LFC : Loan Watch 2013/2014

A loan spell can bring the best out of any player, and with the Premier League starting as promising as it did for Brendan's men in August, the boss had a lot to ponder about regarding possible loan deals happening within the club. With an academy as promising as Liverpool's at the moment, many of the youth players are excited about the prospect of a loan deal away from the club, even if it means playing for a lower league team. Something key a youth player needs at their age is game time, and Rodgers has given that to a couple of youngsters this season. In this blog I will be listing a few of them, including how they are getting on at their respective clubs.

Fabio Borini - Sunderland

The young Italian forward arrived at the club with no massive expectancy. The 12 million figure paid for him was quite high for a man who was yet to show his worth in the Premier League. Borini found it very difficult in his first few months at the club, with one or two injuries to add to the somewhat average performances a long the way. This got many fans calling for the forward to be sold in the summer, even after just one season at Anfield. Rodgers opted for a loan deal to struggling Sunderland, and Borini has done fairly well as of yet at Tyneside. New Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has given the young Italian a go in his starting line up, and Borini has rewarded him with a couple of important goals, most notably against Manchester United in the Capital One Cup Semi-Final, and also the opening goal in a 3-0 win in the Tyneside derby. I still think Borini does not have what it takes to make it in the red of Liverpool, but if he returns next summer with a spring to his step, Rodgers might give him another go.

 

Oussama Assaidi - Stoke

I am quite sure I am not the only Liverpool fan who was left scratching their head as to why Assaidi was not given more game time last season. The Moroccan was slowly showing us that he had a neat and silky touch to him when he was given the chance, which was few and far between. What was lacking in the winger's game was his end product, a long with his defensive capability, which showed us the reason Rodgers loaned the man out of the club. Loaned out to Stoke City, the perfect destination, in my opinion. The winger needed to toughen up and get stuck in more often, and what better club to do that than Stoke. Assaidi has done a good job as the season has gone by, scoring a 90th minute wonder goal against Chelsea, and also netting against Merseyside rivals Everton. We all know the Moroccan has got the skill and trickery to be a top player. Just a few tweaks and improvements needed in his overall game, and Rodgers will get a good option in Assaidi come the summer.

Suso - Almeria

The Spanish play maker, alongside Sterling, were probably two of the most heavily tipped emerging talents coming out of Melwood in the last couple of years. Sterling has broken into the first team set up this season, and has done exceptionally well so far, leaving Suso with little game time to show for. The 20 year old was sent on loan to his native country, and has shown us all exactly what a huge talent the young Spaniard is. Since his move to Almeria, Suso has taken La Liga by the horns with his pace and trickery. His assist tally is amongst the best in Spain this season, topping the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Suso has relished in his loan spell, and with the season drawing even closer to the finale, Rodgers has a lot of thinking to do in the summer, especially with the current competition for places in that attacking midfielder role. With the recent emergence of Joao Teixeira in and around the first team, we can both say the two are pretty similar in how they play, both being brandished as a 'Play maker'. Come the end of the season, Rodgers might have a decision to make on who to take a gamble on, and when he does, the one left out could find it hard to fight back for a place in the side.

Current Squad players who could be loaned out this Summer

Jon Flanagan

There is no doubt the young full back has perished with his chance given to him by Rodgers. Many doubts were cast over Flanno's future last summer, but he has responded to each and every critic. With Glen Johnson returning from injury, and Jose Enrique not too far away either, young Flanagan will have a tough time trying to maintain his place, which could end up seeing him being loaned out come summer time. I think this would be what is best for Liverpool, and mainly, for the player. Giving Flanagan a definite run of games at a lower league team will see the full back mature and become an even better player. There is no doubt the attitude and determination shown by Flanagan has shown us he is ready to be a top level player. Topped by a little more experience, we might see the youngster return a real talent, and a definite starter.

