Brendan Rodgers has changed his squad formation and shape numerous times in the last couple of seasons, but he's finally found his most effective formation, and at the centre of it, a diamond midfield. With numerous midfield options, It's no surprise Rodgers has decided on playing four each game. But the diamond shape isn't used very often, but despite this, Rodgers has taken a liking to it.

With one man sitting deeper as a defensive midfielder, it offers support to the back four. In Liverpool's case, it is a fairly average back four that the DM has to support. This means a powerful, ever-present player is needed there, such as Steven Gerrard. Sitting deeper than he's used to, Gerrard took some time to adapt to the defensive mid position. However, since he has adapted, he's been a real rock for Liverpool to rely on. With crucial tackles, defence splitting passes and the leadership of a legend, Gerrard has aided the diamond an awful lot this year.

Sitting a little further forward is the two centre midfielders, each out a little wider, allowing the defensive midfielder space to move forward if he wishes to, but it also helps keep the pitch covered when on the defensive. Rodgers has preferred playing the british pair of Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen in this role, with the two linking up well together. Both can add an extra man on the attack (although Allen showed he shouldn't be shooting earlier this season) and help out in defence. This adds great depth to the squad as both players run their legs off throughout the course of the 90 minutes.

The furthest man forward in this midfield is the attacking midfielder. This role is usually taken by Philippe Coutinho, although homegrown star Raheem Sterling has recently pu tin some performances in this position. The attacking midfielder has to be there to support the front two (which is most commonly Suarez and Sturridge) but also be the first line of defence to regain possession when it's lost by the attackers. In addition, he has to cover for the centre midfielders when they are caught out of position if they were helping the attack.

When you put all of these components together, you get one fantastic midfield, and Rodgers has showcased that with his Liverpool squad this season. Flying high in the Premier League, Liverpool's success has been largely down to the midfields domination during matches, big or small.

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