Liverpool's Summer Signings

              Liverpool Football Club have had a very active summer transfer window. Many players have left and many players have come in. The most obvious departure was the sale of the Luis Suarez to FC Barcelona. Suarez was a major piece to Liverpool's glorious run to the top of last year's Premier league table. Liverpool fans were beyond sad when Suarez left, as they should be. It is not easy to replace 31 goals and 12 assists in just 33 games. With the transfer fee of about 128 million dollars, surely Brendan Rodgers will be able to bring in talent. As the summer transfer window is coming to an end, Rodgers has made a total of nine summer signings. Many are saying that Liverpool have pulled a Tottenham after their sale of Gareth Bale. I would have to disagree. Tottenham bought players for ridiculous prices without figuring out first where they will fit into the squad. I believe Rodgers has down a great job filling in the spots that need filling. 

             The first signing of the summer was an aging Rickie Lambert who was signed from Southampton for around 7 million dollars. It is truly an incredible story for this man as he was cut from Liverpool's youth team at the age of 15 and since has been roaming around the lower leagues with several teams. Most recently he was with Southampton and the striker lead them from the Championship to promotion into the Premier League. Last season Lambert scored 10 goals in his first year in the Premier league. Scoring 10 goals at the age of 31 last year attracted Liverpool for his signature as they needed a new striker. Rodgers knew signing Lambert would not be the replacement fro Suarez that was needed, however, Rodgers knew what kind of experience and leadership Lambert could bring to the side. 

             The second singing of the summer was Emre Can. Can, who is only 19 year old, was brought in for long term use for a fee around 4 million dollars. He plays in the center of the midfield and is very talented. He started for Bayern Leverkusen last season in the Bundesliga at the age of 18. He must be doing something right if he can start for a team in a big league at such a young age. Rodgers brought Can in as he was thinking for the future. Steven Gerrard, Liverpool's captain and start center midfielder, is now 34 and is slowing down rapidly. Soon Gerrard will retire and Liverpool will already have a replacement who will still be young and hopefully developed. 

            The third signature Liverpool penned to a contract this Summer was the extremely anticipated, Adam Lallana. Lallana being the second signing from Southampton, was brought in for a fee of about 33 million dollars. Lallana can play as a central attacking midfielder, a wide midfielder, and even an attacking winger. He is a very versatile player than can bring a lot to the table. Lallana had a fantastic season last year with the Saints and scored 10 goals. Lallana is only 26 years old and even though that seems to be old to this year's extremely young Liverpool squad, he has years of experience and many years to come. 

            The fourth signing of the summer intrigued many Liverpool fans and has brought much excitement to the coaches. Lazar Markovic, 19 years old, signed for Liverpool from Benfica for a fee of about 30 million dollars. Markovic is a center forward who can also play as an attacking winger. At such a young age he managed five caps for the Serbian national team. Lazar also managed five goals for Benfica last season. He is a very skilled player and his potential is off the charts. Some may think he is a player for the future, but I believe Rodgers wants him to to get on the field as soon and as much as possible. 

            The fifth signing of the Summer was also the third signing from Southampton. Dejan Lovren, an experienced center back who played much of his career at Lyon, was a much needed signing for Liverpool. Last season Liverpool conceded over 50 goals. That was overshadowed by the 101 goals scored by the team. Our defense has been a consistent problem over the years and as Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger's time beings to run out, solid center backs are needed. Rodger's brought in Sakho last summer, which was a brilliant signing, and I believe Lovren will also help turn our defense around for the better. Lovren is a very strong player who is excellent at heading the ball. He is not the quickest, but at the age of 25 and for a fee of 33 million dollars, why not bring him in. 

            As the FIFA World Cup in Brazil concluded many talents were discovered or proven. One of those talents was a 19 year old striker who started most games for Belgium and even scored a goal. Starting in the World Cup at the age of 19 would have people interested regardless if the player scored or not. Divock Origi, a 6 ft 1 inch beast, was Liverpool's sixth summer signing. He is very fast, obtains great agility, and is immensely strong. He has played much of his short career for French side, Lille. He is proven he is a talent to watch while at Lille and he caught the eye of Rodgers. Rodgers bought the striker for a fee of about 15 million dollars. Immediately being loaned back to Lille, Origi is for sure a player for the future. 