Luis Alberto

Luis Alberto's time at Barcelona was enough to convince us that the midfielder could be a massive talent, if trained well. Bought for 6 million in the summer, the Spaniard has found it difficult to break into the starting line up, with the current side firing on all cylinders at the moment. There is no doubt that many a Liverpool fan wants to see the silky play maker show us his worth, but with only 11 Premier League games left, and all being cup finals within themselves, the youngster might find it hard to get game time this season, which may lead to a loan deal in the summer. Spain would be the most probable destination. Starting with his hat trick for the under 21's earlier on in the season, followed by some very promising performances coming off the bench in the Premier League, this is definitely not the last we have seen of Luis Alberto.

Iago Aspas

Many Liverpool fans were eagerly anticipating the arrival of Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo in the summer. Being likened to Luis Suarez with his style of play, and then given the famous number 9 by the club, Aspas started off on fire for Liverpool, scoring in many of the reds per-season fixtures, and exciting us reds fans even more as the Premier League season neared kick off. Since then, the Spaniard has been a massive disappointment, with Liverpool fans already calling for the forward to be sold in the summer. With not a single goal in the Premier League to show for, and just one goal in the FA Cup, coming against Oldham, Aspas has been a kop flop so far, and Liverpool might see the need to loan him out. In my opinion, if Liverpool get Champions League, Rodgers might see the need to sell the Spaniard, to weigh up a move or two for some bigger prospects. I think that would be best, as Iago Aspas has yet to show any kind of promise or prospect.

Many Liverpool fans would have bitten your hand off to be in the place we are at the moment. Neither one of us, not even Rodgers, saw a title race coming. Some were hoping for a Champions League place after all these years away, but a title race is exactly what we have been given this season, and Liverpool could not have a better chance at it, with 11 matches to go. With the next three games all coming away from home, somewhere Liverpool need much improving, the next 11 matches are all cup finals for Rodgers' men. One thing is definite, we all owe huge gratitude to what Rodgers has brought to the club since his arrival. He has brought the best out of many of his squad, most notably the likes of Henderson, Sterling and Flanagan. A return to the Champions League is getting even more closer, and with an attempt at the title too, Liverpool fans are looking ahead to the season finale with anticipation and a smile on their faces.


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LFC : Strongest Defensive Line In Years?

This blog has been overdue a couple of weeks. After that below par showing at home to relegation battling Aston Villa, with one or two shaky defensive performances from the Reds backline, I admit to shying out of it for the time being. Since then though, Brendan has brought his defenders together, and since are showing exactly why Liverpool could be within 4 points off the top of the table with a win at Craven Cottage tonight. 

With the recent demolitions of Spurs, Everton and Arsenal bringing smiles on reds fans faces worldwide, another fact will bring an even wider smile and stronger cause of optimism ; Liverpool have beaten these teams with their so called '2nd defensive line up'. Some players including Johnson, Sakho, Agger and Enrique have all been missing throughout these big matches, and there is where a massive praise should be given to Brendan, and to how he has given big chances and support to some of the fringe players at the club, most notably the resurgence of young Jon Flanagan, who has excelled so far this season.

I believe the strength in depth defensively at Anfield this season is the strongest it has been for many years, maybe even bettering the FA Cup/Champions League triumphant Benitez squad in 2005. ( Which included a certain Djimi Traore). Here is how the reds would line up defensively if three different teams were put out ;


Mignolet

Johnson , Skrtel , Agger , Enrique



Jones

Flanagan , Toure , Sakho , Cissokho




Ward

Kelly , Ilori , Coates , Smith

The 2nd team I have put in, in my opinion, would put up a match with any team in the Premier League at the moment, which includes three/four that themselves are currently in the first team, and just recently aided in the obliteration of Arsenal at Anfield.

Some may state their case in who starts and who doesn't when Liverpool return to a fully fit squad, and some may be right. I am just going on my opinion alone. One thing is definite, looking at that defensive strength in depth Brendan has at his disposal should give every Liverpool fan the right to be optimistic about the rest of the season.

The Biggest Improvements in Defence.

