The 5 Players Needed To Make Liverpool Great Again
Hot on the heels of the news that Sir Alex Ferguson will retire in the summer comes another startling revelation that Wayne Rooney has handed in a transfer request at Manchester United, and wants to leave in the summer for pastures new.
It would seem as if the wheels have truly fallen off the Old Trafford wagon and the club appears one step shy of complete disarray from the outside looking in.
It's exactly this disarray that Liverpool will be looking to capitalize on next season, and the best way to take advantage of the chaos at United is to add quality players in the summer in order to make the leap up onto the same plateau.
United has been the yardstick in recent years by which all the other teams in the Premier League have been measured, and now that they are finally starting to show some very realistic signs of inevitable weakness in the wake of Ferguson's retirement, it's imperative Liverpool strikes while the iron's hot.
In order to capitalize on United's failure to appoint an experienced trophy-winning manager, Liverpool has only to add a few more pieces to their rapidly expanding family. Provided Brendan Rodgers can have as successful a transfer window comparable to January's when he signed outstanding playmaker Phillippe Coutinho and forward Daniel Sturridge, the outlook for next season's assault on the Champions League looks feasible indeed.
Liverpool is a very good passing team and has only lacked a cutting edge this year in the final third. The arrival of creative players, strong defenders and proven finishers will surely propel the reds into the same echelon as United and, dare I say it, compete for the Premier League title next year
James Hilton is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter , "like" his Facebook page or add him to your network on Google+.
5. Goalkeeper: Guillermo Ochoa
Should the speculation surrounding Pepe Reina's move to Barcelona come to fruition, Liverpool will be in the market for another equally adept shot-stopper. Ochoa fits the FSG mold perfectly as he's 27, in his prime for a keeper, and would also have a potentially high sell-on value. The Mexican No. 1 is tall, good in the air and athletic enough to have interested Arsenal and Manchester United in the past. Liverpool's growing South American contingent could also prove appealing to Ochoa with Lucas, Phillippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez all settling fast.
4. Left back: Mauricio Isla
Juventus defender Mauricio Isla would be my choice to replace Jose Enrique at left back. The Chilean international is capable of turning defense into attack in the blink of an eye with his typical lung-busting runs down the left flank, and his stamina makes him a standout performer. With Stephan Lichtsteiner preferred at left back at Juventus at the minute, the time to poach Isla is now. Enrique is a competent defender yet looks to be carrying a little too much weight, and the fans are calling his fitness into question. Liverpool needs a quick wing back who can support attacks, and Enrique doesn't really fit the bill. The issue could be the price, with £10 million being quoted as a potential figure.
3. Center back: Modibo Diakite
Lazio center back Modibo Diakite has been heavily linked with Liverpool recently due to the expiration of his contract in the summer. With the retirement of Jamie Carragher and loss of form of Martin Skrtle, there's now quite a hole in the center of defense that needs plugging, and who better then the huge Frenchman Diakite? Strength and presence in the back line are attributes required by Liverpool and with the player reportedly wanting a move to Anfield, this should be a cheap, easy deal.
2. Attacking midfielder: Christian Eriksen
As I've previously alluded to in another article, Christian Eriksen has been on Liverpool's radar for what seems like an eternity now. The young Ajax playmaker has said he will move in the summer, and I've previously reported a clandestine meeting taking place between Eriksen's agent and Liverpool's representatives in what was potentially transfer negotiations. Eriksen is perfect for Liverpool as he would fill the long-absent Xabi Alonso role with regards to creative link-up play. The cost is likely to be about £15 million with a possible swap deal involving Jonjo Shelvey being mooted as a sweetener.
1. Right wing: Isco
Here's where things get potentially a little more expensive. Liverpool needs to eject Stewart Downing and replace him with a tricky, creative winger that also scores and provided assists. Isco would be my choice of wide forward that brings not only pace and skill to the flanks, but he also contributes an exceptional footballing brain to the team and was the driving force behind their sterling Champions League campaign this year. Isco will not be cheap though. His buyout clause is reportedly £30 million, but a deal would likely be struck at about £18 million should the player wish to move, meaning Liverpool will need to sell to buy.
