Topic: Round Table Discussion - Liverpool 3-0 Soonalan

[Twelfth Man]

Phaseofplay's brilliant tactical analysis chimes rather nicely with us having a technical forward thinking coach in Rodgers. Must admit a lot of the stuff she says originally went over my head, but the more I read, the more my appreciation of what Rodgers is trying to do grows. I think her analysis would have been pretty much wasted on Hodgson and to a lesser extent Kenny's 4-4-2. Could have done with some of her insights when Rafa was around, another tactical coach.

[PhaseOfPlay]

Phaseofplay's brilliant tactical analysis chimes rather nicely with us having a technical forward thinking coach in Rodgers. Must admit a lot of the stuff she says originally went over my head, but the more I read, the more my appreciation of what Rodgers is trying to do grows. I think her analysis would have been pretty much wasted on Hodgson and to a lesser extent Kenny's 4-4-2. Could have done with some of her insights when Rafa was around, another tactical coach.

She is a he. I hope.

[Twelfth Man]

She is a he. I hope.

Opppss!

[DanA]

What I actually tried to say was that against certain opposition, we could look at a back three to shore up certain spaces we are vulnerable in during transition. For teams that want to play football, though, the 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 is sufficient. I think we play those formations quite well against teams that get it down and pass it.

As for Lucas and the two CB's, I was very happy with the adjustments they made, conscious or not. If they can retain that compactness when the ball is out of their zone, like they did with Lucas in the Sunderland game, then I think we're on to something that gives us an "edge" over a lot of teams, perhaps?

Do you think when Carragher retires Rodgers will replace him with an out and out CB or kind of a hybrid of DM/CB? Perhaps using Coates or a replacement (if he chooses) to play as the kind of Soto type power CB (killing off aerial challenges) against teams like Stoke. It's what i've been hoping he will do since the transfer window shut in September.

With Sama, Wisdom & Kelly coming through potentially as CB's it seems over kill to have 4 dedicated CB's on top of them.

[redmark]

I can understand the choice. 

I think Rodgers has been relatively transparent with his thoughts. If you look at various things we seen him say. He has said in an interveiw that he is looking for a no.10 in summer so clearly he's not happy with the options we have. I think initially Rodgers chose Shelvey as the no.10 because he thought he "had goals in him". He said as much in being Liverpool. But I am now thinking there has been a shift. The cold hard truth is Shelvey simply hasn't been scoring goals and I suspect he will now prefer Henderson who offers workrate constantly showing for the ball when we have it and apply defensive pressure we we don't. At least I think that will be the conclusion drawn from the Sunderland game.

Come summer though it's my opinion he will be after a no.10 that has a high offensive and defensive workrate (like Henderson) but that also has goals in him. Someone with workrate like Honda or Holtby rather than perhaps the higher profile options like Sneijder or Eriksen.

I'm inclined to take the 'new no 10 in the summer' talk with a pinch of salt at the moment. Rodgers (and this is observation rather than criticism) seems to like to say 'yes' to answer a question put to him before a more detailed explanation indicates 'maybe'. He did talk about getting a no 10 - but also spoke of Suso's potential there, or even playing Suarez there (or wide). More importantly, he has said (and acted) that greater quality and depth in the front three is a greater priority. I think we would have seen a 'no 10' in the summer, or would in January, if Rodgers felt he had no viable candidates at the club.

With the players he has - specifically, the midfield three and three obvious 'first choice' candidates in Lucas, Gerrard and Allen - I think he is still thinking/hoping that one of those (probably Allen, though some will argue it should be Gerrard) will grab the role Henderson is currently occupying. What we've seen over recent games I think is taking the opportunity to rest Allen while Lucas begins to regain fitness; Henderson's energy needed to bridge the gap to a midfield containing a refreshed Allen and a fit Lucas. On that line of thinking, we may be seeing more (in terms of the midfield three) of what we had in the last 15 minutes against Sunderland - in which Allen looked rather sharp. Henderson is then decent cover for either Allen or Gerrard; Shelvey has work to do.

