It takes a certain type of bond for a club and its star player to turn a page and start afresh following a rough, rocky and ugly patch. With Liverpool and Luis Suarez, there may be something positive to work with, now that signs indicate the player will be staying – for the time being at least. But it’s doubtful that it’s a completely new page in the Suarez-Liverpool story.
An indictment of the modern game is that clubs need to prove their worth to their own players. Arsenal have been down that path many times in the past, with the most recent episode culminating in Robin van Persie publically outlining the difference in view for the way in which the club should move forward.
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With Suarez, the player clearly wants Champions League football, but importantly also a future away from Anfield. As talented as he is – for some, among the best in the world – he has never had a full campaign in the Champions League. There is a desire to battle alongside the leading names in European football, with international teammates both echoing and voicing their own opinions on the matter.
But obviously Liverpool don’t have that on offer at this time. The club are spending wisely and look to continue to do so before the window closes on September 2nd, but does the player have that affinity with the club to alter his views on the immediate future? He wants Real Madrid above all else, much like many from South America do. Based on what’s formed the basis of this transfer saga, Champions League football is at the head of his priorities, not forming part of a building project to attain that in a few years. Though for a player of his calibre, a consistent charge on league titles would also be a priority, probably even more so.
You’d certainly feel that Liverpool would accept a sizeable bid from Real Madrid, something in the region of £60 million. The club have continued to work on the field without the Uruguayan, despite appearances in preseason, and the formation of a promising, young attack is keeping him out of mind for now.
But Liverpool and Suarez’s ambitions simply do not fall in line with one another – similar ambitions, obviously, but both are not on the same wavelength. The club have followed a formula in the market and sought to strengthen their climb up the Premier League table. Even with the apparent U-turn in the saga, Liverpool still appear to be chasing a big-money signing, suggested by their interest in Willian. You’d have to ask whether the club would sound out players like the Brazilian if they felt Suarez would be a long-term fixture in the team.
Steven Gerrard may have acted as peacemaker between the player and Brendan Rodgers, and sure, Liverpool will have an even better chance of securing a place in the top four this season with the Uruguayan in the squad, but that doesn’t mean that this story has been put to bed. Suarez doesn’t strike you as a player who will remain settled for a prolonged period of time. Sure, he spent nearly five years at Ajax, but his previous two clubs only saw a year of him each, while Liverpool could lose him two-and-a-half years after signing him. He has no prior affiliation with Liverpool, and with Real Madrid extremely prominent in his mind, it doesn’t appear that there is a basis for a long-term future with Liverpool, with or without Champions League football.
Has Rodgers done enough to convince Suarez to stay?
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes that Ravel Morrison is thriving at Upton Park.
The youngster moved to East London from Manchester United last year after developing a reputation as a troublesome influence, and has eased into the Hammers’ first-team with a string of impressive displays.
Morrison is set to face his former club this weekend, with the Irons keen to condemn David Moyes’ Red Devils to a third straight league defeat.
Allardyce believes that the 20-year-old has been a huge hit for his side and that giving him a chance to prove himself has been key in his transformation:
“There was a few bigger clubs than ours that were mooted to want him,” he is quoted by the Daily Star.
“But that would have been a mistake had he gone to those sort of clubs, because that might have ended up with him having the same problems that he had at Manchester United.
“His football is his all, it’s all he wants to be and all he wants to do, but he wants first-team football. That’s his mentality.
“If he’s not playing first-team football, he wouldn’t be happy wherever he is, whether it be here or Manchester.”
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Morrison has been making an impact in England’s U-21 side of late, with some suggesting that if he maintains his current level of performance he could force his way into the senior side ahead of the World Cup.
David Beckham has admitted he still pines for Manchester in an interview at the National Football Museum in Manchester, where he also opened up about the his red card in the 1998 World Cup, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The former Manchester United and England midfielder is now one of the most famous men in the world, and has homes in London and Los Angeles.
However, Beckham has revealed he still gets bleary eyed whenever he heads north, and admits he will always miss the place where he enjoyed the best time of his career.
The 38-year-old was chatting to an enthralled audience at the National Football Museum in Manchester, and revealed he regarded his spell with the Red Devils as ‘the best in his career’ and held fond memories of the city, adding: “I will always miss it.”
Beckham went on to discuss his departure from United in 2003, and could not disguise his hurt over the incident and the famous falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson.
He told the audience: “You never know when it’s going to end. I never expected to leave Manchester United. I never wanted to leave Manchester United but I had to come to terms with that. They were the team I wanted to play with my whole career.”
