Contrary to what you may have heard, the footballing world of Liverpool does continue without Luis Suarez, writes Rebecca Parry.
For the media and opposition fans alike (Gary Neville, I’m looking at you), Liverpool are seen as just another team scrapping for a top four place now that the Uruguayan made his inevitable move to Barcelona. Last year was seen by some as an anomaly, and it was thought that progress was only made due to the genius of Suarez.
What Suarez in fact did was help in the progression of this side as a whole. The final set of games last season, the 11 straight wins, took Liverpool that one step further. We were no longer just a decent side with a world-class player up front. The way the system worked complimented each individual’s game, giving us the stepping stone we needed to go forward.
Losing Suarez was always going to be a hammer blow, but using him in that system did bring the best out of everyone else too. And bringing in the players we have this Summer, our players aren’t exactly running round like lost puppies. In pre-season, we’re not struggling to come up with the goals.
Team Strength
A striker is needed, yes, but it’s so refreshing now to be in the situation where a striker is all we need – we are covered in every position. New players need time to settle in, but now we’re faced with the luxury asset of A SUBS BENCH.
Of course, it’s all talk until we see the so-called finished product in action, and according to Brendan Rodgers, we’re still a couple of signings away from that. And as he likes to keep reminding us, we were a year behind schedule. His aim of getting back to the top, and fighting for the top prizes, was due in his third year.
Whether or not losing Suarez was inevitable even before the World Cup bite, worrying thoughts did start to creep in when you think of what he did for us last season.
Rodgers was praised for bringing in so many young players, but when it came to the big games, pundits would go on about how they’re too young and inexperienced to deal with the pressure of a title race.
It wasn’t the pressure that got to us last year, it was basic lapses of concentration which didn’t need to happen. I don’t think I need to bring up in analytical depth what happened at Crystal Palace again.
Sturridge
But there is so much to be positive about this year. With the signings we’ve brought in, with each one brings more and more promise. Being at the Dortmund game on Sunday, I can safely say I didn’t feel uncomfortable with what I saw, completely the opposite.
It was difficult to nit-pick at where we could possibly improve in terms of what we are planning to do. Rodgers has correctly identified where we needed to, and has done so in numbers. The only somewhat “gap” left to fill, is the support for Sturridge.
Sturridge has always wanted the big-time. He’s even admitted himself that he’s always dreamed of being the main man, but is yet to have been given that opportunity. And as much as he was involved in the SAS praise, there was only one man who was being noticed on the world stage. Without even being in the Champions League at the time, Suarez was rightly being gifted the plaudits.
But, Daniel, you wanted your time, and now you’ve got it. One of the main things that our season hinges on, is his fitness. We’ve got no problems in creating these goals, it’s just finishing them off, and he can do so brilliantly.
As a fan, it’s so frustrating to see that Liverpool are still not being spoken about in terms of winning the title. Constantly you hear of how Chelsea and Man City are too strong, how Arsenal are coming back now because they’ve gone marquee in securing Sanchez, and how with a new manager, Man United are in the right direction of coming back up too.
I think we learned the hard way last year that it’s not an easy journey, but a mightily enjoyable one. But I honestly believe that some of the football we saw towards the end of the season was just the beginning.
There’s nothing more Brendan Rodgers could have done this Summer. Regardless of whether Suarez was going to leave or not, we had to bolster the squad, and that we have done.
And in terms of football, if the build-up to Henderson’s goal against Dortmund is anything to go by, I’d say that losing our star striker wasn’t exactly the apocalypse everyone predicted and some still predict to be.
Luis Suarez has played a big part in firing us back to where we belong in fighting for the title and being in the Champions League – it’s now the completed Rodgers revolution’s job to keep us there, and even go one step further. On Sunday, we go again.
Contrary to what you may have heard, the footballing world of Liverpool does continue without Luis Suarez, writes Rebecca Parry.
For the media and opposition fans alike (Gary Neville, I’m looking at you), Liverpool are seen as just another team scrapping for a top four place now that the Uruguayan made his inevitable move to Barcelona. Last year was seen by some as an anomaly, and it was thought that progress was only made due to the genius of Suarez.
What Suarez in fact did was help in the progression of this side as a whole. The final set of games last season, the 11 straight wins, took Liverpool that one step further. We were no longer just a decent side with a world-class player up front. The way the system worked complimented each individual’s game, giving us the stepping stone we needed to go forward.
