Strengthening our squad

[powerpack]

Does anyone else agree with Alan Hansen that Rafa should strengthen the squad in order to win the Premier League? Note this is NOT a pop at Rafa, in him we trust, but feel like this could come back to bite us if we don't strengthen a bit.

[Tee]

Definitely - always better to strengthen when you are doing well.

Clearly we have area in the side that could be enhaced with greater quality, in particular LB and RW, IMO.

If Rafa feels we do not need anyone than no probs, but he may be saying this because he knows he does not have any money for new players. Ideally I would like to see at least 1 new face.

All this talk about Heskey, I wonder if Pompey have paid up fully for Crouchy. Might be worth bringing him back?

[dww]

In an ideal world maybe but given the fact we have little cash I see little point in simply adding players to the squad for the sake of it. I do think we need an attacking plan B and in the long run we need either El Zhar/one of the other young players to step up or an experienced alternative to Pennant. I'd be very happy if we bought in Heskey (or even Owen) to be part of an added attacking strategy but other than that I think there are limited options for us in the marketplace.

[Big Dave]

I think that we're going pretty well at the moment and have plenty of players to cover all positions. There are obviously positions where we could possibly do with better quality, full backs and RW would be the obvious, but I just wonder whether bringing in too many faces for the first team would upset the squad?

I think that something like this would be better if we waited until the Summer

[Darkon]

I think that we're going pretty well at the moment and have plenty of players to cover all positions. There are obviously positions where we could possibly do with better quality, full backs and RW would be the obvious, but I just wonder whether bringing in too many faces for the first team would upset the squad?

I think that something like this would be better if we waited until the Summer

I agree with you.

It can be dangerous upsetting the nature of the squad, when it is working as well as it does at the moment. And especially when we haven't seen the best of it yet.

There are places needing strengthening as mentioned, but IMO we should only try and sign a replacement for Pennant to keep the balance of the squad.

Unless some great offer comes along of course. Say a very cheap owen would be a good buy, or if a versatile full back showed up (unlikely though).

Other than that I am fairly happy with the squad at the moment, and bringing in more than 1-2 players without the need for replacement is to "dangerous" in our position.

[MrMichael]

Does anyone else agree with Alan Hansen that Rafa should strengthen the squad in order to win the Premier League? Note this is NOT a pop at Rafa, in him we trust, but feel like this could come back to bite us if we don't strengthen a bit.

I don't think strength in depth is a particular issue of ours, what we are arguably lacking is one or two top class options for a couple of positions. However it simply doesn't appear that we have the money, or that there are that many players on the market who would be a significant improvement on what we have now. I think to an extent this season we will just have to trust the squad we have now, and trust Rafa's ability to keep his players as fresh as possible throughout the season.

[powerpack]

In an ideal world maybe but given the fact we have little cash I see little point in simply adding players to the squad for the sake of it. I do think we need an attacking plan B and in the long run we need either El Zhar/one of the other young players to step up or an experienced alternative to Pennant. I'd be very happy if we bought in Heskey (or even Owen) to be part of an added attacking strategy but other than that I think there are limited options for us in the marketplace.

I agree, nothing drastic, maybe a Owen or Heskey, or even Couchie (unrealistic I know but still wish he was a red)!

[SB]

Agree fully. Bringing players in could disrupt harmony and affect players confidence IMO.

[SB]

Liverpool swoop for Anderson

Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 09 January 2009 - 10:12
Category: Football
Comments: Be the first to comment

Rafa Benitez looks set to strengthen his defensive options by swooping for highly-rated Brazilian centre-back Anderson.

Reports in Brazil claim that the Liverpool manager sent club scouts to watch the 21-year-old in Fluminense’s final fixture against Cruzeiro before the Campeonato Brasiliero wound down for their annual Christmas break.

The 6ft 1” tall defender is thought to be versatile and quick enough to function across the backline and already has experience of winning silverware having taken part in his side’s Brazilian Cup victory in 2007. With doubts surrounding the future of Daniel Agger and Sami Hyppia's long-term sustainability in doubt, Benitez appears to have acted early to ensure his side have enough cover at the back.

Reports in Germany and the British media have also suggested that the Anfield outfit could move for another samba star by sealing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Renato Augusto. The right midfielder is valued between £10-15m and if joined by Anderson could bring the Brazilian contingent at Liverpool to five alongside Lucas, Fabio Aurelio and Diego Cavalleri.

[Matt]

Think we'll bring in one player this window and maybe a couple of youngsters who will no doubt be swallowed up in the massive pool of players that comprise our youth ranks.

[BobTheCharmer]

maybe a couple of youngsters who will no doubt be swallowed up in the massive pool of players that comprise our youth ranks.

How often do young keepers or centre backs ever make the first team? Too much pressure on each result to take a chance on them. Waste of time.

[FatTony]

You always need to look at strengthening the squad. Progress is continuous and I don't think our back four is brilliant, we also don't have a great bunch of wingers (Riera is the exception). Babel, Benny and Pennant are all ok, but you must be looking through liverpool tinted glasses if you think they can't be bettered.

[Kenneth]

Sell Dossena. That will improve our squad.

[Cormack74]

Sell Dossena. That will improve our squad.

Always looking on the bright side

[Cormack74]

I don't think strength in depth is a particular issue of ours, what we are arguably lacking is one or two top class options for a couple of positions.