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Encouraging Signs For Liverpool

26 Jul

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.

 

Supporters Are Right To Be Excited About New Signing

30 Jun

Supporters Are Right To Be Excited About New Signing

 

On Wednesday morning Liverpool officially announced the imminent arrival of Brazilian Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim for a fee that could make the player Liverpool’s second-most expensive buy at over £28million.

The deal has excited the majority of the Liverpool support despite not many knowing too much about the Brazilian. But the fans are right to be positive about Liverpool’s big money signing after nothing up 49 goals in 153 games for Hoffenheim.

Firmino has already become a regular in Brazil’s national team and his pace and impressive dribbling ability combined with his ability to score goals from midfield will be an added bonus in a midfield that has struggled for goals in recent seasons.

The Brazilian has created more chances from open play than any other player in the Bundesliga and his ability to create chances will make Liverpool an attacking force alongside fellow Brazilian Coutinho.

Having watched video footage of Firmino I can’t help but be impressed with what I’ve seen with his ability to beat a defender and his eye for a defence-splitting pass, never mind his finishing.

Firmino is also not scared of a tackle and looks strong in the air and without putting too much pressure on the youngster, he reminds me of a certain Zinedine Zidane, and if he’s half as good as the great French Legend then Liverpool have signed a gem.

 

Clyne Can Sort Out Liverpool’s Right-Back Problems

29 Jun

Clyne Can Sort Out Liverpool’s Right-Back Problems

 

The news that Southampton have accepted Liverpool’s offer of £12.5million for Nathaniel Clyne will be very pleasing for manager Brendan Rodgers who has found the right-back position a problem area for most of last season.

Southampton’s England international defender has been granted permission to discuss personal and expected to sign for the Reds subject to passing a medical when he returns form his holiday next week.

Rodgers tried many different players last season to fill the right-back berth, the Reds boss tried Lazar Markovic, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe on the right after deciding loan player Manquillo wasn’t up to the demands of the Premier League, Emre Can was also played out of position on the right side of defence and hopefully he will now be used more in his more natural position in central midfield.

Long-term right-back Glen Johnson’s form has been poor the last couple of seasons and Rodgers probably knew for a while that the England international would be leaving in the summer after a breakdown in contract talks.

Clyne has been one of Southampton’s stand-out performers last season and his pace and energy to get forward but also defend will improve Liverpool’s right side of defence.

Clyne is a big improvement on Johnson and Liverpool supporters will be pleased to see the club sign a player that should rectify a problem position, instead of just signing a player to make up the numbers.

 

 

 

Skrtel Ban Would Be A Huge Blow To Liverpool

24 Mar

Skrtel Ban Would Be A Huge Blow To Liverpool

 

Liverpool are counting the cost of a disastrous defeat to Manchester United, not only did they lose ground on their rivals who have opened up a five point gap, but a three game ban for Steven Gerrard after his stamp on Ander Herrera is a big enough problem but Liverpool’s manager Brendan Rodgers’ woes have been added by the news that the FA have decided to charge Martin Skrtel for an alleged stamp on United keeper David De Gea at the end of the match which could result in the defender also being banned for three games.

 

Injuries to Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge have led to the players pulling out of the England squad for the upcoming internationals and Simon Mignolet is to get a scan on an injury too as Rodgers problems mount.

 

Out of all the problems caused by the United defeat, Skrtel’s suspension will hit Liverpool hardest. The Slovakian defender has been Liverpool’s best defender and his ban will be a serious blow to the Reds’ chances of finishing in the top four and progressing in the FA Cup.

 

Skrtel has been charged by the FA because referee Martin Atkinson did not witness the incident, because his view was obscured, if so, his inability to keep up with play should be questioned.

 

Atkinson could also have consulted his fellow officials, but the referee has taken the easy option by saying he did not witness the incident.

 

The stamping incident is similar to the one Skrtel received from Diego Costa in the Capital One Cup Semi-Final second-leg a few weeks ago, yet Costa escaped punishment for that incident despite receiving a three game ban for an earlier stamp on Emre Can in the same game.

 

The FA have proved once again that are not consistent and not for the first time in recent years, quick to punish Liverpool.

Why Rodgers Couldn’t Take Gerrard Off

8 Feb

Why Rodgers Couldn’t Take Gerrard Off

 

The 224th Merseyside derby won’t be remembered as one of the classic encounters between the Blues and the Reds but it will be remembered as Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard’s last appearance in the derby.

 

Liverpool were hoping to continue their fine recent form against their city rivals but they left Goodison frustrated with a 0-0 draw and only a single point as reward for their efforts.