Losing Suarez was always going to be a hammer blow, but using him in that system did bring the best out of everyone else too. And bringing in the players we have this Summer, our players aren’t exactly running round like lost puppies. In pre-season, we’re not struggling to come up with the goals.
Team Strength
A striker is needed, yes, but it’s so refreshing now to be in the situation where a striker is all we need – we are covered in every position. New players need time to settle in, but now we’re faced with the luxury asset of A SUBS BENCH.
Of course, it’s all talk until we see the so-called finished product in action, and according to Brendan Rodgers, we’re still a couple of signings away from that. And as he likes to keep reminding us, we were a year behind schedule. His aim of getting back to the top, and fighting for the top prizes, was due in his third year.
Whether or not losing Suarez was inevitable even before the World Cup bite, worrying thoughts did start to creep in when you think of what he did for us last season.
Rodgers was praised for bringing in so many young players, but when it came to the big games, pundits would go on about how they’re too young and inexperienced to deal with the pressure of a title race.
It wasn’t the pressure that got to us last year, it was basic lapses of concentration which didn’t need to happen. I don’t think I need to bring up in analytical depth what happened at Crystal Palace again.
Sturridge
But there is so much to be positive about this year. With the signings we’ve brought in, with each one brings more and more promise. Being at the Dortmund game on Sunday, I can safely say I didn’t feel uncomfortable with what I saw, completely the opposite.
It was difficult to nit-pick at where we could possibly improve in terms of what we are planning to do. Rodgers has correctly identified where we needed to, and has done so in numbers. The only somewhat “gap” left to fill, is the support for Sturridge.
Sturridge has always wanted the big-time. He’s even admitted himself that he’s always dreamed of being the main man, but is yet to have been given that opportunity. And as much as he was involved in the SAS praise, there was only one man who was being noticed on the world stage. Without even being in the Champions League at the time, Suarez was rightly being gifted the plaudits.
But, Daniel, you wanted your time, and now you’ve got it. One of the main things that our season hinges on, is his fitness. We’ve got no problems in creating these goals, it’s just finishing them off, and he can do so brilliantly.
As a fan, it’s so frustrating to see that Liverpool are still not being spoken about in terms of winning the title. Constantly you hear of how Chelsea and Man City are too strong, how Arsenal are coming back now because they’ve gone marquee in securing Sanchez, and how with a new manager, Man United are in the right direction of coming back up too.
I think we learned the hard way last year that it’s not an easy journey, but a mightily enjoyable one. But I honestly believe that some of the football we saw towards the end of the season was just the beginning.
There’s nothing more Brendan Rodgers could have done this Summer. Regardless of whether Suarez was going to leave or not, we had to bolster the squad, and that we have done.
And in terms of football, if the build-up to Henderson’s goal against Dortmund is anything to go by, I’d say that losing our star striker wasn’t exactly the apocalypse everyone predicted and some still predict to be.
Luis Suarez has played a big part in firing us back to where we belong in fighting for the title and being in the Champions League – it’s now the completed Rodgers revolution’s job to keep us there, and even go one step further. On Sunday, we go again.
Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has turned down the opportunity to join Turkish side Trabzonspor, determined to fight for his place at Liverpool.
The Reds had agreed a fee of around £1.6 million for the Ivory Coast international, who joined from Manchester City last summer.
After a bright start in 2013/14, Toure’s form slipped as the season progressed, though he did make 20 Premier League appearances.
Toure spoke to Sport Ivoire, with quotes picked up by the Independent , about turning down Trabzonspor’s offer.
“I am still at Liverpool. I had talks with the coach who clearly indicated that I was part of his plans. It is a privilege to be at Liverpool. I am very happy to wear the shirt of this legendary club,” he said.
“I feel good physically. At 33 years of age, I am ready for any challenge. It is because I have been spared from serious injuries during my career. I continue to work hard in training to keep up the momentum, and it is why the coach wants to keep me at Liverpool.”
With the signing of Croatian defender Dejan Lovren this summer, Toure’s first-team opportunities are looking increasingly limited.
Furthermore, Danish international Daniel Agger looks set to leave the club after falling down the pecking order behind Lovren, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho.
Toure added, “Trabzonspor are interested in me, but I have expressed my pleasure at being a Liverpool player.
“Yes, it is always a possibility to join a lower league for more playing time, but I am a competitor and I decided to stay at Liverpool. However, the situation can change at any time, but for the moment I am at Liverpool and I want to carry on with the club.”