Jon Flanagan

Since a couple of months ago, the reds faithful did not know what to make of young Flanno. Many a fan, (including myself) were calling for the full back to be sold in the summer. With the likes of Johnson, Kelly and Enrique all above him in the pecking order, nobody blamed the fans for thinking that the 21 year old was never going to make it in a red shirt. Since then, he has proved ever single doubter wrong. Flanno has prevailed in the recent injuries to Johnson and Enrique, and has given Rodgers something to think about when the two return in the following weeks. Flanagan has shown passion and determination whenever called upon, and as shown in the 5-0 drubbing of Spurs at White Hart Lane, is a good finisher of the ball too. I do not think he is ready to replace Glen Johnson as of yet, but this little stint he has been given in the starting line up, added by a bit more experience gained, there is no doubt he will be pushing anybody for a place in Brendan's side. Can the youngster live up to his potential as being the 'English Cafu'?

Martin Skrtel

We can all agree that the big Slovakian was very close to leaving the club in the summer. Massive errors at crucial times happening frequently, Skrtel left reds fans with that 'head in hands' moments more times than not. After losing his place to 18 million new signing Sakho in the beginning of the season, the 29 year old decided to pull his socks up and retain his place in the side. Yet another player who has prevailed in the recent injury setback, Skrtel has been taking massive strides in improving his defensive game. We all know that he can get a goal or 2 from a set piece, as recently shown. Also, his defensive duties have improved, which has been rewarded with very high praise for the centre back from the boss. The Slovakian will have to keep at it if he is to keep the likes of Sakho and Toure out of the team, but with performances like recent ones, he won't give Rodgers any selection headaches in the near future.

I am eagerly anticipating the day we have a fully fit squad to choose from, and if the reds can show an even higher performance level as they have been doing, (if that is possible), we are in for a treat. With the possibility of being just 4 points from the top, with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea yet to come to Anfield, Rodgers is still coy about Liverpool's title chances this season, which is the right thing to do. With a happy looking squad firing on all cylinders, fresh from their slaughtering of Arsenal, stranger things have happened than Liverpool's possibility of winning the league this season. Rewind to 2005, everybody was waiting for Liverpool to fall and get eliminated at some stage, but they rode the storm and hung on, and ended up with a Champions League winners medal to show for.

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LFC: Who's In and Who's Out January 2014 (Updated)

In:

Full Back

Liverpool have found it relatively difficult so far this season to place a regular full back. Johnson has struggled to find some of his previous form, although his Right back position looks fine for now. The left back spot has been tried and tested by many of Liverpool's defenders this season, including Agger, Sakho, Flanagan, Cissokho, and the list goes on. Rodgers may be looking to add to his full back list, with the center half pairing of Agger and Skrtel not giving Rodgers any problems in that aspect. 

Ryan Bertrand (24,Chelsea,LB)

Ryan Bertrand's game time under Mourinho has been few and far between this season. Even since the dip in form of Ashley Cole, Bertrand hasn't been given the game time he deserves, and this has alerted Rodgers into making a move for the 24 year old. Not tons of experience to show for, and the likes of Enrique to come back from injury in the near future, Bertrand might not be a priority as of yet for Brendan.

Martin Montoya (22,Barcelona,Right Back)

With Kelly slowly recovering from the horrific injury he suffered and Johnson struggling to find form of late, Rodgers could look to the transfer market for a right back, and Montoya has come up on many people's news feeds the past couple of months. Montoya has found it hard to break into the Barcelona starting XI, with fellow countryman and LFC target Marc Bartra being given all the chances before him. Recent rumors have surfaced that a new deal for the big man is stalling, which could force Rodgers' hand this month.