Beckham also opened up about his famous red card against Argentina in 1998, and revealed how the support of the United fans got him through the torrent of abuse he was receiving across the country.
“Coming back to England was the hardest thing for me.
“I was expecting a hard time, but for my family to get it, for my grandparents, for my parents that was the hardest thing for me.”
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“I had Manchester United, I had Sir Alex Ferguson, and most of all I had the Manchester United fans. I blocked out all the noise from the away fans and all I could hear was the United fans saying my name and standing up for me when I took a corner.”
Liverpool assistant manager Colin Pascoe has leapt to the defence of Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas, following the duo’s difficult start to life at the club.
The Spanish pair were signed for a combined £14m from Sevilla and Celta Vigo during the last window, but have only managed a combined five Premier League starts.
There are already rumours circulating that Aspas may be sold this month, while Alberto has also been linked with a loan move to gain more experience.
However Pascoe says that both players are adjusting to life and football in England, and that they will soon start to show why the Merseysiders spent heavily for them:
“Luis has found the pace of the Premier League hard but he and Iago are working well in training and the more they get used to the Premier League the better they get.” He is quoted by the Daily Star.
“Alberto can play in a couple of positions. He can play wide or up front as a nine or as a 10 and if you asked him he would say a 10.
“We can tweak things if we have to and push him up there but we’re not going to put him at nine as we have Luis (Suarez) up there.
“Iago started the season well and obviously had his (thigh) injury. He has been working hard; he has to wait his turn like all the strikers do.
“He did well the other day (against Hull) and with the way he is training he is getting better.
“It is like any player, if they are British or foreign, you hope they gel together quickly but sometimes you need time to adapt to the Premier League.
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“They know themselves sometimes they have to be patient.“
Aspas and Alberto are expected to play some part in Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Oldham this afternoon, with Brendan Rodgers likely to make numerous changes to his squad after a demanding festive period.
It might seem to outsiders that Celtic’s league campaign was business as usual in Glasgow but the Hoops actually had one of the best league campaigns in Scottish football history, racking up an incredible 99 points and 102 goals. This is in contrast to last season when they only managed 79 points.
While improving on domestic league consistency was one of Neil Lennon’s stated aims at the start of the season many fans were left disappointed when Lennon’s men were dumped out of both the Scottish Cup and League Cup. The fans live in a microcosm of football where anything less than a double is frowned upon.
It was a disappointing season in Europe too after failing to recreate those special nights in 2012/13 on their way to qualifying for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
In this roller coaster of a season, we count down on who fired the Bhoys to glory and who left the Celtic support scratching their heads in frustration.
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21. Derk Boerrigter
Appearances (Sub): 8 (15)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Derk Boerrigter arrived last Summer from Ajax as one of Neil Lennon’s key signings ahead of another tilt at the UEFA Champions League. Quoted as costing anywhere between £1m and £3m, most Celtic fans wish he’d stayed on the injury tables in Amsterdam than using the ones in Glasgow.
Having a notorious injury record in his home country, he arrived claiming to the Scottish press he was no ‘sick note’ only to be sidelined by injury a day after that interview.
Appearances were few and far between after and when he did play he didn’t look like he had much to offer the Scottish Champions domestically, never mind in Europe.
20. Amido Balde
Appearances (Sub): 3 (21)
Goals: 3
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Another Summer signing last year, Amido Balde has not shown any of the promise he did in the Portuguese Primeira Liga the season prior.
The description of ‘raw’ Neil Lennon used to describe the striker on his arrival proved to be accurate, he is by no means the finished product.
Despite scoring 3 goals coming off the bench, it perhaps says it all that the highlight of his season was a goal in a Turkish friendly tournament during the Winter break. Will we see more of that or will he leave quietly in a loan deal back to Portugal?
19. Beram Kayal
Appearances (Sub): 13 (7)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 0
Once touted as the next big thing in the Celtic midfield, it’s been a few years since the Israeli truly excited the fans in the stands in Glasgow.
Struggling to cement his place in the side over the emerging Nir Biton or unnatural midfielder Charlie Mulgrew has led to speculation that this season might be his last in green and white.
If it is, he at least left with one memorable goal in the Champions League this season, his goal allowing victory over Ajax in the group stages.
18. Liam Henderson
Appearances (Sub): 4 (4)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Liam Henderson would likely be much higher in this list had his cameo this season not been so late in the day. A product of Celtic’s state of the art Lennoxtown facility, the 18 year old has impressed fans and pundits North of the border even this early in his career.
