Coutinho Key to Liverpool's New-Look Attack

Liverpool had their third pre-season friendly of the summer in Boston on Wednesday night, suffering a 1-0 defeat to AS Roma after Daniel Agger's last-minute own goal.

A pre-season defeat should never cause great concern, especially when you take into account the amount of first-team players that were missing from Brendan Rodgers' side. The majority of his World Cup players only returned to training on Monday.

What these first three matches have given, though, is the opportunity for those players who weren't in Brazil to impress the boss ahead of the new season.

Liverpool's best performer across the games against Brondby, Preston and Roma has been one of those players omitted from his country's national squad for the World Cup—Brazilian Philippe Coutinho.

"Coutinho is the brain in our team, the continuity player," praised Rodgers after the Roma match, according to Chris Shaw of the official LFC website.

"He is the one that gets the team ticking, gets the movement in front of the ball," Rodgers continued. "He goes and gets on the ball. He's a fantastic talent for such a young player and he's still gaining his fitness."

Operating in midfield alongside Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva for most of his time during these three games, Coutinho has been afforded the freedom to express himself and be the creative spark in the team.

Coutinho really is a class act. Been the best player on the pitch tonight by some distance.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 24, 2014

Arrivals 

Admittedly, what these first few games have shown is that Liverpool perhaps lack that creative and attacking spark when without their star names, but Coutinho has at least taken his chance. With the arrivals of Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic, plus the seemingly imminent signing of Loic Remy (per David Maddock of the Daily Mirror), some supporters may begin to ponder where Coutinho fits in next season.

Lallana is a player capable of playing in the two positions which Coutinho operated in most for Liverpool last season—wide on the left of a front three and as the attacking player in a midfield three. That's no reason why they both couldn't play in certain games, though, with each of them filling those roles and perhaps alternating in-match to good effect. Such fluidity and versatility is certainly something Rodgers desires.

It's that versatility that will be key for Coutinho to keep himself in the starting XI. He began the game in Boston in the midfield three, Rodgers again starting in his preferred 4-3-3 shape, but the 22-year-old moved out to a wider role on the right of the front three after Fabio Borini's injury. This allowed Emre Can to play in the midfield trio.

Rodgers knowing he can use Coutinho in more than one position to good effect is a huge positive. We saw Coutinho last season used primarily in the attacking three for the first half of the campaign, but as the season progressed and he found himself more at home in English football, Rodgers trusted him to play a deeper role.

Speaking in January, Rodgers likened Coutinho to Luka Modric, according to Andy Hunter of The Guardian:

I look at him as a [Luka] Modric type. And when you look at Modricover four years at Tottenham he got 13 goals [in the league] but his influence was massive and Coutinho is of that type. He will naturally get more goals but he is a wonderful player for us, he is a key who opens up many things in a game.

That perhaps is an insight into where Rodgers sees Coutinho's future: within the midfield three rather than the attacking three.

That would give Rodgers a midfield trio of Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Coutinho—as used in the 4-0 defeat of Everton, 5-1 humbling of Arsenal and 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham last season.

Of course, with Champions League commitments too, you will see plenty of rotation next season, but that midfield trio looks like the preferred one for the manager. The likes of Joe Allen, Can and Lucas will then cover the roles within the midfield, while Lallana can also drop into the midfield when desired.

Attack

The only formation left to discuss is the construction of the attacking three, whether in a 4-3-3 shape or a midfield diamond with one of the three at the attacking tip.

Daniel Sturridge will lead the line primarily, with Lallana and Raheem Sterling the strongest options either side of him. New signing Markovic can play either side.

Indeed, Rodgers' options include a front two of Lambert and Sturridge with either Lallana or Sterling in behind them.

What becomes clear is that the depth in the squad is already heightened even without any further additions who will arrive. Add Remy into the mix, who can add depth in the centre-forward role and also on the left of a front three, and it's clear that the squad as a whole is vastly stronger than the one of 12 months ago.

As shown by Rodgers' praise for Coutinho, he will be the brains behind the side, forming a partnership with Lallana that will be creative and potentially potent for Liverpool.

Who Should Take Iconic Liverpool No. 7 Shirt?

Louis van Gaal: Moyes Left Unbalanced Manchester United Squad

Louis van Gaal lauded his Manchester United side's "fantastic" performance during the 7-0 preseason win over Los Angeles Galaxy, but he believes David Moyes has left an unbalanced squad in place at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman couldn't ask for anything more during his debut match in charge and is impressed with his side's early progression in his favoured 3-5-2 formation. Even so, the experienced boss indicates two many similar attacking players could produce problems.

