To continue with our season preview, we will today look at Liverpool. I will look at their relevant strengths and weaknesses and predicted finish- though the one on Man Utd (see here ) attracted a few angry responses from some of their fans.
The Gaffer
Rafa Benitez is quietly turning Liverpool into genuine title contenders. His first season (in 2004-2005) was one where he was himself finding his feet in the Premiership but remarkably ended with the Champions League. Liverpool's strong finish last season points to Benitez's growing understanding of the English game. He won the title twice in his homeland with Valencia when Real's Galacticos were in their peak so it shows that he can produce title-winning teams. Coupled with the FA Cup last season and the UEFA Cup at Valencia, Liverpool would feel that they have finally a manager that can can bring their first title since 1990.
Benitez is a quiet man and he did not self-appoint himself as the "Special One" after his Champions League win. He is possibly having the upper hand in the growing feud with Mourinho, though the latter must have a point that Benitez's Liverpoool can sometimes play a defensive style.
Strengths
They play a tactical game that can even gather more cutting edge this season, especially with the addition of pacy trio Bellamy, Pennant and Gonzalez. Of course, they also have a genuine leader in the centre of the park in Steven Gerrard, who drives them on in most matches. Their strong finish last year, the FA Cup win and the win over Chelsea in the Community Shield will make them start the season with confidence. Sissoko, Gerrard and Alonso forms a formidable midfield indeed.
Weaknessess
Scoring goals could still be a problem as an attacking quintet of Crouch, Bellamy, Fowler, Luis Garcia and Sinama-Pongolle will not frighten many Premiership teams. They relied far too heavily on Gerrard for goals last season but it is believed that Benitez is trying to bring in another striker. Their type of football can look laboured at times and they did not impress against Maccabi Haifa and lost a lot of their pre-season games.
Transfer activity
Bellamy and Pennant add much needed pace to the side while Mark Gonzalez already looks like an exciting signing. They lost Cisse, who I thought was a bit harshly treated as he looked their most dangerous forward at times last season.
Prediction
Will be stronger than last season and they won 11 out of their last 12 last season (though that defeat was against Arsenal) Rank: 2nd
12 Responses to “RG looks at our rivals: Liverpool”
# Lionel
8/15/2006 03:43:16 PM
They have wonderful squad now with flair, stength and speed. I believe if our front stikers can meet their mark regularly, which were clearly lacked last year, they are a for sure a formidable team this year. With this they can go for the title this year.....Cheers LP!
# Derrick Toronka
8/15/2006 03:50:00 PM
RG as a Die Hard liverpool fan i do agree with your prediction, i do smile when our rivals state facts instaed of spewing hate like Chelsea fans they will have my respect and i wish Arsenal every luck for the coming season.
I agree that our one concern at Liverpool this season will be goal scoring but then again considering the fact that Rafa has do a lot sensible buying to make our attacking options flexible(buying wingers) we might be able t provide our strikers with plenty of goal scoring chance time will tell. As a Liverpool support who likes Arsenal as well what is your take on Wengers young players? they look quite good.
# Red Marauder
8/15/2006 03:50:10 PM
This is about the most balanced pice of writing on a soccer blog for ages!! nice work. When talking about strengths, you have forgotten about the Liverpool defence, 2nd best defensive record in league, and a new club record set for clean sheets. I also think we will score a lot more goals this season, with more width added to the side in Pennant and Gonsalez. I reckon the league will finally see Pennants promise finally delivered. If we get Kuyt, who is apparently very good in the air I am very hopeful we can push Chelski all the way, and wipe that smug grin from that poser Moaninho!!
Its good to see the Man U fnas still believe that there a good side, somebody has to I suppose.
