Simon Mignolet remains a concern that won’t go away for Liverpool

Simon Mignolet‘s performance against Man United was full of nerves and indecisiveness, as he continues to flatter to deceive at Liverpool, writes Henry Jackson.

Great teams are built on great goalkeepers. It’s hard to think of one who hasn’t had a world-class stopper giving great confidence to those around him.

United had it with Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar, Chelsea in their pomp had an unbeatable Petr Cech in goal and Arsenal went from David Seaman to Jens Lehmann seamlessly, winning trophies with both.

Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes were integral to Real Madrid and Barcelona’s respective glories, and are underrated by some, while Gianluigi Buffon has been absolutely pivotal to the success of Italy and Juventus over many years.

Look closer to home, and the same applies to Liverpool. It is no coincidence that the Reds’ most formidable sides of the last 40 years have had Ray Clemence, Bruce Grobbelaar and Pepe Reina between the sticks.

This leads us to Mignolet.

Unconvincing

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy discussed the former Sunderland man in his BBC Sport column on Sunday, stating:

“I am still not convinced by Simon Mignolet in goal, and I think he spreads nervousness around the back four.”

It’s hard to disagree.

Too often he looks unconvincing, and while he can perform brilliantly from time to time, that level of inconsistency is just not good enough for a Liverpool goalkeeper.

The 27-year-old may not have received the criticism that the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel did following the woeful 3-1 loss to United, but he played his part in Liverpool’s demise.

He was an erratic presence throughout, starting with a ridiculous attempt at a roll-out that almost led to Marouane Fellaini chipping Louis van Gaal’s men in front.

That lapse in concentration was the reason the Reds then spent the next five minutes under the cosh, failing to clear their lines and almost conceding a couple of times. It needlessly revved up the Old Trafford crowd.

Mignolet also looked shaky from crosses, punched wildly a couple of times when a relatively simply catch would have killed the tempo of the hosts’ play.

In this kind of mood, the Belgium international gives off a nervous air that can only hamper those around him. There is no calm, and absolutely no aura about him.

Lovren and Skrtel are poor, but there is certainly an argument to say that Mignolet does them no favours at times. They would never openly admit it out of respect for their teammate, but they look like they don’t trust him.

His use of the ball is also very questionable, particularly in an age where the likes of Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter Stegen could virtually play on pitch. His technique is awful, in truth.

There is never any conviction when playing it out from the back, and more often than not, the best case scenario is either a slice into touch or loss of possession further up the pitch away from immediate danger.

Rodgers made Mignolet play more of a long-ball game last season in order to eliminate any potential mistakes on the ball, but that is far from ideal for a team attempting to play a passing game.

It now looks as though he is doing a bit of both. It’s a mess.

Comparisons to Dudek

It is vital to stress that Mignolet is far from a bad goalkeeper. His shot-stopping ability can be outstanding, and he deserves great praise for the way he responded to being dropped at the end of last year.

Some fans may not like to hear it, but he is not dissimilar to Jerzy Dudek in many ways, who has become overrated because of his heroics in Istanbul.

He was fabulous as Rafa Benitez guided his side to Champions League glory that year, but there have been many better goalkeepers to represent Liverpool.

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The Pole was good, and enjoyed some superb displays, but as two terrible performances against United at Anfield in the early 2000s showed, a mistake was never a million miles away.

It is a similar feeling with Mignolet, unfortunately. It’s hard to sit and watch a Reds game and have complete faith in him.

Every time he has the ball at his feet it is an uncomfortable experience, and the sight of him coming for a cross can be equally unsettling.

The future

Mignolet is lucky that he is not under great pressure in terms of his place at the moment, with Adam Bogdan unlikely to usurp him as Liverpool’s No.1 any time soon.

For all the qualities the likeable Belgian has in his armoury, it seems hard to imagine the Reds ever really becoming a defensive force with him in goal.

He just does not have the presence of a Schmeichel or a Buffon, or even an Asmir Begovic or Joe Hart, and when he is having one of his bad days at the office, it makes the whole team look a bag of nerves.

At 27, there is a fair argument to say that Mignolet is still fairly young in goalkeeping terms, but it seems unlikely that he will ever improve significantly enough to be top draw.

As a character, he just seems too introverted and quiet to give those around him the confidence that the really great goalkeepers do.

There have been some magical saves and match-winning moments during his two years on Merseyside, but there have also been far too many slack displays that have cost Liverpool dear.

Everton legend Neville Southall, one of the greatest British goalkeepers of all time, pretty much summed it up to perfection last October.

“From what I’ve seen, he’s just never going to be a Liverpool standard goalie. If you plan on winning leagues and trophies, you need a keeper who’ll pull games out of the fire for you,” he said.

[…]

“Skrtel and Lovren have come in for stick, but the lack of understanding they have with the keeper hasn’t helped. You just don’t get the feeling of confidence coming from him.”

Southall may be a bit of a fool, but that is an extremely accurate assessment.

For now though, perhaps Mignolet is the least of Liverpool’s problems?

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Liverpool take expert advice on Jordan Henderson’s heel injury

Liverpool have turned to an American orthopaedic specialist in an attempt to get to the root of Jordan Henderson‘s heel injury.

The Reds captain has missed the last three matches with the problem and despite treatment and rest medical staff have taken the decision to seek expert advice from New Jersey-based Dr James Cozzarelli.

Press Association Sport understands Henderson is expected to remain in the United States for a few days in order to be assessed and have some treatment but there is no suggestion at this time surgery is required.

Cozzarelli is a world-renowned expert on the type of injury Henderson has – there is another in Australia the club could have consulted, but distance and the fact Liverpool have used specialists in the United States before meant it was an obvious choice.

They sent striker Daniel Sturridge to New York for a hip operation last May and he underwent an intensive rehabilitation programme out there over the summer and has a chance of returning ahead of schedule after manager Brendan Rodgers said on Friday the England international looked the fittest he has been in 18 months.

