Liverpool are entering a new era with the rise of so many exciting young players in the ranks. Steven Gerrard is 34, Pepe Reina’s Anfield career looks numbered, and Luis Suarez is no longer around. Thus, Liverpool are my biggest wildcard for next season. The Reds showed at times last season that they can attack with devastating effect, but also showed they can defend like schoolboys at times. First and foremost, someone has to step up and emerge as a new leader.
The traditional SAS pairing is no more. Luis Suarez has bitten his way out of the premier league and joined Barcelona, giving Liverpool a plethora of riches to spend in the transfer market. If Liverpool want to challenge once again for the title, the new SAS of Sturridge and Sterling must step to great effect. Sterling has improved every season since joining the first team. His pace is unquestionable, but last season and in Brazil he proved he can make surging midfield runs with the ball as well. I expect Sterling to be even better this upcoming season.
Sturridge needs Sterling more than ever right now. Suarez and Sturridge had a meteoric relationship in the goals/assists department, and it remains to be seen if Sturridge can be as good without his Uruguayan pal next to him. Other attackers will be involved too. Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana will need to make big contributions in the attack, and Rickie Lambert must contribute productive minutes off the bench. The fact that Lallana is injured for the foreseeable future puts even more pressure on the new boys who don’t have the premier league experience the former Southampton skipper does.
Like Manchester City, Liverpool struggled last season giving up goals and dropping points away from home. Dejan Lovren should be a big contributor, especially considering his price tag, and as I wrote this week Emre Can is a man child in the defensive midfield. Defensively, the Reds cannot be complacent with the lead as they were last season. Too many times were two goal leads squandered, while the three goal lead they squandered in the final 12 minutes to Crystal Palace will not be soon forgotten.
Liverpool won’t be like Tottenham were last season in the wake of a major sale, but it remains to be seen who will replace Suarez’s goal output. Then again, if all goes according to plan the Reds will be a much more balanced and consistent squad next year. The defense is heavily reinforced, Javier Manquillo just joining today, while Alberto Moreno could still yet join Liverpool. With Champions League football, a young squad, and the absence of Luis Suarez, a top four finish with a run through the group stages in Europe would spell a productive season. Staying in the Champions League is essential for Liverpool, who in order to attract more world class talent must prove they can be consistent from year to year.
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