Should Luis Suarez really spearhead Liverpool’s attack?

In the first couple of games of the Rodgers' Liverpool era we have witnessed the best and worst of Luis Suarez. Great playmaking, terrible finishing. So is Suarez best utilized in the centre of the Liverpool attack?

After the first 90 minutes of the new Premier League season we were again witness to classic Luis Suarez. Some absolutely delightful chances created and some horrendous finishing.

The game against West Brom saw a consistent Liverpool line-up announced; in that Rodgers opted to deploy the Uruguay international as the spearhead of attack, as he did in the Europa League qualifiers against Gomel.

But is that where he is best suited?

For his national team he plays more on the wings, with his trademark terrier-style harassment of defenders. While Edinson Cavani enjoys the centre of the Uruguay’s attack, with Suarez lending support on the wings. And it seems to be quite effective - they are ranked fourth in the world by Fifa (I know that doesn’t mean much) but they have a very good team.

While at Ajax he was also tasked with more wing duty, but finding himself roaming all over, creating chances, and isn’t that what he is best at? We have seen him long enough in the Premier League to know that he is not a clinical finisher. Creating is clearly his strongest aspect of his game.

Suarez played well against Gomel in the Europa League qualifier … and all that was missing from his performance was a goal, but how many times has that been said?

In the league opener against West Brom, he continued harassing the opposing defenders - able to win back possession multiple times - while he was also able to work himself into good areas, but his finishing let him down. His skied header from five yards out is just a microcosm of his finishing at times. He ghosted in behind the defence, in great position, and was on the end of a Glen Johnson cross, only to miss.

His conversation rate for the last year has been disappointing. He has quality, and that is undeniable. But surely he would excel on either wing for Rodgers.

While Rodgers’ choice to have Suarez in the middle means Liverpool’s new signing, Borini, is pushed out to the wing. And although that is where he played for Roma last season - and had a very good year - he was exceptional through the centre the last time he worked with Rodgers, scoring six goals in nine appearances with Swansea.

Creating chances is not the strongest aspect of Borini’s game; his passing must still be improved, but Borini also possesses the extreme work rate of Suarez, but he is the much better finisher.

It may still be early for Rodgers at Liverpool, but he seems to not be using his players to maximize their potential. If Rodgers doesn’t adjust and continues with Suarez as the spearhead, then the Uruguayan needs to quickly find his shooting boots if this season is going to be any better for Liverpool.

Article by Dave Disciascio

Calling all Liverpool fans: How do you think Liverpool should line up in attack? Suarez through the middle or on the wing?...with Joe Cole out to sea? (Hopefully). Leave a comment, and let us know what you think.