Does Toure have a future at Liverpool? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or in out Liverpool FC Forums .
Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has turned down the opportunity to join Turkish side Trabzonspor, determined to fight for his place at Liverpool.
The Reds had agreed a fee of around £1.6 million for the Ivory Coast international, who joined from Manchester City last summer.
After a bright start in 2013/14, Toure’s form slipped as the season progressed, though he did make 20 Premier League appearances.
Toure spoke to Sport Ivoire, with quotes picked up by the Independent , about turning down Trabzonspor’s offer.
“I am still at Liverpool. I had talks with the coach who clearly indicated that I was part of his plans. It is a privilege to be at Liverpool. I am very happy to wear the shirt of this legendary club,” he said.
“I feel good physically. At 33 years of age, I am ready for any challenge. It is because I have been spared from serious injuries during my career. I continue to work hard in training to keep up the momentum, and it is why the coach wants to keep me at Liverpool.”
With the signing of Croatian defender Dejan Lovren this summer, Toure’s first-team opportunities are looking increasingly limited.
Furthermore, Danish international Daniel Agger looks set to leave the club after falling down the pecking order behind Lovren, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho.
Toure added, “Trabzonspor are interested in me, but I have expressed my pleasure at being a Liverpool player.
“Yes, it is always a possibility to join a lower league for more playing time, but I am a competitor and I decided to stay at Liverpool. However, the situation can change at any time, but for the moment I am at Liverpool and I want to carry on with the club.”
Does Toure have a future at Liverpool? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or in out Liverpool FC Forums .
Liverpool have reshaped their youth system, promoting under-21s manager Alex Inglethorpe to academy director.
The reshuffle takes place following former academy director Frank McParland and head of coaching Rodolfo Borrell’s exits from the club last November.
Inglethorpe joined the Reds in November 2012 and will now oversee the running of the academy teams, working closely with Brendan Rodgers to produce first-team players of the future.
In other changes, Michael Beale is the new under-21s manager, Pepijn Lijnders has moved from Porto to take charge of the under-16s and Michael Yates, a former product of the academy, has been appointed coach of the under-sixes to under-nines.
Nick Marshall has been appointed the head of academy football operations and Andrew Powlesland has left his position at London South Bank University to oversee academy business operations.
On making the changes, chief executive officer Ian Ayre told the club’s official website, “Liverpool’s Academy is known around the world for developing some of the best football talent over the last two decades.
“This new structure will help us build on the success we have achieved so far.
“Not only will we continue to produce outstanding players who uphold the club’s values, we will ensure they have the best environment and work with best-in-class coaches and support staff.”
Liverpool have reshaped their youth system, promoting under-21s manager Alex Inglethorpe to academy director.
The reshuffle takes place following former academy director Frank McParland and head of coaching Rodolfo Borrell’s exits from the club last November.
Inglethorpe joined the Reds in November 2012 and will now oversee the running of the academy teams, working closely with Brendan Rodgers to produce first-team players of the future.
In other changes, Michael Beale is the new under-21s manager, Pepijn Lijnders has moved from Porto to take charge of the under-16s and Michael Yates, a former product of the academy, has been appointed coach of the under-sixes to under-nines.
Nick Marshall has been appointed the head of academy football operations and Andrew Powlesland has left his position at London South Bank University to oversee academy business operations.
On making the changes, chief executive officer Ian Ayre told the club’s official website, “Liverpool’s Academy is known around the world for developing some of the best football talent over the last two decades.
“This new structure will help us build on the success we have achieved so far.
“Not only will we continue to produce outstanding players who uphold the club’s values, we will ensure they have the best environment and work with best-in-class coaches and support staff.”
Henry Jackson takes a look at which players have been linked with moves to Anfield over the last few days, as well as a couple of defenders who appear to be leaving the club.
Alberto Moreno
The Liverpool Echo reported on Tuesday evening that a deal for Moreno has finally been agreed.
The 22-year-old left-back will discuss personal terms and have his medical in Liverpool on Wednesday, as Brendan Rodgers’ summer of spending continues.
Samuel Eto’o
Eto’o’s move to Anfield is growing more and more likely, according to the Express .
The 33-year-old, who has enjoyed spells at Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea during an illustrious career, is thought to be interesting Rodgers, as he looks to bolster his striking options following the departure of Luis Suarez.
Everton are also thought to be interested, according to the Mirror , as the two Merseyside clubs battle for the Cameroon legend’s signature.
