Rodgers is smart to use wing-backs, and here’s why…
Brendan Rodgers used a 3-4-3 against Manchester United on Sunday, and is set to do so again versus Bournemouth in the League Cup.
It involves adding an extra centre-back alongside Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren, and pushing Alberto Moreno and Jordan Henderson into more advanced wing-back roles.
Here’s six reasons why it’s a bold, but clever move…
1) It protects Steven Gerrard in central midfield…
If there’s been one main criticism of our captain this season, it’s been that his ability to provide a defensive platform from the base of midfield has been pretty poor. He’s found midfield runners difficult to track, and has struggled to deal with a quick opposition press. With four at the back, the fullbacks push up, meaning there’s sometimes only two outfield red shirts behind Gerrard during games. With three at the back though, the 34-year-old has added protection when he’s both in and out of possession. It also enables him to drop deep and pick up possession easier, as there’s an extra player to collect the ball from – meaning the centre-backs can manoeuvre the ball around until Gerrard is in space.