Ashley Cole (33,Chelsea,LB)

Another Chelsea player on Liverpool's transfer list, and i don't think they could come as surprising as this. Most of you will look at this laughing their heads off and others will think about it for a while, and say to themselves that a cheeky bid for the out of favor England international might not be the end of the world. Rodgers may look at loaning Cole till the end of the season, to give Liverpool that push they need for a Champions League place. It might not be a bad idea, especially since the left back himself has come out and spoken of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

Center Midfield

Every transfer window passes by, and i do not remember a time when i haven't included a center midfielder in my transfer blogs. With Jordan Henderson excelling this season, and the normal trio of Lucas, Gerrard and Coutinho going by smoothly, it would be hard to think why we do need a new signing in that position. Yet we all know that our captain fantastic cannot go on forever and we need to look closely at who could take that role in his stride, without the added pressure. Some might say we have the replacement right in our team, Jordan Henderson. I agree, but Rodgers will still look to the transfer market and hope to bring in a Center Midfielder who can provide a challenge for places.

Yohan Cabaye (27, Newcastle)

Yohan Cabaye is quickly reaching the peak of his career, and at 27, he might be looking to push a move to a bigger club soon. The French powerhouse is proving his worth this season, scoring some spectacular goals, including one against Liverpool. That has attracted the attention of Rodgers, among others. With his price tag at 22 mil, will Rodgers break the bank for the French international?

Will Hughes (18, Derby)

If i would place a bet on naming Liverpool's first January signing, i would put it on this kid. Rumors and papers everywhere calling it a done deal already, with Rodgers having the first option to buy the Derby midfielder. Hughes has impressed at both Championship and International level, and it looks likely that Liverpool have got their man. It is far too early to state whether he is the man to replace Gerrard in the future, but it would definitely not be a bad signing for the reds.

Juan Mata (25, Chelsea)

Ever since i have read the rumor of Mata leaving Chelsea and Liverpool being interested, i haven't stopped dreaming of him joining the reds. An attacking line up that includes Mata, Coutinho, Sturridge and Suarez is one that wins you titles, and i think Mata will relish in that attacking midfielder role just behind Luis. The only hitch being that Mourinho won't sell to an English team, so the only possible outcome would probably have to be a loan deal for now. Stranger things have happened though, and this is one to look out for.

Winger/Striker

You can say the goals have been rattling in this season, with the strike partnership of SAS proving a delight for Brendan Rodgers, including the recent form of young Sterling. With Sturridge's injury in December giving us some worry, I still reckon, even with him fit, that we need another world class striker. To win Premier League titles a good squad is a must, and competition for places is always healthy for any club. Rodgers will look to his American owners to give him some cash, and with John Henry and co. looking enthusiastic about how the reds are playing this season, they just might spend a quid or two.

M. Salah (21, Basel, Winger)

If you believe all the rumors spreading about Salah's future, he would have traveled halfway through the world the past couple of weeks. Rumors have been flying that a deal to bring Salah to Merseyside is done. Although Rodgers has stated no deal is yet imminent, we could see a 7 million move for the pacy winger finalized sooner rather than later. I doubt he is that marquee signing that is needed from Rodgers, but a lot of good has been said of the Egyptian.

Diego Costa (25,A.Madrid,Striker)

If you want to signal your intent for the title, this attacking powerhouse would definitely help. Diego Costa has been on fire this season, surpassing the likes of Ronaldo and Messi in goals, it comes to no wonder why a lot of the top European clubs want to buy him in January. With Arsenal bidding in the region of 32 million for the Brazilian, i cannot see a 35-40 million bid from Rodgers going wrong,especially for class like this. 

Cristian Tello (22,Barca,Winger)

Another of Barcelona's youngsters on Rodgers list, Tello has found it hard to break into Barca's starting 11, and with their current striker force, it is not too easy to. Rumors are spreading that a loan deal for the player has been agreed between the two clubs. Nothing concrete as of yet though, but we might be seeing the pace and trickery of Tello in a red shirt very soon indeed.

Konstant Mitroglou (25,Olympiakos,Striker)

Konstant Mitroglou's goal scoring stats are simply unbelievable. The Greek forward is a goal poaching machine, which is no surprise to see the current interest for him from big clubs. With 17 goals in 15 games this season, Mitroglou might relish the thought of linking up with deadly Luis Suarez. With a fee of 12 million being discussed, an offer might not be such a bad thing for Brendan Rodgers to ponder.

