A new manager, a new philosophy and new faces can only take time to come to full effect for most clubs, but glimpses of what is to come is already coming into place at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers is attempting to bring Liverpool back to its glory days, and after the disappointment of his predecessors in Roy Hodgson and ‘King Kenny’ many fans were losing hope.
Rodgers has brought in some fresh new faces to the Anfield club, and they really suit the branded ‘Barcelona style football’ that won Spain two consecutive trophies. Joe Allen who played for Swansea under Brendan Rodgers, and you can tell that he really suits that style of play; he looked like a class player when the Premier League champions Manchester City visited last Sunday in the 2-2 draw.
Another player I am very impressed with is 17 year old Raheem Sterling. This type of player plays without fear, like most youngsters do, and he also possesses flair, which is very unique in today’s game as a lot of players seem to have that raw attribute coached out of them. Raheem Sterling has been capped by England at U16 and U17, but is still eligible to play for Jamaica.
Sterling’s U16 manager Kenny Swain said ‘Raheem has a lot of positive qualities that everyone is looking for such as pace, and wonderful balance. He can really trouble defenders’.
Also, it is great to see such as young player such as Sterling playing in the Premier League, and this shows how Brendan Rodgers is putting faith into their youth setup, and that can sometimes bring something fresher than big money signings, in my opinion.
Despite losing the opening day of the season away at West Bromwich Albion, there were still positives, and glimpses of the ‘easy on the eye’ passing game was seen, however, this wasn’t the game I was most impressed in. In their 2-2 draw at home to Man City, they were knocking the ball about superbly, finding holes in the new Man City formation of 3-5-2 (which is very strange to see the champions change formation, but that’s for another article!).
I thought that Glenn Johnson plays well in this style of short, quick passing play, but for me, Reina and Suarez look too awkward.
Jose Reina, for me, is a great ‘keeper, but he can sometimes lose his concentration at key times in the game, for example in last night’s Europa League match vs. Hearts where he let slip what should have been a usual training ground save.
Suarez will take time to adapt to the new style, but he has got to put away his chances. He scored a great goal last night, but it’s the chances in and around the box he needs to put away.
Fabio Borini looks a very good player, a good signing from Rodgers, and I’m sure if he is given a chance, he will almost definitely score. The defence looks a bit shaky, but that is all part and parcel of adapting to a new philosophy. Struggling winger Stuart Downing looks to have found his new position at left back, adding an extra dimension.
Since the departure of Andy Carroll to West Ham United last night, it paves a way for Chelsea forward/winger Daniel Sturridge, who Liverpool have reportedly had a loan offer accepted for the capped England international. He will add something different to the Liverpool attack, he will also bag some important goals.
However, Liverpool will be disappointed with the Clint Dempsey move, as Aston Villa have supposedly at an offer accepted and now look the team to get the American’s signature.
Written by Adam May
Follow me on Twitter @Amay132
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