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Liverpool player and signings review, by Red Rum
Below is a brief analysis of each player currently in the senior squad including the new signings. I have written a small piece on each individual player giving a short description of who they are and where they are in terms of their futures at Liverpool. I hope you find it interesting.
Pepe Reina - 14 clean sheets in 31 premier league games last season is an improvement on Reina's previous season's tally (12), but he is still yet to reach the highs of 20 league clean sheets as he achieved in the '08/'09 season and 17 in the '09/'10 season.
However, he finished last season level with Petr Cech on league clean sheets having played 5 less games and only 4 behind Joe Hart having played 7 less games.
A temporary dip in form in the first half of last season cast a few doubts over the ability of Pepe Reina, but he regained his form in the second half and finished the season looking to be back at his best.
The addition of Simon Mignolet to the squad will ensure that Reina does not become complacent should he remain at the club.
Simon Mignolet - 11 league clean sheets for a struggling team that finished 17th is a great achievement for the Belgium International. That is 1 more clean sheet than Tim Howard who's team finished 6th.
Mignolet managed to save 72% of shots on target last season to Reina's 67% having faced 98 more shots than Reina. He is an excellent stopper and will want to impress in order to book his place in the world cup next year. Reina too will be looking to impress come the world cup.
This is a very good move by Brendan Rodgers to ensure that there is healthy competition in this department.
Brad Jones - Featuring only 7 times for Liverpool in the league last season and with the arrival of Simon Mignolet, I would suspect he will be deemed surplus to requirements. However, should Pepe Reina depart he may still have a future at Liverpool. Only time will tell where his future will be.
Danny Ward - The Wales U21 International could find himself 3rd choice goalkeeper for Liverpool depending on the futures of Pepe Reina and Brad Jones. At 20 years old he is a very talented young player. He has featured for his country at U17 and U19 level, but has yet to feature for Liverpool at senior level.
Glen Johnson - The England International who is first choice for club and country is one of the most experienced players at the club. Known more for his attacking qualities rather than his defensive ability Johnson will need to ensure that he is on top form next season as the right back position is one of the strongest in terms of depth.
Martin Kelly - After an injury hit season Martin Kelly will be desperate to get his career back on track. His versatility means he is adequate cover for either right back or centre back. He is dominant in the air, he has pace and power and with the centre back positions being the least occupied in terms of quantity of players, Kelly has the opportunity to show Brendan Rodgers that he is ready to make this position his own.
Andre Wisdom - The England U21 international looked very promising last season. Appearing 12 times for Liverpool Wisdom stepped up in Martin Kelly's absence to good effect. He is composed in defence and has the ability and initiative to know when to go forward. Training alongside Glen Johnson will allow him to improve greatly and at only 20 years of age he has a very promising future.
Jon Flanagan - Featuring on several occasions under Kenny Dalglish, Flanagan looked to have kicked off his career at Liverpool. However, with the performances of Wisdom under Brendan Rodgers, and the return of Martin Kelly, Flanagan has fallen even further down the pecking order and will struggle for playing time next season. He has featured for England's U19s, U20s and U21s and he has the potential to have a successful footballing career, although a transfer or loan move would be good for his career.
Ryan McLaughlin - The Northern Ireland youth International has a very promising future. He has represented his country at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 level and was also called up to the Northern Ireland Senior squad in 2012 but unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury. Depending on the future of Flanagan and whether Kelly reverts to centre back he could find himself 3rd choice for Liverpool at right back.
Daniel Agger - The Denmark International is Liverpool's strongest centre back in terms of consistency and level of performance. An almost injury free season meant Agger had the chance to perform at his best making 35 league appearances in total. He has recently been voted by fans to replace Carragher as vice captain, which shows that fans are happy with his performances.
Finding the right defender to partner Agger seems to be a priority for Brendan Rodgers in the defensive department.
Martin Skrtel - A disappointing season overall for the Slovakia International making only 25 league appearances in total.
