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The Reds will return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they face Sevilla at Anfield.
Liverpool began their Champions League group stage campaign with a 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Anfield on Wednesday.
Liverpool endured a frustrating afternoon at Anfield as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley on Saturday.
Liverpool is keen to make up for the frustration of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.
The player is now expected to join Spanish side Levante, who have announced on their website they expect to finalise a two-year deal in the coming days.
Source: Liverpool FC Official
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There are growing speculation that Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is keen on reuniting with former FC Porto man Raul Meireles and Kenny Dalglish maybe tempted to consider an offer for the Portuguese international, just as long as Liverpool get striker Daniel Sturridge in return.
Chelsea are frustrated over their attempts to sign Luka Modric from Tottenham Hotspur and with the manager, Andre Villas-Boas, acutely aware of Meireles's talents from their time together at Porto a move for the 28-year-old does seem plausible. Liverpool will, though, want close to £12million for the player. There is also growing speculation that Israeli international Yossi Benayoun could be used as a makeweight in the pursuit of Luka Modric.
Dalglish is keen to bolster his defensive option with the sales of Meireles, with Bolton’s Gary Cahill and Birmingham’s Scott Dann heavily linked to Anfield.
Chelsea are looking to add creativity to a midfield that has a great deal of brawn in the shape of John Obi Mikel, Ramires and Michael Essien but not so much in the way of forward momentum aside from ageing Frank Lampard and youngster Josh McEachran.
Although, Liverpool are keen to bolster its defensive options before the transfer window closes. Dalglish would also like to purchase a forward to cover for January signing of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. A possible swap deal or cash plus Meireles for Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge maybe on the card.
Sturridge will not be keen to spend the season on the Blues bench having experienced a taste of regular Premier League football whilst on loan at the Reebok Stadium last term and the 21 year old may be keen on any move that brings him nearer to first team football.
If the rumour are to be true on Bolton interest in Frenchman David N’Gog and he could be offloaded to the Reebok Stadium.
This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Source: Caught Offside
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Tony Pulis maintains Stoke are under no pressure to sell captain Ryan Shawcross, despite speculation Liverpool want to sign the defender.
Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish is expected to sign a new centre-back before the end of August and has also been linked with Birmingham's Scott Dann and Bolton's Gary Cahill.
But ahead of Thursday's Europa League play-off at Swiss side FC Thun, the Stoke manager insists he has no intention of selling and only wants to add to his squad.
“We have got no need to sell Ryan,”
“We want to spend money if we can.”
“I think the chairman and the board have made it quite clear that their intentions are to try to improve the squad this year.”
“We are very pleased with the defenders we've got, now we have to improve our midfield and forward line.” Pulis said in the Daily Mail
This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Source: Sky Sport
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Skysports.com understands Queens Park Rangers have made an enquiry regarding Liverpool's Philipp Degen.
The Switzerland international appears to be surplus to requirements at Anfield after struggling to make an impression during his time at Liverpool.
With Reds boss Kenny Dalglish having the likes of Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly and youngster John Flanagan to choose from at right-back, Degen could be on the move before the transfer window closes.
Premier League new boys QPR remain in the market for new signings as manager Neil Warnock tries to build a squad capable of surviving in the top flight.
Warnock started the new campaign with Kieron Dyer at right-back, but the former England international lasted just a few minutes of Saturday's 4-0 defeat by Bolton Wanderers before being stretchered off.
Bradley Orr replaced Dyer at Loftus Road, while Warnock also currently has issues at left-back after Clint Hill was sent off late on in the defeat by Bolton.
Degen has made a total of 13 appearances during his Liverpool career and his last outing for the Reds was in the Europa League against Atletico Madrid in April 2010.
This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Source: Liverpool FC Official, Sky Sport
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Liverpool FC have never replaced John Arne Riise who established himself as a solid left-back who would score the occasional scorcher.
Riise has been the only left-back that has cemented his place in the hearts of every Liverpool fan in the recent past. What Riise possessed very few left-back in world football possessed. He had sheer pace, a deadly left foot, strong defensive attributes, was good in the air and could dribble. Alan Kennedy is another one that springs to the mind as we talk of legendary left-backs at Anfield.
Since Kennedy retired and Riise left, Liverpool have suffered a major crisis with respect to that position.
Many players have been bought, utilised in that position but have failed to stabilize the shift. This has been primarily down to the rotation policy, change of managers and failure of the player to settle into a position.
Liverpool, for the past seasons, have looked like a predictable side because of their one-directional football.
There is barely any attacking done from the left flank largely due to an ineffective left-back. Fabio Aurelio performs well sporadically but is constantly plagued with injuries. Emiliano Insua is just not good enough .Jack Robinson lacks the necessary experience . England's first-choice Right back Glen Johnson was played out-of-position last season and although he did play admirably , his best attributes are not fully utilised playing left-back.
