Testing period

October marked 10 years as Liverpool captain for Steven Gerrard. His debut came five years prior to that.

The trio of Allen, Lucas and Henderson in particular are well suited to an intensive pressing game and whilst it is something that Liverpool have started to re-introduce in the past couple of games, it is possible that the added energy in midfield could see its effectiveness increase. The statistics certainly back-up the notion that the midfield may be a better unit out of possession than with Gerrard in the side. Allen, Lucas and Henderson all put in challenges more often that Gerrard whilst the former two also recover the ball on a more regular basis. The down side comes with the fact that Lucas commits a foul on average every 37.51 minutes in comparison to Gerrard's every 85.93 minutes. This can be put down to the Brazilian going in for tackles on a far more regular basis but equally it could be argued that there are times when jockeying the opponent may be the better option rather than risk committing a foul, as he is prone to do. In most aspects though, Liverpool look set to become a more cohesive unit defensively in the middle of the pitch. When in possession though, it is a very different story. Whilst both have had to play in the more defensive role of the deeper midfielders, Lucas and Allen's chance creation from open play doesn't come close to Gerrard's. Add in the chances Gerrard has created with his excellent set piece delivery and the loss to Liverpool is even greater. One positive though comes from Henderson who, in his more advanced role, has actually created chances more frequently than his captain. His range of passing is another thing that Liverpool will miss. Gerrard's ability to switch the play with one swift swing of his right boot is something the other midfielders at Rodgers disposal simply cannot do with the same consistent accuracy. Allen and Lucas, most would assume, also carry less of a goal threat than Gerrard. As a threat, few would argue but in terms of actual numbers from open play, none of them have actually found the net. Gerrard has scored three times, twice from the penalty spot and one free-kick but as with the men expected to replace him, zero from open play. The deeper role he now plays partially explains this but what Liverpool will surely require when Gerrard does retire is a goal-scoring midfielder. Over the years the midfielder has always chipped in with goals and having a player who can fulfil that role once he's gone is crucial for the Merseysiders. The lack of goals within the Liverpool midfield is evidently something of a worry for Rodgers, his attempts to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the summer prove as much. The Armenian struck over 20 goals from midfield for Shakhtar Donetsk last season and would have provided much needed goals to a midfield sorely lacking them. As it was, the lure of Champions League football with Borussia Dortmund saw him opt for Germany over England, highlighting something that will be key if Liverpool are to find a replacement of the necessary quality when Gerrard does call it a day. Of course, any like for like replacements of similar quality will be hard to find. Indeed, if such a player does exist, without Champions League football the chances of Liverpool persuading them to come to Anfield over the likes of the Allianz Arena, the Camp Nou or even White Hart Lane would be extremely slim. More likely is that Rodgers and Liverpool will look to bring in a player more naturally suited to playing in the way which the Ulsterman favours. Arguably Liverpool already possess such players to fulfil the more attacking role. Coutinho for one, as well as youngsters Luis Alberto and Suso, currently on loan at Almeria, look to fit the bill and providing they can develop as Liverpool hope, they could save the club from having to spend big. What is for sure though is that both in the next few weeks and in future, they will struggle to find a player as influential as Gerrard capable of inspiring his team-mates and intimidating opponents in equal measure.