4-2-3-1

[The_weatherman]

The "new" system has been talked about recently, I wonder how much does Rafa need to change in terms of playing personel to get the most out of this system. I have recently found myself defending Kuyt, I think he suits the system well as long as he is playing alongside Torres and/or Babel, so there will be some pace in the attack.

Today the strongest lineup would be I think:

Reina

Finnan
Carra
Agger
Aurelio

Mascher
Alonso

Babel
Gerrard
Kuyt

Torres

I think we have both central defence and central midfield covered but I reckon our first priority this summer should be a full back (right one with pace), a winger who can offer a decent goal threat and a good striker.

Don't think we need to add much more to the squad this summer if it means we could spend big in those positions.

[ianbridgeman]

Personally, taking out Finnan, Alonso & Kuyt and replacing those positions (Lucas not ready yet IMO) with real talent would make this formation a winner for me but don't ask me who those players should be!!

[dww]

We need a more creative player who is also a creative influence instead of Kuyt and ideally better fullbacks. On top of that if we want to win the league we need players in the squad who fit in that system on the bench. For me whatever his strengths Pennant, for example, does not fit.

[AFII]

---------------------Reina
Rafinha-------Skrtel----------Agger-------Insua
----------Masch-----------Lucas--------------
-----Gerrard---------Diego-------Babel---------
---------------------Torres--------------------

Rafinha and Diego as the new players. Just shows that we are not that far from having a complete starting XI.

[-V-]

No carragher? Skrtle instead after what seeing him 3/4 times? Yeah right

[The_weatherman]

We need a more creative player who is also a creative influence instead of Kuyt and ideally better fullbacks. On top of that if we want to win the league we need players in the squad who fit in that system on the bench. For me whatever his strengths Pennant, for example, does not fit.

I agree with that, but if we get someone in maybe Kuyt could be the bit part player, filling in for all four attacking positions. One of our problems I think, has been that Rafa has been rotating our tactics/formation, 4-4-2 or 4231 and whatever. If the squad players are all capable of playing the same system we would see better results from rotation. I topclass striker would be a good addition as well.

[The_weatherman]

No carragher? Skrtle instead after what seeing him 3/4 times? Yeah right

Skrtel looks like he might become as good or even better but I think Carra is very important for organization and character we need him to be the leader from the back.

[Imy]

---------------------Reina
Rafinha-------Skrtel----------Agger-------Insua
----------Masch-----------Lucas--------------
-----Gerrard---------Diego-------Babel---------
---------------------Torres--------------------

Rafinha and Diego as the new players. Just shows that we are not that far from having a complete starting XI.

If only that was the starting x1.

BUT we also know rafa likes the squad rotation, and that is where this would fall down as we wouldn't have the strength in dept.

[AFII]

No carragher? Skrtle instead after what seeing him 3/4 times? Yeah right

Well, Rafa have played Carra on the right now a couple of time even that Finnan has been fit.

[bobbyfallon]

Well, Rafa have played Carra on the right now a couple of time even that Finnan has been fit.

do you think against better oposition eg united we would see carra back in there at CB??

[The_weatherman]

Well, Rafa have played Carra on the right now a couple of time even that Finnan has been fit.

Finnan was injured against Bolton

[Imy]

Well, Rafa have played Carra on the right now a couple of time even that Finnan has been fit.

Playing Carra shows us how important he is, With Skrtle being new and Sami being quiet as a mouse the defence needs Carra to organise it.

[dww]

I agree with that, but if we get someone in maybe Kuyt could be the bit part player, filling in for all four attacking positions. One of our problems I think, has been that Rafa has been rotating our tactics/formation, 4-4-2 or 4231 and whatever. If the squad players are all capable of playing the same system we would see better results from rotation. I topclass striker would be a good addition as well.

I think there are occasions when a change of tactic is a good idea but I think we need to have a first choice XI who fit our system and then say another 7/8 players who can slip in and out as direct replacements of good quality. Then we can think about whether we want some specialist players like Pennant.

For me Kuyt has started to show that he can be a valuable member of the reserve list in a number of positions, as you say, which is good. He needs to show that his recent form is his true level but I'm becoming more inclined to keep him over say Crouch.

[bobbyfallon]

I think there are occasions when a change of tactic is a good idea but I think we need to have a first choice XI who fit our system and then say another 7/8 players who can slip in and out as direct replacements of good quality. Then we can think about whether we want some specialist players like Pennant.

For me Kuyt has started to show that he can be a valuable member of the reserve list in a number of positions, as you say, which is good. He needs to show that his recent form is his true level but I'm becoming more inclined to keep him over say Crouch.

as a last resort id agree with you.

in an ideal world they would both be gone.

[Abro100]

In order for me

Right Mid - Ben Arfa? Or the other frenchie?
Striker - Maybe Mario Gomez, seen him two and a bit times, looks good. Anyone else know anything about him? Luis Fabiano looks good and a like Milito.
Left Back -
Right Back - Rafinha? Srna?