Liverpool FC: How Sebastian Coates Strengthens Dalglish's Defensive Options
The 20 year-old spent the last three years with Nacional in the Uruguayan First Division and became a key player for them. He also played an important role for his country as they triumphed at the 2011 Copa America, being named the tournament's Best Young Player in the process.
At 6'6'', Coates would bring some necessary size and strength to the Liverpool back four. While he may not step straight into the first team, he is a bright talent and would be able to grow behind some of the Reds more experienced defenders.
Coates would undoubtedly bolster Liverpool's defensive options. There are now a lot more possibilities in the back four. Each appears to be an improvement to what we saw last season.
Here are the top five options for the Liverpool defense in 2011-12. Expect to see them all in use at some point this upcoming season.
Completed with the wonderful help of footballformation.co.uk
No Change
1 of 5Why it will happen:
This is a system Liverpool have gone with before. A typical 4-4-2 style back four with one bigger centre back, and one quicker centre back. Johnson and Enrique provide width and attacking ability down the wings, while Agger can be effective in the opposition's penalty box.
If not for a marking mistake by 18 year-old stand-in John Flanagan in the opener, this group would have been flawless through two games.
Why it won't happen:
Carragher is falling out of favour somewhat with the Liverpool faithful, and many would prefer to see him as a veteran calming presence coming off the bench. As mentioned, a key part of the 4-4-2 is one quicker defender, and, at his age, Carragher isn't as quick as he used to be. This will hinder Agger's ability to attack on corners and put in the occasional cross.
Chance it will happen:
15 percent - The new signing could signal the end of Carragher's reign at Liverpool.
Coates Straight In
2 of 5Why it will happen:
Agger and Sebastian Coates would create the league's most intimidating central defense pairing.
With an average height of over 6'4.5", it would be hard for the opposition to score out of the air. Coates is faster than Carragher, but the roles would likely be reversed with the 6'6 Uruguayan becoming the attacking force. Agger is one of the best defenders in the league when fully fit, so Liverpool would have little to worry about at the back. At 20, Coates would also inject some much needed youth into the line-up.
Why it won't happen:
While Coates is great in the air, he is somewhat vulnerable on the ground. As mentioned, Agger is more than a good defender, but opposing teams could target Coates on the ground. In addition, he will likely need time to adjust to the English game. It could be worth making him an active substitute and let him ease into the team, rather than throwing him in at the deep end.
Chance it will happen:
50 percent - Could be Liverpool's best option in the heart of the defense.
Johnson-Less
3 of 5Why it will happen:
Glen Johnson is extremely injury-prone, so Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish may decide he wants someone to permanently hold down that spot, rather than have to switch every few weeks.
Martin Kelly is one of the brightest talents in English football, and he is versatile enough to know how to play the right back spot well. He has been knocking on the door of a first team spot for quite a while, and would be a great defensive complement to Jose Enrique on the other side.
Coates and Agger remain in the middle.
Why it won't happen:
When he's fully fit, Johnson is one of the better full backs in the league. He just signed a new two-year deal and it doesn't seem realistic that Dalglish would bench him. Johnson's aggressiveness down the flank creates a lot of goals, and Liverpool would hate to lose that contribution.
Chance it will happen:
10 percent - Dalglish and company will find that Johnson is too important to not be used.
Three in the Back
4 of 5Why it will happen:
It is no secret that Liverpool have a logjam of centre midfielders at their disposal, and this would help ease the problem. Carragher is the centre piece in the three-man defense, while Lucas and Adam would be relied upon to come back and support from the midfield.
Dalglish has built a team that is destined to be an offensive force. The three-in-the-back defense would certainly support that offensive desire.
Why it won't happen:
While playing a 3-5-2 would solve Liverpool's midfield clog, it wouldn't solve the team's problems at all; it would simply move them. The team would suddenly have a cluster of defenders at their disposal.
Martin Kelly, Martin Skrtel, John Flanagan, Jack Robinson, Glen Johnson, and Jose Enrique are all left out. Flanagan and Robinson could always head back to the youth ranks, but you still have four great defensive players fighting for two bench spots.
Chance it will happen:
5 percent - Dalglish has built his defense with the intention of playing a back four. Moving back to three makes no sense with his two offensively skilled wing backs.
Five in the Back
5 of 5Why it will happen:
A five man defense is a very smart strategy for whoever utilizes it.
Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson are given the freedom to roam, with the opportunity to move forward always there with the three defenders covering. You won't give up many goals, and you give Martin Kelly the opportunity to play. The back five leads to a well rounded squad, in a formation that is usually used by offensively-minded teams like Liverpool.
Why it won't happen:
Simply put, it won't.
As much as this formation would be effective for Liverpool, it centers around three central midfielders and two forwards. The Downing and Henderson signings would make no sense if Dalglish was planning to play the 5-3-2.
That said, don't be surprised to see Liverpool move to this formation if one of them goes down with injury. This formation is well-liked by many managers because you are always strong and in numbers wherever you go, whether you are attacking or defending. Kelly could be used as a substitute to create this formation.
Chance it will happen:
20 percent - Not from the get-go, but we could well see it later on in the season. A hugely effective formation that, when used correctly, is both a 5-3-2 and a 3-5-2, depending on which way you are going.
Follow Jacob Ware on Twitter at @jacobware95