After being hailed Liverpool's player of the season at the end of the '11/'12 season Skrtel has failed to make the same impression since and will be desperate to regain his place should he remain at Liverpool.
There has been questions raised regarding Skrtel's ability to perform in Brendan Rodger's 'style'. He now has the opportunity to adapt to Rodger's passing 'style' and make the centre back position his own following the retirement of Jamie Carragher, and with Lucas back in the team life will be much easier on the defenders.
Kolo Toure - The Ivory Coast International is an experienced defender who is used to winning trophies. He has won the Premier League title on 2 occasions. Once with Arsenal and once with Manchester City. He has also won the FA Cup on 3 occasions, therefore he brings a winning mentality and offers a great knowledge of the game. He will most likely become Liverpool's 3rd choice centre back behind Agger and whoever partners him, whether it be Skrtel or another addition to the squad.
Sebastian Coates - The Uruguay International featured on 5 occasions in the league last season. Also featuring in 9 cup games, however he did not capitalise on the opportunities given to him and failed to impress. I would expect him to move on this summer.
Lloyd Jones - The Wales U19 International who has also been capped at U17 and U18 level has a bright future ahead of him. The 17 year old has yet to feature for Liverpool at Senior Level, but is one for the future with great potential.
Stephen Sama - Much was expected of the 20 year old who was signed from Borussia Dortmund. He is a strong defender who can be dominant in the air, but he needs to improve his game before he will be considered for the senior team. A loan move would be beneficial for him to gain some experience.
Jose Enrique - "El Toro" had an impressive season totalling 2 goals and 5 assists in the league. He has improved going forward and is excellent when defending, especially the way he uses his body to dispossess the opposition. The only problem with the left back position is that there isn't much depth and I would not be surprised to see an addition this summer for competition. I expect Enrique to be at his best next season aiming for a call up to the international squad.
Jack Robinson - The England U21 International has been excellent when called upon for Liverpool. However, Glen Johnson is usually the one preferred to cover when Jose Enrique is absent. Robinson has represented his country at U16, U17, U18, U19, and U21 level and at only 19 years of age much is expected of him within the next few years. Another loan move would help him develop as a player, but only if Brendan Rodgers can bring in adequate cover for Enrique.
Steven Gerrard - The Liverpool and England captain achieved 10 premier league goals and 10 assists last season and at 33 years of age he is still one of the best midfielders in the league.
Although he plays in a much deeper role than the more attacking role he played in his younger years, his experience and quality is essential to the team. He is a player in which the younger players around him can learn from and aspire to be like. A great player and a great role model. Legend!
Jordan Henderson - The England U21 captain was extremely impressive for Liverpool during the last campaign. He managed to score 5 goals and total 5 assists in the league. He is very good going forward and has a good eye for goal. He also works hard tracking back and helps with the defensive duties.
I expect him to have an excellent coming season and secure his place in the England squad for the world cup.
Lucas Leiva - Since his return from injury Lucas has been impressive albeit a little rusty, which is expected. The team struggled without him for the first half of the campaign as there wasn't adequate cover for him in defensive midfield. He will be hoping to regain his place in the Brazil national team for the world cup and I would expect Brendan Rodgers to bring in a defensive midfielder to provide competition and cover for him.
Joe Allen - After a bright start to his Liverpool career the Wales International became heavily criticised due to several poor performances. However, he had been playing through injury on numerous occasions and often being played out of position in defensive midfield due to the absence of Lucas. Allen followed Brendan Rodgers from Swansea and knows the philosophy Rodgers is trying to implement. He has the ability to play 'possession' football and has good vision for the 'Killer' pass. I expect him to have a good season when he recovers from the surgery.
Jonjo Shelvey - Despite 19 league appearances the England U21 International has failed to impress. He is only 21 years old and has the time to develop. However, a loan move to another premier league team would be good for his career as he will most likely struggle for games at Liverpool next season.