Keita Balde Diao
The Express reports that Liverpool are interested in a move for highly-rated Lazio forward Diao.
The 19-year-old Spaniard, who came through Barcelona’s youth academy, is unlikely to be allowed to leave the Serie A club for anything less than £24m, according to their owner and president Claudio Lotito.
Diao’s age and potential are both something that would clearly appeal to Rodgers, but his hefty price tag could prove a potential stumbling block.
Martin Kelly and Kolo Toure
Martin Kelly in action against Shamrock Rovers during a postseason friendly match at Lansdowne Road. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Daily Mirror claims both Kelly and Toure are on their way out of Anfield, with both defenders set to leave the club imminently.
Kelly has failed to recover from countless injury problems over the last few years, having shown great promise as a youngster, and is set to join Crystal Palace for around £2m.
Toure, meanwhile, has been deemed surplus to requirements by Rodgers after a year at Liverpool, and will join Trabzonspor for £1.5m.
The signings of Dejan Lovren, Javier Manquillo and Moreno means the exit of the duo won’t leave the Reds lacking in depth in defensive areas.
Tiago Ilori
Another defender who could be on the move, although only on a loan basis, is Ilori.
According to the Daily Mirror , the 21-year-old Portuguese star could move to Championship side Cardiff, as he looks to continue his development.
With the likes of Lovren, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho all experienced, first-choice members of Liverpool’s squad, Ilori’s chances of playing regular football for Liverpool this season appear extremely unlikely. A season-long move to the Welsh club would likely suit both parties.
Let us know your thoughts on the current transfer situation at Liverpool in the comments section below.
Henry Jackson takes a look at which players have been linked with moves to Anfield over the last few days, as well as a couple of defenders who appear to be leaving the club.
Alberto Moreno
The Liverpool Echo reported on Tuesday evening that a deal for Moreno has finally been agreed.
The 22-year-old left-back will discuss personal terms and have his medical in Liverpool on Wednesday, as Brendan Rodgers’ summer of spending continues.
Samuel Eto’o
Eto’o’s move to Anfield is growing more and more likely, according to the Express .
The 33-year-old, who has enjoyed spells at Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea during an illustrious career, is thought to be interesting Rodgers, as he looks to bolster his striking options following the departure of Luis Suarez.
Everton are also thought to be interested, according to the Mirror , as the two Merseyside clubs battle for the Cameroon legend’s signature.
Keita Balde Diao
The Express reports that Liverpool are interested in a move for highly-rated Lazio forward Diao.
The 19-year-old Spaniard, who came through Barcelona’s youth academy, is unlikely to be allowed to leave the Serie A club for anything less than £24m, according to their owner and president Claudio Lotito.
Diao’s age and potential are both something that would clearly appeal to Rodgers, but his hefty price tag could prove a potential stumbling block.
Martin Kelly and Kolo Toure
Martin Kelly in action against Shamrock Rovers during a postseason friendly match at Lansdowne Road. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Daily Mirror claims both Kelly and Toure are on their way out of Anfield, with both defenders set to leave the club imminently.
Kelly has failed to recover from countless injury problems over the last few years, having shown great promise as a youngster, and is set to join Crystal Palace for around £2m.
Toure, meanwhile, has been deemed surplus to requirements by Rodgers after a year at Liverpool, and will join Trabzonspor for £1.5m.
The signings of Dejan Lovren, Javier Manquillo and Moreno means the exit of the duo won’t leave the Reds lacking in depth in defensive areas.
Tiago Ilori
Another defender who could be on the move, although only on a loan basis, is Ilori.
According to the Daily Mirror , the 21-year-old Portuguese star could move to Championship side Cardiff, as he looks to continue his development.
With the likes of Lovren, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho all experienced, first-choice members of Liverpool’s squad, Ilori’s chances of playing regular football for Liverpool this season appear extremely unlikely. A season-long move to the Welsh club would likely suit both parties.
Let us know your thoughts on the current transfer situation at Liverpool in the comments section below.
Xherdan Shaqiri has been the subject of intense transfer talk this summer, but he expects to remain at Bayern Munich.
Liverpool have been heavily linked with the Switzerland international, while Ligue 1 giants Monaco are reported to have joined the chase in recent weeks.
A lack of regular first-team football in Germany has sparked the speculation, with Shaqiri often forced to settle for an impact role off the bench.
