Liverpool FC midfield: The dilemma facing Brendan Rodgers over shape and style

Liverpool have plenty of options in midfield but there is uncertainty over which is the best combination

The midfield

It’s a new season but the same old midfield dilemma remains for Liverpool, both in terms of shape and personnel.

It is apparent Jordan Henderson and James Milner are first choice – both from the team selection in the first two league games and their roles as captain and vice-captain.

But where they play, and who plays alongside them, is still cause for contemplation.
Henderson has been deeper in the first two fixtures, with Milner featuring slightly ahead. That, however, could easily change into a more solid defensive two.




Both Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana have spent time in the midfield three, with Emre Can coming on in a deeper role in both games.


The foot injury to Henderson, picked up last week and which forced him to depart after just 51 minutes at Anfield on Monday, complicates rather than simplifies. If he was to be absent for the Arsenal game, another reshuffle would be required.

For now, there are options aplenty. That will change over the course of the season as bumps and bruises take an inevitable toll, but for now, Brendan Rodgers has a decision to make on how his midfield lines up.

It will depend on the opposition too, of course. A trip to the Emirates or Stamford Bridge will no doubt see a different set-up than one at Anfield against newly-promoted sides.

HENDERSON/MILNER DEEP IN 4-2-3-1

Pros: Two of the more experienced players – in relative terms, at least – will sit in the middle of the pitch. Both have the energy and movement to provide a solid base on which the front four – plus, perhaps the full backs – to operate without fear of defensive lapses.

The pair are to be the main men in Liverpool’s midfield and it makes sense to use them in tandem. They use the ball well and could bring a degree of control to the game.

Cons: It seems frustrating one must sit, but both is particularly galling. It inhibits the duo and would not allow them to impact the game as often higher up the pitch. Between them, Henderson and Milner made 16 goals last season, creating 102 chances overall.

When to use it: An away game at a top four side, for added solidity and structure.

Liverpool FC Pre Season Tour arrives in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Ian Ayre and Brendan Rodgers at a welcome to Malaysia press conference at Saujana Resort in Kuala Lumpur. Jordan Henderson talks at the conference

HENDERSON DEEP, MILNER AND LALLANA/COUTINHO AHEAD

Pros: This is the system that has yielded six points in the opening two games, albeit with Henderson deepest for under an hour of the Reds’ win over Bournemouth. It, arguably, gets the best out of Milner, with 29-year-old able to operate both on the front foot and plug any necessary gaps on the back foot.

In the 4-3-3, a more attack-minded midfielder – naturally Coutinho, but potentially Lallana, as it was against Bournemouth – offers more options going forward. It allows for an extra man in midfield without the ball and improves the side’s pressing, while also giving more attacking thrust from deep.

Cons: It still limits what Henderson can do. Defensively, he is best when moving across the pitch, chasing
down players and forcing them into mistakes. As the deepest midfielder, however, his game is largely based on holding position; he must be reactive, rather than proactive.
Though it has worked well enough in the opening weeks of the season, the balance is still in need of addressing, in some way. It also needs the attacking midfielder to be on-form, both offensively and defensively.

When to use it: A ‘normal’ fixture, as the default setting.

Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson of Liverpool in action during a training session at Melwood

MILNER DEEP, HENDERSON AND LALLANA/COUTINHO AHEAD

Pros: It’s an energetic midfield and arguably puts the captain in the position he’s excelled at during his time at Anfield. Coutinho and Lallana have both proved they are capable of pressing, and it would allow a midfield three that could move up, down and across the pitch in tandem.

Henderson and Milner swapping positions would do that too, of course, but this system feels more fluid – and gives Henderson a better chance of scoring and creating as he did last season. Milner would also be an interesting prospect in a deeper role.

Cons: It has not been used before – not in a competitive capacity, at least. There were times in pre-season when the midfield naturally defaulted to this sort of set-up, but it is clearly not preferred – for now. Milner also came to Liverpool to be a central midfielder and, while he would still be central, it would not give him the role he deserves and was promised.

When to use it: At home against sides who will look to sit back and defend.

CAN HOLDING, HENDERSON AND MILNER AHEAD

Pros: This gets Can, a big fan favourite, into the starting line-up – and in the position both the player and Rodgers regard as his strongest. The Reds boss spoke of using Can as a “controlling” midfielder this season and, in theory, his presence would look to bring that to the midfield. He is capable of moving higher up the pitch, as well, so offers that option if chasing a game.

It also allows both Henderson and Milner to move box-to-box ahead of Can. This worked well against Stoke upon Can’s arrival, and arguably brings the best out of both.

Cons: Can does like to get forward, but that could perhaps compromise his discipline. He has made two eye-catching sliding challenges in the opening few games, but that was partly because he had vacated his role in front of the defence.

That midfield looks solid with the potential of fluidity from Henderson and Milner, but it also provides a problem in terms of the front three. How, especially when Daniel Sturridge returns, will the Reds fit all their options into just three positions?

When to use it: In the last half hour of games; away to bottom half sides from the start.

Liverpool's Joe Allen celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game with Lucas

LUCAS LEIVA AND JOE ALLEN... FULL STOP

Pros: The two forgotten men of Liverpool’s midfield – one through injury, one by design. ECHO columnist John Aldridge has called for Lucas’ return against Arsenal if Henderson is to be deemed unfit, and there is no doubt the Brazilian is a specialist in protecting the back four.

Joe Allen, meanwhile, remains sidelined through injury. By no means a fan favourite, he offers flexibility in midfield, capable of playing either as the deepest midfielder or as one of the two ahead. His ball retention and ability to pick a pass is undervalued by many.

Cons: The club are willing to listen to offers for Lucas, so any involvement in the midfield would not only be surprising, but confusing, as well. There is a feeling Liverpool are now focusing on players who can use the ball well, and make an impact, higher up the pitch – for all of Lucas’ qualities, he can not do that.
Allen cost £15m in August 2012 but, three years on, progression feels minimal – though where the blame lies for that is debatable. With Milner and Henderson, then Coutinho and Lallana, is higher midfield options, Allen seems a long way from starting.
 
When to use it: Europa League and the domestic cup competitions