"We have four No. 10s, so the selection is not balanced in my eyes," said Van Gaal, as reported by talkSPORT. "I have decided to play this system because of the quality of the players. But if we lose, I can change back to another system."

Van Gaal started the match with Juan Mata sitting behind strikers Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck, eventually bringing Shinji Kagawa into the game. Ander Herrera, who can also fulfill the No. 10 role, starred with three assists in central midfield alongside Darren Fletcher, with Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia playing as wing-backs on either side of centre-back trio Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

You can watch the match highlights below:

One of Moyes' major failures at United was his inability to integrate the squad's attacking stars. His decision to provide Welbeck a lack of playing time up front left the workhorse considering his options, while the former boss continued to misuse both Mata and Kagawa in wide roles.

Despite suggesting Rooney would play further forward, an unambitious 4-2-3-1 formation didn't let this happen when Robin van Persie was fit.

United fans will be overjoyed to have signed Mata, but Moyes' decision to bring in the former Chelsea player during the January transfer window only added to his immediate selection problems.

The switch to 3-5-2, which transitions to 5-3-2 when needed, certainly allows Van Gaal to make the best use of United's current squad. Valencia is perhaps the only winger who deserves a starting role and has proven himself useful in a deeper position, while the extra forward allows Rooney to fulfill his attacking promise and Mata to show his creativity behind.

Kagawa will then only battle with the Spaniard for a starting role in the central position they both prefer. Welbeck can fight for a place in the front two alongside Javier Hernandez, who needs a strike partner to find his best form.

Traditional wingers are sacrificed in this formation, but the likes of Nani and Ashley Young have done little to suggest they can hold down a spot in the first team (aside from the latter's brace against L.A. Galaxy).

Shaw's attacking instincts can also be utilised in the progressive 3-5-2, where the extra centre-back will cover the recently acquired Englishman.

Granted, the trio of Evans, Jones and Smalling appears questionable on paper, but United are expected to improve their centre-back selection with potential signings such as Stefan de Vrij and Mats Hummels, per Stuart Mathieson of the Manchester Evening News.

The new boss is determined to install a sense of character and attacking flair into a team that lacked confidence last season. This was partly due to players underperforming and partly due to negative tactics. As noted by Musa Okwonga, freelance writer for the BBC and ESPN, the changes have already begun:

Van Gaal used the word "philosophy" 11 times in his first #MUFC press conference. Very slowly, we are beginning to see what he means.
— Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga) July 24, 2014

Van Gaal was certainly pleased after his side's initial showing, saying, "It is fantastic how they have performed today. When you see us train, you can expect something but not 7-0. It was a surprise, but they were beautiful goals and beautiful attacks," per talkSPORT.

United have long been associated with "beautiful" football, a concept that rapidly slipped away under Moyes' guidance. There's no doubt the current squad needs to regain its balance through the acquisition of vital stars and dismissal of deadwood, but for now, a switch in tactical emphasis is refreshing. Management is about utilising what you've got, after all.

Moyes' ill-fated tenure will be quickly forgotten if Van Gaal transforms United into the title-challenging side they should be, even if he has to sacrifice a No. 10 to do so.

Barca concede defeat to Manchester United for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels

Source: Bleacher Report

By Nick Akerman,

Barca concede defeat to Manchester United for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels

Manchester United have beaten Barcelona in the race for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, according to reports in Spain.

Daily newspaper Sport are today reporting that Barca have conceded defeat in their attempts to sign the German international, with the player set for a move to Old Trafford.

The £16m deal is expected to be completed this week, with Dortmund having already moved to replace Hummels by signing Matthias Ginter from Freiburg.

If Sport’s claims prove to be accurate, Hummels will become United’s third signing of the summer, following Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera to Louis van Gaal’s side.

But the new United boss is unlikely to be finished in the transfer market, with the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward yesterday insisting they are prepared to spend big.

‘We are willing to invest. There is no fixed budget. Financially we are extremely strong and funds are available,’ he said.

‘Louis is assessing what’s going on and there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes, so watch this space.’

More: Patrice Evra will be confirmed as new Juventus player

Source: Metro UK

Didier Drogba transfer back to the Bridge on one-year deal is days away

Blue blood: Drogba salutes the Stamford Bridge crowd he could soon be playing for again

Chelsea hope to announce the return of Didier Drogba this week.

