Injury Concerns for Liverpool

Tuesday was a monumental moment in recent history for Liverpool.  It had been 1,742 days since the men in Red had heard the Champions League anthem, and the display Anfield put on for the return of Europe’s flagship club competition was nothing short of spectacular.  

Liverpool marked their return to the Champions League with a 2-1 win over minnows Ludogrets on Tuesday, and travel to Upton park to take on Sam Allardyce’s struggling Hammers squad.  

However, the injury concerns continue to mount for Brendan Rodgers.  Albeit his squad remains deep, injuries to critical players mean new ones will have to step in big games.  

Daniel Sturridge looks read to return to full training next week, but there’s no guarantee that will be the case.  The club is in desperate need of some stability leading the line, so now is the time for Mario Balotelli to step up.  

Balotelli’s goal in his Champions League debut for Liverpool was well-taken, controlling a cross in the box and calmly slotting home to give the Reds a late lead they would eventually squander, but regain on a Steven Gerrard penalty.

Coutinho’s form has been subpar so far this season, unable to replicate the dazzling displays he put out in preseason.  Between Sturridge’s injury, Luis Suarez’ defection to Barcelona, and the Brazilian #10’s recent dip in form, three out of four of Liverpool’s incumbent goal-creators are all either out of form, out of the country, or out of fitness.

It’s imperative that whoever Liverpool play up front take their chances, whether it be Balotelli and Sterling, Sterling and Lambert, or just one of them.  Last week’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa was a far cry from the goal-happy home fixtures we are so accustomed to seeing, so new faces have to step up. 

Even more concerning for Liverpool is news of the long-term injuries to Joe Allen and Jon Flanagan.

I would rate both Allen and Flanagan as two of the more underrated big-game performers in the league.  Flanagan plays the fullback position as good as anyone at the club; he can play on both sides of the pitch, and on both sides of the ball.  His inclusion was a mainstay in big games last season, and has yet to feature in the premier league this year.

Javier Manquillo is unproven and has yet to show proper positional discipline.  Meanwhile, the return of Glen Johnson to the squad is a frightening concept to Liverpool supporters who are fed up with his lazy defending and spineless long-range attempts on goal.  Regardless, one of them must step up and make it hard for Rodgers to pick the other.  

Rodgers made a point of signing Allen from Swansea upon his arrival to Anfield from the Welsh club.  Last season, Allen was often deployed in place of either Raheem Sterling or Coutinho in big games, showing the confidence his manager has in him.  Like Flanagan, he is a reliable footballer with excellent work-rate and versatility.  

Emre Can would be a capable replacement for Allen’s void in midfield, but the German has been ruled out until October.  Thus, the time is now for the new boys to step up and prove their worth. 

If last weekend yielded a chance for Mario Balotelli, this fixture with West Ham is surely more of an exam since he has had another full week to acclimate himself with his teammates.  If the likes of Balotelli, Coutinho, and whoever else gets the nod up front can produce, Liverpool will bounce back with ease.  

Weekend Preview: United Badly Need This One

Under-fire manager Louis Van Gaal is not finding life simple in England.  After the 4-0 defeat to MK Dons in the Capital One Cup this week, one would assert that things couldn’t get any worse for the Dutchman and Manchester United.

Well, cheer up Louis, because even though it’s away from home, you’ve got Burnley this weekend, a side who also suffered defeat to a lower-division side in the Capital One Cup this week.  However, anything less than three points would mean the support calling for your head and probably another awkward meeting with Ed Woodward. 

It could be worse for United in that they are lucky they don’t play a nightmare fixture following two already rather lenient games to start the season.  Manchester United have to take it one match at a time, and regardless of their recent form, should take care of business at Turf Moor on Saturday.  

As I mentioned earlier, Burnley were stunned by Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup in front of a lackluster crowd at Turf Moor.  Even thought it was just a cup game, you would think the supporters would turn up to support their side.  On Saturday, don’t expect a half-empty stadium, but know that the support for the recently-promoted club is not what it should be.  

A week one defeat to Chelsea was almost a formality, but last weeks fixture against Swansea was hotly contested.  Although Nathan Dyer scored the only goal of the game in the first half, the second period was dominated by the Clarets.

From a Burnley perspective, this fixture could mean a great deal to them.  If they were to grab a point or perhaps stun Manchester United as bottom-feeder clubs are so accustomed to, it could be a springboard for them.  

