Stu the Red » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:39 am wrote:With the end of the season fast approaching it looks like the miracle is more on now than ever, providing there is nothing daft. All in though, the reality is if even if we finish as low as we possibly can now, we've had an absolutely unbelievable season.
The form in the league has been exceptional to say the least and the attacking play at times has been absolutely breathtaking. The first 25 minutes against Arsenal was the best football I've ever seen Liverpool play, we made some very good players look like amateurs and it was superb to watch.
Its clear this side has goals in it. And a lot of them. We can bang on about our strengths all we like... but the reality is this summer we're going to need to improve, and improve greatly. If we stand still I firmly believe we could find ourselves outside the top four again next sesaon.
The fact is, we've been extremely lucky with injuries this season. We've also been lucky with the patterns in form of our players, we've always had one of our best players performing when the others aren't quite firing on all cylinders, also the fixture list has been kind, allowing us to build on runs with easier games to follow them up (City and Chelsea away aside). This has all contributed to us being in the position we're in. Also not having midweek distractions has given our management team 5 days to prepare for games rather than 2 or 3, this also has a major impact.
Next season we need more players and players of better quality. For me, a "wide striker" is one of our priority positions. We need someone who can come in and play in a front three and preferably be better than Sturridge. For me, Sterling and Suarez compliment each other superbly and I think in terms of balance, if we can get Luis back in his best position with a class winger in the side then we'd have options, quality and depth, which next season will be important. Pedro is being spoken about as wanting to leave Barcelona and he'd be absolutely top notch for us especially in our style of play as its not to dis similar to the one he's used to.
Being able to pick three from a front four of Suarez, Pedro, Sterling and Sturridge would be as good as anything in europe for me. Coutinho could also fill in wide if we were desperate.
Coming into the midfield I think the main aim in this area is to find Gerrard's replacement. Henderson has certainly proven he deserves another season with his energy and link up play and I think the signing of a "future Gerrard" or a Morgan Schneiderlin type would be ideal. Someone who can add physical presence, power and defensive awareness would be a good choice. If we signed a prospect in this area I don't believe it would be the end of the world providing that they have the ability to dislodge Gerrard depending on injuries, form etc. This area for me is something that has improved greatly this season. Lucas for me must be shown the door as he contributes nothing to the way the side plays and is eating up wages. Allen has shown flashes at times and I believe is a good squad player, while Coutinho is one of the first names on the team sheet.
Onto the weakest part of the side and this is where I believe we need an overhaul. Sahko and Agger are fine. Toure is past his best and Skrtel is too error prone, although he's had a strong end to the season he's only ever had runs of games where he's performed and never shown it over a full season and I think its time he was released if the right offer comes in. We will need to replace his goal threat however. Flannagan is fine at full back, primarily as back up and Rodgers clearly doesn't fancy Jose Enrique so we're going to need two full backs. Richards is on a free and his ability to also cover at centre half would push me towards him. Johnson should F*CK OFF because he's dog wa*k.
And we need a new keeper. Reina or Begovic please. This summer is not a time to stand still.
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