Mirror Sport understands Blues boss Jose Mourinho is confident of luring the 36-year-old Ivorian back on a one-year deal, with the option of a coaching job beyond that.

Mourinho wants club legend Drogba’s inspirational qualities back in the dressing room having lost two other stalwarts, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.

The striking legend has several other offers on the table after the expiration of his contract with Turkish side Galatasaray and his representatives insisted on Sunday that no final decision has yet been made by the player.

But the appeal of a return to the scene of some of his greatest moments as a player will be hard to resist.

Drogba is widely regarded as one of the finest players ever to pull on the Chelsea shirt.

He netted 157 times for the west Londoners - including an equaliser and the decisive shootout penalty to help them beat Bayern Munich and lift their first-ever European Cup in 2012.

He left as a free agent that summer and has since played for Shanghai Greenland in China and Galatasaray - with whom he made an emotional return to the Bridge in the Champions League - last season.

Chelsea's lack of a cutting edge up front cost them last season's title.

As a result, Mourinho has had to revamp his strike force allowing Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o to leave and recruiting £32million Spain striker Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid.

Belgium international Romelu Lukaku, loaned out to West Brom and Everton for all of the last two seasons, is also set to return to the squad.

Meanwhile, Chelsea maintain they have had no official notification that Egypt winger Mohamed Salah is required to return to the country and perform military service.

The Blues are understood to have held talks with the 22-year-old over the emergence of reports suggesting he is set to be forced to go home for a minimum of 12 months.

As things stand, he will travel with the club on Monday to a pre-season training camp in Austria.

More Chelsea sign ‘new exciting winger’ Josi Quintero from Barcelona

Source: Mirror Sport

Patrice Evra will be confirmed as new Juventus player

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra will officially be confirmed as a new Juventus player on Monday after reportedly agreeing a two-year contract with the Serie A side.

According to Italian publication Gazetta dello Sport, Evra agreed personal terms with Juve after the Italian champions and the Red Devils finalised a deal for the France international, and will now be revealed as a new Juve player on Monday.

The 33-year-old – who has been on holiday in Los Angeles following Les Bleus’ World Cup campaign in Brazil – only signed a one-year contract extension with United in May.

However, after the Premier League side bought left-back Luke Shaw for £30m from Southampton, the club have decided to let Evra leave after being deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford for next season.

Source: Metro UK

Manchester City: David Silva Key For City To Pick Up Silverware Again

During Manchester City's title-winning campaign last season, there were two periods of excellent form which ensured they just about got over the line in first place on the final day.

The first was a 20-match unbeaten run during December and January which saw Manuel Pellegrini play with two out-and-out strikers in a bold 4-2-2-2 formation.

The second was their excellent run-in where they usurped Liverpool playing a slightly altered system that saw David Silva shifted to the No. 10 role just behind one main striker. 

Which option Pellegrini will decide to start this season with remains unclear. 

The former is incredibly difficult for back fours to combat if both main strikers are performing well, as Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero were during the months either side of Christmas, while the latter gives the irrepressible Silva a free reign to damage the opposition.

He, more than anyone else in the City squad, can win matches with his individual brilliance.

December and January saw City produce football their fans thought previously unthinkable. It was free-flowing, inventive and incredibly attacking, resulting in some remarkable wins: a 6-0 hammering of Tottenham, a 7-0 massacre at home to Norwich and a thrilling 6-3 win over Arsenal the highlights. 

The power and vision of Negredo allowed Aguero to play on the shoulder of the last defender, causing havoc in behind with his pace. That twin threat caused defences, so used to facing one main striker after the relative death of systems employing two up top, a host of problems, and City, at times, looked unplayable.

However, when Negredo’s form collapsed and Aguero began suffering intermittent injuries, a change was needed.

Edin Dzeko, whose performance level had increased significantly after an underwhelming first half of the season, led the line on his own, supported by David Silva in the hole just behind. It was a subtle but significant alteration that maximised Silva’s talents and gave City an edge they needed to pip their rivals to the title. 

Silva is City's best and most creative player, and although he displays his excellence when starting on the left and drifting inside, his central role behind the striker offered him the kind of freedom he needs to perform at his most menacing.

His form was outstanding in the hole—by far City's best player in the final months of the season—and he, more than anyone, offered them title-winning brilliance at the time it was most needed. 