Unless we/Allen/Gerrard seriously struggle in the role for the remainder of the season, I think we might see a young player signed with that role in mind in the summer, or a player who can also play one or both wide roles, but not perhaps a big name, automatic first choice 'no 10'.

Do you think when Carragher retires Rodgers will replace him with an out and out CB or kind of a hybrid of DM/CB? Perhaps using Coates or a replacement (if he chooses) to play as the kind of Soto type power CB (killing off aerial challenges) against teams like Stoke. It's what i've been hoping he will do since the transfer window shut in September.

With Sama, Wisdom & Kelly coming through potentially as CB's it seems over kill to have 4 dedicated CB's on top of them.

Again looking at where Rodgers has bought/looking to buy, I wonder if his preferred cover for Lucas, long term, has already been identified as being at the club - Andre Wisdom?

[rocco]

Fantastic post phaseofplay

Really enjoyed the insight and seems spot on .

All very positive and encouraging but would have like your insight into what went wrong to give Sunderland at least 3 clear cut chances

Thought Wisdom got caught the wrong side if the attacker on both occasions or Skrtel should have been been there ?

On Hendersons and Downings impressive recent displays i think it's down to the team progressing as a unit but more them been played in their correct positions
Do you think Rodgers has tried to many times to play players out of position especially when the team is in a transitional peroid ?

On Gerrard I'm thinking his step up in gears is also due to no international football and Europa cup at present   and shows he needs to be handled with rest in my mind ?

[KK Legend]

So Henderson's energy further up the pitch. Did that enable pressure on the Sunderland back 6 that they couldn't manage? Gardner for example made several poor choices.

Have to give the lad credit where it's due. He was a big factor in us winning this game comfortably I feel, despite not directly having an impact on the score sheet. His energy, movement, desire, intelligence, ball retention and consistent playing of the 'easy/right' ball was very impressive, for me the best I've seen from him.

I posted recently that I thought that Rodgers may look to offload him again during this window just as he did the last, if Rodgers did harbour those intentions I'm pretty sure he might just be questioning himself after Henderson's appearances, performances and effort of late, especially this game, I know I am.

The work Henderson put in in my opinion made it so much easier for the other 10 to focus on their own game and to exploit Sunderland almost at will. A very accomplished performance from Henderson, the system, the tactics it all just worked for him but more to the point it worked for the team and in my opinion again, made us look the most coherent that we've been since Rodgers took over, I don't wish to sound OTT, but Henderson in this game was very impressive and if he continues in that manner then it's really a no brainer that e should keep getting his chance, well done to him.

Just one other thing. Steven Gerrard has come in for a bit of criticism of late, particularly on here. Fair enough, some of his performances haven't really been up to scratch or been the Steven Gerrard we want to see or need or even know he can be. For me, I've accepted the fact that Gerrard is now entering the twilight years of his career with us, and the blood and thunder performances would begin to wain that was always inevitable but the game against Sunderland just proved that Stevie still retains much of the class that has seen him labelled as one of the best in the world from some of the best players and managers the world has ever seen, and if the balance can be struck correctly between how Rodgers and Gerrard go about the future with Steven in the side and his role, I think there's still a bit more to come from Steven Gerrard. Well, I hope that anyway.

[Fat Scouser]

Looks like there's been some excellent analysis of the game. I'm too thick to go through it all and I've got the attention span of a gnat. But from what I seen... we moved the ball much faster. The passing was more direct and with purpose. We played the sort of devestating long passes (not humped balls) that seen us maul Man U and Vidich at their gaff. It was a delight to watch. There were no passengers. Eveyone done at least their job. But it has to be said, Suarez is a magician. And Gerrard and Pepe's distribution was back at it's best, fast, direct, cutting and incisive. But as a unit, the team looked much more balanced. The huge hole, that appears when Allen is left to guard the back door on his todd, was shut. When we knocked it round at the back, even under pressure, it wasn't heart in the mouth, tippy tappy time. And we launched it when needed. There's nothing wrong with twatting it when called for. But the possession was brilliant, and with purpose.

