Brendan Rodgers will be watching these five Reds closely…
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The Reds take on Southampton in the opening fixture of the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday, and these five players will be eager to put in a strong performance and impress the supporters and manager Brendan Rodgers.
5) Dejan Lovren
Lovren was desperate to leave Southampton in the summer, and made no secret of his desire to push through a £20m transfer. Against his former club on Sunday, he’ll have to prove that he made the right decision, having come to Anfield and scored for the Saints last season. With the likes of Daniel Agger, Mamadou Sakho, Kolo Toure and Tiago Ilori all keen for playing time, he’ll need to cement a starting spot for himself as well.
4) Steven Gerrard
The club captain was superb last season, but he admitted himself that following his slip against Chelsea that effectively cost his side the title, his form slipped, which ultimately culminated in his terrible World Cup showing. Now following his international retirement, Gerrard will be desperate to right the wrongs of last term.
3) Daniel Sturridge
All attention will be on the excellent centre-forward to prove that he can still provide Liverpool goals and assists in the absence of his strike partner Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has of course left to join Barcelona, meaning Sturridge will likely lead the line on his own. He has the talent to do so, but will need to mature, and prove he can hold the ball up and bring others into play in his lone striking role.
2) Simon Mignolet
The Belgian ‘keeper is Liverpool’s first-choice, but his performances last term mean he isn’t trusted universally by the supporters yet. mistakes around Christmas time caused this, and with Sergio Romero heavily linked, Mignolet will need to lay down a marker.
1) Glen Johnson
Johnson wasn’t far off appalling during pre-season, and with Javier Manquillo arriving, and Alberto Moreno on the verge of signing, the England international has much to do to secure his place for the season. Jon Flanagan is not 100% fit so Johnson is almost certain to start, and he’ll hope to prove his as defensively accomplished as he is going forward at home to the Saints.
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