If they lose, it's far from the end of the World...they're Burnley, not Manchester United after all.  The Clarets will come out and attack, with Danny Ings leading the line against a United side seriously lacking confidence.  

On the other side of the ball, Van Gaal will likely have Argentinian signings Marcos Rojo and record signing Angel Di Maria available for selection, and if that’s not a boost to the club I don’t know what is.  

Di Maria led La Liga by a wide margin with 17 assists last year, and was man of the match in the Champions League final.  His impact for Argentina in the World Cup was immense, while his injury absence from the semifinal and final were noticeable.  

Di Maria’s offensive prowess is well-documented, and people have been comparing his new role to that of Arjen Robben under Van Gaal.  What makes Di Maria better than the Dutchman is his willingness to defend at times, something which earned him starts in the middle of the pitch last season after Gareth Bale was bought from Tottenham.  

As for Rojo, he immediately becomes arguably Manchester United’s best defender.  Rojo starred under Alejandro Sabella in Brazil, also showing he can play on both sides of the ball to devastating effect.  However, he is just one player, and his impact can only be felt at one position.  

Rojo’s versatility will make him an excellent tool in Van Gaal’s constantly changing tactical scheme, but with the recent run of injuries to almost every midfielder at the club, the focus of concern is slurring between defense and the midfield.  

Finally, it remains to be seen how United will line up with their new star player in the fold.  United have a wealth of attacking talent in Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, and now Di Maria.  The key will be integrating Di Maria while maintaining a defensive presence in the back.  

Against MK Dons, Manchester United were made up of either untested academy players or men Van Gaal is phasing out of the club; hardly a side with any motivation or confidence.  

Right now, Van Gaal doesn’t have the luxury of selecting his best players with all the injuries.  It is imperative that the Dutchman instill it in all eleven players on the pitch that laziness or complacency will not be tolerated.  I expect United to take three points from this game, but it will not be easy at all.  United will grab the early lead, Burnley will fight back, but come up just short.  2-1 Red Devils.  

Power Rankings Going into Week Two

1-  Chelsea: The additions of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa have given the Blues an immediate boost.  More is yet to come from this squad who has yet to solidify why will start from a deep pool of players.

2-  Manchester City: Manchester City were my favorites to win the title two weeks ago, but Chelsea’s ruthless span of football and solidarity in the second half put them ahead of a City side which allowed a great deal of pressure from Newcastle.

3-  Liverpool: More is also yet to come from this squad who have yet to feature Mario Balotelli, Lazar Markovic, Alberto Moreno and Emre Can.  Expect minor changes to the squad as they look to reek havoc at the Etihad Stadium on Monday.

4-  Arsenal: Sluggish at times, but the return of Mesut Ozil will galvanize the Arsenal attack.  Alexis is still settling in, as are the players returning from World Cup layoffs.  Still in need of a couple more players before the window closes.  Everton will be eager for a result following their draw with Leicester, but it would be a massive result away from home for Arsenal if they were to win. 

5-  Tottenham: Is there the start of a new revolution at Spurs?  Eric Dier’s winner off of Harry Kane’s sublime pass could be symbolic of improvements in North Londoners.  Spurs play host to QPR on Sunday, who will be chomping at the bit to erase the home defeat to Hull City at Loftus Road.  

6-  Southampton: Tadic and Bertrand formed an exceptional partnership down the left, and Schneiderlin logged an impressive display in an opening loss at Anfield.  Another hard fixture awaits as West Brom visit Saint. Mary’s.

7-  Swansea: Soaked up pressure for much of the day but capitalized on two scoring chances.  Dealt Manchester United an opening blow in the league and should pick up all three points when they play host to Burnley this weekend.  

8-  Manchester United: Highlight of the match for me was watching Louis Van Gaal graciously sign those kids’ match day programs.  Reinforcements are on the way but a stern test away to a hungry Sunderland side awaits.  Marcos Rojo has been ruled ineligible for Saturday's clash, further complicating the situation for the Red Devils. 

9-  Everton: The loss of Ross Barkley shook the Merseyside club in the days leading up to Saturday, but Roberto Martinez is more than capable of turning things around.  They will be tested as they were against Leicester City when Arsenal come to town on Saturday.  

