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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Adam definitely. Downing and Spearing too have been unworthy of wearing the red shirt. Henderson has potential but really needs a kick up the arse. Hopefully, Rodgers can inspire him. Although Carroll seemed to be resurgent towards the end of last season he simply isn’t and never will be an LFC player. Having a massive amount of money ( from the Torres sale ) burning a hole in your pocket doesn’t justify squandering it on an unproven player. We should have waited and seen who was available during the summer. A panic buy if ever there was one. Next season should also be Carragher’s last at the club.
It seems that fans just players too soon and never given enough time. Unless you are a scouse born player.
Your comment regarding Carroll not being an LFC player, people where saying the same thing about Lucas. Now they are saying and slating others as Lucas as gone on and proven these people wrong.
When players are not playing well I don’t why fans criticise than supporting, don’t you fans who criticise too soon no the words to You’ll never walk alone. It is also in the title.
The problem is that Lucas hasn’t proved anybody wrong. It’s just that LFC fans – utterly desperate for some quality – imagine it is there when it isn’t. Lucas can’t actually do anything. Think about it. He can’t score goals. He can’t make goals. He can’t dribble. He can’t head the ball. He’s utterly useless. When you have seen – as I have – midfield quality like Kennedy, Whelan, Souness, Case, Milne, Stevenson, Callaghan etc etc you don’t get excited by Lucas’ tiny skills.
but, Lucas make the team tick. That’s why he’s needed more than Gerrard.
Carroll and Jordan has the potential to be really good players, I have to disagree with your observation on Carroll. He was signed injured, and only gained full fitness late in the season, not just fitness, needed a consistent run in the team, I am looking forward to next season with Carroll hopefully injury free and high in confidence.
With confidence he was a completely different player at the end.
Oh wake up! Have you ever actually played football? Do you have any concept of what good players are? Well, they don’t look like Jordan utterly useless Henderson, that’s for sure. He’s a total embarrassment. Playing him virtually every match sealed Kenny’s fate – it was like playing with ten men. Take a look at Xavi and Iniesta to see what real midfield players are like.
Carroll is slow and clumsy – a fatal combination. But at least he’s not as useless as Henderson and he does try ( sometimes ).
I think the author is missing 2 other obvious name, Henderson and Downing. Downing especially with 0 goals, 0 assist.
u cant sell cara.let him play out his career at lfc.
Also forgot about Danny Wilson. Although maybe he can play for the reserves/go on loan again. Pacheco possibly will be out after tired of going on loan.
Sell all players except suarez, skrtel and agger. The others are all crap…
That is exactly right.They are the only three worth keeping. Well identified!
spot on professor
Henderson out or loan out is a must . He should go together with King Kenny. What would be good was Kenny resigned or offered his old job and Henderson loaned out to learn his trade elsewhere. Then the rest being Charlie Adams, Jay Spearing and Downing after 1st half of next season for him and Andy Carroll to come good or shown to the door. These two deserves a bit more time.
In an ideal world… Out : Adam, downing, cole, aqualani. Adam has been poor- largely. Loses possession. Clumsy tackles. Fouls conceded in dangerous positions. Poor set pieces. Downing- seems like he doesn’t know what to do on the wings. No final product. Ineffectual. Cole and aqualani on big wages and I can’t stand lfc loaning them out again whilst we pay part of their wage. Sell.
I’d keep maxi- I think he will fit into the pass an move system. He had 6 assists or so in 13 games. Scored a few also in those 13. Deserves to play more. He knows where the goal is and is creative. His game is simple and he is effective. Spearing- not sure on this. Was guilty of some shocking mistakes last season, but he had big boots to fill when Lucas got injured, do I think that was pressure. He could fit in the system as someone who wins the ball back and passes it short to anothe player. Mind you he had played a large part of season and maybe he has had his chance? I’d prob keep him as back up. He is dedicated and passionate for lfc. Carragher should never be sold. He is part of the fabric. He is experienced and knows he has limited chances now. He’s professional. I’m not sure whether Andy can fit into our new system. He needs to get used to the ball on the deck for large periods of the games. He likes to be the focal point attacking things. But now he has to be part of the construction of attacking moves. I hope he adjusts- I mean his goal against Chelsea in fa cup final was taken very well. So he has ability in him to use his feet to good effect in tight situations…
The reported fee for Adam seems to have been anywhere between £7.5m and £9m.
