Liverpool showed off their most notable summer signings today and with the start of the season just round the corner, I thought it might be a good time to ask who you think will be the most successful and least successful of our Kenny’s new recruits. I have offered my suggestions below:
Most Successful – Stewart Downing
Although it could be said that the Reds have paid too much for the winger at £20million, he was a style of player who was desperately needed at the club. If there is any utilisation of the Moneyball strategy at Liverpool at all, this would be a prime example of where the club had to overspend to fill a problem position.
Although I haven’t always been Stewart’s biggest fan, over the last year especially, since his return from a serious injury, he has performed at a very high level indeed, earning him Aston Villa’s Player of the Season award last season.
As has been said on a number of occasions, the 27 year old offers the team an extra dimension, that much vaunted width, which has been a missing piece of the puzzle at Liverpool for a number of years. Downing has a great deal of pace, and although left footed, he has demonstrated he is also very useful on his weaker right side too, showing his good technical ability.
The biggest plus point to him is his ability to create opportunities for his team mates, not only by crossing balls into the box but by cutting in field and linking up with team mates. In fact, a slight concern I do have with Downing is his crosses are not always of the highest calibre, although this shouldn’t be too much of a worry for Andy Carroll who will be able to make even relatively poor crosses into goal scoring chances with his aerial ability. The Downing – Carroll combination will be a crucial one if the Reds are to have a successful season, and I am backing the partnership to succeed.
I have the utmost belief that all signings (including adam) will work wonders, it is the first time liverpool actually have strength and depth in their squad (although 1 more striker/defender) would help. Adam and Gerrard on opposing set pieces will be too dangerous, especially with Carroll. Adam is technically gifted, although slow, however Alonso wasn’t exactly pacey!! Furthermore if on the off-chance Gerrard gets injured, Adam can use his british-grit-spirit to step into that role (although maybe not as captain), but he will definately spur on the others with his passion and determination.
Henderson is a long term signing. He will get better as the years roll on. Downing will make an immediate impact, but, Charlie Adams, I am not sure about.
Doni is surely the guy who will make the least impact due to pure lack of chances, I agree Adam might get into the trap of tying too hard! I do feel all will add more to the squad, I also think Henderson will take a full season to settle
What kinda of article is this before the season even starts?
If you are a Red you should hang your head in shame. Give the new signings a chance, they’ve not even played a single competitive match.
damn right Eighty this is a shocking article, Fing waste of space.
Im getting sick of our own supporters behaving like they are lately, constant whingeing and complaining we sound like a bunch of wengers