Out:

Iago Aspas (Loan)

It seems like just yesterday that Aspas joined the club, but recent performances have showed us why that could prove a mistake in the future. A loan deal may not be the end of the world for the Spaniard, which might free up some space for a striker to come in, and also give Aspas some game time he needs. If that does not come and the performances keep on, we might see the last of Iago Aspas very soon.

Joe Allen (Sell)

Roll back the clock to Allen's first couple of games in a red shirt last season, and people were calling him the next big thing. Now though, Joe Allen is proving game after game why he is just not cut out for a big club like Liverpool. He doesn't seem to influence the game attacking wise as the likes of Coutinho and Gerrard do, and when he gets in the box, he squanders a lot of the chances given to him on a plate. I do not think Rodgers will sell him in January, but with the center of midfield right now proving the hardest of the lot to break into, Joe Allen might think about his chances come the end of the season.

Raheem Sterling (Loan)

I, for one, do not agree with this one bit. Raheem has shown us the talent we were expecting from him as a youngster. I do not think a loan would do any good. Us buying a world class winger or striker this month though, would change a lot. Raheem might then want to get some game time, and loaning him out might be for his benefit. I still think that keeping him and letting him fight for his place is what's best.

Jon Flanagan (Loan)

Flanno has proved a lot of his doubters wrong. A lot of fans (including me) were starting to think that the young lad may be not cut out to wear the famous red shirt. Since then he has been given a chance, and that is what a lot of these youngsters need. It looks set to be a tussle between him and Enrique as to who will be given that LB spot. If we do go in the market for one, then i feel it is best to loan out Flanagan till the end of the season, and watch him come back a better player next season.

As the rumor mill keeps on turning and more targets start to emerge, Rodgers and his staff will have to think hard and long about the future of the club. With Liverpool currently sitting at 4th place with a European spot in their grasp, January is a pivotal moment in the season. Buying well is what is needed, and if done so, we can start booking our much awaited plane tickets to see Liverpool away in the UEFA Champions League come next season. With Brendan Rodgers in charge, i have no doubt it will be proven successful. 

Who will Liverpool break the bank to sign this month? 

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LFC: Who's In and Who's Out January 2014

In:

Center Midfield:

With the likes of Jordan Henderson recently finding great form for the reds, competition for places in the center of midfield are hard to find nowadays at Anfield. Yet Rodgers is still on the look out for more strength in depth in the midfield, with Steven Gerrard needing a rest here and there as his magic cannot go on forever, although we would very much wish it could. We have seen the resurgence of Henderson this season and he has shown he is excelling under Brendan. With Coutinho being one of the signings of Rodgers' reign so far, buying a center midfielder might not be a huge priority as first expected, but to compete in some of the big competitions you will need strength in the squad and that's what Brendan is looking for come January.

Will Hughes (18, Derby)

Will Hughes is an emerging superstar in the English game and with Barcelona reportedly showing interest last summer, we can see why. The 18 year old has taken the Championship by storm, with a move to a big club inevitable. Rodgers has recently shown interest in youngster, who plays the play maker role in the center of midfield.

Adam Lallana (25, Southampton)

Another Englishman. What a season it has been for the Southampton midfielder. A call-up to the England squad followed up a string of MOTM performances in the league, Lallana's form has alerted some of the big teams including Liverpool and Arsenal. Liverpool have also been linked with Lallana's team-mate Jay Rodriguez,but Lallana beats him in every aspect in my opinion. Great skill, an eye for a pass and also pops up with goals. At 25, could he be too pricey to alert Rodgers come January?

Javier Pastore (24, PSG)

At 36.9 million, Pastore was the first big signing under the new ownership of PSG. Since then, he has failed to make a name for himself in France, which has alerted some top clubs, also Rodgers, who is a huge fan of the Argentinian. Valued at 24 million, Pastore could fill some of the runs Gerrard used to make. I think it would be a massive signing and would show the other top teams that we can compete and that we have the money to do so.

