The Race for Fourth Place

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By Joseph Churchill @joey_church

As another season concludes and the transfer market opens, it seems that Liverpool football club are striving to get business done early. With the captures of players such as Simon Mignolet, the ever experienced Kolo Toure, Iago Aspas and the young exciting starlet Luis Alberto,  Kopites should have an overdue smile on their faces. However, Is that enough? I believe that there are two more additions we have to make.

Cristian Eriksen – We were prominently linked with the Armenian playmaker Mkhitaryan for a very long time, and with the expectations of Eriksen’s move to Dortmund to go through, we looked the front-runners in a very competitive race for the 25 year-old’s signature. It does seem now that the Armenian has chose Dortmund, and this leaves Eriksen available for the right price. Despite his debatable young age I believe we need to acquire a player of Eriksen’s youth to replace our veteran soldier Steven Gerrard in the future. Eriken has the ability to dictate the tempo of the midfield wile obtaining an eye for a goal, thus, explaining his high demand. I also believe that Eriksen could replace the under par Brazilian, Lucas Leivas, holding midfield spot which caused us to lose those middle of the park battles throughout the season. I could imagine the smile of reds fans faces to see the Danish starlet link up with our little Brazilian wonder kid Coutunho!

Mamadou Sakho – I think we will all agree when I say that we lack that rock at the back. When you look at other successful clubs such as Dortmund, Real and Barcã, it is hard to ignore the importance of centre backs like Ramos, Piqué and Hummels, despite the success of the forwards. I believe the acquisition of the solid centre back will make premier league forwards quiver at the knees. He is best known for his leadership credentials, his tireless engine, hard-working attitude, and his tackling ability. He has also been praised for his physical and tactical qualities. A player like this just cannot be ignored.

Going in to the season I believe Rodgers will field the reliable 4-2-3-1 formation. The goalkeeper spot will begin as Pepe Reina, however, further on into the season Mignolet will be frequently rotated. The back four will be Enrique, Agger, Sakho and Johnson. The two holding midfielders will be Eriksen and Gerrard proving expert passes and dictating the minefield. The front three will be Alberto, Sterling and Aspas being frequently rotated with Coutinho locking down that centre attacking minefield spot. Our lone striker? I think it’s best Suarez leaves and makes way for the true number nine Danny Sturridge.