Whatever it was; it was too much
Well written piece, i respect your view and i have some of mine as well. Out- Cole, Spearing(Loan), Hendo(loan),Downing(loan) and Adam. Aquilani should be given a chance.
Sell maxi joe cole aquIlani and
Buy striker 2 attack wingers DM top 4 easy
Adam, Downing and Hendo should all go but none will. Regrettably Jay Spearing should go. Kuyt and Maxi already gone. Keen to see Aqua (quality) and Cole given another chance. The prospective signings being mentioned sound like typical premiership mediocrity – We need pace up front like Elia or Ramirez
Carroll definitely even at a 12m loss. Never worth 35m and certainly not fit for the pass & move game. Downing brought mainly to supply crosses for AC; no goal, no assist. Adam will never fit in a high tempo pass & move game. Henderson can be given a year or two to prove himself because he is mobile and covers ground well. Spearing is champioship class only. Maxi may want to move on. Carra will be a total misfit with no pace or ball skills. Cole is past his best. Aqua is the only one who might do well under Rogers skills based football
To be fair to Downing – it’s not his fault if he puts the ball right on Carroll’s head and he misses pitifully from a few feet out. But I agree Downing is pretty awful.
I think with Charlie Adam we are missing the point . He is a squad player. There to fill in gaps between injuries. Lucas/Gerrard/another player plus Adam …not too bad. Spearing wouldn’t fit into a championship team. Whenever we play this guy, I get the feeling we are playing with10 man. He has the passion but , sorry… Someone else deserves the chance. The BIG question is, who will be our stricker. Carrol is not the one who will get us 15-20 goals a season. Rogers likes pass and move football. Anyone tell me how Caroll fits into that system? A certain Ibrahimovic failed at Barca. We need a clinical stricker. And a winger who can beat a player for pace and trickery. My choice, Jesus Navas. Granted, didn’t have a good season last year but worth a gamble. Get 3 signings spot on and we are in for a good season.
Players I would have a look at signing:
Defenders: Mamadhou Sakho PSG, Douglas FC Twente,
Attacking Midfielders/wingers: Christian Eriksen Ajax, Dries Mertens PSV, Fabian Frei Basel, Gabriel Torje Udinese, Gaston Ramirez bologna, Afellay & Thiago Alcantara Barcelona,
Forwards: Jermain Defoe, Seydou Doumbia CSKA Moscow. Luuk de Jong FC Twente,
I would have added Bas Dost and Ola John but both have just been sold!
If unable to attract any of the above i believe QPR might be trying to get rid of top scouse Joey Barton. Might not be available until October though!!!!
Good argument for $elling Cole and Aquilani. With Lucas’ injury we needed Spearing last season, but hopefully Lucas is back. I can’t see a new manager evicting Carragher but can’t see Jamie in the starting line up either. As for Adam the £10m corners was a sly seed planted by Fergie and Reds fans are using it to beat themselves with. Before we panic sell we should see if Brendan can’t bring some deadwood back to life – if not then get the axe out but stupid not to try!