Striker:

With the best strike partnership in the Premier League in SAS, Liverpool can't complain about the current form of their strikers. Suarez and Sturridge have both been on unstoppable form. With Coutinho in behind the 2, i cannot see a better attacking trio at the moment in the Premier League. Saying all that, i still think we need another world class striker, someone prolific in front of goal and that can get you goals. If the worst happens and one of the SAS gets injured, we don't really have the back up in that position to replace a Suarez or Sturridge, and that's why i think a striker is needed come January, and we will look to Rodgers and the owners in whether they will splash the cash or not.

Christian Benteke (22, A. Villa)

Recent form doesn't show well, and most of you wouldn't agree with this, but i think Benteke is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. He has got it all. He's good with the ball in his feet, strong and good with his head, and he's still only 22, which is astonishing. With Arsenal and Chelsea both keen to strengthen their attack, Liverpool may face a bidding war for the Belgian, who if we manage to sign, would guarantee us Champions League football, if not even more.

K. Mitroglou (25, Olympiakos)

Some of you may not know who this man is, but if you look at Mitroglou's goal scoring stats, you'll be amazed. The Greek forward cannot stop scoring,both in the Greek league and in the Champions League. That has alerted a couple of the top teams, and with his nickname 'Pistolero' given to him by fans, he might face a battle with Suarez on who deserves the name more. 17 goals in 15 games in all competitions this season speaks for itself.

Diego Costa (25, Atletico Madrid)

I have saved the best for last. Liverpool where very close to signing the Atletico hitman last summer, with a 20 million offer not coming through. Since then, the Spaniard has lit up the La Liga and in my opinion has played as good as Cristiano & Messi have. A world class striker with 16 goals this season so far, it is weird to see how Costa hasn't been called up by Spain yet. With Borussia Dortmund eyeing a replacement for Lewandowski in January, Rodgers has to move fast if he wants to sign the striker.

Out:

Raheem Sterling (Loan)

When a young Raheem burst out into the scene in the academy a couple of seasons ago, people where regarding him as the next big thing, and the pressure has definitely played a huge part in Raheem Sterling since his call up by King Kenny 2 seasons ago. Still only 18, the young wizard has failed to break into the squad this season. With the squad getting even stronger, a loan deal to another club might be what is best for Raheem. I still think he will be a big part Liverpool player in the future, but experience is what he needs, and with a couple of teams interested in a loan deal including Swansea, a deal might be done as early as January.

Jordon Ibe (Loan)

Another of the young academy stars. We haven't seen much of young Jordon in the first team, unlike Sterling, and when the young England winger has been called upon so far, he hasn't failed, most notably on the last day of last season, with him providing the assist for Coutinho's goal in a 1-0 win against QPR. I do not think loaning out both Ibe and Sterling would be clever, but experience is what some of these youngster's need, and i think Sterling is the player that needs the move most out of the two.

Martin Kelly (Loan)

Liverpool currently don't have much player's that need to be sold in January, with loan moves being more of a necessity, and one of these is Martin Kelly. The right back was an emerging talent when he broke into the scene replacing injured Johnson when a certain Roy Hodgson was in charge. Since Rodgers has been appointed, Kelly has been struck by a number of injuries, and we have yet to see him at his very best, which he could easily be in a red shirt. With Johnson getting even better and the likes of Toure that could play in that position, a short loan for Martin could be for the best of him. With that little stint a couple of seasons ago in the first team, he hasn't really been given that big chance to shine at Liverpool. He is no doubt Liverpool's future right back in the making in my opinion, but could a loan spell bring the best out of him or could Rodgers give him a chance in the first team very soon?

