5 Reasons To Get Excited By The New Season

IT’S hard to ignite your inner flame of excitement during the long summers where the Premier League enters its non-existent phase. When mundane pre-season friendlies are the only matches available to tantalise fans, it seems that the days until the new season erupts, elongate to unbearable length.

However, while we patiently wait, many intriguing facets of our new campaign create a hysteria and anticipation for the supporters.

Here are 5 reasons to get excited for the season ahead:

Brendan Rodgers

A mixed reception is probably the most accurate description of the Northern Irishman when he was announced as the man to lead Liverpool into the new season. Whilst the 39-year olds achievements in South Wales have been nothing short of miraculous, he has still to manage with such levels of expectation preceding him. Regardless, Rodgers is an astute young manager who is probably the correct appointment at the correct time. If he can imprint his impressive tested tactics on the Anfield turf, the man from Carnlough could relive the heroic status that was appointed to him in Swansea.

European Football

While the glorified Champions League has still been unable to find its way back to Anfield in recent times, at least European nights are heading back to Merseyside. Despite its energy sapping, mileage totalling, unknown team playing aspects, the Europa League is still a competition that would put Liverpool back on the elite radar should they emerge victorious. Winning the competition would also fast track us back to the Champions League, regardless of league position. Playing comparative minnows in the competitions’ earlier stages also allows younger players or fringe members of the squad to enjoy some first team football and keep squad morale at a peak, something that is vitally important when accounting for Rodgers team-style of play.

New Signings

The acquisition of Fabio Borini is not the marquee signing that the fans needed to generate some real excitement about the forthcoming season. However, he has worked with Rodgers before so will be fairly comfortable under the 39-year olds wing. With Clint Dempsey expected to join in the next few days plus the rumour mill in full flow, linking all manner of player with the club, it is genuinely enthralling when trying to eek out a rumour with some validity. While most players linked are swept aside with an unachievable sigh, some supposed targets become genuine members of the squad. With new philosophies in place at Anfield, be sure to see a few new faces arrive through the door by the close of the window at the end of next month.
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Lucas

The long awaited return of the beloved Brazilian midfielder is almost as exciting as the arrival of any new player. A long term injury has kept the 25-year old out of action since last November. However, 2 months ahead of schedule, the midfielder favoured by fans is ready to return to action once more. The solidity that was so often lacking in Liverpool’s midfield last season will be dutifully provided by a man who has grown into one of the standout players at Liverpool in recent seasons. If the Brazilian can re-find his form and adapt to a new system that Rodgers will undoubtedly implement, Anfield will be considered much more of a fortress than last season.

A Fresh Start for Returning Players

It would be fair to say that Joe Cole and Alberto Aquilani have hardly had the most fruitful of tenures at Liverpool thus far. However, what has to be remembered is the fact that the two returning players are incredibly talented footballers who impressed enough to be offered contracts at Anfield in the first place. Cole had a superb season in France with Lille, producing some of the form that once saw him as a constant name on his national side’s team sheet. His style of play fits neatly with the predicted style of Rodgers footballing plans and the 30-year old will be eager to prove his worth in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Aquilani has been flirting with Italian clubs for the past two seasons. However, his natural talents fit perfectly into Rodgers system and the Northern Irishman has stated his desire to keep the 28-year old on Merseyside. With a pass completion rate of 97% in his 45 minute appearance against Toronto last Saturday, Aquilani is impressing more and more with every passing day.

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