We need to start going back to what made us good last season - playing at pace.. Everything at pace.. Why have we turned into this turgid slow ponderous beast that needs 2/3 touches before releasing a lateral pass that comes straight back in most cases?
We scored a great goal last night - the Suso one, it was a glimpse of what once was, and what can be again... The key? A runner breaking the line of the defence at pace, and a quick release 1 touch pass.
Obviously trying to fit in so many new faces is going to have a bedding in period, but it can't be used as an excuse forever and it's no excuse for the slow build up play that seems to be our new norm.
Sturridge will help immensly, he runs off the shoulder of the defender, he makes darting runs.. Balotelli and Lambert are pretty static, they are good with their feet and will bring players into the game, but we need players making runs off them and beyond the game line if they are to be utilised properly.. Did we rely on Suarez's ability to beat a man on his own and make the space? I wonder at times..
Every game this season bar Spurs we've looked static, the midfield are too close to our defense, our attack too far from our midfield.. Henderson seems shackled back in the absence of Allen, and Henderson actually is brilliant in and around the box - he runs from deep, he got numerous assists last season with 1 touch passes inside the box - we need to get him further forward and unleash him again.
I would love to see something like this.
Allen
Henderson Lallana
Sterling
Balotelli Sturridge
Allen and Lallana are both progressive footballers, they pick up the ball and their first touch is either a turn and forward run, or a 1 touch pass into feet.. They play the ball at speed.
Henderson is the work horse, arriving late to the box, and helping out his defence.
Sterling picks himself as do the 2 front men once they build an understanding..
You then have the option to bring Gerrard on to either close a game out in the DM position or further forward where he can spend the 20minutes of energy at a high intensity - he has a hell of a lot to offer us still.