Where Do We Need to Improve?

Now that the season has ended and the whole transfer market is up alive once again. Transfer speculations, rumours, record high fees. As for the Red half of Merseyside, there are more talks of players leaving instead of buys. Looking at the current Liverpool side, keeping the core players is definitely the priority rather than selling them. While Rafa Benitez is rejecting the suitors of Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso, let's see in which areas we need to improve?



Right-back
With the current situation and depth, it seems to me that we have only Spanish Aberloa as our reliable full back. Free transfer signing, Philip Degen has been invisible the whole season. In several occassions this season, while Arbeloa is unavailable, Carragher has to makeshift to right back which I always disagree with this move. However, there's no other players to provide the depth in that position.

A new right back will not only provide stability but also competition to Arbeloa whose performances can be inconsistent a times.

Rafinha

The Brazilian right back has great pace and his overlapping ability is an eye to watch. I'm lucky enough to watch him live in Singapore when he came over with the Brazil Olympic Team. He's quick and has decent footwork. Tireless running up and down the flank. In Rafa's style of play, full back overlapping is highly important and I do think Rafinha fills the bill.

Glen Johnson

There was speculation over Liverpool is going to buy the Portsmouth and England international fullback. Big, strong and fast are his strengths and his ability to charge down the flank explains why he's playing for England now under Fabio Capello. The fact that he's English is a plus point as there will not be any adaptions to English league problems. Rafa, take a look!

With the rest of the defensive positions having enough cover, let's see the midfield. With Xabi Alonso, Mascherano and Lucas in the middle, plus Steven Gerrard able to play there as well, our center midfield is stable.

Winger
A flying winger would be good for our attacks, providing width and crosses into the box. With Albert Riera, Kuyt and Benayoun in the team, it would be beneficial if we have one more to bring on defenders, turning in and out.

Arjen Robben

The ex-Chelsea man has lighting pace, great dribbling skills and abilities. Famous on how he brings on defenders, delivering beautiful crosses into the box. A lethal left foot who can score incredible goals from tight angles as well. His relationship with Liverpool may not be the best, but, I'm sure he can be a great addition to the team.

Striker
Strikeforce? Fernando Torres and David Ngog at this moment. It seems to me that Rafa is unlikely to remove the effective partnership between Gerrard and Torres. This shows that by bringing in another striker to the team will have another Robbie Keane situation. Having said that, with another striker may prove to be a good move as there are times whereby playing 2 strikers can be essential.

Sergio Augero

The Argentinean striker who is playing for Torres' ex-club, Athletico Madrid, one of hottest prospects in the market. Another fast-paced striker who has an eye on the goal and his ability to link-up play with the midfield can be effective. He could be another Torres in the making, exciting fans with his runs behind defenders.

3 positions to be improve, a few more additions to the squad. Will this finally our final piece of our big jigsaw puzzle? What do you guys think?

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Brilliant Win At The Theatre of Dreams

Manchester United 1 Liverpool 4
Ronaldo pen 23 - Torres 28, Gerrard pen 44, Aurelio 77, Dossena 90

Manchester United 1 Liverpool 4. Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams. Remember this, Liverpool fans. What a famous win after so many years of suffering so many disappointing results against them. It makes it even sweeter to see Sir Alex Ferguson's face getting red to black at the end of the game.

When I checked the line-up on my computer 5 minutes before kick-off, Alonso is out injured. Darn, Lucas was the replacement. When I on the television, Arbeloa is not in the starting 11. Big Sami Hyypia replacing the Spanish fullback. It seems like Liverpool had many things to be done, even before kick off.

Pepe Reina made a mistake and caused a penalty. Ronaldo made it 1-0 and everything seemed so smooth for Manchester United. The goal somehow, came against the run of play in my opinion, and out of a sudden, the home side got a goal up.



When things were like going against Rafa Benitez's men, Fernando Torres outmuscled the ever-reliable Vidic and equalized with a cool finish past VanDerSar . What a time to score! Fantastic goal!

The goal gave the away side confidence and we controlled the tempo of the game. Passing the ball around, not allowing Rooney and Co to play their football. Right just before half time, a through ball by Torres to Gerrard was almost perfect but brought down by Patrice Evra. Penalty! No doubts about it.



Steven Gerrard made no mistakes from the spot and gave the camera a famous kiss! I'm sure all the girls watching the match went crazy. Somehow, I couldn't believe it. Leading 2-1 at Old Trafford. This is something we have not be able to do for many many years till I lost count.

Triple substitution made by Ferguson. Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Berbatov. Expected and Man United was preparing to fire all cylinders towards Pepe Reina's goal. Just when the home side was ready to execute its new formation, Vidic pulled Steven Gerrard down and he was sent off as it was a goal scoring opportunity.



A freekick just outside the area and I was screaming for Aurelio to take it. A left footed shot would be needed at that angle. Brazilian left back did not disappoint me. He struck it so sweetly that it caused VanDerSar standing on his line, helpless.