Henderson’s absence has been a significant blow as in the three matches he has missed the team have earned just one point, in a goalless draw at Arsenal.

The side has missed his dynamism and particularly his forward running but with no date set for his return Rodgers has to find a way of rejuvenating his midfield as the triumvirate of James Milner, Emre Can and Lucas Leiva struggled inn the defeats against West Ham and Manchester United.

Adam Lallana has returned to training after a thigh injury, having not featured since August 17, with midfielder Joe Allen set to be eased back into things this week after a hamstring problem which has sidelined him since pre-season.

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Brendan Rodgers must restore Alberto Moreno to rediscover his own best version of Liverpool

Could Alberto Moreno be a catalyst for change as Liverpool seek to find their attacking output? Karl Matchett provides the analysis on why the Spaniard should be involved.

Lethargic, lacking conviction, without a game plan to attack. Slow-paced, one dimensional, rigid. All those terms and more were used to describe Liverpool’s less-than-acceptable performance in the defeat to Manchester United at the weekend, but the most worrying thing of all has to be that it was far from a one-off.

The Reds have struggled to transition play from back to front for some time now and in none of the games this season, including those won, has the team looked a real, relentless attacking force. While certain personnel changes appear wanted by everybody other than the manager, one or two of the lesser-used squad members must now be wondering exactly how bad things have to get before they are given a real chance this season.

Alberto Moreno must be one of those, having been used only as an impact sub, mainly on the left of midfield, since the new campaign began.

Even before the season started — certainly before he was almost shipped out of the club to Real Madrid — Moreno was talking to Marca about how much he was looking forward to the season and the areas he knew he needed to improve.

My first game was against Southampton. I still couldn’t play but I’ll never forget it—you have to experience You’ll Never Walk Alone. My first year was difficult because of the language and change of home but I still played 41 times and that’s good for my age and to play in a club the size of Liverpool. I want to make the position my own, play as many games as possible and make sure that the Liverpool fans are happy with me. The league is very physical, lots of back-and-forth. You have to be extremely alert; if you dont acclimatise quickly you get punished.

For more than one reason, the Spaniard fell out of favour toward the end of last season and has yet to re-establish himself. Since the end of March, his game time has been extremely limited. The following graph shows how just how restricted he has been, compared to other defenders and positional rivals. Simon Mignolet is included as the control — he’s featured in every minute.

One move alone isn’t going to suddenly rectify everything that is wrong with Liverpool at present, but with Daniel Sturridge on the verge of a return and Philippe Coutinho back from suspension, add in a potential first start for Moreno and the team would automatically begin to look faster, with a more offensive mindset and more potent final-third quality than it has done so far this season.

Team Mentality

The players’ mindset has to be the primary concern. Most of them must know they are talented, attack-minded individuals who are simply not gelling as a unit at present. Others are naturally more restrained, cautious or simply not dynamic enough to provide the forward-thrust that the team needs at present.

On the offensive, Moreno is immediately a forward-looking mechanism in Liverpool’s slumbering attack. As soon as play is won his natural inclination is to attack the space, open up the game and try to link with final-third players.

With Joe Gomez in place at present as the left-back, his natural inclination (and likely tactical instruction at Old Trafford) is not to break forward at the first sight of a counter-attacking chance. It has already cost Liverpool more than one chance to overload down that channel, just as his need to turn back inside and pass on his right foot has cost opportunities to deliver the ball into the box early for Christian Benteke during more structured build-up play.

It should be stressed, this isn’t a slight on Gomez’s abilities, it’s simply the situation Liverpool have put themselves in with their tactics and lineup. He’s a defender, he’s right-footed, this is the way he plays.

Moreno not being in the side right now means he has lots to prove every time he enters as sub. There wasn’t time to “prove” much of anything at United by the time he came on at 3-1 down, but even so there were a few moments where his acceleration and determination were clearly visible. He’s an aggressive player on and off the ball with his positioning, but also his combative nature.

This isn’t a Spanish player who is just an on-the-ball talent; his development was exciting to watch before joining Liverpool, in large part because of his physical traits. Good upper-body power, a fearlessness (bordering on recklessness at times) in the challenge and of course no end of pace all contribute to his performance in both directions of play.

He’s far from a complete defender, but he possesses enough attributes to give himself a chance to recover from any decision-making errors and also contribtues a lot more to the team than anybody else in an offensive left-back role.

Moreno knows he has a struggle on his hands for first-team football at Anfield—and right now, that’s a great thing to bring into the side: someone who is going to work even harder than they usually might do, knuckling down and showing they can bring something extra to the team, just to keep themselves in the starting XI.

Would anybody really baulk, after insipid and listless performances against West Ham and Manchester United, at a little extra tenacity and desire from those wearing the Liverbird?

Rodgers: Stop the Safety-first

There was a piece in the Telegraph after the United defeat which dealt with the question of progression under Rodgers. Bascombe: “There is a feeling within Anfield it just a matter of time before a quality group of players click, the argument being another period of re-adjustment was inevitable as seven new recruits were introduced.”

That might be the feeling inside Anfield, but outside of it the feeling is much closer to the article’s opening: “No matter how much time and application has gone into creating it, or how much you analyse it, you’re none the wiser about what it is meant to be.”

Rodgers was right to go cautious early, given tough away games and a negative outlook in general about the season, but that should have ended post-West Ham debacle. Now it should be about going on the offensive: attempting to get the fans back onside, to get the needed points and because there are winnable home games ahead.

The current set-up and gameplan isn’t an identity crisis for Liverpool, it’s simply a poor excuse which has over the last 15 months become the team’s identity. Getting Moreno involved again would be a step toward what was best about the side when success was more likely.

