Liverpool: 6 Lessons from the Reds' Preseason Friendlies

Liverpool have completed the first leg of their pre-season warmups after the culmination of their North American tour; a three-match trip which will have taught Brendan Rodgers plenty about his new team.

The Reds drew 1-1 with Toronto, lost 2-1 to Roma and finished up with a 0-0 draw against fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Though plenty of work remains ahead for Rodgers and his coaching staff in terms of getting the players to play the way he wants, and to continue to put his tactical stamp on the club, the tour will have been of great benefit for many reasons, for both players and coaches.

Here are six lessons from the Reds' pre-season friendlies.

Liverpool Will Be Regularly Playing 4-3-3

Liverpool have played a series of different formations under their last few managers; until 2010 with Rafa Benitez, the Spaniard favoured a 4-2-3-1 system, with a clear link up player—usually Steven Gerrard—playing behind a striker.

Roy Hodgson, for the half of the 2010-11 season that he was in charge for, favoured a 4-4-2 when possible, and a 4-4-1-1 the rest of the time. The defensive line-up of the midfield in particular was a far cry from the Reds at their most attacking.

Kenny Dalglish then took over the reigns for 18 months, playing a different kind of 4-4-2 for long spells but also dabbling with 3-4-3 variations and 4-1-4-1.

Brendan Rodgers has aligned his side in a clear 4-3-3 for his three friendly matches and the side looks set to continue in that vein into competitive matches.

Youth Could Have a Role to Play in the Side

Liverpool used around a dozen young starlets during their North American tour, giving plenty of academy and reserve players a chance to impress the senior management.

After seeing the likes of Jon Flanagan and Jack Robinson get their chance in recent seasons, the next crop of youngsters will be hoping that their turn is just around the corner.

Defenders such as Ryan McLaughlin, Andre Wisdom and Stephen Sama all got their opportunity, as did more advanced players Suso, Adam Morgan and Jordan Ibe.

All eyes will of course be on Raheem Sterling, but other youngsters showed they have the ability to make an impression on the side over the next 10 months.

One or Two (or Three... Or...) Players Just Don't Fit In....

Whilst some of the youth players have impressed, it is also perhaps fair to say that more than one of the seniors have shown ample evidence to suggest that they may not have an overly important, or extended, role in Rodgers' team.

Charlie Adam is one of them.

His overly-direct and uncontrolled passing, continued insistence on running into blind alleys and eventual trouble with the ball at his feet and his lack of tackling ability in key areas mark him out as a real weak spot in the Liverpool midfield.

Jay Spearing, Andy Carroll and one or two others continue to be seen by some fans as below the standard required or else otherwise not fitting into the new system.

Plenty of Work to Do to Incorporate the Pressing Game Rodgers Wants

One aspect of Brendan Rodgers' tactics, which we are really yet to see implemented from Liverpool, is the pressing high up the pitch of the opposition.

The first half against Toronto, and again against Roma, the players did manage to press fairly high up the pitch and as a result enjoy sustained spells of possession.

Heat and an extensive preseason training schedule no doubt contributed to the lack of energy through 90 minutes that players were displaying, but they will be expected to start showing far more of the kind of willingness to win back the ball quickly now that competitive matches are about to start.

Further Acquisitions Needed in Final Third

Since Brendan Rodgers took over at Liverpool, his single signing thus far has been to bring in Italian forward Fabio Borini from AS Roma.

Whilst the likes of Stewart Downing, Steven Gerrard and Andy Carroll have only recently returned from an extended rest and key forward Luis Suarez is still away on Olympic duty, it is fair to say Liverpool still need additional reinforcements in the final third.

Liverpool likely need another wide forward and a central striker to top their squad up with enough quality to mount a top four challenge...even without considering the midfield.

An Early Competitive Match Can Be a Bonus

Liverpool face Gomel on Thursday, August 2nd in their first competitive match under Brendan Rodgers, a full two and a half weeks before the Premier League season kicks off.

Normally, an early start might be considered an inconvenience, but as Liverpool have so much work to get through in terms of getting the playing system set up right and implementing Rodgers' tactics, the team could certainly benefit from having a two-legged tie to play, and to try and win.

Results matter, even against low-key opposition.

The distance to be travelled might not be ideal—the first leg is in Gomel's home country of Belarus—but forcing the players to play in a match and put into practice the plans for the team, as well as try to get a result, will only help them.

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