Liverpool 2013-14: A defining season for a team in transition

Iago Aspas

Liverpool’s defence had been a mild enigma last season. From being the tightly knit unit of 2011-12 season, the club degenerated to being careless and error-prone in defence. A part of that was definitely due to the change in style incorporated by Rodgers and the resultant pressure on defence to play out the ball from the back. This was the probable cause of 2011-12’s player of the season, Martin Skrtel, being relegated to the bench and facing a possible exit.

A part of it was also attributed to the departure of Steve Clarke, who had handled the defensive duties under Kenny Dalglish. However, a quick look at the defence tells us that the main area that needs strengthening is the wing back, with absolutely no cover for Enrique and Johnson. The problem is Rodgers’ full backs need to have that attacking flair and a constant engine like work-rate. Something which increases the wear and tear rate, compounding the necessity of decent cover for the starting full backs.

The remaining roster of Agger, Toure, Skrtel, Wisdom, Kelly and Coates are all primarily centre-backs with Kelly a possible exception. The good news is Brendan has recognized this weakness and Aly Cissokho seems destined for Anfield. Once again they have chosen a player who has shown immense talent in past, although the consistency remains a question.

Although I wouldn’t put the midfield strength as anything spectacular, they have a decent starting and bench player strength. The one position where they might need a back-up is the holding midfield position of Lucas. Henderson, Allen, Gerrard, Luis Alberto, and Coutinho are all either brilliant or have promised a lot.

But all of them are best when bombing forward or creating trouble in the attacking 3rd. They need a cover for Lucas – a defensive rock in the mould of Dembele, a plain and simple bully who can rattle the opponents and break the attacks. A destroyer who can interrupt the rhythm of the opponent’s passing and foil the counter attacks.

The forward line is probably the most unpredictable part of the team as of now; teeming with potential but laced with the ever present question of consistency. The fortunes of Liverpool’s attack swung in the exact opposite direction of their defence. From a measly 47 goals in 2012, riding on the back of Suarez’s brilliance, Liverpool netted a spectacular 71 goals.

But statistics often tell only the partial truth. The fact is that a big chunk of these goals came in bulk against ineffectual opponents. They have had a spate of games where they scored 4+ goals while keeping a clean sheet, doing wonders for their goal difference. But they have also failed to break down teams in search of that one goal that would have converted a draw to three points. Still, no one can take away the fact that Liverpool had started looking like a really potent threat after the arrival of Sturridge and Coutinho in January this year.

To add to it, Rodgers has roped in Iago Aspas to bolster the attacking ranks. Considering the increasingly likely scenario of Suarez staying put, they have the trickery of Suarez and Aspas at their disposal. Not to mention Rodgers’ insistence on getting one more key attacking player. Aspas, although untested in EPL, has shown an impressive glimpse of his talent by scoring four and creating another four goals in the pre-season matches.

Sturridge is a complete striker whose brilliant accuracy holds the promise of a landmark season for him, if he retains his fitness. The jury is still out on Borini who has always impressed with his movements and space creation but for some reason his finishing has gone kaput. He needs that shot of confidence – typical of so many strikers – to get him back on track.

So where does that leave the team? Well, it won’t be a very good preview if I did not predict the final position for the club. The fact remains that it is a season of immense significance for the club. Rodgers has had his one season in transition and there won’t be many places to hide if Liverpool’s season pans out like the last one.

As far as fan expectations go, getting to 4th would definitely translate to a brilliant run. But even a respectable effort where they can close the gap and cover up their deficiencies would not be looked upon unkindly.