Re: Liverpool Thread
I agree with some that once Sahin, Lucas, and Allen are all available, they will be the starting center midfield trio. But I don't see Gerrard not being in that group as a problem, I see it as a benefit. Get him closer to goal, playing off the forward as he did in his (and the team's) best statistical season of late.
Sterling can play the wide attacking role, and Gerrard can play the wide attacker that drifts inside. Also, less need to spend money on a player like Dempsey, when now you've freed up Gerrard for the role.
If that trio stays healthy, I think Liverpool's midfield is one of the strongest in the league. And if the goals come from Gerrard and Suarez, I think Liverpool will have a potent attack. Liverpool's main problem right now, is central defense. Seemingly, Liverpool's best defender for Rogers' system is Agger... but Agger has never been able to secure the role of the bedrock of the defense over the last few season for various ailments, so it's hard to bet on it suddenly happening this season. Skertl, Carragher, Kelly and Coates all have their strengths and weaknesses, and the hope is that (maybe not so much with Carragher at this point) through training, they develop the on-the-ball awareness demanded of them by Rogers. I think that until they do, we will continue to see mistakes in possession that will lead to opposition goals. It's going to be a tough growing process... but ultimately worth it in my opinion.