There’s another point to skirt around: Dejan Lovren. Slips, misplaced passes and decision-making aside, Lovren is downright poor when asked to move out of the centre and come across to the channel to intercept an attack. Now, if Moreno is higher upfield than Gomez he’s certainly not going to be in place to recover defensively every time the opposition counter-attack, but he does have far greater mobility and agility than either Lovren or Gomez. More than once after coming on he has already shown that capacity to fight back inside and try to win the ball.

On the flip side, Lovren is ambitious about passing out from the back line and having the diagonal line open to Moreno, higher upfield than Liverpool’s current left-back is getting, should provide an automatic out-ball which gets the Reds onto the front foot, rather than having to go square to the flank or short to the deepest midfielder.

No-go Joe

Putting Moreno in naturally means somebody else comes out, but it isn’t necessarily a reflection of Gomez — who has done well for the most part, but is perhaps not what is now required to go forward.

In pre-season the balance of Liverpool’s defensive quartet largely saw the right full-back go and the left stay. It’s possible that Moreno has been a casualty of that intent, with Gomez being a more reliable pillar in place rather than an offensive outlet to balance the expected forward raids of Nathaniel Clyne on the right.

Gomez does not, however, see himself in the position in the long term — and neither does anyone else, to be fair. He spoke on being in the team and future aims:

I think at the moment I’m just grateful for the opportunity of playing and left-back has been my chance to do that. So at the moment, I’m just trying to learn and be the best that I can be, in whatever position I play in. But, ideally, coming to the club and speaking to the manager, we both know that in the end my goal is to be a centre-back and that’s something I always keep at the back of my mind so I can be the best centre-back I can be.

There are two discussions to be had here, then, and one is — in the realistic, proper-world scenario of what actually happens — utterly irrelevant.

The irrelevant one is whether moving Gomez centrally benefits the team or risks destroying a young player’s tremendous potential. He’s a composed, technical defender who looks as though he should be fantastic at playing the ball out of the back (John Stones vs. Chelsea, anyone?) but it has to be noted that Gomez has already made a few errors, even before the rash tackle to concede a penalty against Manchester United.

If he makes more mistakes and costs goals, does that wreck his confidence? Does it break the trust the team has in him at present? It’s a big step from right-back in the Championship to centre-back for a club chasing the top four and only the manager and coaches, those who see his mindset and reactions every day, can possibly have an inkling of how he might recover (or otherwise) from the inevitable setbacks and mistakes that he will make if played in the middle at this stage.

It is irrelevant, though, because there apparently needs to be a cataclysmic, seismic or quite possibly Earthlife-threatening sea-change to occur for Martin Skrtel to be moved out of the centre-back slots. Lovren has been awful, yes, but it’s debatable whether the Reds’ long-serving No. 37 is just behind or just ahead in the obvious error stakes, and presumably it’s the right side of the centre-backs that Gomez would operate in.

Of more relevance is whether Gomez deserves to be turfed out of the team, not because of poor performances but simply because the team will benefit more without him? Where does the line get drawn for changes due to player performances and changes due to overall team improvement? On the one hand it’s fine to make an alteration, even with a player performing well, if it will tactically benefit the team—but what about not changing others who have been playing worse?

It’s a tricky situation for Rodgers to judge, made a little easier by the fact that Gomez is younger and ergo more expendable, from a “hurt ego” point of view. Should that matter? Probably not. Does it, in the real world? Almost certainly yes.

Steven Gerrard has been consistent about his effusive praise for Rodgers as a man manager. There is precious little evidence of the squad “playing for him” this season, but this is another test in that regard all the same: drop a senior? Drop a young, unestablished new signing? Or do nothing at all, again?

Threes and Fours

Gomez to centre-back and Moreno to left-back isn’t the only way to play both in the team, of course. Rodgers has been utilising Moreno as a late sub on the left side of midfield or attack, ahead of Gomez, and that’s a potential route into the team for the Spaniard too.

Either way, Liverpool need an outlet not just down the flank, but all the way into the final third.

The ridiculousness of playing Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings out wide only begs further questions of why no additional (natural) wide talents were targeted in summer if 4-3-3 (and variations) was the intended system, while Adam Lallana‘s fitness remained questionable and both Raheem Sterling and Lazar Markovic were allowed to leave.

Jordon Ibe is the only other real wide player so is Moreno so far down in Rodgers’ estimations that he is not even a consideration to start as an extra threat from the flanks?

Moreno isn’t just a supply line with crosses from deep. He plays to link triangles between himself, the forward and an inside midfielder, he looks to hit the byline and work short-range cut-backs and near-post crosses. How many times early on last season, and just after the 3-4-2-1 came into play, was Moreno seen bursting past the opposition defence and pulling back the ball? Now he has a real target to aim for in Benteke. At present, that type of service to the new No. 9 simply doesn’t exist.

In a diamond midfield system, Moreno is the optimal left-back. He’ll provide width and penetration, real offensive intent, while the hard-working likes of James Milner, Joe Allen or Jordan Henderson fill in behind when necessary. In a 4-3-3, the option is there to play Moreno instead of Gomez — or ahead of him.

Either way, what Liverpool are doing so far simply isn’t working, not in the way they need it to. Moreno should be one of the first who now gets the chance to come in and offer up a new threat in attack and determination in defence— and just maybe he can help be the catalyst for change as Liverpool seek to get back to some semblance of effective play at both ends of the field.

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Why Liverpool need to utilise a cup team this season

With Liverpool heading into a busy fixture schedule this autumn, Aaron Cutler champions the idea of a rotated cup side.

Professional footballers are united in their disdain for certain tags. Few embrace the Utility moniker; while nobody sets out to become a career Super Sub.

Those who flit from one club to the next do not necessarily view themselves as Journeymen, while the Next Big Thing is wary of becoming Yesterday’s Man.

But one label ambitious sportsmen truly resent is that of the Bit-Part Player.