 

Roberto Martinez set his team out to frustrate Liverpool with defensive attitude that showed tremendous respect to Brendan Rodgers’ attacking flair.

 

Ultimately Martinez won the tactical duel but spoiled the party as a spectacle.

 

The surprise team selection was Jordan Ibe, making only his second senior start for the Reds and he was arguably the best player on the park capped by a stunning effort that came closest to breaking the deadlock but deprived by the Everton post.

 

Many Liverpool supporters criticised Gerrard playing the full 90 minutes but how could Rodgers take him off playing his last derby.

 

Gerrard didn’t have a great game with his midweek efforts against Bolton taking their toll on his ageing legs but Rodgers had to start his captain in such a game.

 

Gerrard has been the man for the big occasion so many times in the past for Liverpool and in his last derby it was possible he could have been the man again.

 

As the game passed by Gerrard wasn’t given any room by Everton’s defence but he almost turned the game in a flash with a spectacular volley that was deflected over the bar by the head of Naismith.

 

Rodgers didn’t keep Gerrard on for the 90 minutes on sentiment he kept him on because he still has the ability to win a game.

 

It just wasn’t to be.

Gerrard Answers Critics

3 Dec

Gerrard Answers Critics

 

Steven Gerrard produced another man of the match performance to help earn Liverpool back to back wins in the space of four days. The Reds’ Captain was left out at the weekend as manager Brendan Rodgers stated that Liverpool’s talisman can’t play every game nowadays at his age.

 

With Gerrard’s future still unclear regarding the offer of a new contract by Liverpool and other options available, many people think he could leave the club that he loves so much.

 

It is a difficult situation for Rodgers to deal with Gerrard in his twilight and it is the correct and brave decision to rest him and he reaped the benefits with his Captain’s performance against Leicester.

 

Gerrard was superb playing in a free role that allowed him to push further forward with Lucas in the team and his influence in attack caused the hosts so many problems and his goal, Liverpool’s second gave the visitors the lead that they never looked like losing.

 

If Rodgers continues to rest Gerrard for certain games then he can use him in the more demanding role playing higher up the park but with the games coming thick and fast he has a job on his hands regarding what games to rest him.

 

I think Gerrard will finish his career at the club he loves but a lot will depend on how involved he will be in the team in the future, but I think Gerrard in typical style made a statement against Leicester that he is far from finished.

 

 

 

Glen Johnson Silenced His Critics With Brave Goal

1 Dec

Glen Johnson Silenced His Critics With Brave Goal

 

Liverpool finally won a game at the weekend against Stoke City at Anfield, the win was the Reds first in over a month and the winning goal came from an unlikely source, Glen Johnson.

 

The England defender put his body on the line with an extremely brave headed goal which resulted in a bloodied head for the right-back as he reacted quickest to Lambert’s header rebounding off the crossbar.

 

Johnson has been severely criticised this season and most of last season for his lacklustre performances and he has been a target for most Liverpool supporters.

 

The speculation regarding Johnson’s future has not helped matters with his current contract running out next summer and Liverpool only offering a less valuable contract extension that the player is understandably unhappy with.

 

But regardless of Johnson’s future, Brendan Rodgers has continued to play the former Chelsea defender despite his poor performances that have bordered on Johnson looking like he can’t be bothered.

 

So the commitment from Johnson to go in where it hurts in the final few minutes of Saturday’s game was totally out of character from what we’ve seen and surprised many, but what a valuable goal it could turn out to be in the context of the rest of the season and maybe now we will see more commitment on a regular basis from Johnson if he wants an improved offer of a new contract by Liverpool.

 

Ignoring Striking Problem Coming Back To Haunt Liverpool

19 Nov

Ignoring Striking Problem Coming Back To Haunt Liverpool

 

Liverpool supporters were looking forward to another exciting season after manager Brendan Rodgers transformed the Reds last season into the most exciting team to watch in the Premiership, but more importantly into title challengers again.

 

Ultimately Rodgers’ men fell at the final hurdle in the race for the Premiership after being pipped by Manchester City, but the transformation in such a short space of time was quite remarkable from the season before that resulted in Liverpool failing to qualify for European competition.

 

Expectation levels have been raised after last season’s heroics and the return of Champions League nights at Anfield has also been a welcome return for Reds’ supporters.

 

Supporters were also buoyed by the amount of money spent in the summer as Rodgers strengthened his squad despite the loss of Luis Suarez.

 

But although Rodgers added strikers Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli to his squad, they have not come close to replacing Suarez.

 

Rodgers still has the other half of the famous S.A.S. strikeforce in Daniel Sturridge but he has been unavailable for most of the season through injury and the news that he could be out until Christmas is a hammer blow as the Reds boss sees his team struggle for goals.

