Who Would You Have?

WRITING for this fantastic site to date, I have focused on putting out my pieces detailing my thoughts, whatever they are worth, on varying topics relating to this great club.

This week however I wanted to try something new, something different, to experiment (not in the college sense though), and I thought I would create an interactive piece and hopefully start a discussion and get some twitter conversations going!

What I was curious about is what our fans thought about opposition players and in a different reality who would thrive in Liverpool colours.

Early disclaimer: I’m not saying we should buy any of these or that I want them at the club, simply a bit of fun to see what others make of opposition players.

Right I will go first and pick 1 player from each Premiership team who I think would do well at Liverpool and really bring something to the squad. Forget about price tags, wages and rivalry; have a read and get back to me whether you agree or who you would have if you disagree, either seriously or comically as every team needs water carriers! I’m starting with my fingers crossed hoping this works!

Arsenal – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Some may think this a surprising choice given the season van Persie has had, but how often has that lad completed a season? Of course I would be elated with Walcott, but in an ideal world ‘The Ox’ is young, English, exciting and seemingly has all the tools in his locker, pace, skill and confidence.

Aston Villa – Darren Bent: Villa is a tough one for me as they are going through a transitional period in my eyes and have a lot of decent young players like Albrighton and Bannan who are just establishing themselves. I went for Bent as he does what it says on the tin: he scores goals. Every team needs a player who just scores; a Rush or Fowler from days gone by, and although not in their class, Bent does know where the goal is.

Chelsea – Juan Mata: Chelsea are again flexing the Russian muscle and splashing the cash without any consideration to FFP so a wealth of talent to choose from with the likes of Hazard, Marin, potentially Oscar et al. I would go for Juan Mata though. He is a player I have always admired and unlike a few others on their books appears ego free so would fit nicely on and off the pitch at Anfield for me.

Everton – Nikica Jelavic: As with my Villa choice, this chap know where the net is, it’s as simple as that. I, like others including Moyes I believe, had reservations when we were linked in January as strikers doing well in SPL doesn’t really translate well into the Premier League. However, he has shown deft finishing, quality finishing and a real eye for goal. Just what the Bitters need unfortunately!

Fulham – Moussa Dembele: Of course the obvious choice here would be Dempsey with the strong links we have seen recently and in my mind will be an excellent addition. Yet, in terms of this piece I think the jewel in the crown at Fulham is the Belgian. Adapted now to Premier League life, stack loads of ability and a veritable fob of keys to unlock various defences.

Manchester City – Yaya Toure: I almost, almost went with Aguero and have a lot of respect for Kompany and Silva, but there is something about Toure. When he turns it on he is devastating. The thought of Lucas anchoring the midfield and Yaya and Stevie dominating and simply overwhelming opposition with their skill and physicality is simply mouthwatering.

Manchester United – Antonio Valencia: Tough to pick here because of the club, but of course leaving rivalry at door I went for Valencia. Very impressed with this lad whether operating on the wing or as a full-back. Good pace, can beat a man and deliver a decent final ball. I like Kagawa too, and he would bring a lot off the pitch as well but no guarantee at this stage he could adapt to Premier League life.

Newcastle United – Cheick Tiote: Very tempted to say Cisse but 6 months form doesn’t represent the player. Tiote is a chap who has impressed me at St James’s consistently and would create a stonking partnership with Lucas. You shall not pass!
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Norwich City – Jonny Howson: I like Pilkington too, but think in the system we would likely play under Rodgers, Howson would fit better. A young player with an old head, who is comfortable on the ball and plays passing football. A lot of promise there for me.

QPR – Djibril Cisse: The Lord of Frodsham was one of those players that just won the fans who would forgive his negatives because of his passion and character, and after receiving a similar injury myself this chap remains an inspiration.

Reading – Adam Le Fondre: Always difficult to view a newly promoted team and identify a player to come in and do well at a club like ours but for the sake of this I have chosen the diminutive forward. The ‘fox in the box’ as it were. From what I have seen of him is that he works hard for the team and is devastating in the penalty box, which is invaluable to any team.

Southampton – Adam Lallana: I like Lambert, but unlike Le Fondre above I’m not sure how effective he will be at this level. Lallana on the other hand looks a very tidy player at an age where he will be looking for that next step.

Stoke City– Robert Huth: Hmmm scraping the barrel a bit as they are not my favourite team, but the big German is clearly a solid centre back who is also a threat offensively.

Spurs – Sandro: A midfield anchor duo of Lucas and Sandro I’m not sure anyone would pass! I have no idea why he doesn’t get more of a chance at Spurs, injury may have played its part, but I think he has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the league and unlike Modric, seems to have his head screwed on.

Sunderland – James McClean: As tempting as it was to go for Bramble I chose this exciting Irish winger. Burst onto the scene with tons of potential. Can’t see him hanging round Sunderland to much longer if he continues to build on his impressive performances.

Swansea City – Joe Allen: Even despite the heavy links to us I would have selected this young man anyway. A real diamond that was made for the football Rodgers wants to play. Has the potential to be our Xavi as it were as he can pass he can tackle, he can dictate games. Very hopeful he signs for us.

WBA – Shane Long: Got a lot of time for this lad, bags of pace and energy and the kind of striker that riles defenders with his persistence and work rate. Keep him fit and you have a match winner for me as he can finish too. I was disappointed last year we didn’t get him after the strong links.

West Ham United – James Tomkins: A talented young centre back who will get some exposure at the Olympics and will command a place in the senior England side in the years to come I believe.

Wigan Athletic – James McCarthey: A player we were linked with way back in his Accies days although a move for him then would have been too soon. He went to Wigan and under Martinez has developed into a top player who is ready for the next step. I think the way he plays his football would fit perfectly into Rodgers style, and he would flourish.

Thanks for making it this far if you did and I hope this starts a conversation or a debate. Just a reminder this is for fun and in no way am I suggesting we should bust a nut to sign all these, I have simply selected who from each team could come in and do well.

Come find me on twitter @timdibs
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