Aston Villa host Liverpool this weekend so let’s do a small analysis of how Liverpool play, which players to watch out and their weaknesses.
Overall:
Liverpool have a very strong team this season, not only have they added to their squad with the recruitment of Aspas, Toure, Mignolet and Alberto, the likes of Countinho and Sturridge have gotten real good. As a result, Liverpool hold one of the most exciting and creative midfielders in the Premier League. Liverpool enjoy to play down the middle with Countinho the main threat and the creator of many opportunities. The likes of Aspas and Henderson will often drift into the box in a slightly wide fashion, with Sturridge found either inside our outside the middle section of the box.
Liverpool also have a strong defensive engine in Lucas who is more than happy to hang back and support the defence. The likes of Glen Johnson and Enrique will often boom forward and provide some width, however they most likely will refrain from crossing the ball into the box due to a lack of height.
The defence has been strengthened with the addition of Kolo Toure, not only does he add experience, but a lot more beef into the defence. As a result, Agger and Toure are deadly when it comes to attacking set pieces. Mignolet has had a mixed debut, often nervous when dealing with ariel balls, he was the hero of Liverpools 1-0 victory over Stoke after saving Walters penalty and Jone’s follow up shot.
Weaknesses:
When it comes to defending corners, the Liverpool players can be bullied a bit, additionally Agger and Toure are still gelling and as a result, weren’t all that convincing when defending corners. Add that with Mignolet’s inability to deal with ariel balls, you’ve got a good opportunity to score.
Also with many midfielder’s often found in attack, counter-attacking football may be a way past the Liverpool defence. They weren’t tested that much against Stoke, but when they were, there was often room on either the left hand side or right. Additionally, Liverpool do struggle to finish, they create a lot, but fail to be consistent in front of goal.
Top 3 players to watch:
Coutinho, CAM: As mentioned earlier, he is the creator and the master of through balls. He will be the player that cuts through a defence with a single pass. Also has a ton of skills and his dribbling is also sublime. If you want to stop Liverpool, you need to stop him.
Sturridge. ST/RW: With Saurez out injured, the 23 year old striker will lead Liverpool’s attack. He has already scored against Stoke and he seems sharp. He will definitely be a worry, considering the fact that he is very deadly and fast.
Glen Johnson, RB: Johnson played very well against Stoke, the right-back often get’s forward and is involved in attacks. To top it off, he is also capable of scoring some terrific goals. Defensively, he isn’t all that bad either.