The latter is defined as someone with “a very small part in something.” A supposed afterthought; a squad player. Liverpool’s summer overhaul has left many skirting dangerously close to that title and just how they wear it will impact on the season as a whole.

In a change from the norm, the first four games of this campaign occurred before the inaugural and oft-infuriating international break.

In a sense these fixtures became their own mini-project and a season within a season.

Team selection provided a glimpse into Brendan Rodgers’ thought process – one focused solely on a defining opening month.

Everything – and seemingly everyone – else could wait for Manchester United and the autumn.

Pre-Break Consistency

What this period confirmed was the ‘group’ – to use Brendan terminology – which the man himself views as key first-teamers, and those who will be made to wait for their chance.

For some the prospect of a season on the sidelines, or rather the periphery, was presumed counter-productive.

Lazar Markovic was loaned-out for that very reason, a stunt in progression deemed helpful to neither party. For others occasional appearances will neither harm nor hinder their long-term future.

Keeping all on-board, if not involved, will prove crucial.

This season Liverpool compete on four fronts and if they are to make a genuine assault on each they must rotate. There is, one hopes, a distinct chance of two teams being clearly defined, a la Helsinki and Swindon at the tail end of pre-season.

This is no bad thing. In fact, it is an absolute necessity.

The Premier League should take rightful priority, with the Europa League and League Cup particularly gifting Rodgers that chance to chop and change. Indeed to remain competitive the manager has no choice but to tinker.

History tells a sorry tale of UEFA Cup entrants struggling on a return to domestic action. With the race for Champions League football fiercely contested, the Reds cannot gift opponents any advantage.

Successive defeats mean we have already ceded ground, and the room for error is lessened.

To that end a leggy performance at Everton, post-Sion, could prove the difference between fourth and fifth, as well as bragging rights.

As a result certain individuals should be spared the rigours of Europe and its subsequent travel. A 4000-mile trip to Kazan, really?

Who Should and Should Not Be Utilised?

Take James Milner as a case in point. The vice-captain should not be considered for Europa League action unless the Reds progress to the latter stages of the competition – and by virtue re-evaluate targets.

Milner’s appearances and contribution should be judged in relation to league matters alone, with the European stage one the Bit-Part Boys must embrace.

This is not to lampoon the competition as such, for it can prove a great launchpad.

Harry Kane, now curiously cosseted as the saviour of English football, announced himself in Europe’s second competition. Our own very Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling forced their way into first-team matters courtesy of efforts in said tournament.

The Europa League is essentially the gateway that the reserve league is no longer and affords Brendan the opportunity to placate his squad players.

So who are the latter?

Alberto Moreno may form part of this glorified B team – the unexpected rise of Joe Gomez has given the Spaniard a watching brief, at least until the final quarter of games.

Moreno struggled throughout his first season but few are writing him off. Indeed a spell on the sidelines appears to have reinvigorated him: cameo appearances against both Bournemouth and Arsenal gave rise to the thought this is a man revitalised and ready to step in when called upon.

Moreno was one of the few to come out of our West Ham debacle with a crumb of credibility. He barely touched the ball at Old Trafford meanwhile, making him Man of the Match by default.

Crucially his attitude appears first class, with no toys or tantrums thrown.

Danny Ings is another who may view the Europa League as more help than hindrance. Until Saturday Rodgers had resisted the temptation to blood the striker (yes, striker), perhaps doubting his worth in a 4-3-3 system.

Ings is a good player who may well earn his manager’s trust courtesy of European assignments.

Lest we forget this is a player with just one full season of Premier League football under his belt. He handled the jump from Championship to top flight admirably; scaling another rung will hone his game further still.

At 23, Ings must learn the European way, in much the same way as his manager – currently boasting a dreadful record in continental competition.

Elsewhere, Emre Can may be asked to feast on Europa scraps.

A talented player and fans’ favourite, Can is caught in an identity crisis. Just where do we play him? Turning in the vein of the QE2 is not the hallmark of a defensive midfielder. Similarly, cumbersome possession is no use in the cut and thrust of English football.

Defensively the German excelled as part of a three-man defence, now retired, but drowned when shifted to right-back.

Liverpool clearly have a top player on their hands but one who must define himself. Sadly we are unable to grant study time in the bread and butter of the Premier League.

Conversely, he could ‘work it out’ in midweek fixtures.

For that reason Can should figure in every Europa, League Cup and FA Cup fixture, wherein the slower pace will aid his development – hone your game where the margin of error is greatest.

Not forgetting Jordon Ibe, currently managing his first ‘dip’ in professional football. This drop-off is as frustrating as it is inevitable, with huge expectancy and unhelpful comparisons fostering big pressure.

Ibe has all the tools to become a top player but at 19 he is learning the game. To expect a teenager fresh out of the Championship to suddenly light up the Premier League is delusional.

Give him time, give him cup starts.

Sadly another who must force his way back into the reckoning is Mamadou Sakho. Criminally overlooked by Rodgers to this point, he has presumably been informed of his diminished status.

The flaw in such thinking will be laid bare if and when the Frenchman proves his worth in cup competition. He should not need to, of course, but this presents a comeback trail of sorts.

Others who can be brought in from the cold include Divock Origi, Kolo Toure and Adam Bogdan, while Jon Flanagan may build up a head of steam if returned to fitness.

Even Jose Enrique may be given the chance to re-enact his FIFA showreel against Carlisle. Or not.

Undeniable however is a squad depth that allows for big changes and an accepted second string.

Priorities

That said Liverpool should not belittle or disrespect any competition.

Some are calling for a different management team – one headed by Gary McAllister – to oversee such fixtures. That is not only ridiculous but arrogant, suggesting we are above these bonus competitions.

Come the New Year the latter could well be all we have to fight for…

Indeed there is an argument that says the Europa League should take priority if the Reds progress to the latter stages and their Champions League ambitions are already dashed.

The key is re-evaluating targets at certain junctures: let’s give ourselves the best chance of league success and avoid inevitable burnout.