# james mann
8/15/2006 04:05:13 PM
good analysis, we still have some way to , i think we need another striker + a defender , im actually not worried about on field antics simply b'cos along with the likes of mourhino we have the best manager in Europe tactically the man is a genius
he is completely focused on using different formations etc... for me Steve Finnan is the most improved player & risse the best left back in england and that is not his preferred position, stevie G has a problem though ,with the midfield axis in place (momo + xabi) were does gerrard play, does benitez want to turn gerrard into a second striker what separates us from the others will be the adapting to the different formations and positioning benitez likes to use , off the field we are even being left behind by Aston Villa , what is rick parry still doing as chief exc. we need serious investment and fresh sponsors part of attracting a global market is having the right sponsors , what is carlsberb still doing on our shirts bring on LEXUS (the car manufacurers) their motto fits perfectly with LIVERPOOL , THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION.
# james mann
8/15/2006 04:05:14 PM
good analysis, we still have some way to , i think we need another striker + a defender , im actually not worried about on field antics simply b'cos along with the likes of mourhino we have the best manager in Europe tactically the man is a genius
he is completely focused on using different formations etc... for me Steve Finnan is the most improved player & risse the best left back in england and that is not his preferred position, stevie G has a problem though ,with the midfield axis in place (momo + xabi) were does gerrard play, does benitez want to turn gerrard into a second striker what separates us from the others will be the adapting to the different formations and positioning benitez likes to use , off the field we are even being left behind by Aston Villa , what is rick parry still doing as chief exc. we need serious investment and fresh sponsors part of attracting a global market is having the right sponsors , what is carlsberb still doing on our shirts bring on LEXUS (the car manufacurers) their motto fits perfectly with LIVERPOOL , THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION.
# tom
8/15/2006 04:20:27 PM
I fancy either Liverpool or ourselves to finish second this season. I've always been impressed with Benitez's professionalism and his ability to change a winning formula when needed, and after two seasons in the Premiership he's got the experience to really push Liverpool forward.
I think the biggest problem this season for Liverpool, as with last season, will be scoring goals. If they continue with the five man midfield and Crouch up front I can see problems, as Crouch, whilst having obvious attributes, is never going to be a 25 goal a season player in my opinion. Gonzalez down the left and Pennant down the right gives real pace and penetration, but neither has proven their ability yet at the top level.
If they switch to a four man midfield, allowing for two up front (Bellamy the extra man, who I think will do well), they will score more goals, but will need to make difficult selection decisions. There's talk about pushing Gerrard out to the right in order to accomodate Xabi Alonso and Momo Sissoko in the centre. I think Sissoko has to play. The more I see of him, the more he reminds me of a young PV4. Even the leggy, languid way he runs reminds me of Pat. Personally whilst Gerrard can play on the right, you've got to play your best players in their best positions, and for Stevie G that's centre mid.
Drop Alonso, four man midfield of Gonzo, Momo, Stevie G and the young offender. That's as strong as any around.
# gazzap
8/15/2006 04:55:15 PM
agree that sissoko is their key man this season, he must stay fit. without him they have no ball winner to dominate that part of the pitch. Gerrard I fear will be used more and more as a right winger. he can do damage from anywhere but I'd play sissoko and Gerrard in the middle with any 2 attacking wingers eg Gozalez and Pennant of even put Alonso out right just like Arsene does with Cesc sometimes. Bellamy and Crouch will make a good partnership. I think between Arsenal and Liverpool, at least one of us will finish in front of chelsea. probably whoever has the fewest injury problems in the coming months.
# Rafa the gaffa
8/15/2006 05:47:18 PM
I believe our strikeforce will strike fear into Premiership teams now we have the pace of Bellamy, don't use the Henry Yardstick for everyone my gooner friend! That's just not fair! ;-)
# Noel Jackson
8/15/2006 05:58:41 PM
I fancy Liverpool to win it, Arsenal to pip Chelsea for second place. That fella Sissoko is immense. They still have questions over their goal scoring abilities but I think we are looking at this years champions. I would prefer to see Liverpool win it any day ahead of Chelsea or Man Ure....you've got to agree their fans deserve it.
# Zoidy1
8/15/2006 06:03:49 PM
My word! An oppo blog that's fair and reasonable. Congratulations.
I don't mind admitting that Arse are the only club I will take time out to watch apart from my own.
Crouch is of course not the answer for Liverpool or England. He's a brilliant super sub but over 90 mins defenders work him out. IF we buy Kuyt or similar (and he's successful) then I think it's fair to say we'll be a threat at the top.
