(Liverpool in action during a Liverpool training session at Melwood Training Ground)
Pre-season is nearing its anticipated climax and with only one game remaining, it has been an interesting period and one which has bettered our knowledge of the squad as a whole. All of our friendly games so far have reminded Liverpool FC fans of the strengths and weaknesses of the current crop of players and what is potentially needed to rectify this before the window slams shut at the end of the month.
First and foremost, the one aspect that has been the most alarming factor of pre-season; the sloppiness and vulnerability of our defence. It is no secret that Liverpool have somehow managed to concede three goals in each and every one of their five friendlies so far. Conceding three goals has been no co-incidence either as it has been worryingly evident that some of our defenders just aren’t up to scratch and reinforcements are sorely needed.
Jamie Carragher and Soto Kyrgiakos, regardless of their individual abilities at the heart of the defence, are not getting any younger. Hopefully, Daniel Agger is getting fitter and gaining more endurance but there are no guarantees that Kenny Dalglish will get a full season out of the Dane. For me, Martin Skrtel has too many mistakes in his locker so a centre-back has definitely got to be brought in. I am not going to name any particular names as there has been too many linked with Liverpool already but we are in desperate need of a dominant figure to slot in at central defence, whether it be permanently or in a rotation policy.
During pre-season our midfield has looked impressive. All three new signings of Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing have stood out and all look like the type of player any supporter would like to see in their team. Downing provides Liverpool with the direct width we have been crying out for over the past decade and both Adam and Henderson look to be able to provide the creativity any team thrives on. Even some of the fringe players such as Alberto Aquilani and Joe Cole have excelled although I expect to see the midfield trimmed down before the transfer window shuts with the likes of Christian Poulsen, Aquilani and possibly Cole following Milan Jovanovic out the doors of Anfield to clear up some much needed funds. I fully expect Kenny to concentrate on defensive recruitment and feel as though all the midfield signings have been done for this particular window.
Not a lot.
that we still need the left back and classy centre half that should have been our priority buys.
Nice article except the conception of letting aquilani leave. Of all the new signings which is half aquilani. Is it because he is not blight
mate your wrong to be slating Doni already give the fella a chance for christs sake.
and Kuyt will be one of our most consistent performers over the course of the season so i wouldnt be ready to bench him just yet And… played upfront he would score more goals than carroll i reckon, but im not saying kuyt is worth 35 million ok
@Jonah – Personally, I would like to see Aquilani stay I just feel as though he doesn’t fit in with Kenny’s plans and will be moved on to free up funds for defenders.
@mrbing – The Doni comments were tongue-in-cheek although he wasn’t very impress against Hull. I hope he’s a brilliant back-up Goalkeeper but I can’t help but think that next summer he will leave claiming lack of first-team opportunities and we will bring another one – seems to happen every year.
As for Kuyt, feel as though he should be third choice striker as he offers goals but I would rather not see him on the wing at all throughout the season.
Thanks for the feedback guys!
The biggest thing we learnt about pre-season is that Lucas is now vital for Liverpool, his covering of the back four was hugely missed and our back four was easily exposed, Spearing has a lot to learn and Adam doesn’t cover and protect half as well as Lucas, Adam can play at Anfield and Lucas away, and then keep Lucas for playing the top 4/5 also.
At last! Something clear I can uendrstnad. Thanks!