The new increase quality and competition for places in the first team may also affect the likes of Lucas and Dirk Kuyt, players who split Liverpool fans down the middle when it comes to their starting credentials. Much maligned by many, the two had become vital members of the first team under previous regimes which was probably more down to the circumstances of having a weak squad. Having now proved their worth, they will find the competition intense as Dalglish used the summer to strengthen the areas of the pitch which they occupy. If they lose their starting position, how will they react? Will they chose to meet the battle head on and fight in a positive manner? Or will they chose Meireles route and look for a quick escape when things aren’t going their way?
Will Kenny Dalglish be able to use his famous man-management skills to ensure they see the bigger picture of having a quality squad is for the benefit of Liverpool Football Club and they remain an important part of the squad? This is all hypothetical of course; Lucas have started every league game whilst Kuyt has featured in various positions and looked a better partner for Luis Suarez up-front than Andy Carroll thus far. But the signing of Craig Bellamy and the return of club captain Steven Gerrard will only add to the fierce competition over the coming months.
Martin Skrtel is another of those who finds himself on the bench at the start of this new season whilst a fit Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher are preferential centre-back pairing, and upon returning from injury, Glen Johnson will now find it difficult to displace Martin Kelly at right-back.
Dalglish’s biggest difficulty may not be getting Liverpool to perform well this season as well as in a position to challenge for honours once more; it may be keeping his newly acquired quality squad members all happy. But, as they say, it’s a nice problem to have.
The article was written by Jimmy Areabi for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.
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