Liverpool recently changed their formation to a 4-3-3 from the 3-5-2 formation that has been so successful for the club since the start of the season. However, even with this change in formation, they managed to get a comfortable 4-0 win over relegation threatened Fulham just before the international break. One of the conspicuous absentees from the match was Kolo Toure, who had been replaced by Daniel Agger. The former Manchester City and Arsenal defender has been one of the best players for Liverpool since moving to Anfield on a free transfer in the summer.
Toure was entirely left out of the squad, which prompted speculation that he had fell out with manager Brendan Rodgers. The former Swansea manager, though, has rejected such speculation by insisting that he dropped the 31-year-old only because he felt the need for a change in order to give games for the squad. The Ivory Coast international has been an ever present for Liverpool this season. Due to the fact that the club do not have European matches this season, Rodgers does not have enough matches to rotate his team.
“I just decided to change it. I have said to the players that between now and January we have one game a week. The players are working very well and very hard on a daily basis but I need to give oxygen to some players, so they can see a light at the end of the tunnel. It is important that I use the players well. Kolo has been sensational since he has been in but Daniel Agger is a top player. I just need to balance the team out when I can,” said Rodgers.
He felt the need to give some game time to other players in order to keep them happy and motivated. He has also promised to keep making such changes until January.