What's New: Liverpool FC Season Review 2012-2013

The 2012-2013 season is over, and as always i am here to give my season review of the mighty reds , starting with my Player Ratings & Points.

                                                      Position:                        Rating:           Points:

1. Brad Jones                                   GK                              6/10                44

2. Glen Johnson                               RB                             8.5/10             255

3. Jose Enrique                                 LB                              7.5/10             202

5. Daniel Agger                                 CB                              7/10                239

7. Luis Suarez                                    CF                             10/10              306

8. Steven Gerrard                             AM                             8.5/10            266

10. Philippe Coutinho                       AM                              8/10              105

11. Ousamma Assaidi                        LW                              6/10                22

14. Jordan Henderson                      CM                              7/10              183

15. Daniel Sturridge                          CF                               8/10              105

16. Sebastian Coates                         CB                             6/10               30

19. Stewart Downing                          LW                            6.5/10            187

21. Lucas Leiva                                  CM                              7/10              148

23. Jamie Carragher                          CB                              7.5/10            149

24. Joe Allen                                       CM                            6.5/10            157

25. Pepe Reina                                   GK                              7/10             199

29. Fabio Borini                                  CF                              6.5/10            76

30. Suso                                               AM                              6/10              84

31. Raheem Sterling                           RW                             7/10             167

33. Jonjo Shelvey                               AM                              6.5/10          100

34. Martin Kelly                                  RB                                5/10              26

37. Martin Skrtel                                 CB                               6.5/10           169 

47. Andre Wisdom                               RB                                6/10             81

On Loan Watch :

4. Daniel Pacheco (Huesca)               RW                               7/10               

9. Andy Carroll (West Ham)                CF                               7.5/10           180

20. Jay Spearing (Bolton)                   CM                               7/10        

LFC Best XI Of The Season.

                                                           Reina

Johnson                         Skrtel                           Agger                              Enrique

                                                        Henderson  

                   Sterling                                                              Downing

                                                          Gerrard

                                      Suarez                          Sturridge

Big things are yet to come for Brendan Rodgers' men, with the signing of experience Kolo Toure from Manchester City on a free transfer just one of the things that is strengthening Liverpool Football Club as we speak. With Man United, Chelsea, Everton, Man City all starting next season with a new manager, it is time for Liverpool to make that break into the top 4. More signings still to come during the summer, so stay tuned for up and coming blogs to see my views on the incomings and outgoings of LFC.

Share your views and follow me on Twitter : @kennymifsud

   

   

LFC : The player's who could replace Jamie Carragher next season

We where all dreading this news for the past couple of years,but it has finally broke out. The long serving,rock at the back that is Jamie Carragher has called it a day on his career. A Liverpool player since his teens, Carra has never put a foot wrong in a Liverpool shirt, and although the efforts of manager and players, the Reds defender is calling it a day, and now it is Brendan's job to find his replacement in time for August. 

This is never going to be easy, you cannot replace Jamie Carragher and what he has done for Liverpool, but finding a solution to Liverpool's defensive problems is what Brendan is looking to do. Can we ever have that defender who puts himself on the line like Jamie did in Istanbul, moments after injuring himself ? Here is a few defending solutions Brendan can look to this summer to replace our number 23.

1.

Ashley Williams (28, Swansea)

Ashley Williams has constantly been linked with the reds, and as he is linked with current reds manager Rodgers, we might be in with a shout. There is no doubt Ashley has been a rock for Swansea in the last couple of seasons, and he could definitely be one to solve the reds defensive problems. The only glitch being the owners as they have blocked the efforts to sign the 28 year old as he does not fit in with the transfer policy of the club. That and Arsenal being interested in him too. 

2.

 

Toby Alderweireld (24, Ajax)

A day hasn't gone where Alderweireld hasn't been linked with the reds. Reports have come out saying that a fee of 25 million has been agreed for him and Eriksen. Nothing concrete on that yet. We don't know alot about this man yet, he might be a surprise buy by Brendan.

3.

Kyriakos Papadopoulos (21, Schalke)

This young lad has emerged a real talent in the last 2 years or so, and a lot of the top sides in Europe are looking at him this summer. It looks as if Liverpool have made the first inquiry about him , with Chelsea and Spurs among others interested in the Greek. He just might be the answer for the Reds next season.

4.

