Peter O'Rourke casts an eye over Liverpool's prospects ahead of the 2010/11 Premier League season.
Peter O'Rourke casts an eye over Liverpool's prospects ahead of the 2010/11 Premier League season.
It's been a summer of change at Anfield and there could be more before the season gets underway.
Roy Hodgson has come in from Fulham as Rafa Benitez's successor after five seasons at the helm for the Spaniard.
There could also be changes at boardroom level with unpopular American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks possibly selling up to interested suitors as speculation over the club's ownership gathers pace.
As a result there is renewed optimism on Merseyside of a successful season following last term's incredibly poor finish of seventh spot.
Hodgson faced a difficult start to life as Liverpool boss because of doubts over star duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, but having persuaded the pair to commit themselves to the club there is a feel-good factor around Anfield again.
But losing the pair for any considerable length of time could see Liverpool struggle again, with the side looking ordinary without world-class duo Gerrard and Torres.
Torres' form and fitness will be key to Liverpool's aspirations as the Spaniard was sorely missed last season with young striker David Ngog not up to the task yet of filling the former Atletico Madrid star's boots.
However, the loss of unsettled midfielder Javier Mascherano would come as a major blow to Hodgson, with the Argentine established as one of the key players in the Reds' side. Hodgson's capture of Christian Poulsen from Juventus suggests he is preparing for life without the combative South American.
Despite the prospect of possibly losing Mascherano, Liverpool still boast one of the strongest spines in the Premier League in the form of Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Gerrard and Torres.
And although Liverpool have a starting XI that is as good as anything in the Premier League it is a lack of strength in depth which means they are lagging behind their rivals.
Left-back is also an area of concern for Hodgson with Fabio Aurelio being re-signed after being released at the end of last season and no new top class full-back brought in to start in Hodgson's preferred starting XI.
The free transfer signing of Joe Cole could turn out to be a masterstroke as he will provide Liverpool with a much-needed cutting edge and help take the burden off Gerrard's shoulders.
Cole arrives with a point to prove after an unhappy last 18 months and if he can get back to his best he could prove to be a big favourite with the Anfield faithful.
The arrival of Milan Jonovanovic adds options to Hodgson's attacking plans, while youngsters Danny Wilson and Jonjo Shelvey have been drafted in with very much an eye on the future.
Under Gerard Houllier and Benitez Liverpool were accused of playing too negatively, but under Hodgson the players should be allowed to express themselves as they aim to get themselves back on track.
Although a title tilt looks very much out of the question considering Liverpool's squad strength they will be expected to do much better than last season.
Hodgson has shown at Fulham he can get the best out of his players and if he can do the same at Anfield they should be at least challenging for a top four finish.
One to Watch
Fernando Torres' future at Anfield has been the subject of intense speculation all summer, but the Spaniard has committed his future to the club despite attracting admiring glances from Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona. The deadly striker endured a frustrating campaign last term because of injury and he will be keen to show he is over his problems and help Liverpool challenge for honours again. Torres scored 22 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions last season and the stats proved Liverpool win more games with the 26-year-old in the side.
Young Gun
Martin Kelly burst onto the scene last season in a Champions League clash with Lyon with an impressive showing in his first competitive start. However, the home-grown star's progress was hampered by a series of injuries last season. Kelly has impressed in pre-season and although he is a centre-back by trade he has shown his versatility by playing at right-back and left-back. The 20-year-old is likely to play understudy to Glen Johnson and he has already been promoted to the England Under 21 squad this summer.
Point to Prove
Joe Cole will feel he will have a point to prove to Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and England coach Fabio Capello. The skilful midfielder was used in a bit-part role by Ancelotti during his last season before arriving at Liverpool on a free transfer this summer. Cole failed to convince Ancelotti of his abilities and he will be hoping regular first-team football at Liverpool will provide him with the stage to show he is back to his best. Cole also endured a frustrating World Cup with England, playing only 45 minutes in South Africa, and he will be determined to prove to Capello he deserves a regular spot in his starting XI for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Best Signing
Milan Jovanovic was signed by former Reds boss Rafa Benitez in a pre-contract deal last February from Standard Liege. The 29-year-old impressed in the Champions League with Liege and he looks well-suited to the Premier League. Jovanovic's versatility makes him a key addition to Roy Hodgson's squad as he can play wide on the left or is equally adept at playing in attack. The Serbian international has an eye for goal and his hard-working approach is sure to make him a big fans' favourite with the Anfield faithful.
Manager
Roy Hodgson worked miracles at Fulham and he will be hoping to repeat the magic at Anfield after a disastrous campaign last term. There have been some scepticism about Hodgson's appointment, but the wily Englishman will be hoping to steady the ship at Anfield after a difficult last 12 months. Hodgson's main target will be to get Liverpool back into the Champions League spots and by persuading Gerrard and Torres to stay at the club he is in with a chance of achieving that aim.
Fantasy Football pick
Steven Gerrard (6.4million) has been a must in Fantasy Football sides for years and he again will provide plenty of points with goals and assists as well as man of the match performances.