Jon Flanagan (Sell)

The only player to be sold on my list. Some may not agree, but i do not think young Flanno can ever be a big player for Liverpool. With a number of right back's in front of him, now even young McLaughlin showing great form, i cannot see a way forward for Flanagan. When the youngster made his debut a couple of season's ago against Manchester City, a MOTM display made Liverpool supporter's dreaming about a future star in the making, but since then he has found it hard to fit in Rodgers' squad. Maybe a loan move may be what is needed, but i just don't think it is worth it and a permanent deal is what is best.

January is a crucial time for Rodgers and the owners. Coming after a couple of crucial big matches against some of the top teams, a top 4 standing by then and a huge signing will bring Liverpool supporter's smiling and dreaming of Champion's League football on a Tuesday/Wednesday night now a reality. Some other name's that could have been added including Rodriguez,Menez and more. But these are the some top name's that have all been linked to the club in the past 2 months. With Liverpool currently in 2nd place and Everton up next at Goodison, 3 points is essential come Saturday. Hopefully SAS will be in top form and the little magician in midfield even more so.

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LFC: 5 Under 21 Player's who could get the call up

Liverpool have made a superb start to the season, and opposite to last season, some promising upcoming youth players have found it hard to get the call up by Brendan. Last year it was all about the transition and Brendan gave youth a huge chance to shine, especially with us being in Europe. In this blog we will have a look at 5 of many Under 21 players who might be looked at by Brendan this season.

1.

Joao Carlos Teixeira (20, Midfielder)

Joao Carlos has had an up and down time in a Liverpool shirt so far. Injured for a big part at his arrival, he has only started to find his feet at the end of last season, and now has emerged as one of Liverpool's biggest young talents. Being loaned out to Brentford earlier this season and only spending a month there wasn't the best of ideas but Teixeira is definitely one to watch by Brendan.

2.

Ryan McLaughlin (19, Right Back)

Ryan McLaughlin is one of the most consistent of the Under 21 team at the moment. His pace going forward and determination in defending has brought in a lot of praise from Brendan and also a call up to the first team for the summer tour of America 2 summers ago. The only thing stopping McLaughlin from getting that call up is the competition, and some unbelievable competition at right back he has too. Johnson,Kelly, and even Toure in front of him who can play in that position, if a call up comes his way, he would definitely have deserved it. Better than Flanagan in my opinion, but will he get his chance?

3.

Jordan Rossiter (16, Center Midfielder)

A lot of people would ask what this lad is doing here and not in the under 18 list, but no, Jordan Rossiter is an Under 21 player and has already brought in a lot of admirers at only 16 years old. Being touted as potentially the future Steven Gerrard by legend Robbie Fowler, Rossiter has it all at such a young age. His determination is second to none and he already has an eye for a pass, a lot of the characteristic's shown by the young Gerrard a couple of years ago. He shouldn't be looked at at the moment by Brendan in my opinion, but if he keeps playing like he does, he might just do in the next couple of seasons. The future is bright for the midfielder.

4.

Jordon Ibe (18, Winger)

You could argue that Jordon Ibe is already a first team player, maybe not getting on the team sheet, but always on the bench or on the reserve squad. One thing we all know is that Jordon Ibe deserves another go in the first team. His pace,trickery and eye for goal has got Brendan itching to give the young lad a go. With the first team squad getting stronger in depth , it will get harder for Jordon Ibe, who then needs to show the manager he is fit to be a first team regular, which i think he could be.

5.

Samed Yesil (19, Striker)

Some of you have probably forgotten about the young German striker. Yesil has been on the sidelines since last season and only just come back. On the end of that injury, he had shown some good performances which earned him a place in Rodgers' squad for last season's clash against West Brom. This season he has struggled though, with the injury and now also with the competition. With Ngoo coming back, can Samed Yesil show some of the form he does for the German Under 21's and force Brendan into visiting the academy?