The 22-year-old is held in high regard at the Allianz Arena, though, and is tied to a contract until 2016.
With there a reluctance on Bayern’s part to enter in sale talks, Shaqiri concedes that he is unlikely to be on the move during the summer window.
He told BILD: “I am a player of Bayern Munich as I am under contract with the club.
“Basically, I believe I will be staying on at Bayern Munich.
“But as long as the transfer window is open, anything could happen in the very end.”
Bayern have admitted to receiving approaches for Shaqiri, but chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed that all advances have been knocked back.
He told the club’s official website: “We’ve had several enquiries from teams in England and Italy.
“I’ve never had a conversation because we are convinced he will have a good career with us. He must stay healthy, (but) the coach is convinced by him.”
Xherdan Shaqiri has been the subject of intense transfer talk this summer, but he expects to remain at Bayern Munich.
Liverpool have been heavily linked with the Switzerland international, while Ligue 1 giants Monaco are reported to have joined the chase in recent weeks.
A lack of regular first-team football in Germany has sparked the speculation, with Shaqiri often forced to settle for an impact role off the bench.
The 22-year-old is held in high regard at the Allianz Arena, though, and is tied to a contract until 2016.
With there a reluctance on Bayern’s part to enter in sale talks, Shaqiri concedes that he is unlikely to be on the move during the summer window.
He told BILD: “I am a player of Bayern Munich as I am under contract with the club.
“Basically, I believe I will be staying on at Bayern Munich.
“But as long as the transfer window is open, anything could happen in the very end.”
Bayern have admitted to receiving approaches for Shaqiri, but chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed that all advances have been knocked back.
He told the club’s official website: “We’ve had several enquiries from teams in England and Italy.
“I’ve never had a conversation because we are convinced he will have a good career with us. He must stay healthy, (but) the coach is convinced by him.”
Brendan Rodgers has praised the increasing maturity of Raheem Sterling and believes opponents are now fearful of the Liverpool teenager.
Sterling blossomed into a key figure for Liverpool last season during the club’s push for the Premier League title and contributed 10 goals in all competitions.
The 19-year-old attacker also featured in all three games during England’s forgettable World Cup campaign in Brazil and Rodgers is expecting Sterling to go from strength to strength.
“Something we said to Raheem when he first broke into the team, and something we’ve reiterated, is that you have to have an identity as a player,” said Rodgers.
“His identity is he has to score goals and create goals. That’s what the job is. He scored 10 goals last year and this kid is only going to get better.
“When you’re so young, it’s important to understand exactly what your role is, not just look good. You have to be efficient and effective.
"His development has gone to a new level. He’s way above the level from when he first came in.
“Tactically, technically, and what has been beautiful to watch with Raheem has been his maturity, he’s turning into a beautiful young man, with all the responsibility.
“He’s taking it all in his stride and now he’s in a good place with every part of his game. It’s just about maintaining that commitment to his work.
“He’s still only 19, but in big games he’s performed and he’s a wonderful talent.
“The great thing with watching him now is that he gets you off your seat. When he gets the ball you think, ‘Something could happen here’.
“For teams to have that fear of him as a young man shows his development. There is still work for him to do, but he knows that and is a really good boy who is developing really well.”
Brendan Rodgers has praised the increasing maturity of Raheem Sterling and believes opponents are now fearful of the Liverpool teenager.
Sterling blossomed into a key figure for Liverpool last season during the club’s push for the Premier League title and contributed 10 goals in all competitions.
The 19-year-old attacker also featured in all three games during England’s forgettable World Cup campaign in Brazil and Rodgers is expecting Sterling to go from strength to strength.
“Something we said to Raheem when he first broke into the team, and something we’ve reiterated, is that you have to have an identity as a player,” said Rodgers.
“His identity is he has to score goals and create goals. That’s what the job is. He scored 10 goals last year and this kid is only going to get better.
“When you’re so young, it’s important to understand exactly what your role is, not just look good. You have to be efficient and effective.
"His development has gone to a new level. He’s way above the level from when he first came in.
“Tactically, technically, and what has been beautiful to watch with Raheem has been his maturity, he’s turning into a beautiful young man, with all the responsibility.
“He’s taking it all in his stride and now he’s in a good place with every part of his game. It’s just about maintaining that commitment to his work.
“He’s still only 19, but in big games he’s performed and he’s a wonderful talent.
