With the appointment of Brendan Rodgers, the UK’s foremost exponent
of ‘tika-taka’ football, Liverpool FC has created a few conundrums for
themselves. Today Rodgers admitted that the most expensive British player of
all time may be sent out on loan next season, possibly to AC Milan, if his
style of play does not fit Rodger’s blueprint at Anfield.
But if I cast my eye over Liverpool FC I wonder who the
winners and losers are from this appointment, here are 4 for each.
Winners
Jose Enrique
The Spanish fullback arrived at Anfield under a cloud of
enthusiasm after a terrific season at Newcastle. However towards the end of
last season he was phased out at times under Kenny Dalgish’s dated style of
football. Preferring Glen Johnson as a makeshift left back could not have done
the Valencian’s confidence any favours. However his proactive and attacking
approach, couple with his control and guile on the ball make him a potential perfect
piece of the jigsaw in Rodger’s puzzle and next year may be the real start to
his Anfield career.
Sebastian Coates
The talented and skilful Uruguayan showed off some of his skill with a tremendous bicycle kick last season and could be given more opportunities in 2012/13 as his technical abilities fit the mould of the modern day centre half expertly. With a stint at the Olympics to get some invaluable game time under his belt as well Coates could be a potential star this season.
Alberto Aquillani
Reportedly Dalglish took one look at the flash sportscar of
the mercurial Italian and discarded him then and there as being any part of his
plans on Merseyside. However ineffective the playmakers loan spells have been there
is no doubting he is a talented individual. Not only that but his range of
passing and attacking vision are exemplary and he undoubtedly fits the mould of
what is expected of Brendan Rodgers midfield. The only question marks are
around his fitness and whether he can stay of the treatment table long enough
to make an impact with anything over then the turf; and his mentality. As much
craft as Rodgers desires is in tandem with a need to work off the ball,
pressurising the opposition when not in possession, however if these are
addressed in pre-season Alberto could be like a new signing.
Joe Cole
With all the tricks and craftsmanship of a wizard Joe Cole
is one of the most naturally gifted footballers England have produced in the
last 15 years. After a productive season playing first team football for Lille
in Ligue 1 Cole is in a similar boat to Aquillani. If the work is done in
pre-season to get Joe back to anything near his natural ability he could be a
genuine leader amongst that team. He would be the first to admit that he
struggled for form in his first attempt at Anfield but after a season of
reinvigoration Cole could benefit more then anyone else from Brendan Rodgers
appointment.
Losers
Andy Carroll
The main inspiration for this scroll Carroll will struggle to play to Rodgers system. Although genuinely not having a bad passing range he does require coming quite deep to do so. His touch at times resembles a brick wall and his main source of goalscoring is via his cranium, not ideal in the short game. A win-win situation is a loan deal. If Carroll goes to AC Milan does well (which I think he could) and Liverpool play well under Rodgers, Carroll leaves and nobody cares. If Rodgers doesn’t do well Carroll can return to Anfield with a clean slate, regardless of the effectiveness of his loan deal.
Charlie Adam
He divides opinion I am certain of that, but for me Adam is
not good enough to play in a top four team. He is talented, undoubtedly, and
the way he delivers set pieces and cross field balls is top notch; however the
short game is not his thing. He struggles for concentration and so easily drops
into the aforementioned cross field pass as a safety mechanism. If he can
control that urge however and transfer his technical abilities into ground work
his predominance on the left foot could provide great balance in a 3 man
midfield. I think it could go either way for the Scotsman.
Jamie Carragher
To be fair I don’t think this is anything to do with Brendan
Rodgers arrival, I just feel he is slipping down the pecking order as his age
catches up with him. I have never personally rated his hurried style of play
but I understand he must be a very good footballer to of achieved the plaudits
he has in his career from far more knowledgeable men then me. But one of his
key attributes was a acceleration and recovery pace that no longer seems to be
with him. With Agger, Skrtel and Coates fit I believe the Anfield legend’s
number might be up.
Stewart Downing
Last season was hugely disappointing for Stewart Downing. The boys who dragged Middlesborough to a UEFA Cup final with his mazy dribbling and pinpoint crosses has struggled to develop into the man of a footballer we all hoped. No assists for a winger of his quality in an entire season is almost an unforgivable sin and his old school ‘whip it in’ style of play may not suit the ways now installed at Liverpool. If Joe Cole does come good Downing may have a comfy seat on Liverpool’s bench this season.
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