             The seventh signing of the summer was a loanee from Athletico Madrid. Javier Manquillo, 20 years old, made his first start for Atheltico at the age of just 17. He is a right back and has loads of composure on defense. He is not the most attacking of right backs, however, his defensive ability will be needed. Glen Johnson is very noticeably wearing down and has become slow and lazy. With likes of Flanagan to take his spot, Manquillo will make the fight for Right back more competitive. 

             With just a few weeks left of the summer transfer window, Rodgers solidified his eight signing. Rodgers signed Alberto Moreno from Sevilla; a young and talented left back who has been said to be the solution to Liverpool's left back problems. Moreno is 22 years old and had a major impact on Sevilla's run to win the Europa Cup last season. He has great attacking ability and unlike Johnson, Moreno is quick to get back on defense after pushing forward. With Jose Enrique's injury problems, Moreno was much needed and for a fee of about 30 million dollars, he was worth it. 

              The final and ninth singing of the summer was the so-called "marquee signing" Liverpool needed to fill in the missing striker spot. Known as Super Mario, Mario Balotelli was brought in for a fee of only 24 million dollars. This was a huge bargain based off the amount of talent the Italian has. His price was cut so low due to his behavior issues and immaturity. Rodgers looked through that and saw the brilliant talent he has. Rodgers feels that he can help behave him and if he can succeed to do so, Liverpool will have gotten an excellent striker for a bargain price. Balotelli is not new to the Premier League as he played for Manchester City in the early stages of his career, and he managed to score 20 goals in 54 appearances. At only 20 years old, that was a very impressive scoring record. Last season he moved to AC Milan where he played and scored 27 goals in 43 appearances. That is pure class and the goals that Liverpool need. He is now 24 years old and has many years to prove himself at Liverpool. 

             Rodgers and the Liverpool owners have done some good business this summer and hopefully it will show on the pitch. These singings all have the same trend as they are all very young and talented players that show immense potential. Liverpool should be set for the future and should now be able to fight for the tile this season despite the loss of Luis Suarez. 

YNWA 

Liverpool 4 Swansea City 3 2/23/14

Another game, another dramatic ending. Today Liverpool faced a Swansea side who is sitting near the bottom of the table. The game seemed to be in Liverpool's hands right from the start with an early goal in the third minute.

It was a beautiful pass from Sterling with outside of his foot, guiding Sturridge in on goal. Sturridge being the world class striker he is, easily maneuvers around the goalie and scores on an open net. Three minutes in, Liverpool already up 1-0.

Liverpool were in control for much of the first half. It only took until the twentieth minute to double their tally. With Sturridge handling the ball well down the right flank of the pitch, he eases past the Swansea defense and finds an open Jordan Henderson who is waiting at the top of the box. Henderson takes a great touch and beautifully places the ball in the top left corner of the goal, with the goalie not even making a single motion. Liverpool 2-0 in the twentieth minute.

Just three minutes later as it seemed Liverpool were going to run away with the game, Dyer passes the ball with some pace to the former Liverpool man, Jonjo Shelvey, who does the rest. Shelvey one times Dyer's pass incredibly off the right side of the cross bar and in. Shelvey didn't celebrate in respect to his former club. The game was now 2-1 and Swansea gained motivation.

The Shelvey goal certainly changed the game for Swansea as they were constantly threatening the Liverpool goal. Needless to say, Liverpool's defense looked very sloppy throughout the match. Liverpool conceded a free kick about thirty yards out. De Guzman placed a very nice ball into the center of the Liverpool box and Bony Wilfried headed it home off Skrtel's shoulder. It very well could have been Skrtel's third own goal this season. The equalizer in the twenty fifth minute did not dishearten Liverpool.