Jay Spearing - As much as I admire 'Speo' for his work rate and his willingness to help the team, he is not good enough to become a Liverpool regular. Under Hodgson and Dalglish the local lad was handed plenty of opportunities to develop and gain experience in the senior team, but unfortunately he wasn't good enough to keep his place under Brendan Rodgers.
He would be a good acquisition for a 'smaller' premier league club (no disrespect) and will no have doubt attracted interest after his successful loan spell at Bolton Wonderers.
Conor Coady - The England U20 International is a very promising youngster who has featured for England as captain at U17 level and also featured at U18 level. He could quite possibly make the step up to the first team after being handed his first senior appearance away at Fulham by Rodgers last season.
If he does feature in the coming campaign I would expect him to add cover for Lucas should Rodgers fail to bring in cover this summer.
Luis Alberto - 11 league goals and 18 assists is an impressive return for any player especially from a midfielder. The Spain U21 International has also represented his country at U18 and U19 level. He is a versatile player who can play anywhere across the attacking line and his creativity, attacking mentality and his ability to score goals is what attracted the attention of Liverpool.
I would expect him to be eased into the team and given time to adjust to the pace and expectations of the Premier League, but he is definitely one to watch for the future.
Philippe Coutinho - After an impressive start to his Anfield career there are high expectations for Coutinho. 3 goals and 7 assists from 13 league appearances is impressive from the 21 year old Brazilian. He is a technically gifted player who has taken to the premier league like a fish takes to water and he has become better and better with every appearance. He has the ability to put the ball into dangerous positions making life very easy for the strikers and if he carries on in this positive fashion he should walk into the Brazil National squad for the World Cup.
Coutinho could be the one to watch next season!
Stewart Downing - A disappointing start to the last campaign looked to spell the end for Downing's Liverpool career, but he knuckled down, worked hard and managed to turn his season around despite all the criticism heading in his direction. 3 goals and 5 assists is an average turnover for the winger however it is still an improvement on his debut season at Anfield. Will it be enough for Rodgers to keep him in his plans for the future? Only time will tell.
Raheem Sterling - 2 goals and 6 assists in his debut league campaign is extremely promising for the future of the England U21 International. At only 18 years of age he is one of the most exciting prospects in English football and has a bright future at Anfield. He has trickery, pace and ability to score and will only improve with the more experience he gains.
I expect him to be used as cover and competition for the left and right wing positions next season, and who knows, he could even earn himself a starting place depending on performances.
Jordon Ibe - The England U18 International was handed his senior debut by Rodgers against QPR in the last game of the season providing an assist for the winning goal. He is only 17 years of age and has all the attributes to progress at Liverpool. He is one for the future and I expect we will see a bit more of him next season.
Oussama Assaidi - The Morocco International has endured a disappointing debut season at Anfield with only 4 league appearances. When he did feature whether it be in a cup game or league game for Liverpool, he showed glimpses of quality and pace. However it seems Rodgers does not have a place for him in his plans for the future and I would expect him to leave this summer. Luis Alberto may have already been brought in as a replacement for Assaidi.
Jesus Saez - 'Suso', the Spain U20 International has been talked about for so long now that you may forget he is only 19 years of age. He is a very promising youngster but he is still adjusting to life in the Premier League. He is skill-full and attack minded and can also play anywhere across the attacking line.
A loan move would suit him well and give him the chance to be playing week in, week out as i suspect with the new additions he will fall behind certain players in the pecking order.
Daniel Pacheco - Pacheco has represented Spain at U17, U19, U20 and U21 level. He has bags of potential but has failed to break through at Liverpool. He has spent the past few months on loan at SD Huesca in the Spanish Second Division scoring 5 goals and assisting 4 in 19 appearances.
With the new additions at Liverpool I doubt he will be in Rodgers plans for the future. I suspect his time is up at Anfield.