People aren't convinced by two wins against teams we should be beating comfortably. But that's not the point. If we keep playing like this, far better teams won't be able to contend with us. And if we keep building on this, good times, and good football, are ahead.

[Funky_Gibbons]

She is a he. I hope.

That's a shame as it would of helped me better understand these emotions which are weird and deeply confusing when reading your match analysis.

It was a great post.

One point worth making. The passing, and the increasing use of disguised balls and balls round the corner. It's something that was noticable in the Swansea play at times - patterns of play meant when spaces appeared, players could play the ball into those spaces and be confident that a body in their own coloured shirt would appear there. That's what confidence and familiarity with the patterns will bring, and the craftier players are starting to do that more habitually... or are they? Am I just conjuring all that up in my mind?

Can't really add anything more to a superb Round Table other than to say the above is what struck me about the performance. The passing seemed so natural and easy. We had a great tempo to our play that was built on one or two touch football with everyone seemingly knowing where they should be or where they should be making runs. I have seen periods of this in our previous games but against Sunderland I think it is the closest I have seen to a whole game played the way I believe the manager wants us to play. 

Henderson really impressed as the most forward of our midfield three. He may not have the goals in him that you would want from someone in that position but what he gives is tremendous energy to press the opposition in their defensive third, allowing us to win the ball back in advanced positions. Allen also showed in his brief cameo that he may be a useful player in a more advanced role when he could have scored a hat trick (one into the side netting, one blocked and one disallowed) and could have got a couple of assists. 

[Eeyore]

For phase of play.

Do you think the 3-4-3 is what Rodgers has been striving for all along or is just what happens when you have Kelly and Enrique injured and a very attacking full back on one side and a natural centre back on the other. For me it's reminiscent of United of five years ago playing with two natural full backs when Gary Neville was fit but with Wes Brown or O'Shea playing full back they ended up with the right back naturally tucking in.

[redmark]

For phase of play.

Do you think the 3-4-3 is what Rodgers has been striving for all along or is just what happens when you have Kelly and Enrique injured and a very attacking full back on one side and a natural centre back on the other. For me it's reminiscent of United of five years ago playing with two natural full backs when Gary Neville was fit but with Wes Brown or O'Shea playing full back they ended up with the right back naturally tucking in.

I don't think that's what PoP is saying. As in my own outline of the formation, the 3rd 'defender' during attacking phases was Lucas sitting between the CBs, rather than Wisdom, who stayed wide and pretty advanced, albeit not overlapping naturally.

[God's Left Peg]

Every time someone rags on what we are trying to do they should be redirected to this post.

Superbly written and crafted PhaseofPlay 

Now and again, I struggle to get my head around some of the more technical stuff on RAWK but the post being referred to here made so much sense. Brilliantly thought out and articulated.

Thank you!

[leivapool]

Some excellent analysis here

With regard to the formation, it's obvious that Lucas is still crucial to the success of the system.  His game intelligence, ability to adapt positionally. cover players  and his cool-headed passing under pressure are all vital components in making this system work.  His quick vertical passing  is already having a massive impact on the quality of our transition, it will be interesting to see how the system is affected if Lucas is unable to play for any reason, or if we will be back to square one?  And as such, should we be lauding a system that is so dependant on one player?

[scared_person]

Some excellent analysis here

With regard to the formation, it's obvious that Lucas is still crucial to the success of the system.  His game intelligence, ability to adapt positionally. cover players  and his cool-headed passing under pressure are all vital components in making this system work.  His quick vertical passing  is already having a massive impact on the quality of our transition, it will be interesting to see how the system is affected if Lucas is unable to play for any reason, or if we will be back to square one?  And as such, should we be lauding a system that is so dependant on one player?

There are always key players in any system though. Without Gerrard's ability to switch the ball from flank to flank quickly I think the system would struggle too.