Phil Jagielka (30, everton)

This would come as a shock to most of you, and in my opinion too, as i wouldn't really like to see him in a red shirt, but recent performances have forced me to put him on this list. Many journalists have been quoted saying that Jagielka would be just what Liverpool need to replace Jamie Carragher in a red shirt. I'd personally give it a 1 % chance of happening, with his age and who he plays for having a huge factor in this.

5.

Alex Pearce (24,Reading)

A month or so ago, a lot of rumours came out that the Reds had agreed a deal to bring the 24 year old Championship bound player to Anfield. Since then, we haven't heard much of him. Not a regular starter for Reading, we can't have alot to be excited about by this rumour. But if Rodgers sees something in him, he might just blossom in a red shirt next season. 

6.

Raul Albiol (27, Real Madrid)

When i looked up Raul's age and realised he was still 27, i was abit shocked. Never really made it at Real Madrid and has always been in the reserve set up for Mourinho, a move to another club could be just what Raul Albiol needs. Not too sure about the quality he has, but if he is available at the cheap, then why not give a call to Real Madrid.

7.

Sebastian Coates

Last and definitely not least is our very own Coates. Since his summer move, Coates has never claimed a place in the starting line up. Some shaky performances here and there have had fans calling for him to leave the club, but there is still something that shows me otherwise. Maybe a few starts here and there in the start of next season might show us what we are missing, but if the performances don't come, i might just join the rest of the Liverpool fans.

There goes my list. This will be updated as the summer goes on, and with some names i definitely have missed out, please do leave a comment and have your say about the player/s you think should replace Jamie in the summer. 

The legend that is Jamie Carragher has hung up his boots, and we wish the very best for him in what he does in the future... Maybe a return to Liverpool one day in the backroom staff? You never know. One thing we know is that Jamie Carragher is one of the reasons i love this club and always have. Jamie Carragher has left a void that would be very hard to fill, but who could be the one to do it?

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LFC: Give us your feedback. What does Brendan need to do in the summer?

I Need your feedback. This is a huge summer for LFC and Brendan Rodgers and i would like some feedback on what Brendan needs to do in the summer to strengthen Liverpool Football Club for next season. (Include ins and outs,formations,strategies,etc...) Have your say in the comment section below and we will choose the best for our next blog. YNWA

Follow me on Twitter: @KennyMifsud

LFC: 2012/2013 Season Key Word: Inconsistency

Inconsistency

This season has been a season of up's and downs for Liverpool FC. A new manager, some new players, youngsters coming up from the youth squad, etc... The starting line up has changed a lot from last year's. A lot of reds (like myself) where expecting big things, but we all knew it was going to take time. A hard start of fixtures for the new manager meant a slip down to mid table before Christmas, but things have started looking better. One thing has haunted us reds all season, and the word is Inconsistency. Last year it was 'Post' or 'Woodwork' . This season's keyword has to be inconsistency. To think where Liverpool would be if we maintained that consistency would be mouth watering. The performances where there...just not the result. 

If i had made another article explaining another keyword about Liverpool's season it would be big mistakes. Huge mistakes have cost Liverpool this season. Whilst in winning positions, bad passes or bad decisions have cost Liverpool big points and made us Liverpool fans throw the remote at the TV sometimes. If it weren't for some of these mistakes and errors, Liverpool would currently be around the 2nd/3rd spot with around 61 points, instead of our current 48 points. These matches include :

Manchester City (Home,Away)

Both huge mistakes. Dominated the home game after a brilliant set piece from Suarez and a sloppy pass from Martin Skrtel gifted Tevez with a 1 on 1 in the last 10 minutes. So too with the away fixture. Gerrard with a beauty of a goal and moments later, a mix up between Skrtel and Reina gifted Aguero a goal which saw both games end in draws, which should have meant the double over the current champions

Everton (Away)

This was stolen away from us. 2 early goals saw Liverpool ease in comfortably 2-0. Everton fought back to equalize, but in the dying seconds, Luis Suarez's tap in was ruled out wrongly as an offside by the linesman which made us Reds raging . Suarez couldn't believe it as he should have walked out of Goodison Park with the match ball.

Arsenal (Away)

This match was another tentative one if you're a Reds supporter. With Henderson grabbing Liverpool's second in the 2nd half, we all thought Liverpool where going to ease in with a win at the Emirates. 2 goals soon followed by Arsenal, which if we would have defended our lead better,should have been avoided. Yet once again, we came out the match with just a point.

