Liverpool have made a great start to their new campaign, winning 6 out of the opening 9 games, losing only one. Constantly failing to fly elite since 2009, Brendan Rodgers has brought something for the Liverpool fans to cheer about. Though the style of play has completely changed and smartly improved under Rodgers, Liverpool players struggled heavily to find the back of the net. But the signing of Sturridge in the last January window has erased the goal drought problems and now, the Englishman’s partnership with the Uruguayan has been going very well.
Rodgers’ had made three deadline day signings during the last summer transfer window- Sakho from PSG, Ilori from Sporting and Moses from Chelsea on loan. Soon after the Moses signing, it seemed like the former Wigan winger was part of the long term plans of Rodgers as he played almost every game before the West Brom game since his arrival to Anfield.
Moses as the new no. 10 – Seemed like a disaster:
Losing the Saints game by a goal to nil, Rodgers made a big change to his line-up against Manchester United in the League Cup; the unusual trend of 3-5-2 in the Premier League was brought back. This time, the role given to Moses was a new one – the play maker role. Since earning his new role against Manchester United in Rodgers’ 3-5-2, Moses started 3 consecutive Premier League games in his new position. In all the occasions, Moses proved completely ineffective. In his new role, Moses had been accused of losing the ball often and not being able to read the game. Before the arrival of Moses, Coutinho operated from the left and analyzing his creative sparkness, Rodgers bought a new left winger in the form of Moses to provide the Brazilian a more central role. Unfortunately, Coutinho’s injury has forced him out but he’ll most likely return for the trip to the Emirates in the next match.
Moses, easily replaced by Henderson in the Wet Brom game:
In the game against West Bromwich Albion, Rodgers dropped Moses and replaced him with Henderson as the playmaker, providing the freedom for the 23-year old English midfielder to run anywhere on the field. Henderson, noted for his hard-work, proved his efficiency very well in his new position.
Where can Moses play in the present line-up?
Rodgers, with his 3-man defense tactics, already has two players for the left wing back role in the form of Enrique and Cissokho. Cissokho, who has recovered from the injury has been very effective in his new position. Crosses, pace, passes, 1-‘2s have been of their top quality from the French man. So, the above statements completely vanish the possibility linking Moses for the left wing back role.
Henderson has been in sublime form in the recent games and executing his duties predominantly well from any of the positions given to him. As a new play maker, he ultimately won many of the hearts of Liverpool fans. Also with Coutinho’s return Moses will struggle to win back his number 10 spot. Then, where else can Moses play? Spectator from the bench? That seems to be adding a bit of fun. But I still feel Moses will be a key player if Rodgers switches back to 4-2-3-1.
The 3-man defense tactic is really a temporary solution but it is going well for Rodgers now; you simply can’t rule out the implementation of 4-2-3-1 system in the coming days at Liverpool. Maybe, it will be Rodgers’ plan B. If Rodgers’ switches back to 4-2-3-1 system, as mentioned earlier, he don’t have a better player to play the left wing role than the young Nigerian.