His crowning moment was undoubtedly the assured finish that sent Celtic on their way to clinching the title against Partick Thistle, his first senior goal.
It’ll be interesting to see if he can lay a marker down as someone Neil Lennon can turn to on a regular basis next season. One to watch.
17. Darnell Fisher
Appearances (Sub): 10 (3)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Another youth that broke through the ranks this season was 20 year old Darnell Fisher. After injuries to Mikael Lustig and Adam Matthews, Neil Lennon trusted the young Englishman enough to step up and become a starting right back.
He didn’t disappoint, his pace and eye for a cross evident in the 10 league starts he made. It’s only because of the quality of the likes of Lustig and Matthews that he didn’t feature more.
There’s been reports he’s out of contract this Summer and wherever he plays next season be it at Celtic or back in England, he definitely has a bright career ahead of him.
16. Teemu Pukki
Appearances (Sub): 16 (16)
Goals: 7
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Teemu Pukki arrived from the Bundesliga last Summer as arguably Celtic’s biggest signing. The Finn has had a difficult time with glimpses of quality usually drowned out by runs of mediocre outings.
Neil Lennon has stuck with the striker though, perhaps feeling that his lack of impact this season is down to adapting to life in Scotland and a lack of confidence more than his ability.
He divides Celtic fans with many writing him off already and many thinking he’s shown enough to at least have another chance next season. It looks likely he’ll get that chance regardless of their views and there’s a good chance he can been Celtic’s most improved player next campaign.
15. Georgios Samaras
Appearances (Sub): 23 (10)
Goals: 10
Yellow Cards: 6
Red Cards: 0
Ah Georgios. The enigma. The flamboyant. The frustrating. No player in recent years has had a more interesting journey at Celtic Park than the big Greek. Once derided, then worshipped, his last season in a Celtic shirt seemed to be a summary of his previous 5.
With his contract up it seems certain he’ll leave but he managed to score on his last appearance against Dundee United. He burst into tears, the emotional moment proving that Celtic will always be in his heart and that he too will always be in the hearts of Celtic fans.
If only he was more consistent, he could have been a Celtic superstar.
14. Stefan Johansen
Appearances (Sub): 14 (3)
Goals: 2
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 0
Stefan Johansen has only been at Celtic since the end of January but has already become an integral member of the Celtic squad.
When Joe Ledley moved to Crystal Palace many worried that Celtic’s midfield would regress further after the departure of Victor Wanyama last Summer. The Norwegian eased those fears impacting with a series of man of the match performances and posing the question “Joe who?” in the minds of the Celtic fans.
If Celtic are to compete in Europe next season, Johansen will be a massive part of that. It was shrewd business to capture the Norwegian player of the year for only £2m or so. Is he the next big talent coming out of Glasgow? Time will tell.
13. Leigh Griffiths
Appearances (Sub): 11 (3)
Goals: 7
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 0
Griffiths arrived at Celtic Park in January and it’s fair to say the reaction of the fans amounted more to “Really?” than “Wow!”.
However, it was always clear the Edinburgh lad was going to bang in goals and bang them in hard.
He has proved that to be true and now looks like Celtic’s next great hope for goals after Gary Hooper moved down South.
There are serious question marks about his attitude and behaviour off the field and the greatest barrier to having a successful career in Glasgow looks to be the man himself.
If he sorts that out, there’s no stopping him.
12. Nir Biton
Appearances (Subs): 11 (9)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 1
The pick of last year’s Summer signings is this man, Israeli Nir Biton. The internationalist had a fine season in the Hoops, slotting deep into the midfield.
He didn’t find a regular position in the side until December but when he did, he made his mark, performing consistently well into February on Celtic’s long winning run in the league.
Had he not received a groin injury he probably would have made another 8-10 appearances. Regardless he looks destined to feature heavily next season and will be key in giving the side defensive steel in Europe.
11. Adam Matthews
Appearances (Sub): 26 (4)
Goals: 1
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 0
Adam Matthews is one of the best young wing backs in Britain. I’m firmly a believer that he could be a fine English Premier League player at a mid table side.
The Welshman had a frustrating season by his standards, unable to shake off niggling injuries throughout.
When he did play he excelled with excellent tackling, blistering pace and the eye for an end product. It looks likely he’s staying at Celtic for another Summer and at 22, still has plenty of time to improve and improve. If I was an English club I’d be very interested.
10. James Forrest
Appearances (Sub): 21 (6)
Goals: 7
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
Forrest is another player who hasn’t managed to hit the heights of his ability due to injury this season. This is something which is starting to become regular with the 22 year old and there are concerns within the Celtic support that injuries might define his Celtic career.
