Goal.com Summer Shopping: Who Should Liverpool Buy?
Goal.com's transfer special series now takes a look at Rafa’s Reds…
9 Jun 2009 13:50:46
The Liverpool fans’ catchcry of "next season is the one" has bored
us all to tears over the past 19 years. So too has the phrase ‘the
missing link’, which springs up every silly season as the Reds search
for that one player who will magically lead them to the Premier League
title.
Rafael Benitez’s men ended the 2008-09 campaign trophyless and
Robbie Keane – last summer’s jigsaw-completing purchase – turned out to
be anything but the second coming of Kenny Dalglish. However, some
important foundations were laid as the Reds claimed the runners-up spot
in the league and played some of the most interesting football around.
Thus, it really should be a matter of few yet significant additions
this off-season as the Anfield giants streamline their bulky squad into
a silverware-seeking machine. Expect more departures than arrivals; but
also expect those who come in to be of a rather eye-catching standard.
The trick will be keeping those who must be kept - a task much easier
said than done (read Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano).
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Aurelio
Mascherano Alonso
Kuyt Gerrard (c) Young
Torres
Subs: Cavalieri, Skrtel, Insua, Lucas, Benayoun, Riera, Negredo
Plessis, Pacheco, N'Gog, Spearing, Bassong, Naughton, Gulacsi
IN (4):
IN (4):
Kyle Naughton (Sheffield United)
– A hugely impressive prospect at right-back, the youngster has a £7
million price-tag and a host of top-flight suitors. Capable of playing
on the left (as shown in the recent play-off final) and on the wing,
certainly one worth gambling on. Good competition for Alvaro Arbeloa.
Sebastien Bassong (Newcastle United)
– The Frenchman was hugely impressive during his debut season at
Newcastle United and will surely be hot property throughout the
transfer period. Merseyside is a centre-half short following Sami
Hyypia’s departure. Unless the likes of Ronald Huth and Mikel San Jose are
deemed ready to step up, this type of purchase will be necessary.
Alvaro Negredo (Almeria)
– Liverpool need a striker; not necessarily another Fernando Torres,
but someone who can step up when ‘El Nino’ is unavailable. Rafa hasn’t
had a reliable stand-in since Peter Crouch left, so Negredo would be a
solid option – provided his situation with Real Madrid is sorted in a
neat and tidy manner.
Ashley Young (Aston Villa)
– He’s English, which is a good start. He would repay his transfer fee
in set pieces alone, an area in which Liverpool are curiously lacking.
More gifted than Albert Riera and much quicker than Yossi Benayoun, the
winger would essentially be a direct replacement for Ryan Babel (see
‘OUT’).
OUT (9):
Paul Anderson – On the fringes and has spent most of his ‘Pool
career on loan. A talented youngster, but a permanent move surely
awaits.
Ryan Babel
– Arrived at Anfield in 2007 amid comparisons to Thierry Henry. Two
underwhelming years later, the Dutch forward may well leave after
struggling for playing time. Still has a hugely promising future, just
not under Benitez.
Philipp Degen
– Due to a series of injuries, the Swiss defender has hardly kicked a
ball since signing on a free last year. Perhaps it’s harsh to write him
off, but unless Alvaro Arbeloa leaves, young Stephen Darby regresses
terribly and Jamie Carragher suffers a terrible injury, it’s hard to
see a place for him.
Andrea Dossena
– With Emiliano Insua impressing whenever Fabio Aurelio had a spell on
the sidelines, the Italian left-back was reduced to sub appearances in
an attacking role this term. He scored a couple of crackers late on,
but with Rafa needing funds, it looks like a return to Serie A is on
the cards.
Adam Hammill – Much like Anderson, the winger hasn’t had a look-in
where the first team is concerned and could wave goodbye to Anfield for
good.
Charles Itandje
– Signed as a stop-gap measure following Jerzy Dudek’s departure two
years ago, the Frenchman has failed to impress when given the chance.
Hugely unpopular with the Kop following his infamous Hillsborough
misstep and should be shipped out.
Sebastian Leto – Showed plenty of promise during his brief loan
spell in Greece, but ruined it all by throwing a hissy fit that left
Olympiakos no option but to turf him. Could yet make the grade.
Jermaine Pennant
– Was sent on loan to Portsmouth for the back half of the season and
isn’t likely to return to Liverpool. Renowned as a lazy trainer and
off-field scallywag, his place on the right wing has been well and
truly usurped by the irrepressible Dirk Kuyt.
Krizstian Nemeth
(loan) – With a new forward likely to come in, this super-talented
Hungarian is likely doomed to reserve action. Struggled with injury
last term and a good spell in the lower leagues could get him on the
right track. A genuine prospect, this one.
Mike Maguire, Goal.com
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