As the beginning of Liverpool’s season draws closer, their fortunes could be drastically impacted by the performance of five key players.
Liverpool’s sixth place finish in the 2014-15 season was affected by inconsistent form, injuries and the final day’s demoralising 6-1 drubbing by Stoke City. Liverpool must get off to a quick start to avoid a repeat of last season.
So, which players need to perform and how will they cope in the forthcoming Premier League season?
James Milner
Milner arrives at Liverpool from Manchester City on free transfer following a strong showing last season. His desire to play in a central role was a factor that played a key role in ensuring the move materialised. At City, the 29-year-old was massively underrated, scoring five goals and providing 52 opportunities from a variety of different positions, from defensive midfield all the way to the false nine.
Milner’s decision to sign with Liverpool marks a shrewd piece of business by the club. As seen in preseason games that Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United fans will be all too familiar with, Milner’s ability to work efficiently with Jordan Henderson in the middle of the park could produce a very efficient midfield to accommodate pressing tactics employed by Rodgers. Milner will provide the experience the Reds’ midfield now lacks following Steven Gerrard’s move to LA Galaxy. Expect the England international to shine in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oewCJtu46mA
Phillipe Coutinho
Coutinho’s technical, passing, dribbling and scoring abilities have now seen him receive several call-ups to the Brazilian national team as well as earn himself the title of ‘Little Magician’. With another season of adjusting to the physicality of the EPL under his belt, Coutinho could again flourish for Liverpool. Although their have been limited preseason minutes for Coutinho with Liverpool due to Copa America duties, the ex-Inter man will still be pivotal in unlocking defences early in the season, starting with Stoke City on day one at the Britannia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS1yPL5zKy0
Christian Benteke
When Liverpool signed Christian Benteke for £32.5 million, there were major questions over the striker’s ability to be the leading goalscorer deprived of the injured Daniel Sturridge’s assistance. Over 400 key passes were created by Liverpool last season, but missed the end product only a true goalscorer can produce with just 52 goals scored.
But how does Benteke differentiate from the likes of Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini, Mario Balloteli or fellow expensive signing Andy Carroll? Benteke is a proven, Premier League-suited centre-forward who is multi-dimensional. He provides the ability to beat his man through intelligent runs and speed, creates chances for teamates and provides physicality to disrupt and create problems for opposition defences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdpbzBAFsco
Martin Skrtel
Liverpool’s more recent seasons have been marred by defensive ineffectiveness. Indeed, the line ‘attack wins games, defence wins titles’ held true for Liverpool’s fortunes in the 2013-14 season, ultimately losing out due to a somewhat fragile defence. The defence was not rectified the following season either, with 48 goals conceded. So why is Martin Skrtel the second-most important player to Liverpool’s season?
He will need to organise and boss the defence to ensure Liverpool are not again overwhelmed by a flood of goals conceded. The Slovakian recently re-signed with the Reds and that looks to have made certain his spot in the centre of defence next to either Mamadou Sakho or Dejan Lovern for the foreseeable future. Rodgers must look to cement the defensive structure in tune with his attacking philosophy, particularly in his side’s season opening run of matches against tricky opponents.
Jordan Henderson
The new captain and leader of the new-look Liverpool, Henderson will remain integral for Liverpool’s push throughout the season. The ex-Black Cat’s importance to Liverpool this season will be profound as he replaces the iconic Gerrard, both positionally and as skipper. The loss of club legend Gerrard will see a significant void left on field and off field in terms of experience.
The addition of Milner next to Henderson, as well as existing leaders including Skrtel, Sakho and Emre Can will provide the vocalism needed for the season. The 25-year-old gained invaluable experience with the armband in an impressive season last term, scoring six goals and creating 66 chances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpFxaCmcbzE
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