INEVITABLY, managers leave football clubs. Sometimes it lasts for decades and other times it lasts for a mere number of months. Either way, when this happens, it is dubbed as ‘the end of an era’. During these ‘eras’ players will be brought in by a certain manager, but the same players will not fit in with a new regime when that manager finally departs his position.
Liverpool Football Club at this moment in time is no different. One of Brendan Rodgers first tasks will be to evaluate the squad he has inherited and work accordingly to remove the deadwood.
Joe Cole and Alberto Aquilani
The most obvious names that everybody will want to be shipped out are Joe Cole and Alberto Aquilani. As you’re reading this, you’ll feel like you’re watching Groundhog Day, but bear with me for a second. Both are very good technical players, but they are on high wages and they would both rather be playing somewhere else. If it is possible, it is imperative that we can get these two off the wage bill and put it towards a player who wants to play for the shirt as well as possessing the talent.
Jay Spearing
A player on the opposite end of that spectrum seems to be Jay Spearing. A Birkenhead lad who was always thought highly of at the club because of his never ending love for the shirt. He is one of those who knows what it means to be a Red. Perhaps his time is up, though. Since Steve Heighway proclaimed that he was ready to play for the first team 6 years ago he hasn’t lived up to his potential. The highlight being his impressive cameo against Real Madrid in 2009 when it looked like we had a real player on our hands. Maybe it’s time we cashed in and upgraded. Many may disagree.
Dirk Kuyt (at the time of writing, a transfer out was breaking news)
Often in the past when we have been stuck for a goal in a big game, a certain Dutchman has always popped up and has sent us into delirious celebration. The Goodison Derby in 2007, the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea in 2008, his hat-trick against the Mancs, his winner against the same opposition in the FA Cup a year later and of course, his goal which helped the Reds win their first piece of silverware in 6 years at Wembley. But, as with managers, all players have their sell-by date and Dirk Kuyt is no exception. Over the past few months he has been turning in some poor performances and he is becoming disillusioned with his lack of game time. It was no surprise when Fenerbahce announced that they had signed him earlier today. A true pro and a top bloke. He will be missed by everyone.
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Charlie Adam
Where have those £10 million corners gone to? The truth is, since the Scot signed from Blackpool for £6 million last season, he has been very underwhelming, bar 4 months at the start of last season. His reluctance to keep possession and direct passing game will more than likely not fit in with the new managers preferred style. If he is to succeed, Adam will have to completely revamp his game. Does he have it in him? Last season would suggest not and if a decent fee came in, I would send him on his merry way. But if he is willing to change he could yet prove to be a decent squad option.
Jamie Carragher
The emergence of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel as a formidable defensive partnership had led to Jamie Carragher’s playing time being reduced significantly. It was unfortunate for one of the clubs greatest servants but many would agree that his time has come. But has the time for him to move onto new pastures? I would disagree because I feel that his experience will be invaluable for the younger players that are in the squad, but his playing time needs to be cut and Coates needs to move higher in the pecking order.
So, there you have it. If all of these players are replaced sufficiently, I see no reason why we shouldn’t have a good go at the top 4 next season. Perhaps it may be too early to say that under the new boss, but the nucleus of a good squad is there. More goals added to the squad as well as getting rid of the so called ‘deadwood’ will go along to way to making Brendan’s job a whole lot easier.
You can find me on twitter @Robbie_OR or you can also read more of my work at http://ballsoutinpublic.wordpress.com/category/robert/
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Liverpool has just one true world best player. It’s neither Gerrard nor Reina. In the technically-inept Jamie Carragher, Liverpool has the best HOOFER in the business. How can the author even suggest that the Reds get rid of such a technically-deprived superstar. Instead, I advocate that Liverpool offer a coaching job to Carragher so that Anfield will see a succession of hoofers personally guided and trained by Carragher himself.
Yeah I would agree with most of those, Robert but I still think that Adam has a future. I find it hard to believe that people have already pulled him up as a waste of money after seeing some of the performances from Henderson and Downing last season but obviously, those two would be too expensive to ‘ship out’, as they’d represent huge embarrassments due to the money involved. Otherwise though, find it hard to disagree with any of the others (Dirk aside, but he’s already gone).
Let suarez stay but offload jay spearing & jordan henderson.
only rcepect 4 jamie carrgher thats amzing 2 see they leavn the clab
shelvey out! awful player!
If Rodgers should succeed, Pepe Reina is another player to be shown the exit door. Always conceding very chip goals.
Why sell Adam. He had the highest assists in the club last season in EPL. Be realistic, sell and buy who? All high profile players want Champs League which we cant give so only options are from teams that finished below us in the league or youngsters with potential. Keep the current players and buy Downing, SELL Spearing and get Sigudsson.
I mean buy Dempsey,if anything just to give youngsters like Shelvey a figure to gain experience from and help propell us someway closer to 4th spot, pardon me.
but, Lucas make the team tick. That’s why he’s needed more than Gerrard.