Rodgers plans to rest Sterling & Allen

By EddieC, Mon 17/12/12 at 18:34

Brendan Rodgers is planning to give midfielders Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen a rest after acknowledging that fatigue played a part in the defeat by Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday.

Sterling has earned rave reviews since breaking into the Liverpool first team but the winger is still only 18, and has featured in the majority of the Reds' games this season.

Speaking to the official site, Rodgers said: "There is no doubt Raheem is one who does need that breather.

"I've thought about it over the past couple of weeks. In order to do that you need to have that depth to take him out and put somebody else in.

"That's something I'm thinking about - who to put in. He's a naturally very, very fit boy but he needs that mental rest as well.

"For the kid, it's about efficiency as well. Tactically he's still very young. That time will come and he will get the breather soon enough."

Joe Allen is another who has featured heavily for the Reds this season, despite the 22-year-old still getting accustomed to life at Anfield following his move from Swansea in the summer.

"There is no doubt, after working with Joe and seeing him, he's another one." said Rodgers.

"If we're honest, there are a few who could do with that breather, especially mentally. It's something for sure I need to have a wee look at."

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jcallen29
Mon 17/12/12 at 18:49

Surely now is the time to give assaidi a few games. He's looked dangerous every time I've seen him play. Henderson can deputise for allen.

Olivavu
Mon 17/12/12 at 19:15

They both bloody need it.

KK73
Tue 18/12/12 at 02:20

I think with Allen there are options of Henderson and Sahin with Sterling its different. I think we should just substitute him more until January. Or put him on the bench instead of giving a complete rest until someone comes in.

jcallen29
Tue 18/12/12 at 07:26

I think sterling would be good from the bench for a while bringing a new energy to the team late on if we need.

robbieGod23/9
Tue 18/12/12 at 08:45

Not sure Rodgers rates Assaidi, he just hasn't featured when he has looked lively in the Europa league games.. Playing Downing and Cole in front of him when you would think both have little future.
Sterling could do with a break though, I'd imagine if we get some business done early in the window then he will get a break... I wouldn't be surprised to see him benched against Fulham though, possibly Suso coming in.
Allen doesn't look tired to me, he is not someone who gets hold of the game by the scruff of the neck, is just tidy, I think when we are winning his work will be praised but when we aren't he looks to be doing little to inspire us.. He doesn't seem to move the ball forward quick enough, keeps the ball nicely but it tends to be sideways and allows the opposition to get back. We need better movement in front of him though.

Henderson or Shelvey could have a run in there, both tend to look
Forward quicker.. Currently the midfield balance isn't working overall though..

Sahin can go back to Madrid now for me... Has ability but his heart isn't in it (like the majority of loan players)

ArtonSG8
Tue 18/12/12 at 17:28

It was the time.

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