Without?
I'm off to read your manc assessment.
# lc
8/15/2006 06:21:39 PM
Good article. True, Liverppol look very good. I just think they need three more players, a stricker, another ball winner like Cissoko and a centre-defendeur; unless Steaven Gerrard joined their stricking force. He looks to me a genuine stricker like TH14 who just needs to be given the licence to do the job.
Liverpool strength is a bit too much on Cissoko and I don't think Alonso, although he is a great passer of the ball, is not in the same league as Momo in term of winning balls. I guess Liverpool could miss him heavily in case he was injured, the same goes for Arsenal who need another defensive midfield. And the defense relay too heavily on outside trap, which put then in trouble with Hernan Crespo last season. Their defenders are not that very quick, as Chevchenko managed to beat the outside trap and quickly score last sunday. Many of that could happen this season. But, what I saw last sunday against Chelsea was very impressive. I am a gooner who doesn't mind seeing Liverpool winning the Premiership anytime soon or later. Again, Good article.
# Scousefire
8/15/2006 07:32:45 PM
Fair play to you for a freshing and honest blog about a rival team, always nice to see! I`ve always admired Arsenal, especially players such as Viera, Dennis B, Keown. Presently, i`m a fan of the lad Van Persie and Fabregas. One bit of business that did surprise me was the selling of Pires to Valencia, always thought he was a decent player.
As to my team, Liverpool. As most guys have already said, our problem last season (and potentially this season) is goals, Crouch for all his effort and good feet is never going to be a 20 goal + man, however I do believe Bellamy is going to be a big star for us. We are reportedly on the verge of having Dirk Kuyt, and have also been linked with Klose. If we get any of either of them two, i`ll be a happier man.
Midfield and defensive, i`m happy with what we brought in, Pennant and Gonzalez are there for pace, Momo is getting better and better each season - and dare I say it reminds us of a certain Mr Viera !! Our defence is fine, Hyypia is getting no younger, but with Paletta brought in we should be good enough.
Overall, I geniunely think either 1st or 2nd this season.
The Gaffer
Rafa Benitez is quietly turning Liverpool into genuine title contenders. His first season (in 2004-2005) was one where he was himself finding his feet in the Premiership but remarkably ended with the Champions League. Liverpool's strong finish last season points to Benitez's growing understanding of the English game. He won the title twice in his homeland with Valencia when Real's Galacticos were in their peak so it shows that he can produce title-winning teams. Coupled with the FA Cup last season and the UEFA Cup at Valencia, Liverpool would feel that they have finally a manager that can can bring their first title since 1990.
Benitez is a quiet man and he did not self-appoint himself as the "Special One" after his Champions League win. He is possibly having the upper hand in the growing feud with Mourinho, though the latter must have a point that Benitez's Liverpoool can sometimes play a defensive style.
Strengths
They play a tactical game that can even gather more cutting edge this season, especially with the addition of pacy trio Bellamy, Pennant and Gonzalez. Of course, they also have a genuine leader in the centre of the park in Steven Gerrard, who drives them on in most matches. Their strong finish last year, the FA Cup win and the win over Chelsea in the Community Shield will make them start the season with confidence. Sissoko, Gerrard and Alonso forms a formidable midfield indeed.
Weaknessess
Scoring goals could still be a problem as an attacking quintet of Crouch, Bellamy, Fowler, Luis Garcia and Sinama-Pongolle will not frighten many Premiership teams. They relied far too heavily on Gerrard for goals last season but it is believed that Benitez is trying to bring in another striker. Their type of football can look laboured at times and they did not impress against Maccabi Haifa and lost a lot of their pre-season games.
Transfer activity
Bellamy and Pennant add much needed pace to the side while Mark Gonzalez already looks like an exciting signing. They lost Cisse, who I thought was a bit harshly treated as he looked their most dangerous forward at times last season.