His displays away at Hull, Manchester United, Arsenal and, in particular, Liverpool were some of the most masterful seen in a City shirt in recent memory. His status has now been elevated from being considered the best City player of the last decade to the best in the club's history.

Simple logic suggests playing your best player in the position he enjoys the most makes sense, but if Aguero can return to fitness and play regularly, it presents a dilemma for the City boss.

The Argentine striker appears at his most deadly when playing alongside a physical forward he can feed off, but that confines Silva to a position on the left. 

What's clear is that City have options. Tactical inflexibility threatened their title bid at times last season, with Pellegrini's rigidity in terms of formation sometimes making his side somewhat predictable.

Switching between his two favoured formations—as well as using a three-man midfield now that Fernando has arrived—may just give City the unpredictability they need to stay ahead of their rivals and pick up silverware again.

More: Yaya Toure’s agent hints at summer Manchester City exit

Source: Bleacher Report

 By Rob Pollard 

Chelsea sign ‘new exciting winger’ Josi Quintero from Barcelona

Chelsea have left Barcelona fuming after raiding their academy to sign exciting winger Josi Quintero.

The 17-year-old was rated as one of the hottest prospects in Barca’s famed La Masia youth system – but the Blues have managed to convince him to quit the Spanish club and move to England.

Arsenal and French club Lyon were also rumoured to be keen on bagging the prospect, who is famed for his speed and brilliant dribbling ability.

But Quintero announced last week that he was holding talks with Chelsea and now the transfer has now been completed, with the player posting snaps on Twitter showing him signing the contract.

The Ecuador-born winger is rated as the hottest prospect to come out of the country since Antonio Valencia.

More: Chelsea hijack Gunners’ move for Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira

Source: Metro Sport

Yaya Toure’s agent hints at summer Manchester City exit

Yaya Toure’s agent has welcomed interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain by hinting at a summer exit from Manchester City.

Toure’s future at the Etihad has been in doubt since his bizarre comments regarding the club not adequately celebrating his birthday before the World Cup.

Further comments have come from the Toure camp today, saying he would have won more individual honours at City if he was white.

And the Ivorian’s agent appears to be trying to encourage interest from some of Europe’s top clubs by hinting his client is ready to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.

‘I will see Yaya for a couple of days before he goes to America [for a pre-season tour] when we will talk about things,’ Dmitri Seluk told The Times.

‘If an important club like PSG or Real Madrid made a big offer it would be for Manchester City to decide what happens.’

Source: Metro UK

Manchester United closing in on £40million Arturo Vidal

Manchester United are closing in on a £40million deal for Juventus star Arturo Vidal after holding positive talks with his agent.

Vidal, 27, is United’s number one transfer target this summer and despite Juventus insisting he’s not for sale, Louis van Gaal is increasingly confident of getting his man.

United reportedly spoke with Vidal’s agent Fernando Felicevich on the phone last week and now the Daily Mail says positive talks have been held in person about a transfer.

Felicevich is in England after helping another client, Alexis Sanchez, complete a £30million move to Arsenal and he is keen to get Vidal a bumper switch too.

The Chile international, who only signed a new contract with Juve last year, will reportedly be offered £230,000-a-week to join United.

Manchester United Transfer Shock: Patrice Evra Wants Out

Source: Metro Sports

Chelsea hijack Gunners’ move for Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira

Chelsea are planning to hijack Arsenal’s summer move for Sami Khedira, according to reports.

The Real Madrid midfielder is believed to be Arsene Wenger’s top target, following the Gunners’ acquisition of Alexis Sanchez yesterday.

But amid reports of Arsenal readying a bid in excess of £20m for the German international, speculation is now mounting over Chelsea’s increasing interest in the player who wants £150,000-a-week to quit Real.

And according to the Mirror, Blues boss Jose Mourinho is ready to swoop in and pinch Khedira from under Arsenal’s nose, much as he did with Willian and Tottenham last summer.

Khedira will line up for Germany in Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina, where both Mourinho and Wenger will be watching with interest.

The 27-year-old has just a year remaining on his Real Madrid contract and has reportedly turned down the offer of an extension, leaving the door open for an exit from the Bernabeu.

Real, meanwhile, are keen on Chelsea’s Ramires and although Mourinho does not want the Brazilian to depart Stamford Bridge, could use him to convince his former club to allow Khedira to move to west London instead of north.

