The next option is simply changing the tactical system slightly to accommodate these unfortunate circumstances. In the last game, Liverpool have adopted a 442(451) approach, as Kuyt tucked in on the right side of midfield, leaving Lucas, Adam and Henderson to swarm the centre. This approach has been merited with goals resulting from a Charlie Adam 20 yard strike, with the help of Jolean Lescott’s studs against Man City, Maxi Rodriguez tucking in a nicely placed (or scuffed) finish and Glen Johnson popping up to score a delightful individual goal against Chelsea. Therefore goals can come from anywhere within the team, yet change the formation and the emphasis comes on the front two, most probably on Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll to provide the goals. The wide players will become a forefront of attacks and no longer will the centre of midfield become so dominated by Liverpool, which has proven so affective. Therefore this system keeps the quality, experienced players on the pitch, yet leaves the pressure firmly on the strikers to score the goals.
The final option is the spend in the January Transfer Window, something that may yet occur anyway. Kenny Dalgliesh will need to decide upon the importance of replacing Lucas, and if so, with whom. There are plenty of solutions from all over the world that would provide acceptable replacements for Lucas, and allow them to keep the system. However the importance of strengthening other areas of the squad, including that of another central defender, may take a higher standing in the table of importance, with the conclusion that perhaps whatever money is available, it should be spent with care on a long term asset, not a temporary, 6-9 month solution.
Liverpool will miss Lucas Leiva, not only due to the fantastic start he has made to this season, but the balance he brings to the squad. Jay Spearing lacks the class that Lucas brought and without another out and out defensive midfielder it may be worth raiding the transfer market for a cheap, temporary solution. The likes of Jordan Henderson or Steven Gerrard, should he be rushed back from injury, could allow a different formation or style, perhaps leaving a typical 442 formation, with Adam alongside Henderson or Gerrard in the middle of the park, and Carroll finally being forced to repay some of his princely transfer fee.
It would be hard to leave a style of play that has proven so successful in recent years, yet the hand has been forced and this may be an option worth visiting. However with the current midfield line-up buzzing with confidence and quality, the reassessment of tactics the potential way forward. This could leave Kuyt, Downing or even Bellay taking up the right midfield role, with Suarez upfront alongside Andy Carroll, who can finally prove to all the doubters, with me included, that he can score more goals than the metric length of his ponytail.
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Why do people write Jay Spearing off so easily? Only a few years back Lucas was written off by the same people. He did well last year and so give the lad a chance.
I never thought Lucas was as bad as people made out in the beginning, and I don’t think he is a good are people making out now. He will be missed, though hopefully not, because we have few players who can play in that position and we had a pretty settled midfield.
So far, after numerous chances, Spearing has done nothing to impress me, and I would go so far as to say that if he hadn’t come through the ranks, and so is not expensive to keep, then I doubt he would still be at Liverpool.
This may be his chance to shine, and I hope he takes it, because it would be good for the team, and also good for him too.