This summer will be no different, however, for the first time in years Reds fans can be genuinely excited at the prospect of many new and expensive signings arriving at Anfield, as opposed to the dreadful anxiety experienced under Hicks and Gillett, when Kopites simply hoped that the American duo's asset stripping didn't completely ravage an already depleted squad.
For once, Liverpool can head into what the media will almost certainly dub "the most important summer in the club's history" with a refreshing sense of optimism permeating throughout the club, from the boardroom to the pitch via the stands. This positivity, generated by the results and performances enjoyed after the return of Kenny Dalglish to the Anfield dugout, could prove crucial as the Reds are expected to embark on an ambitious spending spree in order to strengthen and improve a confident yet underachieving squad.
With Fabio Aurelio seemingly destined to spend the rest of his career dogged by persistent injuries and the promising 17-year old Jack Robinson lacking the experience to start every week, it is vital that Liverpool sign a quality first choice left back this summer. Paul Konchesky is simply not good enough to enter into Dalglish's plans for next season and, although Emiliano Insua could return from his unproductive loan spell at Galatasary to re-ignite his career at Anfield, the Argentine's ability is not yet adequate for him to hold down the position as his own.
Arsenal's Gael Clichy has been linked with a move to Merseyside whilst Newcastle's Jose Enrique has been tipped to follow former teammate Andy Carroll to Liverpool, and both could solve our current problem at left back should Dalglish and co. swoop to sign them this summer.
Additionally, another centre back could significantly strengthen the Reds' back four. Martin Skrtel was an ever-present last year and Jamie Carragher will remain a key figure for at least a few more years, however the ageing Sotirios Kyrgiakos proved unreliable when he made a rare appearance and, for all his ability, Daniel Agger continues to be plagued by injury, while Daniel Wilson has been one of the few youngsters to fail to make an impression on the first team this season.
Dalglish was unsuccessful in his attempt to steal highly rated 19-year old Phil Jones from under United's nose with a last minute bid and consequently has turned his attention to other targets, with Birmingham City centre back Scott Dann a potential signing.
Despite suffering relegation this season, in 2009/2010 Dann helped the Blues form a competent defensive unit, which secured an enviable eleven clean sheets and heightened the boyhood Liverpool fan's reputation. Following the Blues' relegation and the controversial resignation of Alex McLeish, Dann may wish to leave a ship that many consider to be sinking. His capture would certainly bolster the Reds' options at centre back and provide cover and competition for those already at the club.
Moreover, another area of the starting eleven that requires investment and instant improvement is on both the left and right wing. For far too long Liverpool have lacked real, natural width, with a tendency to funnel our attacking play down the centre of the pitch cited as a reason for our failure to convert many infuriating home draws into wins during the 2008/2009 season, when the Reds finished as runners up, an agonising four points behind Manchester United.
The £35 million spent on tall striker Andy Carroll will be wasted if his aerial prowess is not fully exploited, and this cannot be done unless a few wingers arrive to ping in crosses for Liverpool's new number nine to head home. For all his hard work, Dirk Kuyt demonstrated towards the end of the season that he performs better up front than on the right, whilst employing utility players like Raul Meireles and Maxi Rodriguez to fill in on the left wing is simply not acceptable because their ability isn't fully utilised when played out of position.
Aston Villa stars Stewart Downing and Ashley Young have been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool. The much-coveted duo provide an exhilarating and interchangeable mix of pace, precision and power, with both beginning to make an impact on Fabio Capello's England team.
Their form helped the Midlanders to claim a respectable ninth place finish following a turbulent start to the season and has attracted interest from many top clubs across Europe, meaning new owners FSG will have to dig deep into their pockets to capture the promising pair.
23-year old Valencia winger Juan Mata may provide a cheaper alternative to Downing and Young, however he will require time to settle into a new country, unlike the aforementioned duo, who have Premier League experience and are approaching the prime of their respective careers.
Perplexing, Liverpool have already spent a reported £20 million on Jordan Henderson and intend to splash the cash on Charlie Adam in order to boost our options in central midfield, the one position other than goalkeeper that arguably does not need significant improvement.
With Raul Meireles, Lucas Leiva and Jay Spearing all impressing last season and the dynamic Steven Gerrard expected to return fully fit and firing following a groin operation, the Reds already possess a potent midfield. However, 21-year old Henderson is likely to remain at Anfield for the foreseeable future and hopefully provide performances to justify the transfer fee paid, while Charlie Adam is available at a cut-price after Blackpool's relegation and could, if the Scot fulfils his potential, emulate the passing ability of the much-loved Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso.
Following three and a half years of dangerous over-reliance on Fernando Torres, the sale of the Spaniard and the capture of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll to replace him in January heralded a new era at the club. Torres, who had failed to hit top form for 18 months, was ruthlessly replaced by Dalglish, as the legendary Scot refused to accept anything other than 100% commitment from his players.
The move proved to be a masterstroke, with Suarez and Carroll making an instant impact and immediately endearing them to the Anfield faithful. Nevertheless, reinforcements are still needed up front, as the much-maligned David Ngog remains one of very few alternatives and Kuyt, although useful up front, is not the 20-goal a season striker that we need.
The Reds have been linked with several strikers, including Antonio Cassano from AC Milan and free agent Jay Bothroyd, however Ipswich youngster Connor Wickham could prove to be the best option in the long term. The teenage forward is an instrumental figure in the Tractor Boys' side and has attracted interest from many teams in the top flight. His contract is also reported to have a clause that allows him to speak to clubs who offer £15 million for his services.
Although that fee may be a bit steep, it demonstrates the over-inflated fees demanded for young, English talent that Liverpool appear to be targeting this summer, partly in order to have a squad that understands the history and culture of the club but mainly to comply with new rules regarding home-grown players likely to be enforced soon.
Nevertheless, a transfer window in which Liverpool are willing and able to spend significant sums of money on young talent to improve both the starting eleven and the squad is incredibly encouraging and makes a pleasant change. If Dalglish, Comolli and co. can also offload some deadwood (Poulsen, Konchesky and Jovanovic to name but a few) than it should prove to be a crucial summer in changing the Reds' fortunes.
"The most important summer in the club's history" may be taking it a bit far though!
YNWA
well done oliver. it was a good overview about the team and the season that is going to begin. we need LB for sure and at least one winger and if we can keeping aquilani with us
ReplyDelete