Can Liverpool finish in the top four?
After Liverpool finished second to Manchester City in the 2013-14 campaign, they were extremely disappointing last season and finished sixth in the Premier League table. Brendan Rodgers accepted the need for change at the club and has already been active in the transfer window, signing Burnley striker Danny Ings, Manchester City midfielder James Milner, Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino and this week confirming a deal for England international Nathaniel Clyne. Liverpool supporters are excited at their chances this campaign and the Reds are well placed to compete for a top-four finish – which would bring Champions League football back to Anfield next season.
Liverpool were foolish in the transfer window last summer and failed to invest wisely after selling star striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona for an estimated fee of around £75million. The Reds struggled in the opening few matches of the campaign and many believe they panicked before buying Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert. This season, Rodgers has acted quickly to secure the services of talented, experienced players as the squad begin to adapt to life without Steven Gerrard. Milner will bring stamina and energy to the midfield, while Ings – who scored 11 goals for Burnley last season – will provide some much needed support to Daniel Sturridge in attack.
Image: Dean Jones
Furthermore, Brazil star Firmino – who is currently on international duty at the Copa America – has agreed to join the club and could be the ideal replacement for Raheem Sterling if the 20-year-old leaves this summer. Southampton’s Clyne was arguably the best right-back in the Premier League last season and, for less than £15 million, is an absolute bargain when compared with the £30million that rivals Manchester United paid for 19-year-old Luke Shaw.
Each of Liverpool’s signings will bring something a little different to the club and Reds fans are already licking their lips at the prospect of a three-pronged attack including Sturridge, Coutinho and Firmino. Many people believe that Liverpool are now not only well placed for a top-four push, but to challenge for the title. In fact, Liverpool supporters may have taken advantage of bookmaker signup offers to ensure that they receive the best odds possible for the Reds to win the Premier League crown this campaign.
Image: runtodaylight
Rodgers’ men finished a long way behind fourth-placed Manchester United last season but have already earned two huge psychological blows ahead of the upcoming campaign. The 13-time Premier League champions were reportedly interested in both Firmino and Clyne but their arch rivals secured their services early, much to the dismay of United’s supporters and to the delight of Liverpool’s. Fans are certainly excited at the prospect of watching their team this season after a disappointing 2014-15 campaign.
It is perhaps more realistic for Liverpool to target a top-four finish this season – a result that most supporters would be happy with at the start of the campaign. It may take some time for Rodgers’ new-look side to gel but they will be a huge threat in the near future. Liverpool’s signings so far have been smart purchases and they are more than capable of climbing up the table and guaranteeing those special European nights return to Anfield for the 2016-17 season.
No. Not with the players the club has signed, and with Rodgers still in-charge. Liverpool FC is currently going nowhere under the Fenway Sports Group – who need a dose of reality on how to run a football club.
Failure to sign a top goalkeeper to either replace / put serious pressure on Mingolet could cost us.
Do we revert back to a 4 man defence? Clyne aside there is still huge question marks over whoever would fill the 3 remaining defensive slots. Moreno has much to prove while are Skrtel, Sakho and Lovren able to eliminate those costly defensive errors.
With Can surely moving into midfield and Milner coming in that area should look more robust than last season. It may go some way to helping us improve our defensive frailties but thats not guaranteed either.
In the attacking third we should see more goals. Origi is an unknown quantity. Starting for Belgium at the last WC to featuring in the worst team of the season in ligue 1 confirms that fact. Can Ings step up a level? As soon as our interest was known he seemed to go on a barren spell. Firmino for me will be a top signing and he like milner will probably the ones im least worried about coming in and performing. Benteke seems nailed on but no matter what his price tag im not convinced. His game doesnt suit the pressing game Rodgers like to adopt. It would be a disservice to call him a target man because he has more to his game than that but he is lazy.
So for me top four is a realistic target but definitely not a certainty. As for a title shot, as tempting as it sounds i dont see it coming to fruition considering we have made further wholesale changes to the team while once again reverting back to a tactic we couldnt make work last year. And thats not to take into account the personnel changes amongst the coaching staff or whether Rodgers trys to fit square pegs in round holes
Sadly I don’t think so. Rodgers seems to buy players and if they’re lucky to get in the first team they’ll probably be asked to play out of their best position.