Since taking over, Kenny Daglish's reign at Anfield was nothing short of dramatic. He did saved Reds last season by taking them from relegation zone to a respectful 6th spot finish. Daglish didn't waste any time in rebuilding the squad too. The work he started with the addition of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January is continuing at full swing this summer.
Kenny stunned everyone with the capture of Henderson from Sunderland & followed it with capture of Charlie Adam, Downing & Doni. It's obvious that King Kenny is going after the best British talent out there. But is it what Liverpool needed? I think so.
To make a winning squad we always need a core of players who could perform week in week out. During the 2008-09 campaign, Reds had some wonderful players in the team. The midfield was creative & potent with Masch-Alonso pair running the scheme, allowing Gerrard & Kuyt to support Torres. In couple of seasons both Masch & Alonso left and Torres' form faded off. Liverpool couldn't cope with that and with limited funds replacements were hard to be found.
But with FSG's arrival fund were made available and Daglish is currently creating a core of players at Anfield, British core to be precise.
One can easily chalk out the reasons behind this policy. It's quite evident that there are hardly any British players in the continent. That's because they all crave for a club like Man Utd or Liverpool. Once they end up there no one would think of leaving for Barca, Real or Milan. This is what happens with foreign players (Cristiano, Xabi, Hleb, Henry etc are instances. Don't forget the Cesc saga).
Another reason that i support a British core is that it's easy for these guys to gel. They all know each both off and on the field. There will be no strangers in the dressing room. A foreign player have to be on his own when he arrives and if he could adapt then we won't have happy group (Tevez - that's what comes into my mind!).
Some argue British talent comes at an inflated price tag. I too agree with that. It seems their prices are always inflated. You may wonder the amount spend on Carroll is enough to land Sanchez at Barca! But then again, Premier League is both competitive & physical. You will definitely expect a guile in the incoming player to stay in the league. If we tap talent from within there is no worry that he could not adapt and that unfortunately comes at a price.
Kenny have been keenly monitoring the youth system at the club. The likes of Kelly, Spearing, Flanagan, Robinson, Sterling and Coady have turned some heads with their mature performances. They could be well on course to be the part of the new core that's sprouting at Anfield.
Now let me analyze the signings made by the gaffer at Anfield.
1. Jordan Henderson
The midfielder was a revelation for Black Cats last season though his form did dip towards the end of the campaign. At 16m he's not cheap but could be easily groomed to fill Gerrard's shoes once he decides to hang up his boots.
2. Charlie Adam
The attacking midfelder was added to an already crowded midfield at Liverpool. Many doubts this signing. I would say spot on. His accurate long range passing and set-piece wizardry would add another dimension for the Reds attack. It's was pleasing to behold the ex-Blackpool talisman picking out Carroll with long, diagonal pass just after 2 minutes he has been on the pitch during debut against Guangdong.
3. Stewart Downing
One of the most underrated footballer in England. His move from Villa park was no surprise & will definitely cheer up Carroll. Kenny did flew back 6000 miles to greet his latest addition too. Why? Because Downing has been one of the most consistent performers in the league & like Suarez he was a player with his heart set at Anfield. He strong, can go down the line & has the ability swing in dangerous crosses.
Since 2004, in terms of goal scoring opportunities created, Downing is only behind Gerrard, Cesc, Lampard & Giggs. Now that's something to take a note, isn't it?
4. Alexander Doni
Signed from Roma on a free transfer, will definitely provide a proven backup to Reina. Now young keepers would definitely get to gain experience on loan. Rumours suggest Hull is keen on Gulacsi.
Who else could be arriving?
Liverpool clearly lack an attacking left back completing Johnson on the right flank. Enrique & Aly Cissokho are mentioned. A new centre back is also needed. Since Zapata signed for Villareal, new names are to searched. Also a winger to operate on the right flank will be welcomed. Aaron Lennon could be ideal but Spurs are tough negotiators. Carzola move is also on the cards. A back-up striker for Carroll & Luis is needed. Monaco's South Korean forward Park Chung-Yong is linked. His move to Anfield would bring great joy for Liverpool's Asian fan base.
Who all be leaving?
Now thats something to be answered. With the arrival of loaned players and new signings the squad have swollen. Its necessary to trim the squad. Konchesky have left for Leicester City. Jovanovic, another high earning flop, is freed and a move to Anderlecht is likely. Mavinga is close to a switch to Rennes. Poulsen drawed interest from his former employer FC Copenhagen. Hamburg was interested in Cole but a move is unlikely. Aquilani's Italian switch is at present on the ice. The likes of Degen, Jones, Ngog could move on as well.
Its been an eventful year for Liverpool and hope that Daglish is able to instill a winning mentality. He has definitely brought back the fear factor to Anfield and will be looking to knock Man Utd out of their perch. It's good time to be a Liverpool fan, few would argue otherwise... lol.