By the same token let’s chase silverware – correcting a blotch on Brendan’s copybook.

A make-or-break campaign for the manager, this careful balancing act is one he must master. Rodgers has struggled, not only in Europe, but when tasked with rotating a squad.

Last summer’s influx of players was meant to ease the pressure on a strong but stretched first-team squad. In actuality it led to all kinds of problems – changes in personnel and moreover formations derailing the campaign.

Now he must prove he has learned from those mistakes and is a coach capable of maximising a large squad.

The objective is top four and a trophy – miss out on both and Brendan will be the one wearing an unwanted tag – that of the Unemployed.

• Read more: Will Liverpool Benefit From Their Involvement in the Europa League?

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Jordan Henderson travels to America for treatment for heel injury

Jordan Henderson‘s heel injury may be worse than initially feared, with the Liverpool captain heading to America for specialist treatment.

Jordan Henderson has travelled to America to receive treatment for the heel injury that has plagued his progress for Liverpool this season.

The 25-year-old was withdrawn midway through the Reds’ 1-0 win over AFC Bournemouth in August, and has yet to return to first-team action.

Now, according to the Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo, the newly appointed captain faces a longer period on the sidelines.

“The Reds midfielder travelled to New York on Monday with club doctor Andy Massey, and will visit New Jersey based orthopaedic specialist Dr James Cozzarelli, as he seeks a solution to the issue which has kept him out of his side’s last three matches,” Jones writes.

“Henderson will have treatment on the injury, which is causing him discomfort in both his heel and the sole of his foot, in a bid to accelerate his return to action.

“Crucially, though, the 25-year-old is not due to undergo surgery.”

That Henderson will not require surgery for his injury is encouraging, but that Liverpool felt it necessary to send him to a specialist suggests this is a major concern.

According to Jones, Reds medical staff have “so far been unable to put a timeline on his return.”

Henderson has missed three games for Liverpool this season, with the Reds picking up just one point in his absence.

The lack of mobility in Brendan Rodgers‘ three-man midfield with the introduction of Henderson’s replacement, Lucas Leiva, has caused problems in Liverpool’s buildup play.

Named captain this summer following the departure of Steven Gerrard, Henderson is a growingly vital component of Rodgers’ starting lineup.

Without the England international’s industry and creativity, the Reds have looked devoid of ideas in midfield.

Emre Can was the only midfielder willing to break through the lines in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Manchester United, with a lack of support for the rampaging German a key issue as Liverpool failed to trouble their top-four rivals.

With Henderson now facing a lengthy spell on the treatment table, Rodgers has another major issue to contend with – as the pressure mounts on the under-fire manager.

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“I believe he is wrong” – Rafa Benitez responds to Steven Gerrard claims

Rafa Benitez has rejected Steven Gerrard‘s claims that the pair endured a “emotionless and distant relationship” at Liverpool.

After Steven Gerrard‘s claims that “I don’t think Rafa Benitez liked me as a person,” the former Liverpool manager has responded, saying “I believe he is wrong.”

Gerrard’s new autobiography, serialised in the Mail, covers his time under Benitez, with the 35-year-old claiming that his “frostiness” made him a better player.

“I don’t think Rafa Benitez liked me as a person. I’m not sure why, but that’s the feeling I got from him,” he said.

Gerrard later added: “I can pick up the phone and speak to all of my previous Liverpool managers. Except for Rafa.

“It’s a shame because we probably shared the biggest night of both our careers — the 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul — and yet there is no bond between us.”

During Benitez’s time as Liverpool manager, Gerrard was one of the best midfielders in world football, scoring 16 league goals in 2008/09.

But, unlike Gerard Houllier, Brendan Rodgers and Roy Hodgson, Gerrard didn’t enjoy a friendship with the Spaniard.

“If we were to bump into each other tomorrow there would be no unpleasantness but maybe a day will come when we can actually have a deeper and friendlier conversation and reflect on everything we experienced at Liverpool,” he continued.

“Our working relationship was ultra-professional and his frostiness drove me to become a better player.

“I had a hunger to earn a compliment from him — but also a hunger to let him know he really needed me as a player.

“We were like fire and ice. Passion surged inside me, while Rafa was the strategic thinker.”

However, Benitez rejected these claims, speaking to Spanish television on Monday.

“I have read the quotes and I believe he is wrong,” he said, according to the Mail.

“Out of the respect that I have for Stevie and for the value and appreciation I have for him, and for Liverpool and the supporters, I think it’s best to just let it pass.

“He has brought out a book and now I’m the Real Madrid manager, that sells.”

There is clearly no love lost between the pair, but as Gerrard attests, this friction spurred him to a world-class level at Liverpool.

Without Benitez, Gerrard arguably would not have reached the heights he did.

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5 Parallels Between Brendan Rodgers and Other Doomed Managers

Brendan Rodgers‘ downfall in his position as Liverpool manager is eerily similar to that of other discarded managers, writes Jack Lusby.

Is Brendan Rodgers doomed to failure as manager of Liverpool?

Following a miserable 2014/15 campaign with a poor start to 2015/16 has put the Ulsterman under serious pressure in charge of the Reds, and despite receiving the backing of owners Fenway Sports Group, the likelihood of his departure is increasing by the game.

Drawing parallels with his reign on Merseyside and those of other managers to receive their P45 in the Premier League suggests that his time may be coming to an end.

Confusing Team Selections

“Very strange team selection by David Moyes at West Ham,” the Telegraph‘s Manchester-based football correspondent Mark Ogden tweeted last March. “About five players playing out of position…”

Moyes’ starting lineup for Manchester United’s fortuitous 2-0 win over West Ham United drew considerable criticism from the club’s supporters.

