Liverpool fans have a genuine cause for optimism. The summer spending spree during the summer has combined with the Dalglish factor to leave Liverpool fans salivating at the prospect of a top four finish. Four points from a possible six from their opening two games of the season including an impressive 2-0 victory over Arsenal in their own backyard adds credence to the belief that Liverpool will be a powerful force this season, particularly when their new signings find their feet.
When the Liverpool spending spree surpassed the £50 million mark some pundits questioned whether Dalglish and the Liverpool owners had frivolously wasted their money. The £16 million pound outlay for the promising talent of Jordan Henderson in particular raised a few eyebrows. After all despite the Sunderland youngsters’ impressive start to the first half of last season his form tailed off quite significantly. Nonetheless Henderson’s talent is undeniable, he may not be worth his transfer fee just yet, but he will surely grow and improve as a player each year to become an impressive England international.
Meanwhile the rest of the summer dealings conducted by Liverpool appear to be shrewd business. The arrivals of Jose Enrique and Charlie Adam for a combined fee of £14 million provide excellent value. Liverpool has added to its squad a genuine playmaker in Adam who possesses a magic wand of a left foot. Meanwhile the muscular figure of Enrique already seems to have stamped his authority on the previously problematic left back position.
Although the £20 million paid for Stewart Downing appears expensive at first glance perhaps a closer look at Downing’s qualities might ease the concerns of some Liverpool fans? At 27 years of age Stewart Downing is an established England international whose pace and guile make him a dangerous winger, particularly when you consider the quality of his deliveries that he will surely provide from out wide for the gigantic Andy Carroll.
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| From the left: Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Kenny Dalglish, Alexander Doni and Stewart Downing. Sourced from: footballatliverpool.com |
These signings have only added to the wave of optimism that has swept through Anfield since the return of King Kenny as manager. Kenny Dalglish’s return saw Liverpool’s results dramatically improve last season; under Dalglish Liverpool climbed from the bottom half of the table all the way up to sixth place. By the end of the season the Dalglish factor had began to fuel hope and expectation to the extent that some fans even dreamed of challenging for the title in the following season.
However the strength and depth of the Manchester clubs and expected cash injection into Chelsea make a potential title challenge for Liverpool seem like a step too far this season. Nonethless the new signings during the summer appear to have added strength and depth to a Liverpool squad who already have the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez. Thus Liverpool fans believe that they have a genuine chance of re-establishing themselves as a top four club this season.
Liverpool’s improvements on paper during the summer may have reignited the burning fire of expectation amongst fans; however Liverpool’s promising start to the 2011/12 campaign will surely stoke such expectation even further. Four points from a possible six including a 2-0 away victory at the Emirates against Arsenal make for impressive reading. Dalglish will clearly have to work hard with his squad to integrate his new players and create a fluid first team that can realise its potential. This may take at least ten games as demonstrated by the disappointing second half display against Sunderland on the opening day of the season. However the victory on Saturday against Arsenal was recorded with a ruthless efficiency that will get Liverpool fans dreaming again. The squad looks strong, particularly when Dalglish has the luxury of bringing on Raul Meireles and Suarez with twenty minutes to go in a game. Liverpool now seems to have the necessary mix of steel and fire-power to rack up points and victories on a consistent basis.
This Liverpool side is certainly not ready to push for the title, the new signings need time to find their feet and build a greater understanding with the rest of the first team. However one gets the impression that when the cogs of this Liverpool machine have been oiled and it starts to work its way up through the gears Liverpool will have a fantastic chance of beating Arsenal and Spurs to that crucial champion’s league place. It’s by no means a guarantee, but there is certainly enough promise to fill this Liverpool fan with optimism.
I agree with your comments. I think that now Liverpool have some established and respected players in their ranks, the selling of Torres to Chelsea is all but a distant memory. Alot of pundits saw the demise of the reds after the £50m sale of F.T, but in the end I think gave the rest of the players a realisation check that they cannot pin hopes of glory on just one player. The fact that Steven Gerrard isn't available for selection until well into September has shown us fans that we can survive with out our big guns.
ReplyDeleteThe only two things that worry me at the moment, is if Suarez and/or Carroll get injured or are called up for international duties at all, we have no real strikers. Sure Meirelles and Downing can take up the mantle, even Kuyt at a push, but I think we need to get another established striker to back up our front two. Whether this be from our own development squads or via a transfer, i think this needs to be looked at.
Also secondly, to reduced wasted wages on players, we need to cull some of the midfielders down. At the moment, we have 17 midfielders from first, reserve, and development squads, which could be reduced dramatically by evaluating their worthiness. Players such as Joe Cole, Aquilani, Poulsen and Shelvey, should all be considered for a possible sell off, as I think they will all struggle to get first team pickings. This is just my opinion though.
I wish Liverpool the best though, it has been a long time coming where we can be established as a big four team again. I will be there, shirt on, and full noise when this happens at the end of the season. Go Reds! YWNWA!
I agree, we are certainly not the finished article but for the first time in several years we are moving forward in the right direction. exciting times :)
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