Coutinho and Ibe : Our Season’s Silver Lining

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By @footytherapy

From over-achievement last season to underachievement today, Liverpool FC is at a critical period in its development. 2014/15 has been rocked by a mammoth injury list of our vital team members, transfers failing to make an impact and the team taking time to gel. With these huge problems on our back it is an achievement that the teams ahead of Liverpool at the moment are Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.  Although this is definitely a season no one will be in a hurry to remember, we have seen glimpses of future hope: Coutinho and Ibe. There is no doubt this summer is the ultimate chance for Rodgers to prove he can take Liverpool to the next step.

Captivating Coutinho

Our humble Brazilian has given us hope when there was none. All season Liverpool lacked a match winner and at times Coutinho showed he can be that spark for us. His strengths are his visionary through balls, magic feet and strictly attacking mind-set. Coutinho came into prominence this season from December onwards, making notable contributions to games that seemed doomed. Liverpool lost only one game when Coutinho scored. His assets are there for all to see; next season Coutinho needs to add goals to his game.

The Ibe Vibe

Ibe is a thrilling prospect. He is strong, confident and fearless. His youth means he will only get better and many see him as having more quality when established than Sterling. He adds an attacking threat to our game and is willing to take on the opposition.  His experience at Derby has clearly been a positive one and Rodgers should be commended for bringing him back to help the team. I see him being an integral part of the team next season.

End of an Era

Losing Steven Gerrard is like breaking a bone in the body- even when it heals there will always be an ache and it just won’t feel quite right. I won’t attempt to speak about our captain’s contribution to the team- words will never be able to express it accurately. It is more than statistics, hyperbolic statements or number of games. However with every loss comes an opportunity for the next big Liverpool leader who will bring hope and excitement to Liverpool’s history.

Sterling

In stark contrast, we have a player seemingly doing everything he can to leave the club that has nurtured and loved him. It is my opinion that we should sell Sterling to the highest bidder only and make sure we gain the money we need to replace him. No player is bigger than the club.

FSG need to be bold

Our owners have been a hidden CCtv camera in the background; recording everything but saying nothing. We need to hear a loud identifiable voice issuing a statement of intent. I believe this season has made it clear that Liverpool will start to slip even further away from the top if we don’t attract star names and proven quality. This season a chapter has ended. We need to create a new chapter, being ruthless in our pursuit of success. Instead of transition we need stability and progress. Lock down the dedicated players with new contracts; sell those that need to move on. There is no more room for sentimentality. Last season made Liverpool a talking point whether you liked it or not. We need to continue dominating headlines, games and trophy honours. Spend big and create a force that can compete at the highest level home and away once again.