Reina is very good on the ball. I think he was described by someone as good enough on the ball to be a midfielder in the Premiership. Now that was probably a bit hyperbolic, but he's very good on the ball. Agger is also good on the ball, much better than Skrtel for example.
Lucas is a bit more than win the ball and give it simple. His passing is more creative and effective than Parker for example.
Agree with nayim about Adam, clearly not good enough and another player Liverpool saved us from getting...
Players like Henderson and Downing might become quite a bit better under a system like the one Rodgers had at Swansea.
Have to say Ive never seen that in Reina, will look out for it. Always looked like you could pressure him into mistakes to me (good keeper, but wildly overrated IMHO)
Lucas was crap for years, it was only when he focused on being a DM his worth began to show. While he might be capable of more Id play him simple to start with for sure.
I think Henderson might improve, he showed so reasonable pass and move/late run ability at Sunderland, but Downing Im really not so sure. He doesnt exactly have a multi dimensional game does he? Always seems to me to be "run down the line, whip it in" which is certainly not a Rodgers wide man game.
I am grateful every day for Liverpool signing Adam lol.
To reiterate, Im not saying they are a bad side, (though I am saying they arent a good side!) rather that they have IMO a long way to travel to go from Kennys set up to Rodgers in full flow.
At this time we know the Liverpool fans have almost delusional expectations, it appears the club has closed the purse, and there is certainly a fair bit of work on the (quite bloated) squad to make it compliant with Rodgers style (presumably why he was appointed)
This, to me, seems like dangerous ground. Similar to AVB going into Chelsea and trying to make sweeping changes.
I always thought AVBs mistake was to try and change to much to quickly, that he should have stuck to more familiar/tested Chelsea tactics to establish his management and points on the board, and try to transition into his playing style incrementally. I thought this way he could have won Lampard / Terry / Drogba onside, used them, and then phased them out successfully.
I think similar with Rodgers now. If he shoe horns them into an incompatible formation it could spell disaster. If he compromises his ideal and puts out a solid team to get points he will have time to slowly turn them around to his way of playing.