More News: Petr Cech To Be Offered Vice-captaincy

Source: Metro UK

Petr Cech To Be Offered Vice-captaincy

Jose Mourinho is set to offer goalkeeper Petr Cech the vice-captaincy at Chelsea in a bid to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

Cech’s future at the club is in doubt with Belgian stopper Thibaut Courtois set to return to west London this summer after three successful years on loan with Atletico Madrid.

Having helped the Spaniards to the La Liga title last season, Courtois is rated as one of the best goalkeepers in world football.

But despite this, Mourinho is keen to keep both Courtois and Cech at Stamford Bridge, at least in the short term, before confirming the Belgian international as his number one.

And with interest coming in from Monaco and bid-spending Paris Saint-Germain, the Chelsea boss needs to move quickly to seal Cech’s services for the coming season and believes he can convince him to stay by offering him the vice-captaincy.

Chelsea skipper John Terry was previously backed up by Frank Lampard, who has departed the club this summer, making Cech the second-longest serving player at Stamford Bridge.

Cech’s agent has already said his client remains happy in London, but admitted he is keeping his options open for the time being.

Source: Metro UK

Who Should Take Iconic Liverpool No. 7 Shirt?

Luis Suarez's departure from Liverpool to Barcelona, as confirmed by the Anfield club, leaves the iconic No. 7 shirt vacated at Anfield.

The Uruguayan departs after 133 appearances, having scored 82 goals—including six hat-tricks. Never sent off, but having been suspended for the equivalent of over half a season during his three-and-a-half-year spell on Merseyside, Suarez has certainly dominated headlines.

For Liverpool, they must now move on, just as they did when any of their former great strikers left the club.

Fernando Torres, Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Ian Rush, John Aldridge, Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan, Roger Hunt; they've all been replaced in Liverpool's long and storied history. So will Suarez.

Shirt numbers carry with them the history and heritage of the football club and it's former incumbents. No. 7 and No. 9 are the main two at Liverpool.

The fact that Iago Aspas was handed the No. 9 shirt last summer irked me, especially when Daniel Sturridge would have been a far more fitting choice to wear the historic shirt.

Surely it would also make commercial sense in the modern era to have the club's best players wearing the main numbers? There's something just not right with Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Oussama Assaidi sporting numbers in the first 11 of the Liverpool squad.

Ok. Big question. Who gets the number 7 and number 9 shirts this season?
— Pete (@Pete2482) July 10, 2014

Those three could all depart the club this summer, with Alberto having already left on loan to Malaga. The Reds should ensure that quality players replace their numbers.

The incoming Lazar Markovic could take No. 11, for instance (as long as he doesn't take the No. 50 he wore at Benfica). But who will be a worthy successor for the iconic No. 7?

Potential Replacements

Of course, Liverpool will be linked with a host of players as direct replacements for Suarez, but most of the names being discussed aren't the playmaker-style that suits the No. 7 shirt.

The No. 7 shirt should be worn by a player who isn't a complete, out-and-out centre-forward, but one who is a creative force too. For the classic Anfield No. 7, see Dalglish, Keegan and Suarez. For the classic No. 9 see Rush and Fowler.

Marco Reus, the German attacking midfielder/forward would be a player who would suit the shirt at Liverpool.

But players such as Gonzalo Higuain, Wilfried Bony, Jackson Martinez or Mario Balotelli are No. 9 players.

Lambert

There is one player who could fit the bill who is already at Anfield; new signing Rickie Lambert. The Liverpudlian wore No. 7 at Southampton and will be an instant fan favourite. It would certainly represent a dream come true for Lambert, wearing the shirt of the iconic players he grew up idolising at Anfield.

Lambert's squad number hasn't been announced yet, possibly waiting until Suarez had left the club in order for him to take over the iconic shirt.

Another option could be Raheem Sterling. The 19-year-old is certainly a player with the potential to grow into the role of Liverpool's No. 7, but perhaps now is too soon. 

Lambert would be my choice for now—unless the club can sign a top-quality player to suit the role and status of Liverpool's most iconic shirt number.

It would be nice to have two players fitting of being Liverpool's No. 7 and No. 9 on the teamsheet.

LIVERPOOL: Wilfried Bony To Replace Luis Suarez

Source: Bleacher Report

By Matt Ladson,

It’s official! Luis Suarez Completes £63m Barcelona Transfer

The worst kept secret in world football is now official, with Barcelona confirming that the club have agreed to sign Luis Suarez.