I really like Lucas as a player, but I don't think it would be impossible for us to find an understudy, or depending on cash hopefully someone to push him for his place.

[leivapool]

There are always key players in any system though. Without Gerrard's ability to switch the ball from flank to flank quickly I think the system would struggle too.

I really like Lucas as a player, but I don't think it would be impossible for us to find an understudy, or depending on cash hopefully someone to push him for his place.

Indeed no player is irreplaceable, but for us, in the now, our dependence on certain players is greater than it should be.  And from hearing Rodgers talk, he hasn't specified DM as a position he feels needs strengthening, as opposed to say the No10 position that he has said we need to strengthen in, along with the wide forward positions.

[ahfolk79]

Some really excellent analysis on here.

I just wanted to add that, unlike Kew Pee Arr, Sunderland weren't crap. They created some very good chances in that opening half an hour and won quite a few free kicks in dangerous positions. They have decent set piece takers and on another day we could easily have been punished. But that is the way United have won matches for years: early goal, somehow defend/prevent opposition from scoring excellent chance, go on to score a couple more.

Also, for all the moaning about Phil Dowd before the game and how we never win with him in charge, I thought he had a good game. The advantage played for Suarez was excellent. Sure he disallowed a couple of goals but I think he probably got them right. I've never been comfortable with the idea of blaming the referee for poor results and the "we was robbed" attitude. Good teams win anyway.

[Zlen]

Just reading and learning, carry on.

[Eeyore]

I don't think that's what PoP is saying. As in my own outline of the formation, the 3rd 'defender' during attacking phases was Lucas sitting between the CBs, rather than Wisdom, who stayed wide and pretty advanced, albeit not overlapping naturally.

I was talking more about the transition with Wisdom's defensive qualities and his tendency not to make the overlapping run when our attacks break down Wisdom gets back far quicker. At times this season the holding mid has been caught between dropping in and making it three centre backs and pressing the ball. Against Sunderland Wisdom was making it 3 at the back and Lucas was able to sit in front and protect the centre backs the exception being the McClean chance.

We look far better against the counter with one largely attacking full back and one largely defensive full back than when we push both full backs on.

[Adamski LFC]

Fantastic post, thank you once again. The players and managers believe and lets hope by the end of the season all the supporters do too.
It will be interesting to see who is still here and who has been replaced in another year but Rodgers seems to be adjusting his system to suit his players.
Would like to see Sahin in that deeper "quarterback" role as you mentioned before he leaves us.

And a point you made that I had forgotten from the game was how well the subs slotted in. Look forward to seeing how this team progresses with new additions and more familiarity.
The future is red !

Re Sahin, is he on the sidelines watching Gerrard to step into that role, I didn't watch him in Germany but have read he ran the game from similar positions.  If we could keep him would that try and solve that problem?

The future's bright, bright red!

[andy in warrington]

I think phase of play is Brendan Rodgers. I've never seen them together in the same room.
Great analysis.

[exiledinyorkshire]

I was about to have a mini breakdown on discovering that Phase of Play was a girl!!!! wouldnt have changed anything like, but would just have meant i would be dumping my wife and buying her/him chocolates and flowers. What a fucking date that would be!!!

PoP keep posting mate, thats truely educational shit there.

It's 343, of course it is now you've shown it on the maps it's clearly 343.

[Twelfth Man]

'Successes of 1995' DVD collection you can torrent from various places if you want to relive some decent-quality (picture) classic football. Van Gaal, the mad bastard, does a Kung-Fu kick after a high foot on Litmanen from one of the Milan players.

Looking for this, if anyone has a link please post, cheers. Found it its on kat.ph

[Corkboy]

PoP keep posting mate, thats truely educational shit there.

It's 343, of course it is now you've shown it on the maps it's clearly 343.

I hate to be sceptical but I would still like to see what these maps are made of. Apologies if it's posted before and I missed it.

[PhaseOfPlay]

I hate to be sceptical but I would still like to see what these maps are made of. Apologies if it's posted before and I missed it.

