Firstly looking at the Valencia game, there were some real positives to be taken from it. Stewart Downing’s hunger to run at defenders at get dangerous balls into the box really added a different dimension to our game. Also the ability of him being able to switch wings and Charlie Adam drop into the left sided position from the centre, with Jordan Henderson filling in the role in the centre, seemed to create space for the playmaker to create openings. Andy Carroll looks very sharp and quick and looks like the prospect we paid £35m for.
Jordan Henderson showed glimpses of his talent as he got some dangerous crosses into the box from the right without hitting the by-line. I still would question despite his tenacity and effort whether we could consider ourselves strong enough to push for a top 4 finish if Jay Spearing were commanding a first team place. In addition to this and more worrying for me, was the apparent absence of Alberto Aquillani in the game. Despite what qualities he is said to possess, I don’t think most fans like having players who disappear in games and Alberto certainly seems to possess this quality. Along with the current injury and lack of match practice of Steven Gerrard, we need someone to add an attacking flair to our midfield in the centre. Charlie Adam seems to be falling into a holding midfielder role, pulling the strings and trying to link play up which is needed, but in my eyes does not work as effectively without the driving attacking force in the centre also.
Aquillani has been given the chance to step into this position and repay a club who for the best part, have just funded an Italian year long holiday for him. He is a frustrating player to watch as a fan, as in small glimpses he shows promise of someone who can really unlock defences with innovative touches and flicks but seems to go missing in games too much. Some would argue that he isn’t used to the pace of the English game but we haven’t even got to the first game yet and he should be looking much more ‘stand out’ in these pre season run outs. As it stands at the moment it seems as though should he get the nod for a starting place vs Sunderland, he is looking that he is more likely to be a passenger than a match winner. There were noticeable absentees on Saturday with Meireles missing who you would expect to start in our first game. We must plan without Gerrard, Lucas does not offer the attacking option so who do Liverpool slot into the middle? For me it has to be Jordan Henderson. With Dirk Kuyt likely to keep his place on the right hand side, Henderson could slot into the middle alongside Meireles and Adam. With Stewart Downing on the opposite flank. We could then play Carroll up top alone, giving Suarez chance to recover from a summer of football, but also leaving the dangerous Uruguayan as a ‘plan B’ on the bench. Will King Kenny opt for this though when Suarez is evidently in such a hot streak of form?
That decision is for Kenny to sweat over. The other choice is to play him wide on the left in an advanced playmaker role with Downing on the right, this then leaving Kuyt on the bench. It is good see for the first time in a while that we can afford to make alternative plans other than the predictable dangers of talisman Gerrard. I still feel that we could do with adding more to the squad, with a central defender, left back and right winger being the priorities. We could even do with an additional striker as David Ngog clearly showed his inability to set Anfield alight let alone the world. Currently we only have three strikers with Carroll, Suarez and Kuyt being the men to fill those positions. Although there are very promising youngsters such as Daniel Pacheco, Suso and Adam Morgan coming through it would be a big ask to expect them to adjust to first team football and pressures that come with it as quickly as need would dictate.
Whilst the Valencia game was a great preparation for the first game of the season and we did manage a much needed clean sheet, our new additions to the squad need to step up to the demands of the Premiership and the sooner the new look Liverpool first team gel, the sooner we can get out of the blocks and get our season going. The fixtures have been kind giving us home advantage and the roar of a full house at Anfield should be enough motivation for any player to step up their game. Sunderland and Steve Bruce do not have the greatest of records here so that will be on all of their minds when they set foot on the Anfield turf. Jordan Henderson should really be up for the game against his former employers and boyhood club and whilst history favours the home side, Sunderland are still a team that need to be respected and be aware that given the chance they too will pose a threat to any opposition.
As for the season, I think there will be more additions and some departures but it is looking like we have far more depth than in recent years. John Henry has already stated that anything bar a top 4 finish would be a disappointment, whilst most fans look upon it as a must if we want to keep evolving as a team by attracting the finest players and challenging for major honours. Whilst they are no real reflection on the forthcoming season as a whole the first two games will act as a tough test for Kenny’s squad with a trip to the Emirates up next after Sunderland. One thing is for sure as a life-long Liverpool fan I am looking very optimistically and feeling positive towards the long journey ahead this season.