Rafael Benitez has reportedly admitted he will continue to play captain Steven Gerrard in a variety of positions ahead of the start of the new season.
The subject of the Liverpool skipper’s best position is one of much debate especially as Benitez played Gerrard in a number of different positions last season, a move which is unlikely to have impressed his skipper.
Yet despite this, the Liverpool manager has admitted that he will continue to play Gerrard where he thinks is best and that his captain must learn to adapt.
According to the Mirror, Benitez said: “I think Steven is clever enough to do that. If he needs to adapt then he will adapt because he is a player of quality who can play in different positions.”
Whilst Gerrard is thought to favour a central midfield role, he spent much of last season playing just behind Fernando Torres. However, that may now change with the arrival of Robbie Keane. Benitez confirmed as much by revealing: “If we play a 4-4-2 formation then Gerrard can play as a midfielder. If we play with Torres on his own up front, then Gerrard and Keane can play either side of him.”
Although the continual swapping of positions is unlikely to please Gerrard, his manager suggested it shouldn’t bother the player. He said: “I don't think that Steven will be frustrated by that.”
Benitez also went on to say that he believes Gerrard now understands the importance of flexibility for players and that he appreciates that this is something he needs to add to his game. Benitez revealed: “I was reading an interview recently about Gerrard's role in the England team and he is now very clear about his role in the football world - that you need to adapt, think about the team, and play in different positions when it is required.”
The arrival of Robbie Keane at the club will certainly bring Benitez more attacking options and should he sign Gareth Barry, this may also cause him to rethink his midfield formation.
Yet with the Barry deal yet to be concluded, the Liverpool manager was keen to reveal some of the many reasons why he had signed Robbie Keane and what he thought he could bring to the club.
“He can play in maybe four positions in the team. I see him as a player who understands the game and who will always work hard,” said Benitez before concluding, “Robbie has a good mentality - a winning mentality. As a manager, you look for these qualities in every signing you make, but I am sure that Keane is this type of player.”
The subject of the Liverpool skipper’s best position is one of much debate especially as Benitez played Gerrard in a number of different positions last season, a move which is unlikely to have impressed his skipper.
Yet despite this, the Liverpool manager has admitted that he will continue to play Gerrard where he thinks is best and that his captain must learn to adapt.
According to the Mirror, Benitez said: “I think Steven is clever enough to do that. If he needs to adapt then he will adapt because he is a player of quality who can play in different positions.”
Whilst Gerrard is thought to favour a central midfield role, he spent much of last season playing just behind Fernando Torres. However, that may now change with the arrival of Robbie Keane. Benitez confirmed as much by revealing: “If we play a 4-4-2 formation then Gerrard can play as a midfielder. If we play with Torres on his own up front, then Gerrard and Keane can play either side of him.”
Although the continual swapping of positions is unlikely to please Gerrard, his manager suggested it shouldn’t bother the player. He said: “I don't think that Steven will be frustrated by that.”
Benitez also went on to say that he believes Gerrard now understands the importance of flexibility for players and that he appreciates that this is something he needs to add to his game. Benitez revealed: “I was reading an interview recently about Gerrard's role in the England team and he is now very clear about his role in the football world - that you need to adapt, think about the team, and play in different positions when it is required.”
The arrival of Robbie Keane at the club will certainly bring Benitez more attacking options and should he sign Gareth Barry, this may also cause him to rethink his midfield formation.
Yet with the Barry deal yet to be concluded, the Liverpool manager was keen to reveal some of the many reasons why he had signed Robbie Keane and what he thought he could bring to the club.
“He can play in maybe four positions in the team. I see him as a player who understands the game and who will always work hard,” said Benitez before concluding, “Robbie has a good mentality - a winning mentality. As a manager, you look for these qualities in every signing you make, but I am sure that Keane is this type of player.”
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