However, his impact this season, especially in its early stages cannot be denied. He was the man who sent Celtic into the Champions League group stages with his crucial last minute winner seeing off Shakther Karagandy in the playoffs.
Also scoring in the group stages vs Ajax, there’s no denying James Forrest still has a bright future ahead of him. Next season could be a massive one for him, can he realise the potential he’s shown for years now?
9. Mikael Lustig
Appearances (Subs): 23 (7)
Goals: 2
Yellow Cards: 2
Red Cards: 0
Mikael Lustig is a machine, a Terminator. Relentless, unstoppable, conquering. Seeing him cover Celtic’s right flank is a joy. You could spend 90 minutes watching him alone.
He would have been a player of the year contender had he not bowed out of the season in December for surgery. Up to that point he was a key player in Europe and absolutely demolishing all opponents domestically. The fact he keeps the fantastic Adam Matthews out of the team more often than not speaks volumes. Celtic are blessed to have two right backs of such quality.
He also scored a goal of the season contender away to Hearts in the Scottish Cup that was the pick of a 7 goal haul that should be youtube’d right now.
8. Charlie Mulgrew
Appearances (Subs): 37 (3)
Goals: 6
Yellow Cards: 9
Red Cards: 0
The utility man. It’s easy to overlook Charlie Mulgrew’s impact on Celtic because he performs a number of roles. This season it has been mostly in midfield. Football purists might sneer at a central defender stepping into the middle of the park but he hasn’t looked out of place.
Perhaps in Europe Celtic need a more dynamic performer, such as the previously mentioned Johansen but domestically Charlie has excelled sitting deep and spreading passes across the park.
He suits Celtic and Celtic suit him, with his set piece capability also a big danger for the opposition it looks like Neil Lennon will rely on him in years to come.
7. Emilio Izaguirre
Appearances (Subs): 46 (0)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 8
Red Cards: 0
Lustig and Matthews on the right, Izaguirre on the left. He lives up to their standards and then some. The 2011 player of the year recaptured the form of his debut season in Scotland to have one of his best campaigns yet.
Skilful, intelligent and quick, he’s probably more of an asset in attack than defence. This is highlighted with 9 assists, third in the squad behind Stokes and Commons.
He recently gave an interview stressing how happy he and his family were in Glasgow so it looks like those big money moves talked about a few years ago may never come to fruition. If he keeps playing like he has this season, that’ll keep the Celtic Park faithful very happy indeed.
6. Scott Brown
Appearances (Subs): 49 (0)
Goals: 4
Yellow Cards: 8
Red Cards: 1
The captain and leader of Celtic had a fine season in the Hoops. When Brown arrived at Celtic there were some who balked at his £4m price tag, a stick used to beat him for a number of years.
It’s clear by now, at least to me, that ‘Broony’ has paid back that fee with his contributions. The making of him was becoming club captain and every year since he has improved.
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The team are noticeably sluggish and lacking without him in the team. It may be that his presence has more of an effect on the team than his ability as a footballer. This was highlighted in the Champions League campaign, his red card against Barcelona ruling him out for a number of crucial games, Celtic didn’t look like the same team.
5. Efe Ambrose
Appearances (Subs): 51 (1)
Goals: 3
Yellow Cards: 5
Red Cards: 0
Nobody made more appearances this season than the somersaulting Nigerian Efe Ambrose. This is a testament to his consistency and the partnership he has formed with the imperious Virgil van Dijk.
That’s 2 standout seasons he has had now and looks like being a fixture in the Celtic defence for years to come.
Heading to the World Cup with African champions Nigeria, he also has one of the best celebrations in football. If he scores in Brazil expect the celebration to be better than the goal.
4. Anthony Stokes
Appearances (Subs): 40 (4)
Goals: 21
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 1
When Gary Hooper left last Summer there were many wondering where the goals would come from. Anthony Stokes had a difficult year the season prior and many doubted he could step up and be counted.
He hit back with possibly his best season as a Celtic player. He matched his overall goal tally of 2011/12, 19 coming in the league, and pitched in with 11 assists.
After recently signing a new contract and with his Griffiths partnership looking tasty the next step for the Irishman is being effective in Europe. Can he bring his form onto the big stage? The jury is out on that one but with his determination you wouldn’t put it past him.
3. Fraser Forster
Appearances (Subs): 51 (0)
Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 1
Red Cards: 0
La Gran Muralla, The Great Wall, that’s what the Spanish press call him after his exploits in the Champions League. A pretty good nickname to have as a goalkeeper and he lived up to it this season.
