So the season has 8 games apiece to go and to be realistic Liverpool have no chance of achieving anything this season. Even the most optimistic of fans will think that the absolute best they can do it 5th and that would mean a bad run for either Spurs or Man City. If we cast our eyes to next season that is a whole other story. But let’s take a look at this Liverpool still have to entertain Man City and Spurs at Anfield, more so Spurs still need to play Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City. While looking at the league table Liverpool sit on 45points 8 points behind Man City on 53 in 4th. If results go their way there is still a slit chance that Spurs and Man City could miss out to a surprise come back from a Liverpool side that have taken 20 points from their last 30. Ok so it is very optimistic and it will probably not be enough, but wouldn’t it be great if a team everyone had written off so early, and there was talk of a relegation battle, pulled it off.
Even if they only finish 5th or 6th they will still see European football next year, and in my view there are even bigger hopes. My ideal Liverpool side would line up as so…
Reina
Johnson Skrtel Carragher Agger
Kuyt Gerrard Lucas Meireles
Suarez Carroll
So that is how I would have them line up and to be honest that is a good side. Their keeper is in my opinion one of the best in the world, attack just by looking at the two forwards and one has to say, that is a good looking front two. The midfield is also solid, with Kuyt the ever hard worker and often that brings that BMT that Liverpool require. Gerrard well not much is needed here for the Reds Skipper, he is known for his love for Liverpool and can change a game single handedly. Lucas, hated by many, but even his most critical fans have to admit the man is getting better. As for Meireles he had a shocking start to his Liverpool career, but ever since King Kenny has taken the reigns, he has come into great form not to mention some cracking goals being scored.
The Defence is the only thing that needs work, Carragher I would keep, and since a strong fast centre back to partner up with him, with this as well as securing the signing of Charlie Adam, just think of the difference the new season would bring. If they would just send players such as Maxi and Kyrgiakos on their way and bring in these new players, then I could see the Reds mount a challenge in the new season.
But we will see how they do in the remainder of this season and if they can indeed restore pride to a poor season.
De Andrade
Kenny has brought a belief to the club. They look like on their day they could beat anyone. They completely out played Man United at anfield a couple weeks back. The problem is that they only have "their" day every few weeks against the bigger teams like United and Chelsea otherwise they have not excited me.
ReplyDeleteDont get me wrong, they are definately on the up, and could well challenge for trophies next year but they have to strengthen.
Their Keeper is world Class but will they keep him if they dont make Europa Cup or that very unlikely 4th spot?
I agree, Their defence is no where near good enough to challenge. The need another very good experienced defender to player with Carra. Skrtel and Agger dont seem consistent enough. They have Insua coming back, i always thought he could become decent. I was surprised Hodgson let him go on loan. Maybe a Merterzacker or the big Italian Chailini to play with Carra.
The way to a succesful future is to develop your youth and experience together so that traditions of the club are passed down to the youth coming through. You forgot about Martin Kelly. In my opinion has been their player of the season. He has been consistantly good, even forcing the England right back to play on the left.
Liverpool need to sign wide players because they are struggling out wide. Not just wingers, but another left back is vital. Kuyt is there to stay and stakes his claim every week, so its difficult to replace a player that runs a marathon every game, so its a left winger they need.
With what they have now, i would change the formation to a 4-3-3.
Reina
Kelly Carra Skrtel Johnson/Insua
Lucas
Garrard Meireles/Aquilani
Kuyt Suarez
Carroll
It really is not a bad team, and the signings of Suarez and Carroll gives them more options than lazy Torres.
If they are going to compete for trophies they need to sign depth. I am sure Kenny will buy a left back, a centre back, wide players and another Striker. Another 50-100mill.
They need to get rid of drift wood like Maxi, Konchesky, jovanovic, Ngog , Poulsen, Aurelio (not a bad player when he is fit, but NEVER plays because of injury. He is just as bad as Hargreaves), Kyrgiakos. 6 weeks ago I would of listed Lucas as No.1 out the door, but to be fair to the guy, he has done a lot better since he does not pass the half way line. I am not sure he is the guy that will be in my championship winning team, but the brazilian boss also rates him, so maybe he will come good yet.
I am sure Kenny will do that, and start pushing youth through like Shelvey, Spearing (average, but is local lad and born and bread scouser. I believe in keeping your local talent for the fans and for the credibility of the club),Kelly, Insua and Danny Wilson. Those youngsters could be the future of the club. Bar Insua, they are all British.
I did not mention Joe Cole because i believe he will come good.
Then there is Aquilani. I thought he was looking good when Rafa chose to loan him out.
Very Importantly, who will manage the club. The club need a plan...Kenny has done a great Job. He has turned the teams results around. he has also started using his youth system and he has brought a good atmosphere back with the players... Presumably he does well next year, i am sure the fans will want him to continue. But if he doesnt, who takes over from a liverpool fan's favourite and legend?
They need to sign him on a 5 year deal, and allow him to continue developing the club's youngsers and let them grow together. If he doesnt, his team could well be broken up, and then the squad is back to square one. The owners do look like they are willing to back him in the transfer market and strengthen the squad. That will obviously define whether they challenge next season or not.