First of all, I apologize in advance, as this is a pretty long thread. I'm just "thinking out loud". so let's discuss it.
Liverpool have plenty of cash now, but must spend wisely. it's not only about bringing the best players, but also by having the right balance in the squad. We all saw how the sale of Torres triggered a great change in belief of all Liverpool players.
having said that, I think our squad depends on our formation next season. Kenny is a pragmatic manager, not a stubborn one. he will choose whatever formation or tactics needed to win a game (i.e. the 352 against Manchester United).
so here's my opinion on each position.
GK:
Reina is a worldclass 'keeper, Gulacsi or the other Austrailian guy as backup. nothing really to do here. but I hope we can keep Reina. so let's "Assume" he will stay.
MY VERDICT: Reina GK, Gulacsi Backup.
RB:
A tricky one. when all players were fit, Kenny chose Martin Kelly as RB ahead of Johnson. if that's how Kenny sees it, then I think Flannagan is too young to be a backup for Kelly, and Johnson is too expensive to be a backup. could it be that Flannagan could make the grade and BE a backup? .. well, Johnson's situation will be discussed below.
MY VERDICT: Kelly RB, Flannagan Backup.
CB:
contrary to what fans believe, we are really short on Centre backs. Carragher can only "do a job" nowadays, Kyrigakos is backup at best, Agger is injury prone (yet class when fit), and Skrtel is average. also, no real youngsters to rely on. We need to buy a Centreback for years to come. Cahill? I'm not sure. but who else?
MY VERDICT: Carragher/Agger CB (until we buy better players), Skrtel and a Wilson (Plus one of Agger/Carragher once we buy better players) Backup.
LB:
our weakest link. Robinson is still too young. we need to buy a new LB. period.
MY VERDICT: New Player LB, Wilson and Robinson Backup.
RM:
That's tricky. Johnson is better suited as a RM as he loves to move into the middle of the park, and loves to shoot from everywhere. plus, his delivery from RB positions isn't that good, so RM suits him best. but who to play as Backup? .. i say a youngster, and let's save the cash for other positions.
MY VERDICT: Johnson RM, Youngster (Eccliston, Pacheco) Backup.
CM:
Gerrard and Mereiles are Liverpool class. Spearing is a great prospect (similar to Mascherano, but passes better and moans less). Aquilani might return, Adam could be bought, and Lucas is still around. also, Shelvey is a good prospect too. it's crowded enough, and I can't see more players to fill this position.
MY VERDICT: Gerrard, Merieles, Lucas CM.. Adams, Aquilani, Spearing (not really backups, but other options).
LM:
another weak link. we are linked with Ashely Young who will be great for the LM position, and I would leave the backup void to be filled by either Maxi or a youngster. also, Adams could do a job.
MY VERDICT: Young LM. Youngster (Pacheco/Eccleston) or Maxi Backup.
ST:
Carrol and Suarez are guaranteed starters, and I believe Ngog will be sold, while Kuyt will be used more and more as a striker.
MY VERDICT:Carrol/Suarez ST. Kuyt Backup (with shifting formation between one upfront or two depending on injuries).
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to Summarize the above, I believe the following youngsters will be key members of our first team next season: (Gulacsi, Kelly, Spearing, Wilson, Shelvey, Pacheco, Eccleston).
the following youngsters will have a chance in the first team: (Flannagan, Ayala, Robinson, Amoo, Ngoo).
The following will be sold: (Poulsen, Joe Cole, Jovanovic, Ngog, Konchesky, Kyriagkos... Plus useless youngsters or reserves players)
The following might get another chance next season: (Aquilani, Maxi Rodriguez).
The following will be bought: (Gary Cahill, Enrique, Adams, Ashley Young).
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will the above turn us to title contenders?
well, if you can answer with "Yes" to the following two questions.
Can our strongest team beat all big teams? Can our weakest team beat all teams in the lower half of the table?
I believe yes to both. Youngsters will provide us with the needed "passion" on the field against poor sides. while Supporters will drive our team to glory in the big matches.
we just need consistency in away matches.
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Now Formations...
I think you must discuss it in here, as it will truly affect the way our squad will be structured. we have endless possibilities. I can say "to an extent" that we have versatile enough players. but here is my take on our two most expensive players:
Carroll and Suarez. they both play best in a 2 man strike force, and Could play in a 3 man strikeforce too. but 2 upfront I believe will be the way forward, with Suarez given license to roam and be more active in build up play.
what are the possibilities?
442? obvious, but we don't have enough wingers, and might not make the most out of our CMs.... 433? possible and could suit our midfield best, but I'd rather have Suarez in the middle of the park... 352? .. also possible but needs a more mobile 3 CBs (could be achieved if Kelly plays in RCB and we buy wisely, with Carragher in the middle).
quite interesting.
but what about our midfield?
Gerrard is worldclass, one of Lucas or Spearing will be needed as Holding midfielders, Raul Merieles has been a great purchase so far. our midfield is best suited for 3 CMs, but could do with 2, or quite possibly 4 CM diamond, with wither Raul, Gerrard or even Aquilani to spearhead the Diamond, with both Suarez and Carroll upfornt. width will be provided by attacking Full Backs (Johnson or Kelly, who is attacking enough... and we assume we're getting an attacking LB)
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Apologies for such a long thread, but I hope it is useful, and quite realistic too.