And so began a hunt across Europe to fill a massive void in the Liverpool defence.
Jose Enrique was putting in eye-catching performances for Newcastle United which caught the eye of several European clubs . Barcelona were also rumoured to be interested in his services. Such was the level of his performances.
Arsenal and Liverpool were in the forefront to sign him. With the departure of Gael Clichy to Manchester City , Arsenal were willing to do quick business with Newcastle United and replace Clichy.
Liverpool had scouted Enrique for the past two seasons but were unconvinced by the player. However, towards the end of the season , Phil Thompson revealed that a deal was agreed in principle to bring Enrique to Anfield.
The rumours began turning into reality. As Jose Enrique refused to sign a new contract amidst news that he was about to quit the club. Newcastle Manager Alan Pardew also stated vociferously that Enrique did not wish to sign a new contract . It was evident that Enrique was seeking a move away from St. James' park.
Various reports in the media suggested that Liverpool was his only destination yet Kenny Dalglish was reluctant to sign him because of his suspect defensive positioning. Once Liverpool's interest was firmly established it was a matter of time before Jose Enrique became our new left-back as concrete interest from other clubs faded.
Laying to rest all the mounting speculation, it was announced on Liverpool's website that a deal was indeed struck between Newcastle and Liverpool for the transfer of Jose Enrique.
Having keenly watched the premiership for 10 years now, Jose Enrique does look the part. He is an ideal premiership left-back. Enrique possesses bundles of pace, trickery and is no mug defensively .
Jose Enrique started his career at lowly Spanish side Levante. Made the step-up by joining Valencia. Valencia wanted to give him first-team experience so they sent him out on-loan to Celta Vigo.
At Celta Vigo, Enrique found his feet again and made some superlative performances that season. This caught the eye of Villarreal who snapped him immediately for the 2006/2007 season. Instantly, he was a massive hit and a bigger move beckoned for the talented full-back. A move to Newcastle was next where he cemented his place as one of most talented full-backs in Europe.
Having watched Enrique at different clubs, he can adapt suitably to any side. He has great tactical awareness, is a solid tackler and a blistering athlete. Enrique also whips in quality balls that are tailor-made for strikers to head. Jose Enrique reminds me of a left-footed Sergio Ramos. Very rarely, does he have a bad game. Jose Enrique is an attacking full back who can defend .
His only flaw is lack of goals.
With an impressive Liverpool debut against Sunderland already under his belt, Liverpool have secured a quality signing.
Overall, he might just prove to be the bargain of the season at £6 MILLION.
Written by Mayank Adhye, who blogs at The Musical Escapade and also a Reds supporter.
Apology on the misleading name of Alan Hansen for Alan Kennedy.
Source: FootyTube.com
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Everyone from owner John W Henry to most pundits to fans in general seems to generate this notion that Liverpool will definitely be finishing at least fourth this season, but without mounting a serious threat for that elusive record 19th Premier League title. I tend to think that we can do better than just acquiring 4th place, however there are those who think we will miss out on the Champions League yet again next season.
First of all, Arsenal. Arsenal are now seen as much less of a threat simply because they seem to be about to lose two of their best players - Samir Nasri to cash-strapped Manchester City and captain Cesc Fabregas to the club he played for in his youth, Barcelona. But in my opinion, of all five clubs who finished above us last season, Tottenham have always been a team capable of entering the top four but definitely the least likely to do it. Arsenal on the other hand, can never be truly written off because they do play some VERY eye-catching football and they have a resilience that Tottenham certainly do not have. This leaves Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United as the teams who could battle for the Champions League places and/or title in the 2011-12 season.
Liverpool have been the most active English team in the transfer window after Sunderland (who've brought in a remarkable EIGHT players this summer). We've signed young midfielder Jordan Henderson from Sunderland, delivery specialist Charlie Adam from Blackpool, backup goalkeeper Alexander Doni and clever winger Stewart Downing from Aston Villa. This week, we announced the signing of Newcastle United's Jose Enrique who'll fill the left back position that has been an absolute headache for us since John Arne Riise was sold to Roma by Rafael Benitez some 3-4 years ago. Fabio Aurelio, the intelligent but injury-magnetic Brazilian, will provide the necessary backup in that position - not to mention the young and feisty Jack Robinson.
When I consider the the large and talented squad at Liverpool’s disposal now, I wonder why King Kenny’s side are being written off.
Goalkeepers:– Reina, Doni, Jones
I'm just gonna say it - Pepe Reina is one of the best goalkeepers in world football and undoubtedly the best in the Premier League. Chelsea's Cech comes close and certainly started out in England better than Reina did, but Reina is now indisputably the best in England. In his hands, Liverpool are safe. And in Alexander Doni, they have a capable back up on the bench; with Brad Jones providing even further cover for the most crucial position in the game.