10-  Hull City: An opening win at Loftus Road saw the Tigers emulating manager Steve Bruce’s fiery approach he displayed as captain for Manchester United decades ago.

11-  Aston Villa: Winning at the Brittania Stadium against Stoke City is much harder than it sounds, and things are looking up for Aston Villa who just added Colombian Carlos Sanchez.  Sanchez, nicknamed ‘the rock,’ could feature right away against visitors Newcastle who showed promise in week one.

12-  Sunderland: Gus Poyet’s men delivered a hard-fought point at the Hawthorns as they look forward to hosing Louis Van Gaal and Manchester United at the weekend.  Coming off their season-defining win against the Red Devils last Spring, the Black Cats will be hungrier for more in week two.  

13-  Crystal Palace: Deserved a point against Arsenal in a game which saw Jason Puncheon sent off late and a stoppage-time winner from the impressive Aaron Ramsey.  Similarly, West Ham were unlucky in week one and should make up for an exciting affair.

14-  Newcastle: Fought valiantly against Manchester City and were unfortunate not to have grabbed equalizer.  Sergio Aguero’s late goal sealed a cruel fate for the Magpies who look to turn the tables on hosts Aston Villa.

15-  Leicester City: Everton were in for a long day when they played hosts Leicester City, who showed fight and spirit which culminated in a 2-2 draw.  It doesn’t get any easier in week two which sees them travel to Stamford Bridge for Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas’ home debuts.

16-  West Brom: Saido Berahino was one of the stars of week one for a West Brom team which looked unusually weak in defense.  Sunderland really brought it in week one, and now the Baggies must head south where the resilient Saints await.

17-  West Ham: One could argue Sam Allardyce should have put on an extra striker a man up.  Maybe, maybe not, but Big Sam wasn’t happy to see his outstanding defense let Eric Dier slip through for the winner at the death.  West Ham are in for another fight when they play a spirited Crystal Palace side. 

18-  Burnley: Showed spirit against Chelsea, both in the opening sequence and parts of the second half.  A rough draw in week 1 sees them travel to Swansea as underdogs to an impressive side who won at Old Trafford on Saturday.

19-  Stoke City: Losing at home to Aston Villa won’t sit well with Mark Hughes and his men.  They go into a difficult matchup with Hull City, but expect a fight from the strong and resilient Potters.

20-  Queens Park Rangers: Harry Redknapp is back.  Awesome.  In other news, Loic Remy has re-joined his parent club which lost to Hull City 0-1 at home last weekend.  QPR must now march into White Hart Lane for Tottenham’s home opener and hope they can come away with a point.  

Will Mario on Merseyside Work?

Luis Suarez’ exit from Anfield signaled a major change for the Merseyside club.  Personnel-wise, a crop of new signings litter the training ground nowadays, and the polarizing presence of the Uruguayan is no more.  However, the antics-driven media fracas which hung over Liverpool like a cloud (literally, it’s always cloudy on Merseyside) is back with the arrival of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan.  

18 months ago, Balotelli was sold to his boyhood club by Manchester City and Roberto Mancini, who after years of trying to tame the young Italian’s mercurial personality, threw in the towel.  Balotelli was instrumental in the 2011-2012 premier league title, but was known more for making the wrong sort of headlines.  

The stories go on and on about the striker, about how he drove his car into a Brescia women’s prison, how he once set his house on fire with fireworks, and how he inexplicably showed up at an Inter Milan press conference to congratulate the club on hiring a new manager with cameras rolling and all.  Thus, one has to wonder if life at Liverpool will be any simpler than it was for him in Manchester.

Is he a rotten egg or is Mario Balotelli in the mold of ‘misunderstood genius’?  His behavior off the field has been nothing short of bizarre, but on the field his talent is unquestionable.  It is expected that Brendan Rodgers will utilize his new striker next to Daniel Sturridge, reverting to the two-forward formation the Reds played in with Saurez.  

Balotelli will pick up a chunk of Suarez’ absent goal output, but the issue will be finding enough playing time for everyone.  When Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic return, Liverpool will have a plethora of attacking options.  Keeping Balotelli happy is a must however, since his discontent could derail a title challenge altogether as it did in 2012-2013.  

However, it will be easier to keep Balotelli happy in England than in Milan. Balotelli is desperate to play on a contending squad, and there is hardly a racist presence in England.  The best book I’ve read this year has to be I Think Therefore I Play, which is Andrea Pirlo’s autobiography.  

