Fernando has turned it around

[BoundedCascade]

Shock.

Play a player in a formation that he was bought for and he plays well.

Honestly, we did the same with Javi Garcia. Shoe horned him into a team that didn't fit. I am not saying that we build a team around Fernando but we need to stop buying players that are comfortable and suit one formation and never bloody using it!

Exactly my thoughts. Always a good player but just needs to be played in the formation and position he is used to. He has one true position I feel and he is great at it. We just need to keep this formation and he will be excellent.

 

[MCFC1993]

Simply superb today, the tactical change is benefitting him, hope he keeps it up. Him and Fernandinho in this formation are excellent at intercepting the ball and counter attacking.

 

[Neville Kneville]

Exactly my thoughts. Always a good player but just needs to be played in the formation and position he is used to. He has one true position I feel and he is great at it. We just need to keep this formation and he will be excellent.

Anything which translates to a 3 in midfield when we lose the ball, suits this squad imo. I recon 433 ish, would be better still.

 

[domalino]

Its all about putting the other Fern on the right. That tweak and whatever came with it has changed us defensively and Fernando a lot ! Great game

Yeah, he tried it with Delph on the left a few times and it didn't work, went to Fernandinho on the right and it's been sensational.

It brings out the best in everyone, and almost turns into a diamond with Fernando at the back, then Yaya and Fernandinho (because he does tuck in a lot) and silva at the top.

Everyone mentioned looks better in it.

I do think it makes us a bit open down the left because Fernandinho defends very narrowly and without Sagna playing out of his skin it might not work so well - hence (I think) why Pellegrini did the double substitution with Navas and Zaba on - you wouldn't want Zabaleta exposed so much.

Brilliant tactics, brilliant performances all round.

 

[J_Bow]

There is no reason to change this team till season's end. De Bruyne should only replace Silva, Sterling or Navas.

 

[almir]

yep, that sub was interesting one. not many managers would bring in two players at same side in same moment.

 

[hihosilva]

Motm for me. Really suprised when he was taken off. Totally bossed the midfield.

 

[kismet]

Before the Kiev match in the tunnel Joe was pumping up Fernando. Once he is in his correct position he is immense, also his height is an asset.

 

[Ric]

He's been excellent in these last two games. Seems to be growing in confidence and playing with a bit more freedom and, dare I say, adventure now.

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

His last two games had me thinking of Nige! He has been just what we wanted! Pellers seems to have got the set up sorted now he's effin off!

 

[Tricky_Trev]

There was one moment today where he played a one-two and then marauded through the middle. Ok, we lost the ball and suffered a counter attack, but still... it was amazing to see!!

 

[ayrshire_blue]

His last two games had me thinking of Nige! He has been just what we wanted! Pellers seems to have got the set up sorted now he's effin off!

You're not the only one. Today in particular was a massive resemblance to De Jong. Absolutely nothing was getting past him. I'd argue his distribution was actually more useful than NDJ's too at times.

 

[BenLlewellyn]

Hes been monumental the last two games, shows what a difference it makes when he's played in his best position. Starting to show the form we expected of him when he was bought.

 

[Blumers Bloomers]

Willy was the hero but Fernando was absolutely top drawer today, I was amazed when Pellegrini took him off

Same again Weds please

 

[cleavers]

I think he's been very good all season, and ended last season well too, he was poor at Chelsea last week, but that has been the exception to the rule for me, and it was in quite different circumstances. I was disappointed when he was subbed today, and worried it might cost us the trophy.

 

[Ric]

Willy was the hero but Fernando was absolutely top drawer today, I was amazed when Pellegrini took him off

Same again Weds please

I think the main reason was that he was on a yellow, and Fernandinho and Toure are more offensive players. Pellegrini wanted to go for the win, but ironically Fernando's substitution resulted in Liverpool growing in stature.

 

[BigOscar]

I think the main reason was that he was on a yellow, and Fernandinho and Toure are more offensive players. Pellegrini wanted to go for the win, but ironically Fernando's substitution resulted in Liverpool growing in stature.

I imagine he was fucking knackered as well to be honest, having been the only one to have played all 3 games this week and still being the one who does the running in the midfield

 

[Armaan]

I'm starting to really like him.

 

[stony]

Simply superb today, the tactical change is benefitting him, hope he keeps it up. Him and Fernandinho in this formation are excellent at intercepting the ball and counter attacking.

He was good today but I don't think he came anywhere near his performance against Kiev. He was simply outstanding that day, winning almost every tackle and intercepting any pass in his vicinity.
I'd love to see the same line up against them in 3 days(but Joe for Willy) but Fernando played against Chelsea, then Kiev, and now in the final. I thought he lacked the same energy levels today that he showed against Kiev, so fuck knows what he'll be like in 3 days time.

 

[cleavers]

I think the main reason was that he was on a yellow, and Fernandinho and Toure are more offensive players. Pellegrini wanted to go for the win, but ironically Fernando's substitution resulted in Liverpool growing in stature.

I didn't think they did, I thought they spent most of extra time just hoping for penalties, I didn't think they were trying to beat us, and they'd won twice on penalties already, just getting to the final. I thought they were poor from start to finish today, and didn't seem to have any real plan, and if penalties was the plan, you'd think they might have practised them, as they were abject at them.

We thoroughly deserved our win for me, penalties or not.