CaughtOffside’s preview of Liverpool’s season.
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Last Season
Liverpool’s 2013/14 season seemed to come out of nowhere, as the Reds exploded onto the Premier League season playing football was more expansive and more watchable than any other team in the division. Once Luis Suarez returned from his previous biting ban, Liverpool began scoring more goals than any other team, with their front two of Suarez and Sturridge, supplied by the magical Philippe Coutinho and exciting Raheem Sterling, pulverising all comers. They even put themselves in a position to win the title, until some tactical naivety from Brendan Rodgers and a loss of footing from captain Steven Gerrard saw them lose at home to Chelsea.
Overall, however, it was their defence which cost them the title – although it was a back line put under pressure by Rodgers’ conscious decision to play such an open style that was typified by Gerrard playing as the defensive midfielder, something which was superb when Liverpool had the ball but less impressive when they lost it. Overall, though, it was a brilliant season that will be fondly remembered by Reds fans for a long time.
Transfer Business
The sale of Suarez has obviously dominated summer headlines at Anfield, but it is whether Rodgers has been able to improve Liverpool’s overall sum with his numerous buys which will determine whether they can challenge again. Dejan Lovren, signed from Southampton, is a good central defender, but the £20m man may not be enough to pull together what was a fairly ramshackle back line last year. Adam Lallana, also signed from St. Mary’s, also seems to be an overly expensive acquisition in a position where Rodgers already has the irrepressible Coutinho.
More exciting is winger Lazar Markovic, one of the most talented young footballers in Europe, whilst Emre Can is another talented youngster who should provide cover throughout midfield. Rickie Lambert, the third signing from Southampton, will be renamed Mr. Plan B. One surprise is that Rodgers hasn’t brought in a genuine defensive midfielders, hinting towards Liverpool continuing with their open and exciting style.
Season Expectations
Brendan Rodgers has made a rod for his own back with Liverpool’s incredible 2013/14 season, with a failure to protect their Champions League place likely to be seen as a failure by the club’s hierarchy and support. With continental football to factor into the equation, Rodgers has done the right thing in bulking out the club’s squad, although the loss of Suarez means a clear drop in quality in attack. With Chelsea and Arsenal having noticeably strengthened to challenge Manchester City, another sustained title challenge may be wishful thinking for Liverpool, although Rodgers proved to be a man capable of surprises last season.
Possible First Choice XI
The Verdict
We feel as though Liverpool’s summer business has been mixed, with better and more cost effective alternatives to Lovren and Lallana potentially there, although both Alberto Moreno and Lazar Markovic will add an awful lot to the Reds. Daniel Sturridge will relish the opportunity to be the main man and will score enough goals for the loss of Suarez not to be felt too keenly, although the improvements made by other clubs may push them back slightly from last season. They should have enough to hold off Manchester United’s likely challenge for their Champions League place, but another title challenge is probably beyond them.
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