3-1 with a man down. It's really tough for Ferguson's men to comeback and I was already jumping on my seat. Aurelio's goal killed every United player and fan as they know it's almost game over. Old Trafford was only left with the Torres song, Gerrard song as well as the chants of Anfield road.

Liverpool had another in the dying seconds of the game. Andrea Dossena, once again proved that he do can score goals, crucial ones as well. A very cool lob over VanDerSar, who was looking at the ball going into his own net.



Emphatic win over bitter rivals and this meant so much for the Liverpool fans. 4-1 win over Manchester United, defending champions as well as the European Champions. Biggest win since 1923? I'm not very sure, but I know history is created and hopefully, we can finish strongly in this 08/09 season.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

07/08 Season Review - Defenders

Seeing the men in between the posts, it's time to put some time on a very important aspect of the game. The defence. Pepe Reina was able to win the Golden Glove award for consecutively 3 times is mainly due to the strong wall built in front of him.

Let's begin.

Steve Finnan
The Republic of Ireland's right back has not performed up to his standards or expectations from everyone this season. Finnan has been consistent over the years and eventually, becoming the unsung heros of the team. Unfortunately, probably due to his age and injuries, it's hard for him to sustain such form over these years and he's not been the automatic choice like before. Rafa probably noticed his poor form during trainings and hence, not involving him in the first team as much. I'm unsure about his future at Liverpool, I'm pretty sure that he has been a loyal servant to the club.

Ratings: 3 / 5

Sami Hyypia
Oh man, what else can I say from Big Sami! He's a fantastic player this season, or probably in all seasons. Despite his age, he was able to come into the team and defended superbly throughout the season. Many would have argued about his pace, however I do not think that is a problem for the Finnish international. His timing and presence in the air are still top class and he has happily signed a year extension to his contract which will see him being at Liverpool for 10 years.

Daniel Agger's injury early in the season has given Hyypia more first-team football this season. He's been a great professional and his experience in the game is valuable. Earlier in the season, he faced some criticism for the own goals he unfortunately scored. Having said that, he replied them by putting some great performances and scoring the bullet header against Arsenal in the quarter final of the Champions League. It was a crucial goal. Love his celebration as he marched back into his own half after scoring.

He's not getting any younger but his experience and reading of the game have always been spot on. He would be at the club next season for sure. Hope to see him contributing in any way next season. Well Done Sami Hyypia!

Ratings: 4.5 / 5

Daniel Agger
He's so unfortunate to suffer an injury so early in the season. I can't even remember when he got injured, but I do know that he suffered a relapse during training when he was about to come back into the team. He's definitely missed this season. His pace and ability to bring the ball forward are some of his attributes we failed to see this season. I'm pleased to hear the latest update about him that he has recovered and working towards next season's football. I'm looking forward to see him this coming August, hopefully scoring some goals as well.

Ratings: Injured for majority of season.

John Arne Riise
His name must be a popular one in the Chelsea's dressing room and fans. His infamous own goal against Chelsea on the last kick of the game at Anfield would be remembered by many especially the Anfield faithfuls. Oh boy, Riise! Sadly so, we didn't manage to see his thunderbolts this season. His poor form haunted him the whole season. He was really poor in his games which added to my frustration every time I watched Liverpool matches. Despite being versatile, Riise didn't manage to use that to his advantage. He's not being first choice in majority of the games as well. I do not what happened to him, but like Finnan, he didn't performed to expectations. His future in Liverpool is much in doubt at this very moment. I will not be sad to see him go though.

Ratings: 2 / 5

Fabio Aurelio
I've always like this Brazilian left back. Despite the fact that he's not the best defending full back around, I still admire his left foot and the way he strike the ball. Probably the fact that he's from Brazil, his individual skills are one of the top in the team. His distribution to the midfield and strikers proved to be crucial as I knew many of these became assists of goals. A team player and hard working player. He got his first goal for the club against Bolton with a nice volley just outside the area. It's always so unfortunate for him as he got injured at the crucial time. Against Chelsea, he got injured without touching anyone and replacement Riise scored the own goal right at the end. I'm pretty sure that if Aurelio is still on the pitch, the own goal wouldn't be scored. His only weakness is being injury prone. Other than that, he's a decent player for us.

Ratings: 4 / 5

Álvaro Arbeloa
This fellow here was bought last season and it proved to be a reliable transfer. The ability to play both right and left back, is a useful tool for Rafa to utilise. Not a bad defender who loves to attack. He always get me worried when he attacks and can't get back in time to defend. Carra has to cover up for him many times! Still, Rafa seems to like his Spanish defender and Arbeloa has been playing plenty of football this season especially important ones as well. Having said that, he has not prove, at least to me that he can be a permanent and strong full back for Liverpool. He's gonna play harder and move up to the next level. Still, I do like him and he's been selected in the Spanish squad for the Euros'. Good luck Alvaro, see you next season!