“The great thing with watching him now is that he gets you off your seat. When he gets the ball you think, ‘Something could happen here’.
“For teams to have that fear of him as a young man shows his development. There is still work for him to do, but he knows that and is a really good boy who is developing really well.”
Philippe Coutinho’s failure to make Brazil’s World Cup squad baffled many, but his performances for Liverpool this summer, and hopefully beyond, are proving how much the Reds are benefiting from it, writes Henry Jackson.
Luiz Felipe Scolari’s decision to omit Philippe Coutinho from Brazil’s 2014 World Cup squad was met with surprise by many neutrals, and total shock by Liverpool fans.
He had the creative genius the Selecao were crying out for, and he had finished the season in inspired form for the Reds.
His performances in pre-season for Liverpool – aligned with Brazil’s poor showing in attack – has made Scolari’s decision look even poorer.
Benefitting from a full pre-season, the 22-year-old has been in mesmerising form; opening up defences, dribbling past players and producing touches most of Brazil’s disappointing squad could only dream of producing.
Although as Liverpool fans we were all willing Coutinho to represent his country on the biggest stage possible, his summer off now looks as though it could be a huge blessing for Brendan Rodgers.
Many players often suffer World Cup hangovers, with some barely even returning to their respective squads until the eve of the new season. The likes of Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta, Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil, for example, are unlikely to even make the opening day of the season such is their lack of match fitness.
Coutinho has featured right from the start of pre-season, however, and looks as fresh as a daisy.
His performance in the 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Sunday was absolutely sensational at times, and was enough to make us all forget about Luis Suarez. Rodgers understandably waxed lyrical about his display:
“His ability is just magical. His ability to get out of tight situations, his view of the game. That’s his best position too — playing between the lines, he tempts defenders out.
“You saw that with the ball he played around the corner for the first goal. It’s about sustainability with him now. He’s lit up this country with his quality. We are now going on to a big stage in Champions League and he will have chance to show that there, too.”
Although Dortmund was his finest performance of the summer, he also excelled on the US tour, forming a mouth-watering on-pitch relationship with Raheem Sterling and generally looking the best player on the pitch in almost every match.
Another reason why the former Inter Milan star’s freshness is so vital to the Reds is their busy schedule this season.
Champions League football is returning for the first time since the 2009/10 campaign, and high-intensity games will be coming thick and fast.
Coutinho is undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most important players now, if not the most important, and while Rodgers will understandably rotate his squad throughout the season, the 22-year-old needs to be involved the most. Tiredness should be no major issue with him.
In fact, the squad as a whole have not exactly suffered relentless summers of football with no break. The English stars were back home before the World Cup had even got going- the same applies with Dejan Lovren- while the likes of Martin Skrtel, Joe Allen, Lazar Markovic and Emre Can didn’t even go to the tournament.
The risk with Coutinho is that he ends up being overused to the point that his form starts to suffer around the midway point of the season.
There will be games when Rodgers has to give him a breather- relatively straightforward home league matches, for example- and the ever-improving depth in the Reds’ squad should mean the creative maestro can recharge his batteries for another exhibition of footballing brilliance in the next game.
Despite the loss of Suarez, there is plenty to be extremely positive about going into the new season, not least the form of Philippe Coutinho.
We were all intelligent enough to realise he should have walked into Brazil’s squad this summer; it’s just fortunate for Liverpool that Scolari wasn’t.
Philippe Coutinho’s failure to make Brazil’s World Cup squad baffled many, but his performances for Liverpool this summer, and hopefully beyond, are proving how much the Reds are benefiting from it, writes Henry Jackson.
Luiz Felipe Scolari’s decision to omit Philippe Coutinho from Brazil’s 2014 World Cup squad was met with surprise by many neutrals, and total shock by Liverpool fans.
He had the creative genius the Selecao were crying out for, and he had finished the season in inspired form for the Reds.
His performances in pre-season for Liverpool – aligned with Brazil’s poor showing in attack – has made Scolari’s decision look even poorer.
Benefitting from a full pre-season, the 22-year-old has been in mesmerising form; opening up defences, dribbling past players and producing touches most of Brazil’s disappointing squad could only dream of producing.
Although as Liverpool fans we were all willing Coutinho to represent his country on the biggest stage possible, his summer off now looks as though it could be a huge blessing for Brendan Rodgers.
Many players often suffer World Cup hangovers, with some barely even returning to their respective squads until the eve of the new season. The likes of Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta, Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil, for example, are unlikely to even make the opening day of the season such is their lack of match fitness.
