LIVERPOOL endured a dismal league campaign in 2011-12, but there exists new optimism and hope following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers for the upcoming season.
There are a lot of things that Rodgers needs to address and buying new players is one of them. He will not get a huge transfer kitty, like Kenny Dalglish was handed last season. He will have to look for players who are not overpriced yet skillful.
Liverpool need to move to the next level, and that level is getting back into the Champions League. With such a club as Liverpool, there are often many names wildly thrown into the ring when it comes to transfer targets, so it is important to keep an objective and realistic perspective.
Here are ten realistic targets that Brendan Rodgers should look at while they don their national jerseys at the Euro 2012.
1. LUUK DE JONG (NETHERLANDS) – The usual suspect and an obvious choice for me, not because he’s going to get the chances for sure and set Euro 2012 on fire, but mainly because this 22 year old striker is just the player that Liverpool needs. He is fast, good in the air, has good dribbling skills and a great finishing touch. He can surely put the scoring woes of past season to rest and will give the squad much needed edge upfront in the attack. Rated at £12.5 million by his club and Liverpool must move swiftly to sign him before the competition stiffens.
2. OLA TOIVONEN (SWEDEN) – After being overshadowed by his teammates at club and national teams, this 6 ft. 3 inches striker has finally got his well deserved recognition. Ola Toivonen has been in great form for past two seasons for PSV, having scored more than 40 goals in the Eredivisie. One thing that Liverpool lacked throughout last season was a clinical finisher; Toivonen has the ability to create chances for his teammates and can also finish the move started by his teammates. Liverpool must take a look at him regardless of how he performs in the Euro’s.
3. IBRAHIM AFELLAY (NETHERLANDS) – Liverpool need to sign creative players that can supply the forwards with well-timed and precise passes and get those odd goals here and there. Ibrahim Afellay fits the bill perfectly. Whilst it has been widely broadcasted that he looks set to stay with Barcelona for next season, the Dutch winger is an ideal multi-positional player who can inject spark into what seemed a dull Liverpool midfield in 2011-12. His price is rumoured to be around £6 million, perhaps a fee that Liverpool should test the waters with.
4. ANDRIY YARMOLENKO (UKRAINE) – Andriy Yarmolenko can operate up top or on the left-hand side and has been dubbed the ‘next Sheva’ by sections of the Ukrainian media. With an impressive strike rate at international level having scored 7 in 20 , the Dynamo Kyiv man will be key if Ukraine are to progress from their group. He is strong and has a great control with an eye for the goal. He will play a major role in Ukraine’s participation in the Euro’s this year and the Ukrainian success will depend a lot on his performances. Liverpool have had their problems in the wide areas throughout last season and he could provide the much needed flair to the wings where Henderson and Downing have failed miserably.
5. ANDRÉ SCHÜRRLE (GERMANY) – Touted as one of the young players to watch out in this edition of Euro 2012, André Schürrle has had one of the best seasons for Bayern this year. This 21 year old forward/ winger might not get much chance to showcase his talents at the Finals, but players like him are a must for any team in the Premier League challenging for top 4 finish as he can play as a centre forward, attacking midfielder and winger with equal ease. Liverpool can benefit immensely with a young talent like him.
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6. IVAN PERIŠIC (CROATIA) – He is young, fast and has the talent to be a huge success in any team he plays for. This 23 Year old attacking midfielder/winger has been a key member of Borussia Dortmund’s title winning squad in the Bundesliga. He is creative and also has an eye for the goals. He has so far notched up 52 goals and 31 assists. Liverpool needs someone in the midfield who can score goals and Perišic is more than capable of doing that.
7. ALAN DZAGOEV (RUSSIA) – Seen as the next big player to come out of Russia, Alan Dzagoev showed off his impressive ability in the recent Euro 2012 match between Russia and the Czech Republic. Dzagoev is reported to have around a year remaining on his contract with CSKA Moscow, and whilst there is nothing to suggest Liverpool are interested in the player, he would provide excellent creative flair with an apparent eye for goal. He will be a great singing to Liverpool as he can either play on the wings or as an attacking midfielder.
8. SIMON KJÆR (DENMARK) – Simon Kjaer has been regarded as one of the best centre backs in Europe though he hasn’t had much chances to show his versatility in VFL Wolfsburg under coach Felix Magath, the 23 year old centre back got the much needed boost to his career at Roma, where he is on loan from VFL Wolfsburg. This 6ft 2 inches center back has formed a great partnership with his national team captain Daniel Agger, who is also the heart of Liverpool’s defense. With Carra not getting any younger, he would be a great back up to Skrtel and Agger.
9. LARS BENDER (GERMANY) – Lars Bender has seen his fortune raised when he was picked to be part of the German national squad for Euro 2012. The 23 year old midfielder has been in great form for Bayer Leverkusen this season. He is tall and has a great eye for picking up key passes and also equally capable of breaking down the opposition attack and moving the ball forward to launch an attack. He can be a great cover and a partner for Lucas.
10. RASMUS ELM (SWEDEN) – Rasmus Elm, 24 year old midfielder has been playing the role of an anchorman for AZ Alkmaar for past few seasons and it will be interesting to see how he performs for his national side when he plays for Sweden in Euro 2012. He will be once again pulling the strings in the midfield and will be instigating attacks. Liverpool has lacked the creativity in the midfield last season, where mostly Shelvey and Adam had been deployed. Rumoured to be linked with a move to Anfield, this £8 million rated midfielder will be a great addition to the squad and would bring creativity in the midfield along with odd goals here and there. Liverpool should definitely take a look at him.
Let me know if you agree with the list. You can Find me on Twitter as well @LEONGUI7E
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Completely agree about Afellay, Kjaer and maybe De Jong. Dont think any of the rest of them would be suited to the premiership
Nice post, but there will be a few more to add to that list by the end of the tournament.
Yarmalenko is already being mooted to be joining AC Milan advised to them by Shevchenko.
Kjaer would be good with Agger, if we lose Skirtel.
Affelay is overrated. We would well to attract young talent like Rasmus Elm, Dzagoev and Kjaer. All 3 would be quality signings
i would love to see Afellay, kjaer and dzagoev at LFC. good list however.
The list is good and all the players are well within our reach at the same time they are quality. i would love to see Elm, Dzagoev and De jong.
You have some quality players there on the list. Toivonen and Yarmolenko would be quality signings.
Nice post, i want to see toivonen and afellay and maybe bender, if he’s not expensive.
This is a great list. I like all the players listed, but i would love to see De jong and Benders and LFC
Leon Guiteyour so poor, your views are just pure dosghite mate
sir think befor you speak if u cant apprectiate some one’s work it alawys has been a better otion to shut ourself up!!!!!!!
and if we cant do that it would be preferd that we prove it buy doin it !!!!
i hope whatevr happnds livrpool. make the best choice!!!!