Other games include Swansea Away when Enrique's goal in the first half was wrongly given offside, and West Brom at home recently, where Gerrard penalty at the end could have driven the game the complete opposite way for Liverpool. That has been the problem this season, inconsistency. Winning 2 games on the bounce and playing magnificently, and then losing to a sloppy team by sloppy goals. It is still early to say if Brendan Rodgers is the right man for the job, but me alongside many other reds would agree that the mentality in matches and the performances are good, just a couple of good signings needed in the summer could define if we finish in the top 4 next season or not. A big transfer window ahead, with more blogs to come about the players we need and the areas we need to strengthen.

Inconsistency has been the real issue this season. A couple of examples are these:

Aston Villa (Home)

Coming back from two win's against Southampton and West Ham, Liverpool where going into this game as huge favorites  A great start led to some poor defending and a goal for Aston Villa on the counter attack. Liverpool dominated throughout the whole match but Aston Villa game out with the 3 goals in the end and dampened a good spirited Liverpool side.

West Brom (Home)

In my opinion, this was what dampened Liverpool's chances of a top 4 finish. On a good run of form,the reds came in to this match with high hopes. As the game went on , Liverpool (as usual) had their chances, and won a penalty towards the end of the match. Gerrard stepped up and missed it. Liverpool didn't recover from that miss and West Brom got two quick fire goals at the end to win 2-0.

Southampton (Away)

A more recent one this. Coming back from 3 wins on the bounce and a massive win the weekend before against top 4 rivals Tottenham, you couldn't see other but a win for the reds. 2 early goals for the saints against a sleepy Liverpool side saw the reds never recover from them and although they got back into it at the end, 3-1 is what the score ended up as. Another inconsistent performance.

Inconsistent Player's

There have been a couple of Inconsistent player's for the reds this season. Starting from Joe Allen in the center of midfield. The little technician was brought in for a fee of 12 million by Rodgers in the summer, and a few where questioning the signing, others where happy with it. Joe Allen started off with some brilliant performances and then faded away slowly and lost his place around Christmas time to a re surging Jordan Henderson. Some fans are questioning if he can do it a big club, others already calling for him to be sold. In my opinion, he should be given another year, especially after the money we spent on him just the past summer. Another inconsistent player, in my opinion, is Jonjo Shelvey. He can give it his all sometimes and play some beautiful passes across the pitch, but other times, the 20 year old can rush into some challenges without caution and be lazy with the ball in his feet. Nevertheless, Jonjo is a huge up and coming star and me a long with many others hope he would live up to it. The last player i am going to mention is Pepe Reina. I am sure everyone will agree with me, Pepe Reina is one of the best keepers in the world. Some saves he has pulled off (most recently a couple against Wigan) are world class, and he has been a huge servant to the club,even when teams like Barca have come calling. Pepe has become a Scouser, but some of his decisions and handling have come into question by the Liverpool fans. Too many mistakes , especially in the last few seasons, have led to a frustrated Pepe being linked with a move out of Anfield, and with Swansea's Michael Vorm and Sunderland's Simon Mignolet along side many more linked with a move to Liverpool, Pepe could find his long time with Liverpool could be coming to an end. There is no doubt that taking away the mistakes and lack of attention sometimes, Pepe is still one of the best around at what he does.

You can't doubt it, Liverpool , with a good transfer window, could be right up there by next season. Everyone knows that the Champions League misses Liverpool . The 5 times champions need to start pulling their socks up even higher and perform even better to show the fans and manager that they are good enough to bring those days back. Top 4 is probably out of reach now, but with a few new faces and a good start, you never knows where we could be come this time next season. 

To share your views follow me on Twitter : @kennymifsud

LFC: Where this leaves us with 10 matches left to play

With 10 matches left to play for the reds, the fight for 4th place isn't over just yet. Currently 10 points behind 4th place, a good run is what is needed by Brendan Rodgers' men. Here is how the Barclay's Premier League table looks right now.

The next 10 games are crucial for the Reds, and here is a list of them in order.

