Liverpool Revolution?

It’s been quite a season for those associated with Liverpool Football Club. In October, new owners were brought in to try and stabilise the rocking ship that was once a dominant force across Europe, while in January, fans witnessed the return of a club legend, to take the place of Liverpool’s shortest serving manager. These events, among others, have left all Liverpool supporters that little bit happier, and even the news of Steven Gerrard’s long term injury won’t put them down- though results without the talismanic skipper are yet to be seen.

Liverpool supporters haven’t witnessed a big summer signing since 2007, when Fernando Torres was brought in. This was the last successful signing Liverpool made, as the likes of Alberto Aquilani, David Ngog, Albert Riera and Ryan Babel never really showed their true potential.  Therefore it was a mark of positive things to come when Damien Comolli was brought in to change that, and when Liverpool signed Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, it seemed that he was doing a brilliant job. However, his job is far from done, though the wingman issue is now out the way with Stewart Downing being signed and proving his worth in recent pre-season games. A centre back and a left back are desperate requirements if Liverpool are to stage a serious domestic challenge.

In 2008, Liverpool’s fans were voted the best in the country. On numerous occasions Liverpool have been helped through ties thanks to their personal twelfth man, most notably in Champions League fixtures. Though in 2010, the support seemed to be wavering, with the twelfth man being reduced to more of an eleven-and-a-half, and even that is being generous and as a result, Liverpool were nothing short of woeful. However, with change comes confidence, and when Liverpool got back to winning ways after Roy’s departure, the eleventh man came back more powerful than ever before. This is a relief to one Sotirios Kyrgiakos, as he can call on the crowd to take his place when he gets sent off for ridiculous challenges.

For what seems like years, Liverpool haven’t had a decent strike pair. Fernando Torres was like Mr. Incredible, he ‘worked alone’, and no other strikers made the final cut. Therefore Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll will have Liverpool fans singing again, as they are both young and therefore have years to master their partnership. One thing that struck me about the pair was the following- they have nothing in common: One tall, one short, one from England, the other from South America, one with horrific teeth, the other’s relatively normal- I will leave it to you to work out which one is which. In my opinion, this will work wonders. In the beginning of the season it was a regular feature to see the mini Van der Vaart latching on to Crouch’s knock-downs, and I feel that as Luis Suarez and Carroll are better than Van der Vaart and Crouch, the two could forge a brilliant partnership. As they say, opposites attract. 

The most positive change for Liverpool came last year, when George Gillett and Tom Hicks were sent back to America. The new owners show much more consideration for Liverpool FC, and show dedication to success, as shown with the big money signings. The new appointment also leaves the fans happier, as they listen to what they say, hence the return of King Kenny to the Kop. They have recently been invested in by a huge sport star, which should, hopefully, provide more money for more players. All good from a Liverpool point of view. However- should the owners try and trick Liverpool, don’t be surprised to find new stadium plans ruined, as a graveyard for American Owners would surely be in order.

Kenny Dalglish has been a huge hit at Anfield, again. He has picked the players up and reminded them of the Liverpool way, and some players, such as Lucas, have flourished. With the young talent like Lucas, Carroll, Suarez, Downing, Henderson, Flanagan and Kelly coming through, I expect Liverpool to be back near the top in the next few seasons, should they invest in some good wingmen. However, first thing’s first, Europe. Desirable? Yes. Achievable? Next season, absolutely.     

Jake Rodd