Jerome Sinclair - The England U17 International who has also featured at U16 level holds the record for the youngest player to ever play for Liverpool when he was brought on as a substitute against West Brom in 2012. The 16 year old has a lot of potential but is one for the future.
Luis Suarez - Controversial to say the least. However, The Uruguay International is one of the most talented players in the world. He is the type of striker any team would want to rely on for scoring goals.
The Standard Chartered player of the year scored 23 league goals and assisted 11 others in 33 league games, scoring 30 goals in all competitions. He is skill-full and goes around defenders with ease and he can score from all angles with both feet.
However, it seems his time may be up at Anfield and I would expect that should he leave another Striker will be brought in as a replacement.
Daniel Sturridge - Sturridge began his Liverpool career in explosive fashion, scoring 10 league goals and assisting 5 in only 15 games. At 23 years of age the England International has a promising future with Liverpool. He has trickery, pace, power and experience (from his time at Chelsea).
Should Suarez leave and Rodgers not bring in a replacement then all expectations will be on Sturridge to provide the goals. His early Anfield scoring record would suggest he is more than capable of taking up the responsibility. Time will tell.
Iago Aspas - 12 league goals and 5 assists for a club which finished 17th is an excellent achievement. Celta Vigo managed to avoid relegation by the skin of their teeth mainly due to the efforts of Aspas.
He is a passionate player who always plays to the best of his ability and is a hard worker on the field. He can play anywhere across the forward line. Versatile players are obviously the types of forwards Rodgers is looking to recruit and having just been handed the number 9 shirt I would expect him to fit straight into the team rather than just adding depth to the squad. The 25 year old could be one to watch next season.
Fabio Borini - An injury hit first season with Liverpool meant the 22 year old only managed 13 league appearances scoring 1 goal. However, on his return from injury the Italy U21 International has shown signs of what he is capable of. He has looked sharp, determined and eager to impress.
He managed 2 goals in 4 games for Italy U21s recently and looked to be returning to his best. He has the potential to become a top player for Liverpool and will no doubt get the chance to prove himself next season.
Adam Morgan - The England U19 International who also featured at U16 level. Is yet to break into the first team. He was given the opportunity to impress during pre-season 2012 tour of USA, but even with Suarez the only recognised striker for the first half of last season and with Borini injured, the Scouser was never called upon by Brendan Rodgers. A loan move may be a good option for the 19 year old. It would give him the chance to prove himself and further develop his career.
Samed Yesil - An injury hit season meant the U19 Germany International didn't get the chance to impress last season. The 19 year old who also featured for the Germany U17s is a talented player who is regarded as one of Germany's most promising youngsters. He will be eager to get back into action once he recovers from his injury.
Overall, we have a very promising squad with healthy competition throughout. The club have learnt from previous errors and are investing wisely in players rather than paying over the odds. I expect 3 or 4 more arrivals before the season kicks off. Possibly a centre defender, a left back, a defensive midfielder and maybe another forward. Obviously any departures will be addressed accordingly.
The owners and Rodgers have got a long term plan in place allowing the club to develop financially and competitively and I am looking forward to a bright start to the upcoming campaign.
I trust Brendan Rodgers to keep the club moving in the right direction.
Red Rum
02 August 2013
This guy has got his finger on the pulse!
good work
22 July 2013
Very good XD
06 July 2013
Good stuff Red Rum, I enjoyed the read, thanks!
K79
28 June 2013
Great read, thanks mate
Redthrough
28 June 2013
Apologies for the typing error.
23 goals and 5 assists was the correct league total for Luis Suarez last season.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Red Rum
28 June 2013
That is one hell of a blog mate. Excellent work.
The real AG
28 June 2013
Well Done Red Rum
28 June 2013
Suarez assisted a lot less then 11 goals. It was 3 or 5 but I can't remember.
Other than that, a good read.
28 June 2013
Great blog mate, a lot of time clearly put in:)
28 June 2013
Cheers mate brilliant!