Liverpool's offense never stopped pushing for goals. Just before halftime, a quiet Luis Suarez receives the ball along the left side of the box and delivers a perfect pass to Sturridge, who heads it upper ninety for his second goal of the match. This assist for Suarez has now tied him for most in the league. Most goals, most assists, what more could you want from a world class striker. Liverpool 3 Swansea 2 at the half.

You would think Liverpool's goal before the halftime whistle would carry them to success into the second half, but this was not the case. Just one minute into the second half, Skrtel nearly bear hugged Bony in the box, causing the Referee Mike Jones to sound his whistle and give the penalty. Skrtel was already having a bad game with the yellow card and near own goal and now he has let up a penalty. Skrtel has been getting away with his jersey pulling and hacking in the box all season; he was bound to get caught. The victim Bony was summoned to take the penalty. Bony stepped up and delivered a fine shot to the left hand side of the goal to equalize. Mignolet went the right way, but Bony's shot was too much for Mignolet to handle.

At this point in the match, most Liverpool fans began to feel a sense of deja vu between last weeks match vs Fulham and a 5-3 victory over Stoke a few weeks back.

The second half was fairly even with both sides threatening each other's nets. It took until the seventy fifth minute for the breakthrough to occur. An unbelievable ball from Gerrard to Suarez who takes it cooly off his chest, fires a shot which got blocked and then Henderson followed it up to knock in the game winner. Liverpool 4 Swansea 3.

Henderson has undoubtedly been Liverpool's most improved player of the season. A brace in today's match, and his consistent form has given him his label. Henderson deserved MOTM and today's victory gives Liverpool a huge boost with Spurs loosing to Norwich.

I believe Liverpool can push for the title if they solidify their defense. Six points ahead of Fifth, Liverpool have some breathing room to maintain their champions league spot. Strive for three points week in and week out. YWNA!

Liverpool VS Fulham round up

Liverpool vs. Fulham 2/12/14

Liverpool took on a Fulham side who is currently at the bottom of the table. Fulham came into this game with some momentum after a 2-2 draw vs. the red devils.

The game began with Liverpool owning much of the possession, however the first Fulham attack overwhelmed Liverpool causing miscommunication in the back. This then led to Kolo Toure's disastrous own goal. Unfortunately for Kolo, he has made quite a few mistakes in the past few games displeasing many Liverpool fans.

After the own goal, the game was fairly even, but it an equalizer was bound to happen. Gerrard hit one of the best balls of the season with the outside of his boot, sending Sturridge in on goal. Sturridge with the form he has been in was obviously going to finish for his eighth goal in seven games. A beautiful finish just of the inside of the post and in forced the game to 1-1 before halftime.

The second half started as it ended. Liverpool owning possession and threatening the fulham goal. However the Liverpool defense was once again caught in a difficult situation of miscommunication. Skrtel with a dreadful clearance, gave Richardson the chance for an easy tap in.

About 15 minutes later, a surprising sight took place in the game. Coutinho scored with a shot from outside of the box. Coutinho known for his playmaking and assists scored his third goal of the season. Coutinho has converted only 3% of his shots this season. It was a pleasant surprise to see Coutinho grab an equalizer.

The match began to become intense with passion shown from each side. It all came down to who wanted the three points more. Some Liverpool fans may not have been thinking Brendan Rodgers wanted the three points after subbing in Joao Carlos late in the game. Joao's inexperience certainly had the Liverpool fans questioning Rodger's decision, but Joao put in a good shift with a solid first performance.

After working the ball around well, Liverpool began to get even closer to a game winner. Suarez hit the poll, adding to Liverpool's incredible tally of woodworks; most in the league. Joao Carlos came close too, as more pressure was put on the Fulham defense.

Eventually, with all of the desire for three points and hard work being shown by the reds, Sturridge was brought down by Reither in the box inevitably. The referee didn't flinch and the call was an easy one to make.