Alexander Buttner was preferred over Patrice Evra at left-back, an out-of-form Ashley Young was fielded ahead of the likes of Adnan Januzaj and Danny Welbeck in attack and Michael Carrick filled in for the injured Rio Ferdinand at centre-back.

Just one month later, Moyes was sacked, bringing to an end a disastrous spell in charge of the Old Trafford club.

During Moyes’ time in Manchester, then-United striker Robin Van Persie complained how his curiously deployed team-mates were “sometimes occupying the spaces I want to play in.”

It is easy to imagine the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can and Roberto Firmino feeling the same way under Rodgers this season.

The starting lineup for Saturday’s 3-1 loss away to United is the perfect example, with the personnel selected suggesting a return to a fluid 4-4-2 diamond formation, before kickoff revealed an unbalanced 4-5-1.

Firmino and Danny Ings were both fielded out of position, much like Lazar Markovic, Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson and Jordon Ibe at times last season.

Meanwhile the likes of Mamadou Sakho and Alberto Moreno are shunted onto the sidelines.

It is impossible to second-guess a Rodgers lineup but, as with Moyes, this is coming to the detriment of his side’s efficiency on the field.

Misplaced Hyperbole

“The only team with better results than us over the past five or six games is Arsenal or Manchester United,” Roy Hodgson said in December 2010, despite his side having won just seven points from their last six Premier League games and chairman Tom Werner describing the club’s form as “unacceptable.”

“If you take the last five or six games we are right up there in terms of results,” he continued.

That is just one of a host of bizarre quotes from Hodgson’s six-month spell in charge of Liverpool, with the “utopia” of a potential win against Everton and a “famous victory” over Bolton Wanderers serving to underline the manager’s disconnection from reality.

Just under five years later and this seems oddly familiar, with Rodgers’ excruciating buzzwords and skewed analysis worryingly reminiscent of the delusional Hodgson.

“It was probably the best defeat I’ve ever had,” Rodgers frustratingly said of last season’s 3-0 defeat away to United, prefacing Liverpool’s most recent deflating loss.

In his post-match briefing at Old Trafford on Saturday, the manager declared his side “showed good character.”

Few would agree.

Failure to Replace Star Players

Andre Villas-Boas’ ill-fated spell in charge of Tottenham Hotspur came to a crashing halt, ironically, after his side were defeated 5-0 by Liverpool during the Reds’ most unexpected of title challenges under Rodgers in 2013/14.

At White Hart Lane on that December afternoon, Luis Suarez was at his very best: the Uruguayan scored twice and assisted goals for Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling.

This was a Liverpool side at the peak of their powers, with even the goal-shy Jon Flanagan managing to put one past a struggling Hugo Lloris—all fuelled by the brilliance of Suarez.

Spurs’ capitulation under Villas-Boas stemmed from the loss of their own star player: Gareth Bale.

Bale joined Real Madrid in a world-record transfer in the summer of 2013 and, despite Spurs signing Paulinho, Nacer Chadli, Roberto Soldado, Erik Lamela, Etienne Capoue, Vlad Chiriches and Christian Eriksen for a combined total of £105 million, Villas-Boas’ side were rocked by his departure.

Suarez left Liverpool just seven months after that victory, and Rodgers has struggled to replace him since, with a similar spending spree failing to reinvigorate the Reds in 2014/15.

Rodgers has arguably also failed to replace Sterling and the injury-prone Daniel Sturridge during his time on Merseyside, and a drop in performances without the trio that spurred 2013/14’s title charge could see Rodgers go the same way as Villas-Boas.

Negative Tactics

There is a great feeling of Rodgers attempting to save face with his approach in the first five games of the Premier League season so far, with a noticeably more negative style of play implemented in order to gain results such as August’s 0-0 win away to Arsenal.

This represents a worrying sacrifice of ideals from the previously headstrong manager.

“I used to want everyone to play football, bam-bam-bam, but I respect other teams, players and managers,” he said while in charge of Swansea City in 2012.

“But it’s very short-term nowadays, people will play as they see fit to survive. My way of working is different.”

At the moment, Rodgers is playing to survive and, unfortunately, these negative tactics are consigning Liverpool to misery—far removed from the swashbuckling attacking play of 2013/14, or the possession-heavy style of 2012/13.

In fact, Liverpool’s average percentage of ball possession has dropped every season Rodgers has been in charge: in 2012/13, it was 55 percent; in 2013/14, it was 54 percent; in 2014/15, it was 52 percent; and this season so far it is 50 percent.

Back in 2012, Rodgers claimed the players he targets in the transfer market “need to have the capacity to have the ball for nearly 75 percent of the game.”

Unfortunately, Rodgers seems to have cast this approach aside, with Liverpool instead resembling the confused outfit of Rafa Benitez‘s final season on Merseyside.

Repetition of Mistakes

Rodgers’ current situation is worryingly similar to the end of his short spell in charge of Reading in 2009, with a clear lack of the pragmatism that he became renowned for in his first seasons with Liverpool.

Debating whether Reading were right to sack Rodgers in a captivating retrospective last year, the Reading Post‘s Hugh Fort recalled a familiar situation:

I had a season ticket that year, every time I turned up to a game whatever randomly selected team he’d picked that day gave the impression they’d been introduced to each other about 20 minutes before kick-off.

No-one understood what to do, the football was sleep-inducing, tedious and utterly ineffective.

The tactics seemed to be tippy-tappying the ball around, losing it, letting the opposition score, then repeating the process until finally having your first shot in the 87th minute.

It was awful.

Rodgers’ revolutionary tactics were lost on an admittedly limited group of players.

But I ask you, if you are eating a meal, and you realise it’s disgusting, do you just blindly carry on eating it in the hope it gets better, or do you eat something else completely different?

Rodgers left Reading by mutual consent at the end of 2009, with his reign deemed a failed experiment.

Miserably, this notion of blindly carrying on is now apparent at Anfield: the persistence with Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren; the stubborn 4-3-3; the isolation of Christian Benteke; the out-of-position marginalisation of promising talents; and the failure to recognise the fundamental importance of a defensive midfielder.

