Liverpool saw their disastrous start to the 2010/11 season end on a high. Kenny Dalglish had signed up for another 3 years and despite two late losses to Aston Villa and Tottenham, Liverpool still managed to finish 2nd in the league table for the second half of the season. An interesting stat considering Kenny was without Carroll and Gerrard for large parts.
Liverpool's heavy spending in January which saw them sign Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll for 57.8m continued straight away as Kenny Dalglish swooped in and bought Sunderland's own Jordan Henderson for an estimated 16m.This fee caused much debate but at a young age of 20, it cannot be argued that Henderson's future does look very bright and should prove good value for money. A month later Kenny bought his second player, a less surprising signing in set-piece specialist Charlie Adam for a bargain of 7m. Shortly after that Liverpool once again showed their intent for next season and forked out 20m for Aston Villa's player of the season Stewart Downing.
With these signings made so far, and hopefully more to come I expect Kenny Dalglish to have a headache in picking the first 11 for the Sunderland game. To get the best out of Carroll, Downing must play. Steven Gerrard although injured at the moment, will almost definitely have a spot open for him when fit and Charlie Adam surely has to play as he was one of the best midfielders of last year. However, Lucas deserves a spot as he was Liverpool's best midfielder last year. Lastly Henderson, who Dalglish spent 16m on wasn't bought to be just a bench warmer was he...? Aquilani and Meireles are also contenders but sadly in my honest opinion one, or maybe even both of them, will leave this year so I shall not raise an argument for them. Although this sounds like it'll leave Dalglish in a struggle to pick the players, and may cause one or two of them to be unhappy this has to be seen as a happy headache for Dalglish to have. This vast amount of options is exactly what Kenny wants and it shall prove highly beneficial when Liverpool show up with an unpredictable starting 11 and also a strong bench.
In terms of what formation do I expect Liverpool to use, again I think Dalglish will have a few to choose from. Dalglish used a 4-3-3 very effectively last year as shown in our big wins against Birmingham and Fulham. This, in my view would see Downing and Suarez on the left and right of Carroll who are in front of most likely Gerrard (when fit) Adam and either Lucas or Henderson. They would be in front most likely, Johnson, Carragher Skrtel and hopefully a new left back (Enrique maybe), who of course are in front of Doni...just kidding, that spot will always belong to Reina. As well as this I believe an interesting 4-2-3-1 formation could suit us very well, the back 5 would be the same, and I see Adam and Lucas/Henderson playing in the holding positions as Downing (Left) Gerrard (Middle) and Suarez (Right) play behind Carroll. Another formation Dalglish used effectively was 5-4-1 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge where Liverpool managed a tight 1-0 win.
Where will Liverpool finish next season I hear you ask? At the moment I think that Liverpool will definitely make it into that illusive 'Top Four'. More specifically I believe 3rd is a realistic target, as long as Dalglish is able to find himself a quality left back (once again Enrique maybe?). If we fail to secure a quality left back I still very much think the upcoming season shall be a successful one. Firstly, because the players unlike the majority of last year, have a smile on their faces and that hunger to do well. This is something Kenny has achieved magnificently with his second to none man management skills. Secondly Andy Carroll. In January when Dalglish bought Carroll he had bought himself a shotgun roaring to fire, however he had forgotten to buy the ammunition, and now he has that in Stewart Downing, so i fully expect Andy Carroll to prove his worth next season. Lastly, I may be going for the obvious choices, but fresh from a Copa America win Luis Suarez will be hungrier than ever to win another trophy. His performances last season and in the Copa America have been beyond anything anyone would have expected and I personally cannot wait to see those big teeth light up the Premiership again as Liverpool look to embark on a season with a potential to challenge for that top spot.
