Ivorian forward gives Reds another tactical option…
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Swansea’s powerful Ivorian Wilfried Bony has emerged as the favourite to replace the departing Luis Suarez at Anfield.
While Reds fans may not reckon the 25-year-old is of the ilk of their Uruguayan superstar, his arrival would give manager Brendan Rodgers the possibility of deploying a variation of the 4-4-2.
Rodgers said when the Reds secured Lallana earlier in the summer, that he wanted his players to be tactically versatile, so that styles and formations could be switched throughout matches should the need arise.
With Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge as a fluid front two last term, one would often move to the wing, or drop deep to collect the ball – but Bony is more traditional in the sense that he prefers to stay centrally. He can drop deep and act as a pivot from which on-rushing midfielders can play, but he does his best work in the opposition penalty area.
To play the ‘SAS’, Rodgers normally used a diamond, but with Bony not comfortable with moving to the wings to create width, this would be difficult next term to use in a similar manner.
With Rodgers highly unlikely not to use Sturridge as a first-choice, if he wants to also field his £19m potential signing – he’d likely have to use a 4-4-2.
It could look a little something like this:
GK) Simon Mignolet
The Belgian is unlikely to be replaced in goal for the Reds next term.
DR) Glen Johnson/Jon Flanagan
Either of the Englishman could start on the right of the Reds’ back four.
DC) Mamadou Sakho
After shipping 50 Premier League goals last season, Sakho is likely to get the chance to be the first-choice defender, provided he can avoid injuries.
DC) Dejan Lovren
The Croat will arrive if Liverpool pay his £25m asking price.
DL) Ben Davies
The latest player to be linked with the Liverpool left-back position, fans will be hoping the Reds eventually sort out a deal for Alberto Moreno instead.
AMR) Raheem Sterling/Lazar Markovic
With two central strikers, conventional wingers could be used. Sterling’s pace and trickery makes him a perfect option, and imminent new signing Markovic played in this position for Benfica last season.
MC) Steven Gerrard
Gerrard will anchor the midfield, with Emre Can as backup.
MC) Jordan Henderson
Henderson’s legs and energy will be essential if the Reds are without a third central midfielder – meaning Coutinho would unlikely be risked in the position because of his lack of defensive acumen.
AML) Adam Lallana
The £25m signing provides balance and work-rate on the left, and he can drift infield to link up with midfielders, or hug his touchline to create width.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
The goal burden will be hugely on Sturridge’s shoulders this coming season, with the Reds needing to replace the 31 goals scored by Luis Suarez last campaign. Sturridge himself notched 21 though, and might relish the added responsibility.
FC) Wilfried Bony
With Bony as a central figurehead, Liverpool have greater aerial options. Sturridge could also drop deeper and play as a linkup man between midfield and attack, although this would mean Bony would need to lethal in front of goal.