Rodgers ignoring his deficiencies could see him follow his doomed Reading trajectory this season.

• Read more: Brendan Rodgers’ misuse of Roberto Firmino draws comparisons with Lazar Markovic

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FSG “anticipated a slow start” to season and won’t sack Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers‘ position at Liverpool is safe, according to reports, with the club’s owners happy to wait for results to improve.

Fenway Sports Group won’t sack Brendan Rodgers, despite a poor start to the season for the Liverpool manager.

That is according to the Express‘ Paul Joyce, who claims the owners “anticipated a slow start” to 2015/16 after a significant overhaul of Rodgers’ squad.

After a deflating 3-1 loss away to top-four rivals Manchester United on Saturday, Liverpool have conceded six goals in their opening five games of the season, scoring just three, with a worrying lack of chemistry between centre-backs Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren underpinning Rodgers’ strife.

“While Rodgers will wonder what difference buying Ashley Williams and Ryan Bertand may have made to his defence, and therefore his reign, Fenway Sports Group will be flicking onto a different page,” Joyce wrote after the Old Trafford loss.

“They anticipated a slow start to the campaign, given another summer of ins and outs, and are not minded to sack Rodgers five games into a new season.

“After all, they sanctioned £78 million worth of signings this summer when backing the manager, overlooking the likes of Jurgen Klopp.

“But they will be asking themselves why a lavishly assembled squad appears so ill-equipped to perform the basics adequately.”

Joyce concluded: “Rodgers must try something new.”

While Joyce suggests that Rodgers’ position is not under threat five games into the season, it is clear that if results continue to go against him FSG may reconsider their stance.

However, after backing the 42-year-old with the big-money signings of Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne, among others, John W. Henry and Tom Werner are unlikely to part ways with him at this juncture.

It is more likely that Rodgers will be given at least until Christmas to prove he can right the ship.

Whether he deserves it or not, after last season’s sixth-placed Premier League finish in 2014/15 and a failure to address major concerns within his squad this season, is another matter entirely.

• Read more: Brendan Rodgers’ position in question after inept defeat at Old Trafford

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Mario Balotelli makes instant impact on AC Milan return vs. Inter

Making his first competitive appearance for AC Milan since returning on loan from Liverpool, Mario Balotelli caught the eye with an impressive display.

It was a night to forget for AC Milan as they slumped to a 1-0 Derby della Madonnina defeat to city rivals Inter on Sunday evening, but an encouraging one for on-loan Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

The loss leaves the Rossoneri with only one win from their first three games of the new season, and already trailing their neighbours – who boast a 100 percent record and sit top of Serie A – by six points.

It was naturally a hugely disappointing night for Milan, but boss Sinisa Mihajlovic will undoubtedly take positives from the display of the returning Balotelli, who caught the eye with an extremely promising cameo.

The Reds striker couldn’t have picked a bigger occasion in which to make his homecoming.

After watching the first 62 minutes from the bench at a sold-out and atmospheric San Siro, Balotelli was introduced, and he took no time to make an impact with a game-changing display.

Replacing Liverpool’s summer transfer target Carlos Bacca in attack, the Italy international was instantly involved for a side who earlier lacked any real attacking cohesion – with his presence providing a much-needed boost to the trailing Milan.

Playing in support of Luiz Adriano, Balotelli unsurprisingly showed his capabilities when deployed in a role suited to bringing out the best in his explosive game.

The former Inter striker was a danger throughout, showing bravery on the ball while taking responsibility, and he was visibly determined to be the man to make the difference for his boyhood club.

His first contribution, seconds after entering proceedings, was a wicked free-kick delivery that would have drawn Milan level had anyone taken a gamble on reaching the teasing cross – leaving Balotelli frustrated that no one had.

Moments later, he came within a coat of paint of equalising, but his 25-yard drive slammed against Samir Handanovic’s post, with the ‘keeper beaten after some tidy footwork created the opportunity unleash an effort on goal.

The top-class Inter stopper also produced a superb save to keep out a powerful, dipping drive from Balotelli, who proved a real handful on the night.

The 25-year-old gave his side a new dimension in the final third, changing the game with his directness and constant attacking threat that kept Milan on the front foot, allowing them to take the game to Roberto Mancini’s Inter as they chased an equaliser.

But not only did Balotelli look the most likely to register on the scoresheet for Mihajlovic’s side though – he also looked the most likely source of creation too for the Rossoneri.

His set-piece deliveries caused constant danger for the Inter defence, while he also took on playmaking duties in and around the box – which saw him burst into through the opposition defence and square dangerously across goal on one occasion – alongside pulling the strings when dropping deeper in open play.

The only thing missing from the maverick striker’s stirring 28-minute display was a goal, and Mihajlovic will be secretly pleased by his impact despite refusing to get carried away post-match, as he told Sky Sport Italia:

“Balotelli came on, we cannot judge him from one game. He is training well and behaving well, he knows what he has to do and must make the most of the chances he is given.”

It was a real positive first game back for Balotelli, and Mihajlovic will certainly want to see more of the same.

After setting the benchmark with a hugely promising performance, he must deliver not only for his team, but also to reignite his career.

• Read more: LFC Loan Watch: Lazar Markovic, Andre Wisdom and Danny Ward all in action

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LFC Loan Watch: Lazar Markovic, Andre Wisdom and Danny Ward all in action

We round up how the loaned members of the Liverpool squad performed this weekend, including details of Lazar Markovic‘s Fenerbahce debut.

Lazar Markovic (Fenerbahce)

Liverpool’s Serbian attacker Lazar Markovic made his debut for Fenerbache on Sunday night in their 1-0 Super Lig win over Kasimpasa.

Markovic came on after 62 minutes, replacing former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie with his side already leading 1-0.