There are 8 players who need to be shown the door this summer: And 7 Players should be brought to club:
Outs:
1: Doni should be sold for £1-£2M GK
2: B Jones should be sold for £1M GK
3: J Carragher should retire CB
4: J Spearing is a championship player and should be sold for £2-£5M DM/CM
5: C Adams is a top 10-17 premier league player and looked way out of his depth at the club, he should be sold for £2-£7M
6: J Cole: Should be shown the door as he has never looked the part in the red shirt and will struggle to ever find his best form in the premiership again. He should be sold for £2-£5M AM/RW/LW
7: M Rodriguez: Due to age, lack of first team opportunities and lack of pace, speed. he should be given the chance to play some first team football somewhere else before he hangs up his boots in the next two seasons. He should be sold for £2-£4M AM/LW/RW
Then the owners should give B Rodgers £75M to spend on 8 players THIS SUMMER:
1: Al Habsi Of Wigan should be brought for £2-£5M to compete with Pepe for Num 1 Position. GK
2:S Kjaer Of Wolfsburg should be brought for £8-£10M to compete with Agger, Coates and Skrtel for the centre back position. CB
3: A Cissokho Of Lyon should be brought for £3-£7M to compete with Enrique for Left Back Position. LB
4: B Matuidi Or Momo Sissoko Of PSG or J Allen Of Swansea, One of these should be brought for £5-£12M to compete with LUCAS for the Defensive midfield position. DM
5: P Hernandez Of Valencia, J Hoillet Of Blackburn Or J Biabiany Of Sampdoria Or M Susaeta Of A Bilbao, one of these should be brought for £3-£12M to be club’s 1st out and out Pacey,quick, skillful Right winger. RW
6: Coutinho Of Inter Milan, Diego Of Werder Bremen Or Sigurdsson Of Hoffenheim, one of these Attacking creative midfielders should be brought for £7-£12M AM
7: C Nzogbia Of Wigan, D Capel Of S Clube De Portuga, one of these fast pacey quick skillful direct Left footed wingers should be brought For £5-£12M to compete with Downing for the Left wing Position. LW
8: M Phillips Of Blackpool Or V Moses Of Wigan should be brought for £3-7M to compete for Right wing position at club. RW
n’zogbia is awful,hes failed to impress even at villa! simon Kjær is also awful and completely flopped at roma this year!
Aquilani and Cole may be what you call “obvious” but thankfully you are not the manager! Neither of them said that they didn’t want to play for LFC at all! They were scandalously treated and simply palmed off elsewhere. If anyone thinks the likes of Adam comes anywhere near having the class and talent coupled with incisive game reading of Aquilani then they known nothing about football.
Jamie needs retiring and Spearing should be moved on. Adam also the first to follow Dirk as he is all but useless and always was. Downing and Henderson are another matter. I think they might come good when surrounded by players who can read the game and provide support. They should get at least another year. The midfield ashould be further strengthened with that addition of Boudebouz who can play any position across the entire midfield and also as second string striker. i think he would be invaluable to run in tandem with Luis.
henderson is not so bad, give loan to a team like fulham West brom or aston villa, where he can develop better. the same for spearing. adam rodriguez, Aquilani and cole MUST be sold, Adam has been a disaster, Rodriguez is a good player, but has 31, Aquilani is a traitor, never wanted to play in the CFL, and Cole is prone to injury. doni does not give me confidence as a second goalkeaper Belhanda buy from (if possible) ramirez, gourcuff (could be cheaper for the poor last season, but it would be the perfect replacement for xavi alonso) joe allen (do not think possible, Rodgers apparently agreed not to buy players of his former club until next year) sirgunsson (without kuyt in that band, we need a new player there) a new striker M’Vila (if Arsenal do not buy) Strootman (he would be perfect for the premier league) and Boudebouz (very cheap and very good) I’m not saying it will buy ALL of these players, but with these players we could be in the top 4 PS: be patient carrol will be a great striker
m vila is a dm and what is cfl
Why not give them the time to prove their worth to rodgers? Anyone spitted on lucas a few years ago and in decemeber when he got injuried everyone were crying
so shut up with all those negative thoughts
let rodgers work, let him lead our ship
we cannot afford to loose energy or time so, we have to support our team to help to go trough the crisis
YNWA
Where is Maxi? I thought he should make the list too.
All of the squad are going to have to change their game, Brendan will want to play out from the back, no hoofing it clear, shorter quicker passing through midfield, with constant movement. It will require players with intelligence, a good touch who arent afraid of the ball. IMO players who will flourish are: Suarez Henderson Johnson Lucas Agger Enrique Gerrard if he plays deeper. Rodriguez if he stays. I also feel cole and aquilani would see more game time IF they want to come back.
Strugglers: Downing Adam Skrtel and Carroll whose movement in the box is not great coupled with less long balls being pumped up to him, he out of all the squad i feel might struggle most. If only Michael Owen was 10 years younger.
Pepe Rein i think. Dot foget wha he did to hodgson.
He mght be the trouble player.