Why?

[Corkboy]

Why?

Because we all seem to be relying on them, usually to buttress views. I'm interested in how accurate they are, or indeed if one can be accurate with such stuff. Hence the questioning. I asked you earlier about the provenance of the 1995 Ajax one, too, as I find it hard to believe that kind of data is available, but you didn't reply.

Please don't take it personally, PoP, I enjoy your posts, but it's a valid enquiry.

[PhaseOfPlay]

The Ajax one is taken from notes from Jens Bangsbo, my own match analysis notes from studying Ajax, Ajax coaching notes, Ajax coaching manuals, and my own coaching methodology notes on Ajax. Ajax are a huge influence on me.

The match analysis of the games are from 5 different sources, including heat maps, average positions, an Excel database, my own notes, and a proprietary one.

The graphics are from various software that I use in my professional work. The stuff I put on RAWK is my "Busman's Holiday". It's the only time I get to analyse a team I actually support

If you want to read more, the Handbook of Match Analysis (Carling) is a great resource, as is Science in Soccer (Reilly). Also UEFA courses, KNVB Courses and more. Match Analysis I scored highly on, always. Practical coaching, not so much

[Corkboy]

Very interesting, thanks. Actually, if you ever get the time to expand on the more technical aspects of the statistical stuff, I'd love to read it. Might not understand it but...

[PhaseOfPlay]

Very interesting, thanks. Actually, if you ever get the time to expand on the more technical aspects of the statistical stuff, I'd love to read it. Might not understand it but...

I barely understand it! That's why I love Prof's stuff, and Dan Kennet's when it gets posted. I just know how to "read the coordinates", so to speak. I'm a map-reader, rather than a cartographer. But I have to know some cartography to read the map better.

[steveeastend]

..but a lot of the praise for the performance ignores some crucial issues...

Great post, good points!

The gaps in midfield are still pretty substantial in a lot of situations, but as long as the players keep on working to close down, making it narrow enough and put the effort in to win the second ball we wonīt have any problems against the Sunderlands, Fulhams or other midtable teams. OT away though, I am not so sure of...

Whatīs been even more imporant to me than our tactical progress though, as Iīve been convinced by Rodgers here right from the beginning, was to see how the team worked as a unit and showed a lot of team spirit. Itīs pretty remarkable job here from Rodgers and to me one of the most important things in football anyway. The players seem to trust each other, they do work for each other and they seem to be convinced that the methods of Rodgers will be working. There is not much else to ask for when trying to build a successful future with a manager having a clear vision on the football, anything else will come then gradually I think.

Finally I want to add, as this has been mentioned by a lot of posters since the beginning of the season, that I cannot see THAT much of a similarity between "tiki taka"/Barca and the way Rodgers wants us to be playing. Yes, we are trying to pass the ball but there are hundred ways to set up a passing game and just because people are not used to this doesnīt mean, when looking similiar to something like a short passing game, it would be automatically "tiki taka"-Barcelona style. It would be unfair on Rodgers trying to explain his methods just by using the Barca model as, in fact, Rodgers tactical approach is a combination of a lot of different methods.

For example if you wanna explain the game of Gerrard so far I donīt think it is a question of wether to play the long ball or not, or Rodgers giving up on his visions for that. In contrast, itīs about Rodgers tactical framework giving the players a platform to know WHEN itīs the best time going for the killer pass and when better keeping it simple. Itīs pretty visible that Gerrards long balls do have more positive impact on our game compared to Hodgson or last season. Because now, he, Gerrards, KNOWS when Suarez will be ready for receiving the pass or our wingers being exactly in this space in order to receive a long ball. Thatīs positioning play, the consequences of Rodgers work!

So to me, the way we played in this game was just a logical consequence of the daily work of Rodgers so far. With the right team spirit and effort, it looks pretty good at the moment, already a joy to watch. If not, there is still the danger of performances like the Villa game as there are just too many midtable players around in the squad.