Sunday 10th March                                       Tottenham (Home)                            4 pm Kick Off

Saturday 16th March                                     Southampton (Away)                        3 pm Kick Off

Sunday 31st March                                       Aston Villa (Away)                            1:30 pm Kick Off

Sunday 7th April                                           West Ham (Home)                            1:30 pm Kick Off

Saturday 13th April                                       Reading (Away)                                3 pm Kick Off

Sunday 21st April                                         Chelsea (Home)                                4 pm Kick Off

Saturday 27th April                                       Newcastle (Away)                             5:30 pm Kick Off

Saturday 4th May                                         Everton (Home)                                 Time TBC

Sunday 12th May                                         Fulham (Away)                                 3 pm Kick Off

Sunday 19th May                                         QPR (Home)                                    3 pm Kick Off

Atleast 25 points aren't impossible to achieve this season,and with the reds playing as they are now, we can even go on and win them all. Suarez is scoring for fun, Sturridge is chipping in with the goals too and Gerrard is playing like we all know he is capable of. The Everton match at Anfield is a crucial one towards the end of the season,as it could define whether we grab that 4th place or not. As they are fighting for it too, this could be a grilling match which could see a lot of tempers flare. 

Next match (Tottenham Home)

Sunday afternoon sees Liverpool face off against high flying Spurs at Anfield. You could say these two teams are playing the best football in the Premier League at this moment. Spurs coming off a thumping win against Inter in the Europa League on Thursday and the reds coming off two PL wins against Swansea and Wigan. Suarez has 4 goals in his last 2 games, and surprisingly, has never scored a goal against Tottenham. 

Suarez vs Bale

Right now, one of the biggest stories about is the battle between arguably the best 2 players in the Premier League, Suarez and Bale. In my opinion, Suarez edges it in every aspect. He has the goals in him, and the skill to nutmeg or pass a player. And most importantly, Luis has the passion. It will be a huge contest but hopefully Suarez will come out on top and net his first goals for Liverpool against Spurs.

The other 2 big matches (Chelsea,Everton)

You could say the run in is good to us. All the matches we play are against lower table teams except for Spurs,Chelsea and Everton. We also face these 3 at Anfield ,which could be an advantage for us. It would be the first time we face Rafa on the other side, and his first visit to Anfield since he left the club . A lot of different people have different opinions about him, and there will be some boo's, and also some claps and cheers for what he did in Istanbul, the 'Gerrard' final and bringing us to our highest Premier League finish in years (2nd). These 2 matches will be hard tests but the home advantage will guide us through in my opinion.

Goals, Goals and more Goals

This season, goals have come at a plenty for Liverpool. Last year's finishing woes and recording breaking crossbar dismay have seem to gone this season. Our front line seems to be firing at all cylinders. If you look at the table, we have scored the same amount of goals as Arsenal, 9 more than Everton, 4 more than Spurs and 2 more than Manchester City. If only we could spread these goals out to different matches we could be fighting for that Premier League title right now. New signings Coutinho and Sturridge could help a lot in this run in. Coutinho has showed why we fought so hard for his signature, and why Rodgers shows so much trust in the 20 year old Brazilian.

S A S

On the 3rd of January, when the signing of Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea was announced, me a long with many Liverpool supporters where jumping out of our seats with joy. The 12 million man has already been with 2 big clubs , them being Manchester City and Chelsea, but you don't really get bigger than Liverpool FC. Others weren't too sure about the money we were spending on the 23 year old. Ferguson was quoted saying '12 million is a huge gamble on a player who's never proved it' . Sturridge showed him that in previous performances , while Ferguson went and splashed 15 million on a kid who has only played in the Championship. Sturridge and Suarez have performed one of the best striking partnerships in the Premiership right now and it just keeps getting stronger. With Sturridge back for the Spurs match, we could see goals from SAS.

The end of the Premier League is near, and this probably being my last article of the season, we can't hope for more than 10 very good performances from the reds. We aren't in any cup competitions, but as Rodgers said in the beginning of the season, this is a working progress. The fans have to be patient so i will too. Maybe a top 4 finish could sweeten Rodgers' first season in charge . Champions League next season would definitely be a lure for some of the world's top stars. If not, then we look to trying to have a better start to the next season, and challenge then. We are Liverpool after all, we never give up hope.

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LFC: Academy Players who could get the call up by next season

With Brendan Rodgers calling up many youth players this season like Sterling, Suso and Wisdom to the senior squad, we would think that there would be many more to come by next season. We look at some that could make the cut .

1.