Liverpool sent the one and only, captain marvel, to take the PK. His consistent form in scoring penalties was kept alive today as Gerrard smashed home another game winning beauty.

The game ended with a dramatic 3-2 score line with Liverpool on top.

All in all, it was a huge victory for the reds no matter who the opponent was. Any chance to claim three points is clutch. The reds now trail the top of the table by 4 points with Manchester City still to play. Next up Arsenal in the FA cup and then Swansea City in a league match. Keep up the good work Liverpool. YNWA!

Player Ratings:
Mignolet: 6/10

Flanagan: 7/10

Skrtel: 5/10

Kolo Toure: 4/10

Cissoko: 7/10

Henderson: 7/10

Gerrard: 9/10

Coutinho: 9/10

Sterling: 7/10

Suarez: 8/10

Sturridge: 9/10

Liverpool's inconsistency explained

It appears to be a pattern with Liverpool this year. As a major fan I have watched every game this season and have noticed Liverpool play down to their opponents. A loss to Southampton and Hull City and a draw versus Aston Villa and West Brom; all teams the reds should have beaten. Losses to Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal earlier in the season were of course not what Liverpool wanted, but you can't win em all. Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal are top quality teams making it understandable why Liverpool couldn't gain three points.

I do notice however, Liverpool tend to come out every once in a while and just absolutely play their hearts out and abolish their opponent: Everton (4-0), Spurs (5-0), and of course Arsenal this past weekend (5-1). These were major blowouts versus major teams. Why can't Liverpool play like this every game? I have no idea, but for sure Brendan Rodgers is not to blame for our occasional top quality play. We have the star power up top of course with the Golden Boot leader Luis Suarez and the very much in form Daniel Sturridge, with Phillipe Coutinho and speedy Raheem Sterling behind them. The Liverpool midfield is fairly solid with the very reliable and consistent Steven Gerrard and the very surprising Jordan Henderson who I feel has had a great season thus far.

Here is what I believe to be the reason for Liverpool's inconsistency, INJURIES! Injuries are something you just can't always control. Liverpool's entire starting back four is out due to injury. This includes Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Mamadou Sakho, and Jose Enrique. Thanks to Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool at least have a rotation. Kolo Toure was brought in for his experience in times like this. Obviously he has made mistakes, but everyone makes mistakes and he has shown he can produce great balls over top to Liverpool's attack. Skrtel, who started off the year as a substitute has shown an unbelievable amount of passion and desire for Liverpool as he has produced 4 goals this season. His marking and defense still needs work, but I feel he has done a good enough job to help Liverpool earn three points. Glen Johnson who has been having a very poor season due to his injury has been replaced by the young John Flanagan. I must say I have become a huge Flanagan fan over the past few weeks as he has shown great potential, effort, and improved defensive skills. Not to mention the real cracker of a goal he had versus Spurs. Last but not least, Aly Cissoko. Jose Enrique was major blow earlier this season due to injury and unfortunately had to go through a major surgery leaving him out for most of the season. once again thanks to Brendan Rodgers, we have an experienced back up in Cissoko. Cissoko is of course not the best, but he has certainly shown he wants to win and help the team. He has produced enough solid games to keep up the reds in the top 4. Other than the back four we have also seen our very consistent, defensive midfielder go out due to injury, Lucas Leiva. He is basically an extra center back building a brick wall for Simon Mignolet, the Liverpool keeper. We have seen the likes of Joe Allen fill in for him especially when Gerrard was out.

I believe the occasional inconsistency of the club is due to the immense amount of injuries. Rodgers, Mignolet, Kolo, and anyone on the team are not blame for a game in which Liverpool have dropped points. With all of Liverpool's starters healthy, I believe Liverpool could easily contend for the title. You have to say compared to last year, this new highly attacking goal scoring Liverpool may very well lead us back to Champions League glory.

I leave you with this, that thrashing 5-1 victory over Arsenal has most certainly given the reds a boost of confidence and shows that we can beat the big named teams. Lets keep the momentum going and get this top four spot! YNWA