The big Englishman broke all sorts of records this season, ones that have stood for decades and decades. He quite literally became a part of Celtic and Scottish football history.
He eventually made it to 1,256 minutes of football without conceding when a Jonny Hayes goal, unstoppable by anyone’s standards, whistled past him up in Aberdeen.
Should Joe Hart make his inevitable mistake in Brazil (I’m Scottish OK), then England have a goalkeeper in Forster that is ready to take on the best and excel, he’s done it already many times.
Will he move on this Summer? It seems likely. If he does he’s leaving big boots to fill both in size and stature.
2. Virgil van Dijk
Appearances (Subs): 45 (2)
Goals: 5
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 1
The credit for Celtic’s clean sheet record this season can’t all go to Forster. This man arguably had as big a part to play.
The Hoops waited near on a decade for a player as good as this in the centre of defence. It’s a position that eluded Celtic scouts for years until they found Ambrose and then they found van Dijk.
Strong, confident, skilful, strong, strong, strong. There’s no getting away that van Dijk is destined for leagues bigger than the Scottish Premiership. He scores goals too… volleys, headers, free kicks.
Need I go on? He is the best footballer in Scotland by a distance, but one man had a bigger part to play this season…
1. Kris Commons
Appearances (Subs): 44 (4)
Goals: 32
Yellow Cards: 4
Red Cards: 0
Kris Commons had his best season as a Celtic player, his best season as a footballer and likely one which will never be repeated in his career such was its standard.
Scoring an incredible 32 goals from midfield is the marquee stat that highlights that. It doesn’t tell the whole story though because he created and contributed to a lot more of Celtic’s goals and generally was the man that kept the Hoops ticking all year.
Yes Stokes hit 21 but it was Commons who filled the considerable hole left by Gary Hooper. His goal against Karagandy in the Champions League playoff was voted goal of the season by the Celtic fans and he picked up the club and the PFA Player Of The Year awards.
He’s an incredible performer and one again who is vital if Celtic can become competitive in Europe again. Can Celtic use him in the right way that allows him to bang them in against top level opposition?
A player long linked with a move to the Premier League, rumours have surfaced in recent weeks that suggest Emenike is attracting interest from Arsenal and Tottenham. Despite only transferring to the Turkish giants last summer, speculation around the 27 year old refuses to go away. The forward, considered one of the Super Eagles‘ star players, is expected to start once again against Argentina this afternoon.
Emenike has cemented his position in manager Stephen Keshi’s starting eleven in recent years. After several seasons languishing in South African football, Turkish side Karabukspor gambled on the forward and he hasn’t looked back since. The Nigerian has thrived since moving into European football and has been on the move several more times, with a two year spell at Spartak Moscow sandwiched by stints at current club Fenerbahce.
Arriving at the World Cup, much as expected of Emenike but it took until the second match of the tournament for the 27 year old to get going. Conspicuous by his absence against Iran, the forward posed a constant menace to the Bosnian and Herzegovinian defence who simply couldn’t handle the 27 year old’s dangerous combination of pace and power. Emenike supplied the cross in that game for the Peter Odemwingie’s winner.
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Despite his stature, the forward is more than capable of occupying the wide roles as well as the central striking duties. The 27 year old clearly loves to run with the ball at his feet, so far averaging 5.5 dribbles per game at the World Cup. In 23 starts at Fenerbahce this season, the Nigerian managed a healthy return of 12 goals.
Having only recently re-signed with the Turkish giants, the rumoured price tag will likely prove a serious stumbling block for any side interested in the forward. At the age of 27 too, Arsenal and Tottenham will probably conclude that there are better alternatives on the market. But if Emenike continues to impress rather than frustrate with Nigeria this summer, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a move to the Premier League presented itself sooner rather than later.
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Perhaps still overcoming the loss of Luis Suarez, Liverpool have endured a difficult start to the 2014/15 campaign.
Indeed, they’re currently 14th in the Premier League following defeats to Manchester City, Aston Villa and West Ham, whilst the Reds’ Champions League ambitions took a hit last night as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat, courtesy of FC Basel.
Brendan Rodgers is struggling to find the formula and the new signings are yet to fill Suarez’ almighty void as a collective. It could take another spending spree in January for the Anfield boss to rescue his club’s season.
And just in case B-Rod is short on a few ideas, here’s FIVE super-signings that could get Liverpool back on track.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON RODGERS TO REVEAL
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GONZALO HIGUAIN
Liverpool signed two strikers this summer but Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli are both struggling to adapt to Anfield life, netting just one Premier League goal between them in Daniel Sturridge’s injury absence.