I have undoubtedly left out some key youngster's including the likes of Ngoo, Morgan, Smith etc... But these, in my opinion, will be the main stars that will be watched by Brendan and by the Academy manager, Alex Inglethorpe. With Liverpool making such a great start to the season, loaning some of these young stars may be best for Brendan, who is looking to get 1 or 2 more experienced. Loaning out Suso to Almeria this season has definitely helped so far, with him shining up the La Liga this season with his skills. Suso is currently ranked 3rd highest in assists in the La Liga with 5, 1 more than Messi. 1 or 2 current youth players may have a look at the Spaniard and think about being loaned out for experience.

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LFC: 5 Players to put LFC from Top 4 to Title Contenders

This is my first blog since the end of last season and I can say we have made a flyer this season. Joint top we stand going into the Internationals with Newcastle away the next test, having Coutinho and Johnson back from their injuries also. It has been a great season so far but there is no doubt Brendan is already looking towards January and what he can bring in to strengthen Liverpool FC even more. So here are 5 players that could say to other teams that we really mean business this season.

1.

Mario Balotelli (23,Milan,Striker)

Imagine that. There definitely wouldn't be a dull moment having Mario and Suarez in the same dressing room. A lot of you will say that we shouldn't gamble on a man who hasn't grown up yet and has his bad moments, but in my opinion Mario is one of the best young strikers in the world, but with a big transfer fee and wage demands, could Brendan be tempted by it?

2.

Juan Mata (25,Chelsea,Att Mid)

One of my favorites from this list, Juan Mata has recently gone out of favor by new manager Jose Mourinho. Although Jose himself said that he doesn't want to sell the Spaniard, could Liverpool be tempted to bid for Mata? He might not fit in that attacking midfielder role as we have the likes of Coutinho there, but there is no doubt the signing of Juan Mata would bring a huge smile across the Liverpool's fans faces.

3.

Koke (21,Atletico Madrid,Att Mid)

Some of you may never have heard of him, but Koke is one of the best emerging talent in Europe. A number of big clubs readying bids for him, reports have come out saying Liverpool could make a 17 million bid for the youngster. Definitely one to look out for come January.

4.

Nemanja Matic (25,Benfica,Midfielder)

Chelsea's reject as some would like to call him, Matic has excelled since his move from Chelsea and has attracted big interest from the likes of Real Madrid and surprisingly Chelsea too. Brendan has shown interest too and could pounce come January, but would his 45 million release clause put Liverpool off?

5.

Fernando Torres (29,Chelsea,Striker)

No, you are not seeing things, Fernando is actually on this list. The least favorite left to last, Torres still has alot to owe reds fans and since Chelsea still owe use some money for him, he could come for next to nothing. The strike partnership of Torres,Suarez and Sturridge might please some fans, yet anger others. I'd give it a 2 % chance of happening though, as Torres has been past it for years now.

Brendan's army have started the campaign on fire and with the strike force of SAS working a treat, we could be in for more, especially with the likes of Coutinho and Johnson coming back from injuries. A big signing in January is still needed in my opinion, but would Brendan risk it whilst his team are doing so well? Only Premier League games until January, a top 4 place is a must till then, or else a lot of fingers would be pointing at Brendan, as it really is in our hands now. Below are formations fitting in these 5 players and how they would play for Liverpool.

1.                                                     

                            Sturridge                       Balotelli                       Suarez

                                                 

                                                  Gerrard                    Coutinho

                                                                   

                                                                   Lucas

2.

                              Coutinho                      Sturridge                      Suarez

                                                                   

                                                                    Mata

                                                  

                                                   Gerrard                     Lucas

3.

                               Suarez                          Sturridge                    Moses

                                                  

                                                   Coutinho                     Koke

                                                                    

                                                                     Gerrard

4.

                                 Suarez                           Sturridge                   Moses
                                                 
                                                     Gerrard                      Coutinho
                                                                   
                                                                         Matic

5.

                                  Suarez                           Sturridge                   Torres
                                                   
                                                       Gerrard                       Coutinho
                                                                     
                                                                          Lucas  

There is no doubt that I have left out a lot of Brendan's targets for January, but in my opinion these are the 5 to take us from being a top 4 team to being title contenders. 

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