Summer for Liverpool fans means only one thing, speculation, speculation, speculation and even more speculation. Speculation about the ownership, the manager, the players coming into the club, players going out of the club. Those whose houses are up for sale, the list goes on. This has been the case for a good 3 or 4 years now. The club has been linked with so many players; if we had signed them all our reserves would be awesome. I think transfers last summer have been one of the many downfalls and reasons why our season was so bad for the following reasons:
1. Clearly we lost one of the most talented midfielders in the world, Xabi Alonso.
2. Sami Hyypia’s contract not being extended. I believe he wanted one more year, but the manager insisted he acted as a coach instead.
3. Alvaro Arbeloa. A bit like Steven Finnan in terms of an unsung hero in my opinion. He always did the job, and did it quietly. The sale of Arbeloa meant Rafa had to bring in another Right back, being Glen Johnson, who is probably one of, if not the, best RB in the premier league. However, was he really needed? Did Arbeloa have to go? And could the money that was spent on Johnson, been used to finance for a striker? A position that should have been addressed last summer, but wasn’t.
They are just my thought on the transfers last summer, and Liverpool must learn from their mistakes. Partly it’s down to Rafa Benitez’s transfer policy, one witch I do not agree on.
Personally I am Anti-Rafa, and not just because of what has happened this season, I’m not fickle. I started to go against Benitez 3 or 4 seasons ago, when players like Warnock and Mellor were sold, and when Pako Ayersteran was shunted out the Tapas Bar formally known as the Boot Room. I don’t attack him; I just express my opinion against him. However I do find myself defending him when in debates with other team supporters, mostly my Evertonian mates.
So what does Liverpool need to do this summer in terms of who should stay? And who should go?
Firstly, THE OWNERS NEED TO GO! No debate needed.
Secondly, I heard that Liverpool have to sell before they buy. Who should those players be? For me, players like Philip Degan (wont get much), Fabio Aurelio (talented left back, hit by injuries, don’t see the need to keep him. Even if he was fit, Benitez 9 times out of 10 would pick Insua before him). Albert Riera looks to be going. Ryan Babel (so much optimism, followed with so much disappointment. I’ll be fair to him, he hasn’t been given that many chances by the manager, but when he as, and when he have needed him the most, he hasn’t delivered. Could get 10 – 12 million for him).
Alberto Aquilani, a.k.a The Little Prince, or should that be the Lost Prince, as we never know where he is. Is it fair to sell him after one season? Rafa has done it before, why wouldn’t he do it again. He is for me the worst signing Benitez has made (and that is saying something). We could get 10 – 15 million for him if an Italian Club really wants him. Why should he be sold? Injuries have marked his career, and I don’t think Liverpool would miss him next season.
Other players who have come under the spotlight this season are Lucas, David N’gog and Dirk Kuyt. David N’gog, he has delivered when asked, but he isn’t a back up for Torres. He should be sent on loan to a championship club next season, so he can get some first team football and in doing so, get some experience and toughen up. Lucas Leiva has become the scapegoat for every Liverpool defeat this season, and has been consistently criticised by Liverpool fans, to a level which insults the name Liverpool FC. One of the best players this season, and that’s even with having a leash attached to him. Liverpool’s failures this season have been down to the formations they players have been organised in. Lucas and Mascherano together do not work. But when Lucas is allowed to what he wants to do, he goes on wins a penalty against Lille, scores against Benfica, and sets up goals against Atletico Madrid and Burnley. If someone asked me who would you rather have, Lucas or Anderson from Manchester United…Lucas all day long. And lastly, Dirk Kuyt. I like Dirk Kuyt because of his passion for the Club and his work rate. I also like Dirk Kuyt….as a forward. Whatever Benitez thinks or says, he is not a Right Winger. Right Wingers need to have pace and a good first touch, and lest be honest, Dirk doesn’t have either. Liverpool can be very dangerous on the Counter Attack with Torres up front, however, the Counter Attack always starts with Dirk Kuyt, and it fails miserably. He should be used and do what he’s good at.
Liverpool can make their money and get their balance right by selling the right players, sell the wrong players and the situation all goes wrong.
Who should stay?
Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres
Lucas Leiva
Dirk Kuyt (as a striker)
Who should maybe stay?
David N’gog
Rafael Benitez
Who should go?
The owners
Degan, Riera, Aurelio, Babel, Aquilani
4-2-3-1 and other defensive and cautious formations.
Thanks for reading.