Jordon Ibe (17,Winger/Striker)

What an emerging talent. Ibe is emerging as a star with the Under 21's and 18's. His previous goals against Leeds in the Youth Cup could give Brendan a thought for his Pre-Season squad in summer.

2.

Adam Morgan (18,Striker)

Already Been called up this season by Rodgers, Adam Morgan may have fallen down the pecking order a bit lately since the signing of Sturridge. In my opinion plays best as center forward, but also plays on the wing for Alex Inglethorpe's Under 21's.

3.

Conor Coady (20, Center Midfielder)

The Under 21 Captain . Conor has been involved with Brendan's squad very regularly this season,but has never really broke into the team yet. Very unlucky in my opinion but with the number of players in that position, we can see how. I can see a bright future for Coady, maybe a future captain for Liverpool?

4.

Joao Carlos Teixeira (20, Attacking Midfielder)

Playmaker. Upon arrival, a lot of people expected big things from the man from Lisbon, but injury hit him for the first year at Melwood. Now fully fit, we are seeing the best out of the pacy AM. A lot may not agree, but in my opinion a better all round player than Suso. He can spot a pass and has got the pace too. A regular in training with the senior squad.

5.

Ryan McLaughlin (18, Right Back)

Very promising right back. This season McLaughlin has really broke into the Under 21 squad since Wisdom's call into the senior squad. In my opinion past Flanagan in the pecking order. The only reason that could stop him from breaking into the first squad faster is that there are players like Johnson,Kelly and Wisdom in front of him. Can Brendan see something more from him though?

6.

Michael Ngoo (20, Striker)

Currently at loan at Hearts in Scotland, Michael Ngoo is proving why he is talked about so much. He has already hit the ground running and rumours circling him around Celtic and Neil Lennon wanting him at the club. With a tall stature and a silky presence in his play, he could easily be the next Drogba if he keeps working hard. One to look out for for Brendan.

7.

Samed Yesil (18, Striker)

A Striker who has already been involved in Brendan's side this season. Early on,Yesil was involved in the 2-1 win over W. Brom in the Capital One Cup and has been in the Under 21 squad too. Yesil was ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury, but you can't take away the skill and eye for goal this young lad has. A great finisher and scores frequently for the German Under 19's too.

    

There you have it. The 7 academy players most likely to be in the mix for a call up by Brendan. I may have missed a couple like Sinclair and Dunn, but they might be included next time. Right now the fight is still on for Rodgers' red man for the push for top 4, and as people might say it's impossible, just look at Istanbul 2005, and think again.

                        

LFC: The players we need to chip in with the goals till January

21 days until the January transfer window opens.  Until then we have 4 very important Premier League games to reach the 4/5/6 place and climb up to those european places. That is why we need some of our strikers to chip in with the goals until then (not including Luis Suarez). These are some Brendan could look to.:

1.

Jonjo Shelvey

He has proved it against West ham (although the goal wasn't given to him). He has an eye for the goal and can be in the right place in the right time. Can he play instead of one of those usual 3 in midfield though? Or can he play alongside Luis and Raheem upfront. He can guarantee goals though.

2.

Raheem Sterling

Already a regular for Brendan, we really need to start seeing the goals coming from this young lad. Turned 18 a couple of days ago and waiting for a new contract to come up, can Raheem get a few against these lower teams in the next couple of weeks?

3.

Joe Cole

Starting to come good finally for Liverpool, Joe Cole can be Brendan's wildcard to get the goals. Earning 100k a week, this has gotten alot of Liverpool fans screaming for him to leave,but until January,can he prove some fans wrong? He might have already started to with his strike against West Ham at Upton Park.

4.

Steven Gerrard

His form might be going down as he ages, but Steven Gerrard is still captain fantastic and can still chip in with goals from midfield. What he has done for the club is unbelievable and with Lucas back in he can advance more and try and get more goals for the reds.

5.

Adam Morgan

The young lad has been oustanding for the under 21's and is top scorer in the league, but hasn't yet made his debut for the senior squad in the Premier League. Can Rodgers risk him in the next couple of games.? He can play on the right side of attack too as we have seen for the under 21's. A lot of potential but can he deliver ?

There are more you can debate about. The likes of Suso,Yesil,Ngoo,Assaidi etc..., but there are mine. January is not too far away and with these games coming up we can soon see Rodger's reds start to climb up the table. 

Aston Villa (Home) Fulham (Home Stoke (Away) QPR (Away)