Barnes may take Vardy’s place upon his Leicester return

Playing Barnes in midfield

Before and during the January transfer window, Rodgers was lamenting his lack of attacking style midfielders with the injuries to Dennis Praet, James Maddison and even Ayoze Perez at a time. This was a dire time for creating chances on goal.

Though this is not Barnes’ natural position on the pitch, or where he is even best used, but he has played there before, and would remain an expressive and pacey option to penetrate defences.

My best illustration of what he would play like – if fit – would be early season Dennis Praet. While Maddison was injured, Praet was a great stand-in providing penetration and progressive passing which would have been lacking otherwise.

Barnes would play this role as well, though would probably try to push into the inside forward position on the left since he has played there so much, which could be a little problematic or extremely useful.

This would retain Leicester’s current formation, though would create an overload of suitable players for attacking midfield. It could also lead to a 4-1-4-1 formation, though that would also require dropping Vardy.

Having the creativity and pace of both Barnes and Vardy at the same time would certainly create plenty of opportunities for Seniorman Kels. It is also worth noting that I have not been too impressed with the return of ‘Madders’ yet, so this would make sense if Maddison continues as is.

Going to an asymmetric front three

A third option would be to retain Vardy and Iheanacho, but push Barnes up fron alongside them. This would force us into either the 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 formation, losing either a centre back or midfielder.

In so doing, Vardy and Barnes can operate in the wide forward roles, using their pace and creativity to penetrate defences and construct opportunities for the positionally excellent ‘Nacho’.

This would also make defending against Leicester City more difficult, with the Foxes dynamism and pace causing problems for every defender, pulling players out of position and creating space.

The only problem beyond losing a player elsewhere on the pitch would be how massive a change to the way we play this really would be. Understanding your role, the system, and the role of other players is incredibly important for players to stay in tune with one another when passing.

We have seen what breaking up and changing systems so dramatically has done to Liverpool. We cannot have that happen to us.

However, this is the most likely option should Brendan Rodgers seek to reincorporate Barnes into the squad. I would also think it more likely that he will break up the back three than lose the option of Maddison in midfield. All of our highest contributing players in one team.