Re: Liverpool Thread
AND NEITHER ARE LIVERPOOL CHALLENGING TEAMS LIKE CHELSEA AND MAN UNITED.
Didn't he say Champions League? At least Liverpool's CL campaigns last almost a whole year, unlike Everton, who finish their CL adventure in a week.
It's pretty clear though. There's the Big 2 of the 2 richest clubs, Chelsea and United. Then there's the Big 4, when you include Arsenal and Liverpool. And then there's the rest of Everton, Aston Villa, Blackburn etc.
Yet, it's still the BESTEST LEAGUE EVER OMG!! :-pp
Talking about signings, think we will have a mass clear out. Plenty of the dead wood gone. I fully expect Crouch, Carson, Riise, Pennant, and maybe Voronin, Finnan and Xabi to be somewhere else next summer.
Degen's done, and looks like Dossena might also come here. Those are the full back positions sorted, with 2 attack minded, athletic full backs, while we have Arbeloa, Carra, and Aurelio who could take the defensive duties. And, obviously, Insua, waiting in the wings.
Would like to see us strengthen our attack a bit. 2 attacking midfielders would be nice. I'd personally go for Bentley and Mancini. Bentley, because he's top class, and already performing regularly in the league. And Mancini, 'cos despite being inconsistent, he's still one of the best out there. He'll be pretty cheap, as he can buy his contract, so around 7-8M should do it.
I'd be pretty happy with that. Our spine is world class IMO. 2 young center backs, and 2 experienced center backs. Then we have Masch, Alonso in midfield, and Lucas and Plessis, both of whom are potential stars (Lucas especially). Think Gerrard, and Benayoun (think he was really misused this season) are good enough for the position behind the striker. Cover for Torres might be a problem. Though, if we're short of cash, I'd be happy moulding Babel into a striker next season, and Kuyt as cover, and hope Nemeth can step up as 4th choice striker.
So, those 4 signings would make me very happy. Barry, IF Xabi leaves (let's hope he doesn't). And another striker to cover for Torres, if we are short on cash (Weren't we interested in Zarate?).
Oh, and I'd give Babel the No. 10 shirt. Let's force upon him the legacy of Barnes, Owen and Garcia. If there's one player who needs an injection of confidence it's him. God knows, he'd be a world beater, if he believed in himself.
I'll go into the season, expecting another great CL run, but won't expect us to win the league. At this moment, Chelsea and United are too strong, and will only improve in the summer (more than us). Think there's a few things in case we MAY challenge.
1. Agger being back, and back to his 100%. If he is, then expect him to register himself as one of the best CBs in Europe (and some goals too

).
2. Babel getting a good run in the Euros, and improving upon this season. Babel will be HUGE for us, if he actually fulfills his potential.
3. Improving defending AND attacking set pieces. We're probably the worst team in the league at both of them. I think defending will be sorted next season. But attacking them!! Attack the ball and DO NOT let Gerrard take them. That's one reason why I'm excited about Sammy coming in as assistant. He was assistant at Bolton, and Bolton during that time, were the best team in scoring from set pieces. Hope he can improve them here.
And a few good signings, and we MIGHT see us surprising a few people next season.