Ratings: 3.5 / 5

Jamie Carragher
Oh Carragher! There's nothing much to say about this lad. He's been brilliant every season, week in week out. Unbelievable defender which many don't recognise his efforts and performance. His retirement for England proved to be a wise decision as he was able to concentrate on club football. (He was not appreciated in international level though) Jamie has been no-nonsense at the heart of the defence, guiding the rest of the team. Played right back in several occasions and it was top class. He's always hungry for success and hopefully, he is able to get what he has been waiting for before he retires. Enjoy your holidays, Jamie.

Ratings: 4.5 / 5

Martin Skrtel
The new signing in the January proved to be a very essential and right one. Due to injuries, Rafa has only Carragher and Sami Hyypia in the centre of the defence. Skrtel was brought in to add depth and cover. He didn't have the best debut, did he score a own goal? I do not remember. However, this killer-looking defender has showed the world that he can be the toughest man around. Pacey and strong, Skrtel has grown into the game and showed that there's a reason for breaking the record of being the most expensive defender for Liverpool. I like this fellow as the season commenced despite of his scary face. Like Carra, no nonsense at the back and he gel really well with Reina and the rest of the back 4. Good first season performance, Martin. :)

I guess we need some reinforcements for our fullbacks. I do hope to see some quality signings in the summer for the backs. With strong 4 centre backs, Rafa would be more than delighted to have this headache of who to choose.

Up and coming, the middle of the park. Stay tuned.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

READING 1 LIVERPOOL 2

Team of the day..
Reina, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Carragher, Finnan, Gonzalez, Sissoko, Mascherano, Gerrard MBE (captain), Crouch, Bellamy.
Subs - Dudek, Kuyt, Pennant, Agger, Riise

Match Highlights..

Reading 1-2 Liverpool Goals
Uploaded by redhalfofmerseyside

Louis' Comments..

It wasn't the best performance by Liverpool and to be frank, I was getting frustrated times and times again during the game.

Both teams didn't really settled down in the first half and it was pretty messy at times. Liverpool didn't control the game and passing was poor especially the mifield and the attack. Reading was closing down really hard and fast on us and credit to them, they seems to show more hunger and determination on the field.

Even so, we managed to get in front. A quick counter-attack from a Reading corner and Arbeloa brought on the ball all the way from defence. A one-two with Crouch and he was away with a cool finish into the Reading's net. A good goal and that's the first goal for our January signing. He has done pretty well since coming here. Keep it going!



The match was boring and wasn't pretty. The ball seems to be hovered around the field and even though we had the lead, we didn't create much and I could sense that the team didn't really have the hunger to fight.

I was switching channels and I didn't realise the match started in the second half. By the time I switched over, Reading equalised. I didn't really notice what really happened, however, I believe Reading deserves the goal.

At that point, I could see that Liverpool had a slight change in their play. They showed a little more urgency and was passing the ball more often. Dirk Kuyt was brought in and he did play quite well upon coming in. As usual, his non-stop running and work rate was brilliant. Fortunately, his efforts were paid off.



Pennant dribbled down the right flank on the 86th minute and the substitute delivered a perfect cross for Kuyt to head it in the winner. Finally, Dirk Kuyt scores! It's been sometime since he celebrated a goal. He's been very wasteful in past matches and being a striker, I believe you must know how to put the ball into the net. I do hope this goal can boost his confidence.

I was quite disappointed with Mark Gonzalez's performance. He has not been playing well for us, at least for Liverpool's standards. No doubt, he has great pace which is an great asset. However, I believe such speed is nothing when you can't contribute much in the overall game. His dribbling, crossing and control were very disappointing. He also has the great tenancy to lose the ball.



He's been in England for quite some time and it's fair enough to say that he has sufficient time to adapt to English football, which apparently, he is not showing that. Rafa Benitez has always giving him chances and chances again and spent so much time signing for him. I truly believe that he needs to improve on his overall performance and play like a left winger.

Another player which disappoints me is Momo Sissoko. Everyone knows how poor his passing is. Last night's match was just one of the matches which proves that fact. He's a good player. His tackling, strength and presence in the mifield do help Liverpool. However, if you can't pass properly, you can't play football. His form recently isn't the best and you could see that he gives away silly fouls and loses possession easily as well. Yes, it's very frustrating to see him playing like this.

I do like him as a player. I like tackling, his strength and his long legs. However, if Momo continues to play like this, I'm afraid that he will not be playing as often as before. With Alonso and Mascherano playing so well together and Gerrard as well, it's highly competitive in the middle of the field.

It wasn't the best performance by Liverpool. Was lethargic and lazy on the ball. However, when a team is in good form, sometimes in football, when you are not playing well, we still can win. And we did.

Back to Anfield this coming Wednesday against PSV. We have to go into the semi-finals!

You'll Never Walk Alone..