Demba Ba

[saj]

We need to be thinking more and more about teams that don't feature Gerrard. He's been a liability more often than not this season and he's looking quite uncomfortable in a system where he can't be the focal point of every attack.

I've never really ever said much against Gerrard on this forum but it pains me to say it but I have to agree . What an amazing player he was but his influence has fallen dramatically. He doesn't really suit this system and the deeper he plays, the more mistakes he makes and the more dramatic the hollywood balls become. Maybe he is just out of form? Time will tell

[Captain Stu]

Maybe he is just out of form? Time will tell

He certainly could be, I was sure that a player of his undeniable quality would adapt easily to a new system and actually thought it'd help him out because he no longer needed to be our saviour and carry the team on his own - he could use the two midfielders next to him to help out and maximise his playing over the next, what, 3 years? But he really seems to be struggling.

No coincidence that the midfield looked better the other day with Shelvey in there and Gerrard being allowed to play further forward - that's why I think he'll play "up front" as a false #9 against West Ham.

[baitman]

no player suits this system. no one.

[Captain Stu]

no player suits this system. no one.

Nah, it suits several players right now.

[saj]

He certainly could be, I was sure that a player of his undeniable quality would adapt easily to a new system and actually thought it'd help him out because he no longer needed to be our saviour and carry the team on his own - he could use the two midfielders next to him to help out and maximise his playing over the next, what, 3 years? But he really seems to be struggling.

No coincidence that the midfield looked better the other day with Shelvey in there and Gerrard being allowed to play further forward - that's why I think he'll play "up front" as a false #9 against West Ham.

Possibly. It's between him and Shelvey.

I think with Gerrard it's only his shooting that has deteriorated. He is just as quick and IMO crosses the ball better than he used to. But his shooting is quite bad now and as a result he is not scoring many goals. It's like he has lost all the confidence to shoot. Goals were a big part of his game and in that number 10 position, he needs to be getting goals regularly and supporting Suarez more. He is doing neither really. Enrique from the left is linking better with Suarez than Gerrard is but then again Suarez doesn't really play as a number 9.

[Fredo]

Spain don't play with a traditional centre forward and I think we're adopting a similar way of playing (well we've played like this since BR has been in charge). Don't think we'll sign Ba.

[Captain Stu]

Spain don't play with a traditional centre forward and I think we're adopting a similar way of playing (well we've played like this since BR has been in charge). Don't think we'll sign Ba.

Indeed, Luis is our false #9.

[saj]

Spain don't play with a traditional centre forward and I think we're adopting a similar way of playing (well we've played like this since BR has been in charge). Don't think we'll sign Ba.

Yep we know that but it's not working for us. The Spain system relies on goals from more than one source whereas the majority of our goals are coming from Suarez. We don't at the moment have the players who suit this system. That's why I think Walcott is perfect - he gets goals and assists. I really can't stand his style of play though

[Captain Stu]

Yep we know that but it's not working for us. The Spain system relies on goals from more than one source whereas the majority of our goals are coming from Suarez. We don't at the moment have the players who suit this system. That's why I think Walcott is perfect - he gets goals and assists. I really can't stand his style of play though

He's like a jack russell.

[Fredo]

Yep we know that but it's not working for us. The Spain system relies on goals from more than one source whereas the majority of our goals are coming from Suarez. We don't at the moment have the players who suit this system. That's why I think Walcott is perfect - he gets goals and assists. I really can't stand his style of play though

What style would you rather we played?

[saj]

What style would you rather we played?

I'm referring to Walcott. I don't like the style in which he plays. He's not great at dribbling, needs a lot of space to beat players, he is frustrating but he is damn effective though. I think Rodgers can work some magic with him.

[Fredo]

I'm referring to Walcott. I don't like the style in which he plays. He's not great at dribbling, needs a lot of space to beat players, he is frustrating but he is damn effective though. I think Rodgers can work some magic with him.

Yep, I like Walcott as well. He can score - just hope we don't sign Sturridge instead.

[saj]

Yep, I like Walcott as well. He can score - just hope we don't sign Sturridge instead.

You got me wrong - I don't like him but I would like us to sign him! I'm contradicting myself.

I will die if we get Sturridge. He is awful.

[Nick77]

We need to be thinking more and more about teams that don't feature Gerrard. He's been a liability more often than not this season and he's looking quite uncomfortable in a system where he can't be the focal point of every attack.

There are players who have performed a lot worse than Gerrard this season who need to be dropped before him imo... *cough* Xavi *cough*

[kev776]

There are players who have performed a lot worse than Gerrard this season who need to be dropped before him imo... *cough* Xavi *cough*

I thought he played for Barca, must have missed him signing for us.