The 21-year-old played on the right of Fenerbache’s three-man attack, enjoying a quiet 28 minutes.

The Serbia international will be hopeful of having the chance to build on his first appearance on Thursday, as Fener open their Europa League campaign against Norwegian side Molde.

Andre Wisdom (Norwich City)

Andre Wisdom finally made his first Premier League start of the season on Saturday in Norwich City’s comfortable 3-1 win over fellow promoted side AFC Bournemouth at Carrow Road.

The 22-year-old took the place of the suspended Stephen Whittaker at right-back, completing the full 90 minutes.

After a sluggish opening 45 minutes, Wisdom returned for a more settled second period that saw him improve defensively and create a goalscoring chance for striker Cameron Jerome.

Wisdom sadly won’t be able to build on his first start, however, as Norwich arrive at Anfield next week with the defender ineligible to face his parent club.

Sheyi Ojo (Wolves)

After scoring his first international goal during the domestic break for England U19s against Germany, Sheyi Ojo returned to action for Wolves in their 2-1 defeat against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

The youngster started on the bench, but with his side trailing Wolves boss Kenny Jackett introduced the 18-year-old in a left-sided role in attacking midfield on the hour mark, looking to make a positive impact.

He did just that, providing energy to the Wolves attack with his pace and dribbling.

But though Jackett’s men pulled one back, Ojo couldn’t quite help conjure up an equaliser in his half-hour cameo.

Danny Ward & Ryan McLaughlin (Aberdeen)

Goalkeeper Danny Ward helped 10-man Aberdeen come from behind to secure a vital 2-1 victory in the top-of-the-table clash against Celtic on Saturday – a fixture that saw fellow Reds academy star Ryan McLaughlin involved in the match-day squad for the first time.

The defender was ultimately an unused substitute on a memorable day for the Dons, but Ward – who continues to impress at Pittodrie – once again played a key part in helping Derek McInnes’ side record a sixth straight win and move to the top of the SPL table.

The Welshman made a vital point-blank save to deny Tom Rogic after he latched onto a short back-pass, and though he could do nothing about Leigh Griffiths’s penalty, Ward was solid between the sticks and again a calming influence for the Dons, who set a club record with six straight league wins to open the season for the first time.

Lawrence Vigouroux, Jordan Williams & Kevin Stewart (Swindon Town)

It was an afternoon to forget for Lawrence Vigouroux and Jordan Williams as they played 90 minutes in Swindon Town’s heavy 4-1 loss against Barnsley on Saturday – a game fellow loanee Kevin Stewart missed through injury.

Chilean goalkeeper Vigouroux – who turned in a man-of-the-match display last week against Crewe Alexandra – didn’t enjoy the best of performances in Yorkshire, though he could do little about any of the four goals conceded.

Williams played at centre-back following his return to the Swindon setup, after being part of the Wales squad for the international break.

Unfortunately, he was involved in some less-than-impressive defending ahead of Vigouroux.

Disappointingly, after enjoying a good start to the campaign, Stewart faces the prospect of a lengthy duration on the sidelines.

The midfielder suffered medial ligament damage against Newport County last week – but it’s reported he will remain at the County Ground rather than return to Liverpool to carry out his recovery, with the Robins hopeful that he could return to action in six to nine weeks.

Lloyd Jones (Blackpool)

After helping Blackpool to their first win since January last time out, Lloyd Jones kept his place in the Seasiders’ XI for their trip to Gillingham on Saturday.

It proved to be a disappointing afternoon as Blackpool slumped to a 2-1 defeat, but the Reds youngster produced a solid individual display and played all 90 minutes – making his seventh appearance of the season.

Harry Wilson (Crewe Alexandra)

Wales international Harry Wilson endured a frustrating afternoon on Saturday with his Crewe side going down 3-1 against Millwall in League One.

The attacking midfielder started amongst the substitutes at Gresty Road but came on after 67 minutes with his team 2-1 down, and despite a bright cameo in which he nearly netted, he couldn’t provide the inspiration for a turnaround.

Ryan Kent (Coventry City)

Highly rated winger Ryan Kent made his debut for Coventry City on Saturday, as a second-half substitute in their narrow 1-0 defeat at Scunthorpe.

With Tony Mowbray’s men searching for a winner with the score goalless, the youngster entered in an left-sided attacking role before being switched to the right, and he made a positive impact with a lively 35-minute display, despite City succumbing to a late goal.

Sergi Canos (Brentford)

Sergi Canos made his Brentford bow on Saturday in the Bees’ 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road.

The Spaniard entered as an 85th-minute substitute – taking the place of fellow sub Phillip Hoffman – to play in midfield.

Allen Rodrigues de Souza (Seinajoen Jalkapallokerho)

Liverpool’s talented teenage Brazilian scored a superb first goal for Finnish side Seinajoen Jalkapallokerho in midweek on his debut for his temporary club.

The youngster curled a spectacular effort into the top corner in the 1-1 draw after cutting inside on his left foot, and he kept his place in the SJK lineup for a goalless draw against Lahti on Sunday – in which he was withdrawn on the hour mark.

Samed Yesil (FC Luzern)

Turkish stiker Yesil made his first appearance for Swiss side FC Luzern on Sunday, in their eventful 3-3 draw against Grasshopper Club Zurich.

The 21-year-old came on as a 75th-minute substitute for Markus Babbel’s men with the score at 2-2, but he couldn’t help his side hold on to the lead after going 3-2 up just two minutes after coming on, with the away side scoring three minutes from time to level.

The Rest

Portuguese defender Tiago Ilori was left out of match-day involvement for Aston Villa, who lost 3-2 against Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.

Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi missed loan club FSV Frankfurt’s 3-0 home defeat against Eintracht Braunschweig.

Left-back Joe Maguire was an unused substitute for League Two side Leyton Orient in their 1-1 draw against Cambridge United on Saturday.

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