[rbagg10]

Liverpool v Sunderland

magical writeup! enjoyed the read very very much

It helped answered some of the questions I personally have ....and which I will ask the RAWK round table of merry men.

Has BR unleashed Gerrard ? Did BR analysed and then said to stevie G , " now go on son , do you hollywood balls when you can and select them when it is right' instead of 'bollocking ' gerrard after the game and say short passes only.

A mix of passes rather than death by passing , seems to be something that can suit the team now. If BR did not have gerrard in his armoury , would it have changed?

the last two games and significantly the sunderland game showed how much death by passing and then gerrrads laser sharp direct and accurate passing just made sunderland in disarray...

and when the next team decides, we'll push to prevent gerrard to doing this, will free up lucas and hendo to work the ball and obtain that space.

[artful_dodger74]

Very interesting, thanks. Actually, if you ever get the time to expand on the more technical aspects of the statistical stuff, I'd love to read it. Might not understand it but...

If you have an iPhone you could use the StatZone app. Powered by OPTA. It gives the players average positions. I'm a paid member of another OPTA powered site that gives the average positions of the players after each game. PhaseOfPlay's position's are pretty accurate in his diagrams.

Your skepticism is understandable though as the entire tactical analysis relies on it. I was thinking the same myself.

Great post by the way. Haven't been on here since the whole online movement in trying to get rid of the cancer's. What a post to bring me back though. Well done PhaseOfPlay.

[stara]

Thanks PoP, I have watched the game twice after reading your post. Rewarding.

[Corkboy]

If you have an iPhone you could use the StatZone app. Powered by OPTA. It gives the players average positions. I'm a paid member of another OPTA powered site that gives the average positions of the players after each game. PhaseOfPlay's position's are pretty accurate in his diagrams.

Thanks but I'm more interested in how OPTA do it, what variables they allow for and their weighting, that sort of thing. Like, what is a footballing heat map, exactly, and how do they work? I seem to recall that they do it with a multiplicity of cameras but I also heard individual GPS monitoring.

[DanA]

Thanks but I'm more interested in how OPTA do it, what variables they allow for and their weighting, that sort of thing. Like, what is a footballing heat map, exactly, and how do they work? I seem to recall that they do it with a multiplicity of cameras but I also heard individual GPS monitoring.

I've always wondered about that. I don't think Opta would have access to the GPS monitoring that Liverpool does, I think that'd be secret. I also don't understand how a tv network's camera can measure heat, perhaps it's equip with a special lens or something? It'd be relatively easy to create software to map average position once you can isolate and lock on to a player though.

[DanA]

I'm inclined to take the 'new no 10 in the summer' talk with a pinch of salt at the moment. Rodgers (and this is observation rather than criticism) seems to like to say 'yes' to answer a question put to him before a more detailed explanation indicates 'maybe'. He did talk about getting a no 10 - but also spoke of Suso's potential there, or even playing Suarez there (or wide). More importantly, he has said (and acted) that greater quality and depth in the front three is a greater priority. I think we would have seen a 'no 10' in the summer, or would in January, if Rodgers felt he had no viable candidates at the club.

With the players he has - specifically, the midfield three and three obvious 'first choice' candidates in Lucas, Gerrard and Allen - I think he is still thinking/hoping that one of those (probably Allen, though some will argue it should be Gerrard) will grab the role Henderson is currently occupying. What we've seen over recent games I think is taking the opportunity to rest Allen while Lucas begins to regain fitness; Henderson's energy needed to bridge the gap to a midfield containing a refreshed Allen and a fit Lucas. On that line of thinking, we may be seeing more (in terms of the midfield three) of what we had in the last 15 minutes against Sunderland - in which Allen looked rather sharp. Henderson is then decent cover for either Allen or Gerrard; Shelvey has work to do.

Unless we/Allen/Gerrard seriously struggle in the role for the remainder of the season, I think we might see a young player signed with that role in mind in the summer, or a player who can also play one or both wide roles, but not perhaps a big name, automatic first choice 'no 10'.

