Rodgers Must Change His System

Liverpool have undoubtedly struggled in many areas so far this season. They struggle to defend set pieces and have made a habit of conceding late goals that have either nearly or actually cost them  points. From a midpoint standpoint, they struggle to establish grips in matches. Their failure to do so has allowed their opponents, regardless of quality, to not only see the Reds off, but to do so comfortably and convincingly.

The most damaging lack of quality and performance however, is of the Reds' inability to break opponents down. Since taking control of the side, Brendan Rodgers has built his team around the brilliance of Luis Suarez, and when he arrived, Daniel Sturridge. Together, the two were a nightmare for any opponent. Their movement, skill, and determination were an inspiration for their fellow teammates. Their qualities were contagious last season, and as the season progressed, spread throughout the rest of the team, and sparked an incredible, emotional, and thrilling title race.

Both Suarez (permanently) and Sturridge (temporarily) are out of the side. As a result, Liverpool look a shadow of their former selves in an attacking sense. Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert, and Fabio Borini have yet to score in the Premier League. It is not only their failure to score, however that is most damaging. Neither of the three have been able to make a significant contribution to their side in light of the lack of both Suarez and Sturridge.

Even when Suarez or Sturridge would not score, they would create room and provide for others. On top of that, their very movement alone was enough to keep any pair of defenders busy, be them of title contenders or teams battling relegation. Because of their determination, skill, and creativity, Liverpool would eventually found a way past many of their oppositions.

Now that Liverpool lack the quality that propelled them back into the Champions League, and nearly won them the Premier League, it appears that they have lost their character as a team as well. The confidence and desire to assert their presence into matches has slowly faded as the year has progressed. The Reds play as though they know that they have nothing to build upon in the attacking third, and allow themselves to be easily overrun.

The Reds neither seem to have the desire to keep the ball, nor to win it back. When in possession, they fail to build with it, and instead find themselves playing a hopeless long ball right into the oppositions defenders. They no longer play at the tempo that the presence of Suarez and Sturridge allowed them to play with and that allowed them a place back among the Premier Leagues' best.

The burden on the nineteen year old Raheem Sterling reflects the lack of performances and confidence within the team. Game after game, he finds himself having to carry Liverpool forward in the attacking third. On top of that, he is the only one who appears to be doing so. Such a burden is a bit much for a player who although abundant in quality, is fairly young to be the only one of his side to lead an attack, or a whole team for that matter, that offers him far too little support.

The relationship between their performances in the attacking third and the middle third effected each other simultaneously. Last season, the front three of Sturridge, Suarez, and Sterling provided plenty of support for a midfield of Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, and Phillipe Coutinho. However, it was the work of the three midfielders that allowed the front three to apply their brilliance in the attacking third. Because one is failing, the other is as well, and as a result, Liverpool have looked a different team.

That connection seems to have vanished from this year's side, as evident through a lifeless midfield and attack. Liverpool have in fact seemed a mess when it from the perspective of both. The fact that Alberto Moreno had played more as left winger, than a left wing back against Newcastle sums up how cluttered a side Liverpool have become when trying to find their ways into matches.

Brendan Rodgers must find a way to sort his side out as more and more pressure begins to mount on him. One logical step to take would be to provide Mario Balotelli with the support that he clearly needs upfront. Doing so would increase his effect on matches, and allow him to make the most of his ability, which clearly he, and Brendan Rodgers has failed to do so far. The effects of the Italian's slump has affected not only Liverpool's ability in the attacking third, but in the middle of the park, which by this point is failing to due lack of support up top.

 Brendan Rodgers has continued to field players who are constantly under performing, such as Dejan Lovren and, of course, Mario Balotelli without giving others a chance. Kolo Toure has not had the brightest of a career in a Red shirt, but was outstanding against when defending against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Any defender who is able to keep the likes of Christiano Ronaldo quiet should undoubtedly be given another chance, especially given how poorly Lovren is performing.

Another player who Rodgers must show more faith in is Fabio Borini. The Italian clearly has a point to prove and plays with determination every time that he steps onto the pitch. The fact that he turned down moves to QPR and Sunderland to fight for his place in a Red shirt corresponds to the purpose and energy with which he plays. While not the most complete player, he provides the energy, pace and determination that is missing his side at the moment. Brendan Rodgers has absolutely nothing to lose by giving him a chance that given his decisions and determination, he deserves.

Liverpool are on the verge of collapsing. In a sense, however, they have dug themselves into a hole. It would be difficult for most teams to move on from the departure Luis Suarez. Given how big a role he had in the side, it was imperative that Brendan Rodgers and co replace him with a proven talent, especially in light of the risk that Sturridge sustains an injury, which he now has. Instead of pursuing the signing of an established forward who would gel well with his teammates, Liverpool opted for the last available option in Mario Balotelli. The more the Reds choose to criticize Balotelli for his lack of performances however, the more they should criticize themselves for dragging themselves, as well as Balotelli himself into the mess that their season is turning into.

Liverpool no longer have such a strong balance between their midfield and forwards. Neither are there to support each other and as a result, Liverpool have looked lost when in matches. Rodgers must find a way to offer support to Mario Balotelli, who is failing, and understandably so, to step into the shoes of both Suarez and Sturridge. Should Rodgers continue to implement his style of play, he must field both players and an established formation that allow him to do so.