While the recent headlines dominating the papers include a (mythical) bid for Marco Reus, Ezequiel Lavezzi and even Mario Balotelli (because shooting yourself in the foot can be a thrill sometimes, I suppose), Merseysiders may have a rather gloomy attitude surrounding the Liverpool lineup these days due to the loss of a rather lovable, cannibalistic, Uruguayan goalscorer. “We will be doomed!” “How will we replace all his goals?” While the answers to these questions are answered by my colleague Alex Barilaro’s article, here are 5 things, Liverpool fans can be absolutely excited about.
Speed Kills
Lazar Markovic, Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, Jordon Ibe. At least two of these players are expected to slot into the starting XI on any given day. These are players with blinding pace. Quick isn’t even the correct word to use; they’re absolute cheetahs. With a counter attack containing these players and a team pressing with these speed demons, the excitement inside my tummy is too much to handle. This season, speed will literally kill Liverpool’s opposition. Markovic is a slippery young lad who squeezes through defenders by using his footwork and speed. With the Uruguayan out of the lineup, I still expect Liverpool to win just as many penalties this upcoming Premier League season. Teams will have to be wary of Liverpool on the break or they will be found out by these baying predators.
Improved Defence
Last year, Brendan Rodgers’ side scored a whopping 101 goals– one of the best offensive outputs in recent season. Liverpool will definitely miss Luis Suarez here. However, it can be argued that Liverpool losing out on the Premier League title was caused by what transpired at the other end of the pitch. Liverpool conceded 50 goals, that is more than any team in the top 6 of the Premier League. The addition of the cool and collected Dejan Lovren to the middle, beside Mamadou Sakho, will be a welcome sight. Liverpool often looked out of balance when they had two loose cannons in Sakho and Martin Skrtel play together. Now with the calm presence of Lovren and the physical beast Sakho, they should be solid.
At right-back, hopefully Glen Johnson will finally be relegated to the bench (read why Glen Johnson is Liverpool’s problem child) and either Javier Manquillo, Jon Flanagan, or Martin Kelly will take over. After all, absolutely anything is better than Johnson (counted three losses of possession in 10 minutes vs Manchester United).
Left-back will likely be occupied by the impending arrival of Alberto Moreno, who will be joined in the battle for playtime with Jose Enrique.
A backline with Flanagan, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno/Enrique would be monumentally more stable. Perhaps Liverpool cannot score as many goals without Suarez, but having a stronger defensive record will help them reach the top end of the Premier League table. That may be the key to this season.
Champions League nights are back at Anfield
The drama, the fight, the heart; European football, Champions League football is back at Anfield this year. Remember the controversial Luis Garcia goal against Chelsea? How about the triumph at the 2005 Champions League final? Then the heartbreak of 2007 when the Italians defeated Liverpool. Xabi Alonso’s penalty, Jerzey Dudek’s magical dancing feet– magical European nights await us. The added depth of talent in the Reds’ lineup such as Adam Lallana and Emre Can will be alongside the usual heroes to battle for European supremacy. That, in its own, is very exciting.
English Core
Liverpool are adopting a Barcelona-esque model, by signing the top English talents whilst also raising top local talent. With the likes of Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Sterling, Ibe, Sturridge, Flanagan, Rickie Lambert, Lallana, Martin Kelly, Johnson and even Jack Robinson, Liverpool boast the most English talent for any of the top teams in the Premier League. With more than 5 possible starters being Englishmen in any given matchday, this can only be good news for the English national team as all the players can develop familiarity. England have never had many players play together at the club level and the international level. If that all fails, at least fans get a sense of home in the lineup.
Leadership on the team
Steven Gerrard has grown from a young man to a leader of this team. Remember his rallying cry against AC Milan after he scored to make it 3-1? How about the tying goal to make it 3-3 in the FA Cup final against West Ham? More recently, how about his emotional display after the match against Manchester City. With a leader full of heart who knows what it means to be a Red, leading a number of young and talented players full of passion, it is definitely exciting. Now at the age of 34, his playing style has evolved into being the stable presence in the middle of the park, his leadership skills are of greater importance than his skill set.
The evolution of Brendan Rodgers has been another beautiful thing to watch. Coming from a newly promoted club to Liverpool, no one knew what to expect from him. What he did deliver was a confident and positive look, a sense of confidence fit to lead a top European team. His poise on the sidelines, his tactical decisions, all fantastic.
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