 

It was a big mistake by Liverpool to rely on Sturridge with his already poor injury record and they had to buy a top class striker in the summer to provide an attacking threat after losing such a great player like Suarez.

 

Rumours circulated during the summer that Liverpool were after Sanchez, Falcao, Cavani, Reus, Remy but in the end they only signed Lambert and Balotelli, whom not many clubs would touch with a barge pole in a massive gamble that so far looks like being a massive failure.

 

Rodgers has to try and keep Liverpool in the hunt in the league until January and then spend big on a striker or last season will count for nothing and the Liverpool boss will be lucky to keep his job.

Reds’ Summer Signings Report Card

17 Nov

Reds’ Summer Signings Report Card

 

Liverpool spent well over £100 million in the summer as Brendan Rodgers tried to strengthen his squad to take his team to the next level, but things haven’t worked out as well as planned.

 

Here’s my analysis of Rodgers’ signings so far –

 

Alberto Moreno – The Spanish left-back has probably settled in the best at Anfield out of Rodgers’ summer signings and has become a regular in Liverpool’s defence. Moreno likes to bomb forward and his pace helps him out defensively as well. Looks like a good signing and will improve with age and games.

7/10

 

Mario Balotelli – I think the controversial striker was a panic buy by Rodgers and so far the gamble hasn’t paid off. But in fairness to the Italian international, Rodgers insistence in playing Balotelli is a lone-striker is not helping his cause and maybe Daniel Sturridge’s return from injury could be just what he needs. The jury is still out on Balotelli.

 

4/10

 

Adam Lallana – Rodgers spent £25 million on the Southampton captain but injury in pre-season hasn’t helped his cause as he settles into life at Anfield. Lallana is a very talented player but at the moment it looks like Rodgers is unsure of how to get the best out of him. There is a lot more to come from Lallana and he will prove to be a good signing.

 

6/10

 

Dejan Lovren – Is possibly the most disappointing of Rodgers’ signings as he tries to justify his huge transfer fee by playing him regularly in Liverpool’s defence. He needs to turn things around quickly or Rodgers will run out of patience.

 

2/10

 

Emre Can – Like Lallana injuries have set him back but in recent weeks he has shown what he will bring to the team. Looks to be a promising signing and will add strength and power to Liverpool’s midfield that has been lacking in recent years.

 

6/10

 

Rickie Lambert – A strange signing by Rodgers but even stranger why the Reds’ boss doesn’t give the big striker a chance. Doesn’t suit Rodgers’ style of play, looks to be a waste of money.

 

2/10

 

Javier Manquillo – On loan at the moment but featured regularly in the right-back berth due to Johnson and Flanagan’s injuries but his industrious performances have warranted a regular place in the team and supporters have appreciated his efforts. His move to Anfield could become permanent if he keeps up his form.

 

7/10

 

Lazar Markovic – Rodgers paid a lot of money for the youngster with a big reputation, but so far looks to be waste of money other than a few glimpses against Real Madrid the other week. Markovic Needs to start proving his worth.

 

2/10

 

Positives For Liverpool After Real Madrid Defeat

6 Nov

Positives For Liverpool After Real Madrid Defeat

 

Liverpool lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League again, but Brendan Rodgers’ much criticised team selection could provide a few positives for Liverpool in the future. The Reds’ boss decided to rest a number of first team regulars for the clash with the Champions League holders, and many supporters feared an embarrassing defeat, but the makeshift team produced a hard-working, disciplined performance that filled most supporters with pride with their gutsy effort.

 

Rodgers obviously showed a lot of faith in his fringe players by selecting them for such a tough game and although I didn’t agree with his team selection, he can take many positives from the performance.

 

Kolo Toure has struggled during many of his appearances for the Reds with some high profile mistakes, but the experienced defender showed what he is capable with a commanding game at the centre of Liverpool’s defence and his organisational skills were impressive as he constantly barked the orders to keep his defence tight. Toure deserves to keep his place in the team after this performance.

 

Lucas is another player that has struggled to feature this season and injuries looked to have taken their toll on the Brazilian midfielder, but his display in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield proves that he is still an important player and he is the best defensive midfielder at the club.

 

Two other player that are worth a mention are Emre Can and Lazar Markovic, the pair have suffered injury problems since arriving at Anfield and have struggled to show what they are capable of, but against Madrid Can produced a strong performance in midfield and Markovic made some penetrating runs with pace and confidence that impressed and the two players must have impressed their manager.

 

It is encouraging to take so many positives from players performances in a defeat and Brendan Rodgers must have learned a lot from a few players.

 

 

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