Liverpool FC lost the title last season in the cruelest of manners, with their iconic captain slipping at a crucial time in their most important game of the season to hand Manchester City the title. Since then, they have sold their talismanic striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona, thus breaking up the famed “SAS” partnership.
The money from the sale of their PFA winning striker was invested back into the squad aggressively, with no fewer than nine players joining the Liverpool FC ranks. Starting poorly, they have come into some scintillating form since their league defeat to Manchester United in December and are the most in form team in the league at this time.
The title is probably too far away, but the Merseysiders have Champions League football in their sights. But how have their new signings performed in the Red of Liverpool? Who has lived up to the hype, and who has not?
Adam Lallana
One of the earlier signings and a product of Southampton Academy. Took a while to get going, but is starting to show why he is so highly rated. As technically gifted as any English player in the premier league, he provides the perfect foil for the dynamism and spark of the likes of Coutinho and Sterling.
Verdict: HIT
Dejan Lovren
The defender from Croatia formed a very formidable partnership with Jose Fonte last season, encouraging Liverpool to pay big money for his services. He had his chances at the beginning of the season, but a combination of awful positioning and rash tackling cost the Reds a number of goals. He hasn’t looked comfortable at all with his manager’s two or three man defence. Hooked some months back, and results have improved. Missed the penalty to dump them out of the Europa league.
Verdict: MISS
Lazar Markovic
Little was known about the Serbian when he was signed, so the majority based their opinion on his scouting report. A lightning quick wide midfielder, he was expected to take the league by storm. He didn’t. He was converted to a wing back by his manager, where he managed to put in some decent performances. Still has a lot to do to justify his huge price tag.
Verdict: Jury OUT.
Alberto Moreno
The flying full back signed from Sevilla has arguably been Brendan Rodgers best signing this season. Had a very shaky start away at Manchester City, but has grown into his own, showing the form that made him one of the hottest properties in Spain. Adept at both full back and wing back positions, he is definitely one of the first names on his manager’s team sheet these days.
Verdict: HIT
Emre Can
The young man was signed from Bayer Leverkusen to provide some more dynamic screening for the Liverpool back four. He didn’t find it easy at first but has improved from game to game. He has found a home at the back where he has displaced Dejan Lovren. His ability to play out from the back has helped Liverpool massively in starting their attacks.
Verdict: HIT
Javier Manquillo
Rumoured to be on his way to Arsenal at some point, the deal never materialized and the Athletico Madrid full back ended up in the red half of Liverpool on a two-year loan. Played some games at full back, but lost his place for good when Rodgers switched to a three-man defence, with Ibe, Markovic, Sterling and even Lallana preferred for the wing back position. Will be surprised if Liverpool makes the move permanent.
Verdict: MISS
Rickie Lambert
The career Liverpool fan finally got the chance to play for the club he supported as a boy when he was signed from Southampton in the summer, but it hasn’t been all peaches and roses, as he has found it hard to fit into the high energy, high pressing game of Liverpool. Was expected to lay a claim to the center forward position in the absence of Sturridge, but instead had to deal with the embarrassment of seeing his manager play a midfielder in the position instead. Will likely move on in the summer when Divork Origi finally makes the switch to Anfield.
Verdict: MISS
Mario Balotelli
When Liverpool cashed in on Suarez in the summer, it was universally agreed that they needed an elite striker to replace some of the Uruguayian’s goals. In came Mario Balotelli from AC Milan with all the swagger and confidence of a potential PFA player of the year. He has been anything but. With only four goals in all competitions, he is a long way off the 31 goals scored by Suarez last season. Also had to suffer the shame of sitting on the bench as a midfielder was preferred to him in his natural position. He just hasn’t fit into Liverpool’s endless running approach and might be offloaded in the summer if they find another suitor willing to gamble on him.
Verdict: MISS
Adedamola Obisesan
Adedamola Obisesan writes from Lagos