Again looking at where Rodgers has bought/looking to buy, I wonder if his preferred cover for Lucas, long term, has already been identified as being at the club - Andre Wisdom?

As I think about it's a fair observation about the way Rodgers answers a question. I think though he did chase a few candidates as a no.10 in Siggurdson & Dempsey and seemed devastated when he missed Dempsey on deadline day. Both those players are hard running, have goals in them and relatively combative. It's hard to say what's going to happen in January but their aren't a lot of guys that meant the criteria Rodgers is looking for.

From memory I don't think Wisdom has played as a DM since u16's. He could be the replacement to Lucas but I think we'll get someone new once we're rid of Spearing (permanently) along with Sahin and perhaps he'll make a hard choice on Henderson or loan out Shelvey.

[Prof]

Heat maps don't literally measure heat.  They are a measure of how long the player is in a particular part of the pitch.  Depending on the methodology used, they might look at purely active events (directly involved in play), or positions with and without the ball.

@Corkboy what specifically do you want to know?  I'll try and find the definitions for you (although they aren't generally available).  If I can't give you the exact definitions, I'll give you a general idea of the methodologies.

[steveeastend]

I'm inclined to take the 'new no 10 in the summer' talk with a pinch of salt at the moment. Rodgers (and this is observation rather than criticism) seems to like to say 'yes' to answer a question put to him before a more detailed explanation indicates 'maybe'. He did talk about getting a no 10 - but also spoke of Suso's potential there, or even playing Suarez there (or wide). More importantly, he has said (and acted) that greater quality and depth in the front three is a greater priority. I think we would have seen a 'no 10' in the summer, or would in January, if Rodgers felt he had no viable candidates at the club.

With the players he has - specifically, the midfield three and three obvious 'first choice' candidates in Lucas, Gerrard and Allen - I think he is still thinking/hoping that one of those (probably Allen, though some will argue it should be Gerrard) will grab the role Henderson is currently occupying. What we've seen over recent games I think is taking the opportunity to rest Allen while Lucas begins to regain fitness; Henderson's energy needed to bridge the gap to a midfield containing a refreshed Allen and a fit Lucas. On that line of thinking, we may be seeing more (in terms of the midfield three) of what we had in the last 15 minutes against Sunderland - in which Allen looked rather sharp. Henderson is then decent cover for either Allen or Gerrard; Shelvey has work to do.

Unless we/Allen/Gerrard seriously struggle in the role for the remainder of the season, I think we might see a young player signed with that role in mind in the summer, or a player who can also play one or both wide roles, but not perhaps a big name, automatic first choice 'no 10'.

Again looking at where Rodgers has bought/looking to buy, I wonder if his preferred cover for Lucas, long term, has already been identified as being at the club - Andre Wisdom?

Great post mate. But Wisdom for Lucas.... not in a million years I think.

[Prof]

I don't think Opta would have access to the GPS monitoring that Liverpool does, I think that'd be secret.

The data collected by OPTA and Amisco (Prozone) is what the clubs use.  With Prozone, an employee (or more than one) will be assigned to a club to provide the data the club request.  LFC don't get the GPS data themselves, they buy it.

[Corkboy]

Heat maps don't literally measure heat.  They are a measure of how long the player is in a particular part of the pitch.  Depending on the methodology used, they might look at purely active events (directly involved in play), or positions with and without the ball.

@Corkboy what specifically do you want to know?  I'll try and find the definitions for you (although they aren't generally available).  If I can't give you the exact definitions, I'll give you a general idea of the methodologies.

PoP kindly sent me a link about the mechanics of some of it.

[Corkboy]

The data collected by OPTA and Amisco (Prozone) is what the clubs use.  With Prozone, an employee (or more than one) will be assigned to a club to provide the data the club request.  LFC don't get the GPS data themselves, they buy it.

How do OPTA get the GPS data?

Oh, and how does it actually work, i.e. bionic implants or what.