in the air, both defensively and offensively. Not at least at set pieces!

I agree, i liked are team yesterday and are defense was brilliant, i felt the weakness was skrtel tho, he was the weak link. Id swap Skrtel for Soto certainly for the next 2 games.

until we can fit him in, them he should be backup to gerrard when playing behind the striker. can't find him a first team position.

well we wont be seeing agger for a while apparently. he could be finished, something to do with calcification of his bone/injury.

If joe coles best position why was he constantly put out on the left for England and most of all for Chelsea.

Why have 4 managers thought it's best to have him out there?

Because he ain't good enough to play through the middle.