If you were to vote for Liverpool’s most influential signing from last season, many would go for Luis Suarez for his brilliant contribution from February onwards, but equally deserving of that recognition is our current no. 4, Raul Meireles. The Portugal international perhaps had a slow start to his Liverpool career but there is no doubt he was one of the shining lights from last season and even received the PFA Fans Player of the Year award for his efforts.
The summer break was confusing at times for reds fans, with two new central midfielders arriving while Raul Meireles was continuously linked with a move away from Liverpool. Needless to say, I’m glad that we seem to be holding on to Meireles and if there was ever any doubt over his ability or what he brings to the side, then his cameo against Arsenal should act as a timely reminder.
Along with Suarez, Meireles changed the game with his movement and incisive passing and heavily contributed to both goals. They may have came on at a time when Arsenal were down to ten men but it doesn’t change the fact that Liverpool’s play had a fluidity about it which was non-existent before Meireles and Suarez were introduced. Some may have questioned the fact that Jordan Henderson started the game ahead of Meireles but Kenny Dalglish confirmed that the Portuguese international found himself out of the starting line up due to the fact that he had struggled with injuries over the summer.
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What I’m hoping to see now is for Meireles to get his fitness levels back up and regain his rightful place in Liverpool’s starting line up. I’ve got no problem with Jordan Henderson being in Liverpool’s team and I believe that in time he’ll show exactly why Kenny Dalglish was happy to spend over £16 million on him, but for now the no. 14 should make way in the first XI for Raul Meireles. Henderson will no doubt learn a lot from the midfielders Liverpool have at their disposal, but in terms of the pecking order, he is currently behind Lucas Leiva, Raul Meireles, Charlie Adam and of course, Steven Gerrard.
As for Meireles, the consensus from his displays last season was that he is capable of even more than he showed and I fully expect the former FC Porto man to build on his impressive debut season in the Premier League by making an even bigger contribution this year. With players like Gerrard, Suarez and the exciting Stewart Downing around him, Meireles can be part of potentially one of the most destructive attacking forces in the league. Some may worry about how Liverpool are going to fit them all in, but for me, it is the best possible problem a manager could have, and I’m looking forward to seeing our new signings gel with the stars of last season to hopefully take the reds back to where they should be – the top.
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Agree entirely Meireles provided movement and link play missing in the first half. Great link up with Suarez – I’m not sure where Carroll fits in or on the basis of his play to date whether he deserves a place in the side.