The left-back area for Liverpool has been a problem for the club, with the Paul Konchesky, the club's last signature in the left full-back spot, suffering a horrendous first season, finishing the season on loan at Nottingham Forest. The return of Emiliano Insua from his loan spell with Galatasaray offers an alternative, however it is highly likely that Dalglish will want to bring a full back of his own. The club lost out on Gael Clichy with the Frenchman opting for Manchester City, and next in the pecking order is reportedly Jose Enrique at Newcastle United, who has frequently been linked with a move to the Merseyside club. The Spanish full back will slot in well at Liverpool. After taking a year to adjust to English football, Enrique had successive fine seasons with Newcastle, and if Dalglish secures the services of Enrique, it could bring an end to the clubs problematic area. Enrique probably won't be the only defender on Liverpool's radar, and despite Martin Skrtel impressing last year, the club will want to bring in another centre back with Daniel Agger and Sotris Kyrgiakos both linked with moves away from the club.
 |
| Enrique's fine form has attracted interest from Liverpool |
Liverpool are also in desperate need to sign a winger, with Maxi Rodriguez likely to leave the club to return to Argentina. Since Rafa Benitez the club has had many wingers come and go, Jermaine Pennant and Harry Kewell to name but two who haven't matched the hype surrounding their move. Dirk Kuyt over the last three seasons has often been deployed as a winger, moving from his favoured centre forward position to help the team. However despite the Dutchman's best efforts he isn't a winger. The club have moved their need for a winger to the top of their wanted list this summer, with Stewart Downing the most likely addition. Juan Mata, Jeffren, Aaron Lennon and Marc Albrighton have all been linked with the club, however a move for the former Middlesborough star is being lined up. After a bid of £15million rejected, it is expected that Liverpool will increase their bid, with Villa likely to accept an offer in the region of £20million.
Despite Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam being good additions, for me I don't feel the duo are better then the centre midfields they already have at the club. Henderson is a huge talent, however his tender age suggests his best years at the club will be in the future. The return of Steven Gerrard is a huge bonus, and despite now being in his 30's is still the best centre midfielder at the club. The much criticised Lucas Leiva had a fantastic season and was arguably the teams player of the year last year. And when you throw in Raul Meireles and the returning Alberto Aquilani, who when you can get on the pitch is a fantastic player, the club aren't short of centre midfielders, and with the double addition of Henderson and Adam, that means Liverpool have six centre midfielders all vying for a maximum three spots in the side.
Much will be expected from their £35million man Andy Carroll this season who struggled for fitness and form despite the clubs strong form towards the end of the season. One possible reason behind this was due to their lack of a winger at the club to supply crosses for the target man, added to the fact Steven Gerrard missed the final three months of the season, Liverpool didn't have a strong set piece taker to supply Carroll, who flourished under Joey Barton's ability behind a dead ball in the first half of the season. However with Gerrard set for a return and an addition on the wing immanent, Carroll should be able to regain his form that made him England's most expensive player.
Towards the end of the season Liverpool had a nice balance to them, and the question is can Dalglish's Liverpool replicate that form when the pressure is more intensified. For me there is no way Liverpool will compete with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea for the title, however I do feel they are only a couple additions away from a much need return to the Champions League.
 |
| King Kenny is likely to continue his spending spree |
No comments:
Post a Comment