Benítez brings the best out of Gerrard with surprise touch

[Angry Dan]

Thats what I mean mate, Gerrard will drop back to a normal central midfield whe Rafa plays 2 upfront, more likely to happen when Gerrard doesnt play, injusy, rest or suspension etc.

Mascher and Scabi in central with Gerrard

I know people will say that you should not change the defence but I think that playing a back 4 against teams that play with one up front and 8/9 players behind the ball at all times is over the top. I think we have the players to go with 3-1-4-2 especially if we have Dirk tracking back on the right of the 4 and Masch playing the 1.

[wiw]

I know people will say that you should not change the defence but I think that playing a back 4 against teams that play with one up front and 8/9 players behind the ball at all times is over the top. I think we have the players to go with 3-1-4-2 especially if we have Dirk tracking back on the right of the 4 and Masch playing the 1.

No matter what formation we play we will always get men behind the ball, that's just how it is under Rafa.

It's been said probably better than I can put it by dww, but 3 at the back is vulnerable against 4-4-2 because you have 2 strikers to occupy and the threat of wingers stretching your defence...to counter-act this your wingbacks have to work hard defensively, and in essence they are constantly not as far up the pitch hence in less dangerous positions because of it.. besides we essentially play 3 at the back sometimes with Xabi or Mascher sitting in front to defend counter-attacks, so why not make it a midfielder rather than an extra defender doing this job - and play with proper wingers? 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 is the way forward

[Joe King]

I think Gerrard over the summer will have had more coaching on that position and with the constant instructions and gesticulating from Rafa, Gerrard will have been reminded to stay close to Mikel as much as possible.

[lfc1394]

I know people will say that you should not change the defence but I think that playing a back 4 against teams that play with one up front and 8/9 players behind the ball at all times is over the top. I think we have the players to go with 3-1-4-2 especially if we have Dirk tracking back on the right of the 4 and Masch playing the 1.

When you're playing against the weaker teams you're basically playing with 2 at the back with both full backs in advanced position. 3 at the back is old hat, no top side in any league / international level plays with 3 at the back on anything like a regular basis, sure it can be effective in the right circumstances with the right personel.