Brendan Rodgers’ tactical flexibility
Brendan Rodgers has changed Liverpool’s formation and personnel on a number of occasions this season.
The Reds boss began the season without Luis Suarez due to suspension, varying between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formation with the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Iago Aspas and Jordan Henderson offering support to striker Daniel Sturridge.
When Liverpool’s Uruguayan star became available, Rodgers shifted strategy to incorporate both Suarez and Sturridge in his side without sacrificing the midfield, resulting in a 3-5-2.
Around Christmas, Raheem Sterling earned a chance to start thanks to an injury to Daniel Sturridge, and so good was the teenager’s form that Rodgers once again adapted his side to include him when everyone was fit.
That meant switching to a 4-3-3, with Sterling and Suarez either side of Sturridge, and Coutinho moving back into midfield ahead of Steven Gerrard and Henderson.
Finally, Rodgers hasn’t been afraid to switch things up for certain matches to fit the way he knows the opposition will play, and a 4-4-2 diamond formation has worked brilliantly against both Southampton and Manchester United in recent weeks.
There is no more flexible manager in the country at present, and the fact that Brendan Rodgers has kept Liverpool playing exciting, free flowing football throughout is testament to his team’s response to his instructions.
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