According to the tabloids, Brendan Rodgers is convinced he needs another front-man and has resultantly targeted Napoli star Gonzalo Higuain:
The Argentina international is rarely discussed as a member of Europe’s striking elite but he left Real Madrid with a fantastic goal-record and has maintained that proficiency in Serie A:
Here’s a look at the striker’s Top Ten goals for the European Champions:
The 26 year-old is yet to get off the mark domestically this season but he’s remained an integral component in build-up play, as shown below:
This assist against Sassuolo last weekend particularly stood out:
Higuain would certainly add further quality to Liverpool’s forward line, and The Express claim Napoli are already lining up a replacement in Porto striker Jackson Martinez.
Potential transfer fee:£30million-£40million
PACO ALCACER
A significantly cheaper alternative to Gonzalo Higuain could come in the form of La Liga trailblazer Paco Alcacer, commonly mooted as a target for Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs:
The 21 year-old striker has been in lethal form so far this season, as shown below:
And that proficiency in front of goal has earned Alcacer a place in the Spain set up, with Vincente del Bosque using the international break to grant the Valencia starlet his competitive debut.
Here’s a look at the young front-man in action:
Alcacer’s contract includes a £15million release clause, leading one Spanish publication to dub him ‘the bargain of Europe’.
Indeed, the January window could witness a continent-spanning bidding war for Alcacer’s services, and Liverpool would be wise to get in the action. But Los Che plan to bump up their prodigy’s buy-out fee to a borderline-insane £40million.
Potential transfer fee:£15million – if Alcacer’s release clause is raised, he’ll be staying with Valencia.
SAMI KHEDIRA
Steven Gerrard has struggled at the anchor of midfield this season and in truth, the Liverpool captain has always lacked the discipline – with and without the ball – for that role.
The Reds need another holding option and according to the tabloids, that could be Real Madrid enforcer Sami Khedira:
A Champions League and World Cup winner, the 27 year-old is considered to be one of the leading midfielders in world football. Here’s a look at the Germany international in action:
A player of such quality may seem outside Liverpool’s reach right now following their subdued start to the season, but Khedira is yet to extend his current contract at the Bernabeu, which expires in the summer.
Carlo Ancelotti claimed in August that the 6 foot 3 midfielder’s future wasn’t in doubt. But he’s made just two substitute outings so far this season and unless Los Blancos secure new terms for Khedira, Liverpool – and his many other suitors – will test their resolve in January.
Potential transfer fee: £9million-£15million.
VICTOR VALDES
Simon Mignolet’s performances have come under criticism of late – Gary Neville and Steve McManaman even found holes to pick in his attempt to save Phil Jagielka’s wonder-strike at the weekend:
Indeed, the Belgium international certainly seems out of his depth on occasion and Liverpool’s qualification into next season’s Champions League could well depend on better performances between the sticks.
With that in mind, rumours speculating goalkeeper Victor Valdes could be on his way to Anfield are not hard to find:
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The 32 year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Barcelona in the summer, where he amassed six La Liga titles and three Champions League titles as the Catalans’ No.1. Here’s a collection of the Spain international’s best ever saves:
Currently in search of employment, Liverpool can offer the former Nou Camp shot-stopper a contract at any time. But he left Barcelona with an ACL injury and will likely be some way off match fitness.
EZEQUIEL LAVEZZI
Another January signing that would significantly bolster Liverpool’s firepower is Argentina international Ezequeil Lavezzi, linked with an Anfield switch by a number of online sources:
The 29 year-old was a potent performer at former club Napoli and has likewise provided an important contribution to the Parisians’ escapades over the last two seasons, as detailed below:
But he’s reportedly fallen out of favour with Laurent Blanc this season, having started just two Ligue 1 fixtures out of a possible five. Resultantly, it’s believed Lavezzi is eying a move away in January.
Capable of playing out-wide or centrally, boasting stereotypical south American flair and famed for his industriousness of the ball, the PSG forward could well be the natural replacement to Luis Suarez Liverpool struggled to find this summer. Here’s a look at Lavezzi in action:
His contract expires in 2016 too, so January would be a wise time for PSG to sell before the former Serie A star’s value begins to depreciate.
Liverpool hero Ray Houghton believes that his old club will make in two top four finishes on the spin this season despite losing Luis Suarez.
The Reds secured a long awaited return to European football’s top table last term as they finished second after mounting a shock title push.
