Liverpool’s talismanic captain Steven Gerrard has spoken out this week regarding the departure of Fernando Torres, and the arrival of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez to Anfield. Gerrard is a cult figure on Merseyside and his opinion regarding the transfers that unfolded on deadline day will no doubt be of great interest to Liverpool supporters. While Gerrard is remorseful that the club have lost the services of a player who on his day was magnificent, he is of the opinion that Liverpool are now in a stronger position with Carroll and Suarez leading the line.
Judging from what we have been treated to thus far by Luis Suarez, Liverpool have purchased a player who is sure to have the fans on the edge of their seats. His touch and poise is unerring, and as he so expertly proved against bitter rivals Manchester United and Sunderland, he is capable of the sublime in front of goal. This in tandem with the sheer power and physical presence of Andy Carroll has the prospect to cause Premiership defences a great deal of problems. The two new recruits will have their work cut out if they are to surpass the goal scoring accomplishments of Fernando Torres though. The World Cup winner netted an impressive 65 times in 102 games for the Reds, a prolific strike rate I’m sure you will agree. So is Gerrard right in stating Livepool are better off now?
Personally I think Gerrard is spot on. It had become clear as a result of his form since his return from the World Cup that Torres was jaded, and his body language suggested he was not happy at Anfield. If this had anything to do with the change of manager, a series of injury problems, or was purely down to Torres’ desire to seek pastures new is uncertain. What is certain is that Liverpool have replaced a tired and weary looking striker with two vibrant young footballers determined to impress. Sure, Torres may have recaptured his best form if the deal hadn’t gone through, but with his discontent made public I feel the sale was the best option. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge Torres has continued to struggle to recapture the early form he produced in front of the Kop, and he is still searching for his first goal. Having said this, the old cliché states that form is temporary and class is permanent, so I think there will still be more to come from El Nino.
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While I am in agreement with Gerrard it should also be pointed out, that although he has suggested Suarez and Carroll are better for Liverpool than Torres, at one point Suarez and Torres were both Liverpool players….. a prospect that doesn’t appear to have occurred to Gerrard. I wonder if he would view the situation any differently if it was proposed to him Suarez and Carroll, or Suarez and Torres? Perhaps Suarez and Carroll will compliment each other in a more positive way than the latter would have! The Big man, little man combination has worked wonders before, a fine example is the partnership Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn forged at Sunderland.
As well as the main point in hand, Gerrard revealed how the players had felt let down by Torres’ decision to swap Anfield for The Bridge. A decision that burdened the Liverpool skipper himself in 2005, he eventually stayed loyal to his club. His decision came in the wake of fans burning effigies of him, how poignant this was in his decision we don’t know. What we do know is there was clearly a deliberation on Gerrard’s part in 2005 that a move south may be necessary in order for him to realise his dream of a first Premier League title.
It’s early days, but the signs are that two young talented players for the price of an injury prone, out of form superstar represents a very good deal. However, the dealings can surely only be valued in the long term. Will Torres come good? Will Carroll and Suarez realise and fulfil their potential and turn Liverpool into a force once again? As always in football when a topic of this nature is raised for discussion no one can be accused of being wrong, it’s all a matter of opinion. It’s part of the package that comes with being a football fan – the right to have our own view.
The article was written by Tom MacGregor for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.
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What do you expect Gerrard to say when asked?
That he feels Liverpool are weaker with their two new men?
That Suarez and Carrol can’t make up for the loss of Torres?
And you say his quote is an “interesting point”?????
Iy’s nothing more or less than any player at any club would say to the media about his new teammates in the same circumstances.
A worthless, generic, keep-everyone-happy quote.
These two will make more of a go of it because they add a new dimension Carroll will be a better player when the club gets genuine wide men.
This is the best move Liverpool have made in years.
get aly cissoko for LB and sanchez or arda tudan and also get ashley young or shaquiri / adam johnson and give suso and connor coady some game time next season
Don’t know what your trying to get at with this lad? Gerrard just basically said 2 is better than 1. Plus he’s not really gonna say well Torres is better really when these 2 lads have came in. We have no idea really whats going to happen, we’ve spent a couple of quid replacing a world class player out of form for 2 possible world class players. It’s early days and we won’t know if it was worth the money until next season. Need to give dalglish some time if we take him on permanently to get rid of the players he deems not good enough, but think any arm chair supporter could point them out and also any fringe players with players that are going to be worthy of a starting 11 berth. Wide men is the obvious need if we’ve got the big fella upfront, plus another midfielder that can find a pass and shield the back 4. Don’t think that Charlie Adam fits the bill exactly, great on the ball and good attacking and passing, but his mobility and defensive capabilities leave alot to be desired, but that’s dalglishs problem.