Barca made signing Suarez their number one priority this summer and after finalising the sale of Alexis Sanchez to Arsenal to raise funds, they’ve agreed terms for the striker.

Neither club is prepared to talk about a fee, but reports suggest Liverpool will get £54million up front, with the final figure likely to be £63million if he meets several bonuses.

Suarez will be presented as a Barca player next week

More LIVERPOOL: Wilfried Bony To Replace Luis Suarez

Source: Metro Sport

LIVERPOOL: Wilfried Bony To Replace Luis Suarez

As Luis Suarez's move to Barcelona edges ever closer—the Uruguayan is to be unveiled at the Nou Camp next Wednesday according to reports in Spain, via The Independent—Liverpool are inevitably going to be linked with a host of forwards to replace the 27-year-old.

The problem with that sentence, and the mindset of supporters is the word "replace." Let's face it, Suarez is irreplaceable; you can't replace somebody so unique as Suarez, so instead you must change and adapt the plan.

Last season saw Brendan Rodgers adapt his plan and ideal shape, doing whatever he could to accommodate both Suarez and Daniel Sturridge as central strikers.

Early on in the campaign, the Liverpool manager used a 3-4-1-2 shape to allow them to partner each other. Later, he moved to a midfield diamond—with success—and in between times the two of them switched roles from centre and left-sided forward in-match while playing 4-3-3.

Rodgers adapted his plans according to those he had as his disposal. It just so happened that two of his players were the top-two goalscorers in the Premier League so he had to do what he could to get the best from them both; even if this meant sacrificing control of the game, being more open at the back, or changing shape from his preferred 4-3-3.

Bony

One player being linked with a move is Swansea striker Wilfried Bony, with Sky Sports reporter Peter O'Rourke claiming that advanced talks are taking place:

Liverpool in advanced talks with Swansea over Wilfried Bony with player's agent thought to be meeting Liverpool officials. #LFC #swansfc
— Pete O'Rourke (@SkySportsPeteO) July 11, 2014

The Mirror's Darren Lewis claims the Ivory Coast international has a £19 million release clause and that the player is keen to move from the Welsh club and take the opportunity to play a higher level.

The 25-year-old scored 16 times for Swansea in the Premier League last season, plus another three in the Europa League. He also created 25 goalscoring chances, according to Squawka.

Bony is a player capable of providing a physical presence in the attacking third, who can hold up play for the runners around him. His aerial ability both in an attacking and defensive sense would add qualities to the Liverpool side.

He's also shown he can finish, for both club and country, and he knows what he could do if surrounded by quality players who provide him chances with great frequency.

Depth

Suarez's departure leaves a clear lack of depth in Liverpool's attack, especially given Sturridge's somewhat frequent injury problems.

Rodgers is likely to change back to his ideal 4-3-3 shape in the wake of Suarez's departure, meaning Sturridge is the main centre-forward. With the likes of Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho and Lazar Markovic capable of playing in the wide-forward areas.

New signing Rickie Lambert is then the only player capable of playing the central role, especially if Fabio Borini and Iago Aspas leave the club as expected this summer.

Therefore, a player such as Bony would contest the centre-forward role, with Sturridge unable to play every game, especially given Champions League involvement. But Rodgers could also look to pair the two alongside each other if he wished.

Bony wouldn't though immediately be a first XI player for Liverpool, so the idea that he's a replacement for Suarez, who was clearly the first name on the teamsheet, is slightly absurd.

Ideal Scenario

The ideal scenario, for supporters at least, would perhaps be that Liverpool acquire a player such as Marco Reus, the Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder who is capable of playing anywhere across the forward positions—as well as a forward who can compete with Sturridge.

Reus would replace Suarez for the work he does outside of the box, committing defenders, taking them on and creating chances for the other attackers. The 25-year old created 90 chances in 30 appearances for Dortmund last season, as per Squawka (compared to 87 in 33 games for Suarez).

Acquiring a player of Reus' quality, plus a forward, would go some way to reshaping the Liverpool squad.

The other way which Rodgers could see the situation is that he already has the replacement for Suarez's work outside the box in Raheem Sterling. The 19-year-old effectively replaces Suarez in the side, so instead players must be signed to replace Sterling; see Lallana and Markovic.

Let's be clear, Bony would not be a replacement for Suarez, a change of Liverpool's style and formation will be.

More News: Liverpool MUST make crucial purchases or risk all trophies

Source: Bleacher Report