Although dreams of a first ever Premier League crown were crushed late on at Anfield, few have denied that 2013/14 was a success on the red half of Merseyside as the club made sure that the new season will be the first one since 2009/10 that they feature in the Champions League.
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Since then they’ve lost talismanic striker Suarez – who hit 31 league goals during the last campaign – but almost £100m has been reinvested in top talent such as Lazar Markovic, Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana.
Some have suggested that with Manchester United looking to bounce back Liverpool may fall out of the top four, but Houghton has faith in his old club:
“Yes, for me they will (finish in the top four).” He told talkSPORT.
“They may be below Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal and Man United in the bookies’ eyes, but I don’t see it that way at all.
“They’ve got a much stronger squad than last season. Sure, they’re just missing a key ingredient in Luis Suarez, but they’ll still be very competitive.
“I think it’ll be less about how many goals Liverpool can score – we all know what the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert can do – and more about how they can defend over the course of 38 games.
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“Liverpool have bought well this summer, the signing of centre-back Dejan Lovren from Southampton in particular, and they needed to because they need more depth for the Champions League.
“But the bottom line is they need to defend better, that’s where they were found out last season.”
The Manchester Derby is another hugely anticipated match in the English Premier League as two teams from Manchester go head to head for bragging rights.
With City currently ahead of United in recent seasons, Louis van Gaal will need to unleash his squad’s full potential in order to overcome their neighbours at the Etihad.
So, with that in mind, here are FIVE things the Red Devils need to do if they are going to have a chance of picking up three points against Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
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CLICK ON WAYNE ROONEY TO SEE THE FULL LIST
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Force Manchester City to defend
In recent matches between the two teams, Manchester City’s attacking presence has always gotten the better of Manchester United due to their quick and intricate passing. Even with key playmaker David Silva injured, they will still keep the same playing style.
If Louis van Gaal wants to avoid unnecessary pressure, he will need to encourage his side to be continuously attack their opponents rather than sit back and hope to break on the counter attacks. With such a lethal strike force, the Red Devils will need to make the best out of their chances.
Keep Sergio Aguero in line
Manchester United will already know that if they give Sergio Aguero any sort of room anywhere in or around the penalty area, they will surely be punished given the Argentine’s lethal form. With an out-of-form Yaya Toure and an injured David Silva, all the Manchester City players will be pushing the ball to Aguero.
This means United will have to be in constant communication over his movements as Daley Blind will need to be on the top of defensive game when tracking back to aid the squad’s defence. If the players can frustrate him enough and keep his impact at a minimum, they will surely avoid a losing unnecessary goals.
Unleash the Manchester United Galacticos
Although Manchester United are struggling defensively, they have one of the most feared front lines in the Premier League. If Louis van Gaal can unleash the likes of Wayne Rooney, Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, and Robin van Persie against Manchester City, they could actually come away with three points.
Given the fact that City were unable to fend off Newcastle United at home, they could have defensive troubles of their own as Van Gaal will have to urge his players to attack Joe Hart’s goal. The four superstars in the squad are proven world class players and will need to be at the top of their game to ensure that Manuel Pellegrini will register his third consecutive defeat.
Manchester United need to keep their defensive composure
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Even though David De Gea is currently in amazing form, he cannot keep out every opportunity that comes his way. This means the back four, along with the midfield players will need to work together in order to ensure their goalkeeper is not over-exposed in any way.
It is known that Manchester United have been struggling defensively throughout the season, so if they can reproduce a similar performance to the one that kept Chelsea at bay, it could just be enough to ensure a tight scoreline. With Manchester City enjoying their attacks from the sides, players like Rafael and Luke Shaw will especially have to be at the top of their game.
Manchester United need Wayne Rooney to continue his derby form
If Wayne Rooney is full fit for the clash, Manchester City wills surely have something to fear because the Manchester United captain has already recorded 11 goals in this derby fixture. It is still unknown whether he will play a part given his latest injury, but knowing Rooney, he will do all he can to take part.
With the England man in the squad, United will have another devastating outlet in the attack as he joins Angel Di Maria as the link between the midfield and the attack. In addition to this, his never give up mentality will be a huge asset as he leads his teammates to track back and make sure everyone gives it their all.
Liverpool’s 2014 has been one of contrast and change. The year started so well as Brendan Rodgers’ Reds went on a stunning winning run to almost clinch a first ever Premier League title, playing some of the best football in the English top flight along the way.
Then came the summer… Luis Suarez’s bite on Giorgio Chiellini was swiftly followed by his move to Barcelona, and Liverpool have not been the same side since. The Merseysiders are currently 19 points down on the tally they had this time last year, and the top four quest looks like it may be a tricky one for Rodgers this time around.
