The Kopite View

Moreno Is Not First Choice Left-Back

Liverpool had problems at both full-back positions last season and the addition of Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton is certainly an upgrade from Glen Johnson for the right-back berth, but many people believe that Alberto Moreno will be the man to fill the left-back berth.

I’m not so sure, for the amount of money spent on Moreno last summer, so far the money hasn’t been justified. The Spanish full-back has pace and started last season impressively but as the season progressed he looked vulnerable defensively and was guilty of defensive errors that led to opposition goals.

Moreno’s pace should also provide more for the Reds in the attacking third, but he offers very little despite getting into attacking areas as he regularly fails to find an end product.

Liverpool have signed Joe Gomez this summer and manager Brendan Rodgers has used the 18-year-old at left-back in the club’s recent tour and he has impressed.

Like Moreno he has pace but although it is only pre-season Gomez has been one of the stand-out players in Liverpool’s tour and his pace to get forward but also help defensively has caught the eye playing on the left side of defence.

Gomez has looked very comfortable in possession and used the ball well in attacking positions and although he hasn’t been playing against the strongest of opponents, early impressions of the youngster make him a serious candidate for the left-back spot.

I’d like to see Rodgers start Gomez against Stoke City instead of Moreno to see how he copes with the Premier League because I think he is good enough.

Encouraging Signs For Liverpool

After missing out on a top four place last season, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers can’t afford to miss out again or he will be looking for another job. The Reds’ boss has been busy in the transfer market again this summer and he will be hoping that his new recruits will do better.

The biggest problem for Liverpool last season was scoring goals and with the arrivals of Danny Ings, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi Liverpool have more striking options.

It remains to be seen if last season’s striking failures Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert will remain at the club for the new season, but if they do move on to pastures new Brendan Rodgers should still be happy with his striking options.

Daniel Sturridge should hopefully come back fitter next season and play a major role in Liverpool’s strikeforce too.

I think Rodgers will just play the one striker despite his striking options because he has so many attacking midfielders in his squad.

Rodgers has to fit players like new signing Firmino, Coutinho, Lallana, Ibe and Markovic into his eleven and he will be reluctant to play a front two.

The pressure is on Benteke to hit the ground running after his big money move to Anfield and Rodgers will be hoping he can find the back of the net regularly.

Clyne, Gomez and Milner have also looked good in pre-season after making the switch to Liverpool and although it is early days there is encouraging signs for Rodgers ahead of the new season.