Prediction
Will be stronger than last season and they won 11 out of their last 12 last season (though that defeat was against Arsenal) Rank: 2nd
12 Responses to “RG looks at our rivals: Liverpool”
# Lionel
8/15/2006 03:43:16 PM
They have wonderful squad now with flair, stength and speed. I believe if our front stikers can meet their mark regularly, which were clearly lacked last year, they are a for sure a formidable team this year. With this they can go for the title this year.....Cheers LP!
# Derrick Toronka
8/15/2006 03:50:00 PM
RG as a Die Hard liverpool fan i do agree with your prediction, i do smile when our rivals state facts instaed of spewing hate like Chelsea fans they will have my respect and i wish Arsenal every luck for the coming season.
I agree that our one concern at Liverpool this season will be goal scoring but then again considering the fact that Rafa has do a lot sensible buying to make our attacking options flexible(buying wingers) we might be able t provide our strikers with plenty of goal scoring chance time will tell. As a Liverpool support who likes Arsenal as well what is your take on Wengers young players? they look quite good.
# Red Marauder
8/15/2006 03:50:10 PM
This is about the most balanced pice of writing on a soccer blog for ages!! nice work. When talking about strengths, you have forgotten about the Liverpool defence, 2nd best defensive record in league, and a new club record set for clean sheets. I also think we will score a lot more goals this season, with more width added to the side in Pennant and Gonsalez. I reckon the league will finally see Pennants promise finally delivered. If we get Kuyt, who is apparently very good in the air I am very hopeful we can push Chelski all the way, and wipe that smug grin from that poser Moaninho!!
Its good to see the Man U fnas still believe that there a good side, somebody has to I suppose.
# james mann
8/15/2006 04:05:13 PM
good analysis, we still have some way to , i think we need another striker + a defender , im actually not worried about on field antics simply b'cos along with the likes of mourhino we have the best manager in Europe tactically the man is a genius
he is completely focused on using different formations etc... for me Steve Finnan is the most improved player & risse the best left back in england and that is not his preferred position, stevie G has a problem though ,with the midfield axis in place (momo + xabi) were does gerrard play, does benitez want to turn gerrard into a second striker what separates us from the others will be the adapting to the different formations and positioning benitez likes to use , off the field we are even being left behind by Aston Villa , what is rick parry still doing as chief exc. we need serious investment and fresh sponsors part of attracting a global market is having the right sponsors , what is carlsberb still doing on our shirts bring on LEXUS (the car manufacurers) their motto fits perfectly with LIVERPOOL , THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION.
# james mann
8/15/2006 04:05:14 PM
good analysis, we still have some way to , i think we need another striker + a defender , im actually not worried about on field antics simply b'cos along with the likes of mourhino we have the best manager in Europe tactically the man is a genius
he is completely focused on using different formations etc... for me Steve Finnan is the most improved player & risse the best left back in england and that is not his preferred position, stevie G has a problem though ,with the midfield axis in place (momo + xabi) were does gerrard play, does benitez want to turn gerrard into a second striker what separates us from the others will be the adapting to the different formations and positioning benitez likes to use , off the field we are even being left behind by Aston Villa , what is rick parry still doing as chief exc. we need serious investment and fresh sponsors part of attracting a global market is having the right sponsors , what is carlsberb still doing on our shirts bring on LEXUS (the car manufacurers) their motto fits perfectly with LIVERPOOL , THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION.
# tom
8/15/2006 04:20:27 PM
I fancy either Liverpool or ourselves to finish second this season. I've always been impressed with Benitez's professionalism and his ability to change a winning formula when needed, and after two seasons in the Premiership he's got the experience to really push Liverpool forward.
I think the biggest problem this season for Liverpool, as with last season, will be scoring goals. If they continue with the five man midfield and Crouch up front I can see problems, as Crouch, whilst having obvious attributes, is never going to be a 25 goal a season player in my opinion. Gonzalez down the left and Pennant down the right gives real pace and penetration, but neither has proven their ability yet at the top level.