Pirlo, a very well-spoken individual in his own right, sees Mario as a symbol for the fight against racism in not just Italy, but the entire world.  Pirlo puts Balotelli’s life struggles into perspective, how he just wants to be loved and play football.  I felt I had made up my mind on the striker years ago, but listening to what Pirlo says about him sways him toward the ‘misunderstood genius’ crowd.  

Being one of the only African-American Italian players in Serie A, Balotelli’s stints in Italy have been marred by improper fan conduct and hateful gestures directed at him.  For me, Balotelli is going into a very positive situation at Liverpool.  At Manchester City, players are not loved as they are at Anfield.  He had the bad-boy-for-hire image at the Etihad, and while the home crowd cheered him, they didn’t adore him.  

Even through all the turmoil he insinuated at Liverpool, Luis Suarez was still loved by home fans until the day he left (well, you know…).  It should go the same way for Balotelli who, for what it’s worth, has never bitten another player on the pitch.  At 24, it is time for the Italian to become more a leader, something Brendan Rodgers will make crystal-clear to him.  

With talents like Raheem Sterling, Coutinho, Adam Lallana, and the presence of Steven Gerrard, Balotelli is in a place to succeed, but only if he puts his situation into perspective.  At Liverpool, the team won’t be built around Balotelli; he will be the one who has to adapt, but it is also him that could be the final piece in the post-Suarez Liverpool era puzzle.  

His work rate has always been in question and doesn’t share the same knack for hunting the ball down like Luis Suarez does.  Even so, it was a no-brainer for Rodgers to bring in Balotelli at that price.  His age almost guarantees that his value won’t dip given his abilities, and he could even feature as early as Monday against Manchester City (what a debut that would be!).  

It seems we’ve been saying it for years now, but Balotelli has all the potential in the world.  Of all the clubs Balotelli could have gone to, Liverpool may be the best choice for him.  Brendan Rodgers proves time and time again that he is an excellent man-manager who gets the most out of his players.  As long as he keeps the Italian happy, Suarez could be a forgotten name in Liverpool in a few months’ time. 

Transfer Twilight Time at Arsenal

With less than two weeks until the close of the transfer window, many teams in Europe are still in the market for first team players.  Manchester United are definitely in the market, and Liverpool could still be too.  In London, Arsenal are in a similar predicament to that of United, but not as severe.  

With the injury to Mikel Arteta who could be sidelined for months, as well as Aaron Ramseys looming UEFA suspension, Arsenal are now desperately in need of an excellent defensive midfielder.  When fit, Arteta lacks the steel and energy to hang with premier league attacks.  Also, on for the pitch just five minutes, Mathieu Flamini picked up a yellow card today as well.  

Not that that’s anything new from Flamini; it only reaffirms that he cannot consistently play and not be booked.  Thus, Arsenal need to act fast and secure at least one more big signing before the window closes.  Arsene Wenger hinted that the North London club is still in the market for a player at that position, while many are speculating that Arsenal’s top target is center back Kostas Manolas.  

However, Arsenal need the most help at defensive midfield.  Calum Chambers is proving to be a phenomenal addition along the back line, and Per Mertesacker is close to reuniting with Laurent Koscielny.  Nacho Monreal is currently providing exceptional cover for the injured Kieran Gibbs, while Hector Bellerin could be a surprise feature in the first team this season.  Even so, Arsenal could still yet add a center back, but that's not what they need most desperately. 

Aaron Ramsey isn’t a true defensive midfielder, as he grows more and more confident going forward.  Jack Wilshere is in a similar mold, but hasn’t shown form anywhere near the level of Ramsey.  Arsenal would have a much more balanced midfield if they could add a defensive midfielder with positional discipline and consistency.  

William Carvalho is a name that has surfaced from time to time, with reports that a bid from Arsenal was turned down a month ago.  Sami Khedira could still be an option as his exit from Real Madrid seems imminent.  Daley Blind, a Manchester United target, would be a surprise signing, as would Lars Bender.  

Even Cheick Tiote has emerged as a possible target, but I wouldn’t expect Wenger to go for a player so rambunctious.  Chambers did captain the U-19 English team as a defensive midfielder, but he’s more of a holding type player and less of a physical one at this stage in his career.  

