Players that should be on Brendan Rodgers Anfield wish-list.
Brendan Rodger’s first season in charge of Liverpool can’t be considered a success. Far from it actually. He has so far failed to iron out the inconsistencies that has mean that Champions League football will have to wait another year at least.
However, he’s blooded some exciting new youngsters in his first season and blended them well with the likes of Suarez, Gerrard , and Carragher, but the one thing that has held Rodgers back from implementing his philosophy to the full effect is the poorly chosen signings from his predecessors reign.
Kenny Dalglish spent a lot of money during his brief tenure in charge and it has limited the former Swansea boss in what he’s been able to do, but with summer drawing closer and fresh money to be injected he;ll be able to ship out the deadwood and bring in those missing pieces that will see Liverpool challenging for honours again.
1. Ashley Williams (Swansea City)
With Jamie Carragher set to retire in May, a replacement is desperately needed, and there are none better than his former captain at Swansea, Ashley Williams.
Williams has taken the old school approach to get where he is today by learning his trade in the lower leagues with Hendnesford United and Stockport County before joining up with the Swans in 2008.
This season has seen his fine form rewarded with a League Cup winners medal and the captain’s armband for Wales.
Unfortunately for Swansea, though, the team’s success means that larger sides have taken note, and Williams has been one of the key performers in an amazing season for the South Welsh club. A natural leader who isn’t afraid to put his body on the line, he will lead by example and can be seen as the ideal replacement for the outgoing Carragher.
A fee of around £5-6 million could be enough to prize him away.
2. Scott Sinclair (Man City)
Another of Rodgers’ former charges, Sinclair has seen his career stall somewhat since joining Manchester City last summer. He hasn’t quite made the step up to the England squad that many expected as he has made just 11 appearances for the champions this season.
But if there is one man to get the 23-year-old’s career back on track it’s his old boss from Swansea. His performances for the Swans warranted a big money move to City, but the competition in Manchester is fierce and he’s so far seen his chances limited.
A strong dribbler who likes to cut inside, he would link up with the the likes of Sturridge and Suarez to pose a potent goal threat.
3. Diego Capel (Sporting Lisbon)
If fans are eager for a replacement for Stuart Downing then this is their man.
The former Sevilla winger operates on the left side of the attack where his speed and crossing ability cause problems for defences. Once a spikey character, known for his tantrums as much as anything else, he’s matured since making the move to Lisbon last year.
No stranger to European competition, he won the Uefa Cup twice in succession with Sevilla in 2006 and 2007. A year later he was part of the squad that won the Uefa Super Cup, defeating Barcelona 3-0.
Thought to be available for just under £10 million, a move for the two cap Spanish international could go ahead if they find a buyer for Downing. Capel may also seek a move away as Sporting are midway through a disappointing campaign, currently sitting in 10th place of the Portuguese league.
4. Jakub Blaszczykowski (Borussia Dortmund)
Kuba, as he is known in Dortmund, is one third of Polish players alongside Lewandowski and Piszczek in the current Borussia side that are so key to their success.
Largely operating on the right wing, he is able to provide cover competently at left back and in the centre of midfield.
Having joined Dortmund in 2007, he’s been an integral part of the side that have won two back-to-back Bundesliga titles, one DFB Pokal trophy and one German Supercup. He has played in six of the club’s Champions League fixtures this season as well as scoring nine times in 21 league appearances.
Also a star for the Polish national team, he was a big part of the squad that impressed during last summer’s European Championship. He provided the assist for club teammate Robert Lewandowski in the 1-1 draw with Greece in the opening game. Days later he scored a spectacular long range equaliser in another draw against Russia.
Kuba won’t come cheap, he’s the captain of club and country and is thought to cost around £15 million. He’d be worth the fee, though, as he has obvious leadership qualities, is capable of scoring some terrific goals as well as assisting with his fair share too.
5. Kevin Gameiro (PSG)
As it stands, Liverpool have only two strikers really capable of causing any damage in the Premier League. Suarez and Sturridge have partnered up well, but what will Rodgers do if one gets injured? Fabio Borini’s long term injury has seen him ruled out for the season and because of that we can expect the manager to dip into the market for some new fire power.
A solid option would be that of PSG striker, Kevin Gameiro. Joining the capital club in 2011 from Lorient, he initially impressed with 14 goals in 45 appearances last season. He’s seen his chances limited this term though as the club brought in a wealth of attacking talent that has seen him slip in the pecking order.
With under 18 months left on his current deal a cut price move could be feasible and for around £10 million he would represent good value. Still only 25, he broke into the French national team in 2010, and with a solid run of games he could add to his eight caps very quickly.
Quick, clever, and a natural finisher he would almost certainly guarantee goals and make Liverpool a tangible threat on counter attacks. He isn’t a giant in stature at 5’7, but he is capable of holding onto the ball and laying it off to his strike partners, ensuring that he, and whoever he plays alongside, will develop a deeper understanding.