We’ve stuck with the Anfielders through the thick and thin, and here are the ten best articles from the 2014 journey…
Could this be the transfer coup of the season for Liverpool?
It may look like a bullet dodged now, but Liverpool really, really, REALLY wanted this Egyptian – who was tipped for the top…
Amid the chaos of any transfer window you’re always likely to get your high profile moves, but at the same time it is often those that slip the radar that prove to be the most successful.
Mohamed Salah is hardly a household name in England, but those that saw him play against Tottenham and Chelsea in the last couple of years will realise what a talent the Egyptian looks set to be. At 21 he has all the pace you would expect from an incisive wide man, but what separates him from many of the other quality wingers is his technical ability and all round attacking craft.
CLICK HERE TO READ ON…
Three transfer ‘ins and outs’ at Liverpool this January
With January now on the agenda, let’s look back at the issues facing Liverpool last time around…
The January window is well under way, and despite the regular criticism the winter market often gets in England, there’s no doubting it’s utility to Premier League clubs.
The mid-season window gives managers the chance to add reinforcements for the season’s final run-in, and attempt to get some of the deadwood off the wage bill.
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Six marquee signings in Liverpool’s summer plans
A ‘marquee’ man has always been Rodgers’ wish, and here are six that may have been better than Balotelli
To sum up Liverpool’s transfer activities from last summer in a nutshell; there was a lot of tents, some very snazzy and well-priced tents, but no genuine marquee.
Their efforts in the January window shared a similar fate, with Mohamed Salah rejecting a move to Anfield in favour of a Chelsea switch and the Reds’ late attempts to sign for Dnipro’s Yevhen Konoplyanka ending in failure.
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Barca’s loss Liverpool’s gain… six players that could be heading to Anfield
Ironically it was Barca who raided Liverpool in the end, but it looked, initially, as if the Reds would profit from their proposed ban…
The coming transfer window was billed as a huge one for Spanish powerhouses Barcelona. With Victor Valdes and Carles Puyol both planning to leave the club, and concerns over ageing midfield duo Xavi and Andreas Iniesta, the Catalans were expected to significantly strengthen in several key areas at the end of the season.
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Six to follow Moreno to Liverpool
Alberto Moreno was one of the Reds’ high profile summer signings, and it was predicted that a few more big names could follow
According to the ever-reliable Daily Mail, following his impressive display in the Europa League final,Liverpool are set to launch a swoop for Sevilla starlet Alberto Moreno.
With Jose Enrique a rather ordinary defender and Aly Cissokho’s loan spell unlikely to become a permanent deal at Anfield, the highly-rated Spaniard would certainly address the Reds’ need for a new left-back ahead of next season.
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Six deals Liverpool could make before the World Cup
The World Cup presented an odd transfer embargo for clubs, but Liverpool were linked with a host of stars before a ball was kicked in Brazil.
Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers will want to be quick in putting the title disappointment of this past season behind them and move on to preparing for the next campaign.
While the team were praised throughout the season for their brand of football, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure next year is equally as successful, if not more.
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Five signings to convince Luis Suarez to stay at Liverpool
We all now how this one ended… but Liverpool did try to keep their man
Liverpool currently sit on top of the Premier League table with 80 points and are in the running to end their 24-year league trophy drought. And a big part to their success this season has undoubtedly been down to the talents of Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan has just received the PFA Player of the Year award after scoring 30 goals in just 31 appearances this season.
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Five reasons to be excited about Balotelli…
Erm… it looked positive initially!
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Oh Mario Balotelli… how we’ve missed you so.
When Balotelli left Manchester City back in the January of 2013, the Premier League lost one of the world’s most enigmatic characters in football.
But after just a year in a half back in Serie A with AC Milan, the Italian superstar is returning to the English top flight this time playing in the red of Liverpool.
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Bring him back! Liverpool ace makes case for re-call
Aspas was a disaster last season, but he’s impressing over in Spain this time around…
Liverpool’s attacking prowess this season is a far cry from their ruthlessness in front of goal last season.
That is partly down to Daniel Sturridge being sidelined with a calf injury and mostly because Luis Suarez was allowed to leave after enjoying the best season of his career.
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A step in the wrong direction for Liverpool?
Where did it all go wrong?
There are the transfers that shock because you didn’t think they were possible – Torres to Chelsea for £50m. And there are those that shock by virtue of their sheer size – Bale to Real Madrid for £86m. But every now and again a transfer shocks because it’s just plain bizarre.