Coutinho has featured right from the start of pre-season, however, and looks as fresh as a daisy.
His performance in the 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Sunday was absolutely sensational at times, and was enough to make us all forget about Luis Suarez. Rodgers understandably waxed lyrical about his display:
“His ability is just magical. His ability to get out of tight situations, his view of the game. That’s his best position too — playing between the lines, he tempts defenders out.
“You saw that with the ball he played around the corner for the first goal. It’s about sustainability with him now. He’s lit up this country with his quality. We are now going on to a big stage in Champions League and he will have chance to show that there, too.”
Although Dortmund was his finest performance of the summer, he also excelled on the US tour, forming a mouth-watering on-pitch relationship with Raheem Sterling and generally looking the best player on the pitch in almost every match.
Another reason why the former Inter Milan star’s freshness is so vital to the Reds is their busy schedule this season.
Champions League football is returning for the first time since the 2009/10 campaign, and high-intensity games will be coming thick and fast.
Coutinho is undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most important players now, if not the most important, and while Rodgers will understandably rotate his squad throughout the season, the 22-year-old needs to be involved the most. Tiredness should be no major issue with him.
In fact, the squad as a whole have not exactly suffered relentless summers of football with no break. The English stars were back home before the World Cup had even got going- the same applies with Dejan Lovren- while the likes of Martin Skrtel, Joe Allen, Lazar Markovic and Emre Can didn’t even go to the tournament.
The risk with Coutinho is that he ends up being overused to the point that his form starts to suffer around the midway point of the season.
There will be games when Rodgers has to give him a breather- relatively straightforward home league matches, for example- and the ever-improving depth in the Reds’ squad should mean the creative maestro can recharge his batteries for another exhibition of footballing brilliance in the next game.
Despite the loss of Suarez, there is plenty to be extremely positive about going into the new season, not least the form of Philippe Coutinho.
We were all intelligent enough to realise he should have walked into Brazil’s squad this summer; it’s just fortunate for Liverpool that Scolari wasn’t.
Liverpool have confirmed that they have agreed a deal to sign Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno from Sevilla.
The 22-year-old was withdrawn from Sevilla’s squad for Tuesday night’s European Super Cup Final against Real Madrid after Liverpool agreed a reported £12 million fee with the La Liga side.
An announcement from LFC on Tuesday evening confirmed earlier reports that the deal had been agreed and that they will now proceed with the formalities of the deal.
Moreno is now expected to undergo his medical on Merseyside on Wednesday and be confirmed this week, meaning he’ll be in the squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Southampton.
The agreement brings to a close the longest running transfer saga of the summer, with Liverpool having held talks with Sevilla since before the World Cup.
Moreno was seen in tears with his Sevilla team mates at the end of the Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid in Cardiff, clearly emotional at leaving his hometown club.
Sevilla boss Unai Emery told reporters: “This has been in the offing for a month and a half.
“We are in England and close to teams that are interested in Alberto. We want to wish him all the best.”
Moreno will become Liverpool’s eighth signing of the summer and take The Reds’ summer spending to just over £100 million.
Manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that Moreno can provide a long-term solution to the left-back area, a position which has proved troublesome at Anfield in recent times.
Liverpool have confirmed that they have agreed a deal to sign Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno from Sevilla.
The 22-year-old was withdrawn from Sevilla’s squad for Tuesday night’s European Super Cup Final against Real Madrid after Liverpool agreed a reported £12 million fee with the La Liga side.
An announcement from LFC on Tuesday evening confirmed earlier reports that the deal had been agreed and that they will now proceed with the formalities of the deal.
Moreno is now expected to undergo his medical on Merseyside on Wednesday and be confirmed this week, meaning he’ll be in the squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Southampton.
The agreement brings to a close the longest running transfer saga of the summer, with Liverpool having held talks with Sevilla since before the World Cup.
Moreno was seen in tears with his Sevilla team mates at the end of the Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid in Cardiff, clearly emotional at leaving his hometown club.
Sevilla boss Unai Emery told reporters: “This has been in the offing for a month and a half.
“We are in England and close to teams that are interested in Alberto. We want to wish him all the best.”
Moreno will become Liverpool’s eighth signing of the summer and take The Reds’ summer spending to just over £100 million.
Manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that Moreno can provide a long-term solution to the left-back area, a position which has proved troublesome at Anfield in recent times.
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