With that being said, there’s really no telling how Arsene Wenger will finish the transfer window because that's always the nature of things.  In January, it seemed a formality that Arsenal would strengthen their side with an attacking player.  Instead, they ended up with Kim Kallstrom, an already injured defensive midfielder.  

Wenger already has secured several signings, but hasn’t addressed his squad needs as well as Liverpool or Chelsea have.  Another striker would be nice for the Gunners, however even if Arteta didn't pick up an injury today Wenger would still need a defensive midfielder.  

More Stars Yet to Feature

The opening weekend was undoubtedly an exciting one for premier league fans around the world.  Since the World Cup ended, it has been a long wait for the start of the season.  Many players made debuts for their respective clubs over the weekend, such as Dejan Lovren, Alexis, Ander Herrera, Fernando, and the impressive Dudan Tadic.  Here are some of the players who we have yet to see feature in the league.  

Emre Can, 20

I won’t hide the fact that Emre Can is one of my favorite signings of the summer for any team.  Upon seeing the Liverpool team sheet on my phone at 5:20 am Sunday morning, I was slightly let-down that Can didn’t feature for Brendan Rodgers’ side.  Can is physically imposing and will add steel to the midfield, a midfield where Lucas should no longer have a place.  

The Brazilian was wasteful in possession Sunday, and at times didn’t even put forth the drive and effort which probably earned him a role in the starting eleven.  It’s my opinion that Rodgers didn’t include more than Lovren and Manquillo in the squad so as not to take away the cohesion that last year’s group had.  Gradually, Liverpool’s new signings will see the field, but Can needs to sooner rather than later.  

Muhamed Besic, 21

Like Can, Besic will have to wait his turn to feature in the defensive midfield for his club.  Besic, a German-born Bosnian, starred for Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup in central midfield, but currently sits behind Gareth Barry and James McCarthy in selection for Roberto Martinez’ holding midfield roles.  

Besic brings more to the table offensively than either of the aforementioned midfielders, but away to Leicester City isn’t the ideal premier league debut for such a young player.  Besic could feature at Goodison Park against Arsenal at the weekend, but regardless should play a role in Everton’s plans this season.  

Ben Davies, 21

Given the carousel of left backs that Tottenham has been riding for the past several years, Ben Davies should be gifted a chance to succeed at White Hart Lane.  Davies had a fine season with Swansea last year, and was one of the many players to join bigger clubs over the summer.  

Gylfi Sigurdsson and Michel Vorm went in the other direction, quite the price tag for a 21 year-old fullback.  However, Davies already had 71 premier league appearances under his belt for the Swans, and is my pick to make the left back position his within the next few weeks.  It’s critical that Tottenham find an answer at left back; Jan Vertonghen is a terrific one, but he’s an even better center-back and should be utilized there, while the likes of Rose and Assou-Ekotto are far from adequate.  

Joel Campbell, 22

Another unused substitute at the weekend, Campbell impressed the world with his showing in Brazil.  Having spent the last three seasons on loan, Campbell has yet to make his premier league debut for the club that bought him three summers ago.  Campbell looked excellent in the Emirates Cup win over Benfica, and showed an improved work rate.  

I think Campbell will be well-suited for Arsene Wenger’s selection in big games; he can play on the wing, has the pace to counter-attack against heavy opposition, and his improved work rate bodes well for fullbacks.  Then again, it’s never easy predicting how Wenger will use his players, but seeing Campbell’s competitive debut for Arsenal is long overdue.  

Deandre Yedlin, 21

The only player on the list who wasn’t in his teams squad at the weekend, Yedlin wowed viewers and scouts with his blistering pace in Brazil.  He won't join Tottenham until January or June of 2015, but his presence is highly anticipated.  Deputizing for Fabian Johnson and coming on late in games to provide cover on the wing, Yedlin showed Tottenham enough to bring him in at the age of 21.  The American has the ability going forward and needs to improve his one-on-one defending in order to be a successful premier leaguer.  

Yedlin’s full debut for Tottenham in the premier league should be must-see tv for anyone who watched the World Cup here in the States.  Yedlin was one of the brightest stars for the stars and stripes, but it remains to be seen if he can compete in Europe.  If Yedlin were to become a breakout player for Spurs, it would be a huge boost to American academies and franchises in the transfer market.