Why Liverpool needs Flanagan

I mainly want to write something about the current starting left back for Liverpool, one Alberto Moreno. He’s played a lot of games, and due to his great fitness his physical presence doesn’t seem to drop much. But now his mentality seems to be dropping. He’s always made a lot of bad decisions, the quality of his crosses are woeful and he’s suspect defensively. But, he’s a constant outlet on the left and shuffles up and down for 90 minutes. He gives everyone an outball.

I’m of the opinion that he needs a break. At least one game. I’m also of the opinion that putting one Jon Flanagan at left back will right a lot of wrongs and help a lot of players in the team. Flanagan, like James Milner said in a recent interview, rarely makes the wrong decisions and he’s very strong defensively. I think his presence at left back would benefit Sakho, whoever’s playing defensive midfield and Nathaniel Clyne.

Clyne runs more than almost everyone on the team. He’s run more than anyone in the league. He, like Moreno on the other side, provides an outlet but no quality. If he could know that Flanagan is on the left, being more pragmatic than Moreno, I think he could take better part in the offense. Flanagan is also very incisive with his passing, even though he doesn’t offer much quality in regards to crossing but he has the ability to find players in good positions.

As for the rest of the team… I don’t know. Henderson shouldn’t play, he’s hurt and probably needs more time. Maybe Ibe plays and we try a 4–4–2 with Allen and Can in the middle. Maybe we go with the same 4–3–3 and remain as blunt with Milner and Lallana next to Firmino. What do I hope? What do I want?

Something like that. Ojo and Ibe in for pace and fresh legs, fresh thoughts. Ibe played in the middle just to see what he can do there. Lallana still there, Milner in the middle. Allen gets a game. Obvs Flanno comes in. Obvs.