If they switch to a four man midfield, allowing for two up front (Bellamy the extra man, who I think will do well), they will score more goals, but will need to make difficult selection decisions. There's talk about pushing Gerrard out to the right in order to accomodate Xabi Alonso and Momo Sissoko in the centre. I think Sissoko has to play. The more I see of him, the more he reminds me of a young PV4. Even the leggy, languid way he runs reminds me of Pat. Personally whilst Gerrard can play on the right, you've got to play your best players in their best positions, and for Stevie G that's centre mid.
Drop Alonso, four man midfield of Gonzo, Momo, Stevie G and the young offender. That's as strong as any around.
# gazzap
8/15/2006 04:55:15 PM
agree that sissoko is their key man this season, he must stay fit. without him they have no ball winner to dominate that part of the pitch. Gerrard I fear will be used more and more as a right winger. he can do damage from anywhere but I'd play sissoko and Gerrard in the middle with any 2 attacking wingers eg Gozalez and Pennant of even put Alonso out right just like Arsene does with Cesc sometimes. Bellamy and Crouch will make a good partnership. I think between Arsenal and Liverpool, at least one of us will finish in front of chelsea. probably whoever has the fewest injury problems in the coming months.
# Rafa the gaffa
8/15/2006 05:47:18 PM
I believe our strikeforce will strike fear into Premiership teams now we have the pace of Bellamy, don't use the Henry Yardstick for everyone my gooner friend! That's just not fair! ;-)
# Noel Jackson
8/15/2006 05:58:41 PM
I fancy Liverpool to win it, Arsenal to pip Chelsea for second place. That fella Sissoko is immense. They still have questions over their goal scoring abilities but I think we are looking at this years champions. I would prefer to see Liverpool win it any day ahead of Chelsea or Man Ure....you've got to agree their fans deserve it.
# Zoidy1
8/15/2006 06:03:49 PM
My word! An oppo blog that's fair and reasonable. Congratulations.
I don't mind admitting that Arse are the only club I will take time out to watch apart from my own.
Crouch is of course not the answer for Liverpool or England. He's a brilliant super sub but over 90 mins defenders work him out. IF we buy Kuyt or similar (and he's successful) then I think it's fair to say we'll be a threat at the top.
Without?
I'm off to read your manc assessment.
# lc
8/15/2006 06:21:39 PM
Good article. True, Liverppol look very good. I just think they need three more players, a stricker, another ball winner like Cissoko and a centre-defendeur; unless Steaven Gerrard joined their stricking force. He looks to me a genuine stricker like TH14 who just needs to be given the licence to do the job.
Liverpool strength is a bit too much on Cissoko and I don't think Alonso, although he is a great passer of the ball, is not in the same league as Momo in term of winning balls. I guess Liverpool could miss him heavily in case he was injured, the same goes for Arsenal who need another defensive midfield. And the defense relay too heavily on outside trap, which put then in trouble with Hernan Crespo last season. Their defenders are not that very quick, as Chevchenko managed to beat the outside trap and quickly score last sunday. Many of that could happen this season. But, what I saw last sunday against Chelsea was very impressive. I am a gooner who doesn't mind seeing Liverpool winning the Premiership anytime soon or later. Again, Good article.
# Scousefire
8/15/2006 07:32:45 PM
Fair play to you for a freshing and honest blog about a rival team, always nice to see! I`ve always admired Arsenal, especially players such as Viera, Dennis B, Keown. Presently, i`m a fan of the lad Van Persie and Fabregas. One bit of business that did surprise me was the selling of Pires to Valencia, always thought he was a decent player.
As to my team, Liverpool. As most guys have already said, our problem last season (and potentially this season) is goals, Crouch for all his effort and good feet is never going to be a 20 goal + man, however I do believe Bellamy is going to be a big star for us. We are reportedly on the verge of having Dirk Kuyt, and have also been linked with Klose. If we get any of either of them two, i`ll be a happier man.
Midfield and defensive, i`m happy with what we brought in, Pennant and Gonzalez are there for pace, Momo is getting better and better each season - and dare I say it reminds us of a certain Mr Viera !! Our defence is fine, Hyypia is getting no younger, but with Paletta brought in we should be good enough.
Overall, I geniunely think either 1st or 2nd this season.
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