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Goal.com Talk Tactics: Joe Cole's arrival means Liverpool can get the best out of Steven Gerrard again
Reds' captain has someone on his creative wavelength to play alongside
14 Aug 2010 08:00:00
By Andy Brassell
Steven Gerrard's match-winning performance and two goals for England against Hungary could not have come at a better time for him. It has deflected from the widespread ridicule of the Liverpool skipper's comments that new Anfield signing Joe Cole can do anything that Lionel Messi can "as well, if not better".
An ill-considered statement, many would say; others would claim it's welcome backing of a new team-mate, and one who may have lost a sense of belonging as he slipped in and out of the side at erstwhile employers Chelsea. But there's certainly a sliver of self-interest in there too. As Liverpool attempt to rebuild, they will look to Cole to play a key role, and Gerrard must know that he is as likely as any to benefit from his national team colleague's presence.
The 30-year-old's form last season was below its best, as he would be honest enough to admit himself. Much of this stemmed from the pressure of being Liverpool's sole creative fulcrum. Ever since his debut goal for the Reds' first-team - a stunning solo effort against Sheffield Wednesday at Anfield - Gerrard has been characterised by his lung-bursting runs into the box. But how many times can he do this in a single game?
Going into a key away game at Arsenal, Liverpool lacked Fernando Torres - or any real flair on the flanks, worthy players at Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez are.
With David N'Gog a novice in the lone striker role Gerrard - who actually had one of his better games in a patchy campaign - lacked the technical quality around him to link effectively.
The arrival of Cole should change all that. The 29-year-old procrastinated over a decision on his future, but his last big move was one he had to get right.
He has wanted to occupy a central role for a long time, while having to largely content himself with being altruistic and playing out wide for club and country.
He should be in the centre in a 4-2-3-1, with Gerrard further back to run from deep and use his often-underrated long passing skills.
When the captain does burst forward, he can expect a decent quality of return pass from Cole as he aims to work one-twos on the edge of the box.
Getting the most out of their talismanic captain will - as always - be the major factor in an upturn in fortunes.
Steven Gerrard's match-winning performance and two goals for England against Hungary could not have come at a better time for him. It has deflected from the widespread ridicule of the Liverpool skipper's comments that new Anfield signing Joe Cole can do anything that Lionel Messi can "as well, if not better".
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An ill-considered statement, many would say; others would claim it's welcome backing of a new team-mate, and one who may have lost a sense of belonging as he slipped in and out of the side at erstwhile employers Chelsea. But there's certainly a sliver of self-interest in there too. As Liverpool attempt to rebuild, they will look to Cole to play a key role, and Gerrard must know that he is as likely as any to benefit from his national team colleague's presence.
The 30-year-old's form last season was below its best, as he would be honest enough to admit himself. Much of this stemmed from the pressure of being Liverpool's sole creative fulcrum. Ever since his debut goal for the Reds' first-team - a stunning solo effort against Sheffield Wednesday at Anfield - Gerrard has been characterised by his lung-bursting runs into the box. But how many times can he do this in a single game?
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vs ARSENAL | 10/2/2010
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THE ANALYSIS |
Going into a key away game at Arsenal, Liverpool lacked Fernando Torres - or any real flair on the flanks, worthy players at Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez are. With David N'Gog a novice in the lone striker role Gerrard - who actually had one of his better games in a patchy campaign - lacked the technical quality around him to link effectively.
The arrival of Cole should change all that. The 29-year-old procrastinated over a decision on his future, but his last big move was one he had to get right.
He has wanted to occupy a central role for a long time, while having to largely content himself with being altruistic and playing out wide for club and country.
He should be in the centre in a 4-2-3-1, with Gerrard further back to run from deep and use his often-underrated long passing skills.
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THE ANALYSIS
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POSSIBLE LIVERPOOL LINE-UP |
When the captain does burst forward, he can expect a decent quality of return pass from Cole as he aims to work one-twos on the edge of the box.
If Roy Hodgson feels especially daring (probably in home games with lesser sides) he could even throw Dani Pacheco into the mix.
Pacheco was outstanding on the left for Spain in the Euro Under-19 Championship.
He is a goalscorer, but a fine picker of a pass too, as he showed with the slide rule ball that created Rodrigo's opener in the final.
At the end of last season Liverpool looked tired, listless and bereft of ideas. Hodgson's appointment is cause for quiet optimism rather than wild jubilation, but the Reds have something to build on.Getting the most out of their talismanic captain will - as always - be the major factor in an upturn in fortunes.
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