Right back:– Johnson, Kelly, Flanagan
The right back position is well taken care of. Glen Johnson is, in my opinion, the best right back in the league when going forward; but defensively, there are one or two better players like Arsenal's Bacary Sagna. But after Dani Alves and Maicon, Johnson has to be the biggest threat from right back in world football. The emergence of Martin Kelly however, has seen us possess a right back who is defensively sound and an equally good threat going forward. Keep an eye out for his pace and size, which gives him an advantage over most opponents. Johnson is the better man now, but Kelly is honestly not too far behind. Kelly's fellow Academy graduate John Flanagan impressed when called upon last season (his first team debut against Manchester City was particularly outstanding, as was his performance at the Emirates Stadium) and he looks absolutely ready to fill in if either of the aforementioned suffer from injuries or losses in form.
Left back:– Enrique, Aurelio, Robinson
Signing Jose Enrique has solved the left back problem. The Spain national is blessed with blistering speed which is coupled by strength on the ball. This makes him difficult to get past or bully. Fabio Aurelio, I fear, may not be the first choice; but his contributions will be crucial with his insightful passing, smart off-the-ball movements and mastery of the dead ball. Emiliano Insua is still with the club right now, but it looks like we're going to either sell him or loan him out before the transfer window closes.The energetic and sharp Academy graduate Jack Robinson will be third choice and given the right amount of games to give him first team experience.
Centre back:– Carragher, Agger, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Coady, Wisdom
The centre back position, despite a majority of Liverpool fans being concerned, is not one that troubles me personally. Club vice-captain Jamie Carragher is still one of the best last men / sweepers in the game, but he may have lost half a yard of pace. Regardless, his sheer experience, organization abilities and leadership skills are still crucial at the back. Anyone who thinks Carra is past his prime should look at his incredible performances against Chelsea both home and away last season. Daniel Agger is a player who's accurate in the tackle and elbows traitorous Spaniard strikers in the face without giving away a foul, but he does tend to spend time on the treatment table. But when he's fit, he also provides great passes and composure from the back and has a fierce left foot that can score a goal or two. Martin Skrtel epitomises consistency, having played in all 38 league games for Liverpool last season, and is equally great with the tackle. What he lacks in attacking talent (compared to Agger) he makes up for in sheer strength / solidity. Like Carra, he also makes a fantastic last man. Sotirios Kyrgiakos is someone who may score the occasional goal and is good at defending high balls and set pieces, but he tends to be more of a liability than an asset in my mind. I wouldn't mind selling him for superior cover. Expect us to throw England U19 captain Andre Wisdom and Academy graduate Conor Coady into a few games for first team experience. Coady is also captain of Liverpool's reserve team and was captain of the England U17 team that won the UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship.
Central Midfield:- Gerrard, Meireles, Adam, Lucas, Aquilani, Henderson, Spearing, Shelvey
If Liverpool’s midfield was a swimming pool, it would be overflowing because of the sheer amount of talent accumulated in it. Jordan Henderson is young with plenty of time to improve on his already impressive abilities - which include physical strength balanced with sufficient pace, passing range and a fierce shot. The England U21 international also has a high capacity to adapt - being adept in both central midfield and right midfield positions. Alberto Aquilani, considered to be one of Juventus' star players last season, has come back injury-free and with a thrilling variety in his passing abilities. He recently scored the winning goal for Italy against world champions Spain and has demonstrated far better shooting techniques in recent pre-season games. Lucas Leiva's wonderful new ability to break down opposition attacks and his great eye for interceptions saw him voted as Liverpool's Player of the Season for 2010-11, and you can expect him to do more of the same this season. Charlie Adam, the big fish in a small Blackpool, is another great deliverer of dead balls and possesses a cultured left foot that has been missing in our central midfield for quite many years. Raul Meireles is a star acquisition for Liverpool and has fabulous technique in his volleys. He has an energy that's infectious and he tends to be everywhere, mostly right where you need him. Enough has been said over the years about our captain Steven Gerrard, so all I will say is this - the day he comes back from injury will be the day opposition teams should prepare themselves twice as well as they would otherwise. His world-class passing, trademark shots, powerful tackles, skill with set pieces and overall dynamism will take the whole team up to another level entirely. Jonjo Shelvey and Academy graduate Jay Spearing will get games to enhance their first team experience. Shelvey has everything an attacking midfielder must have - intelligent passing, destructive shots, crisp movement; whereas Spearing has the abilities all class holding midfielders have - a crunching but fair tackle, well-time interceptions, ball distribution and a fire in the belly. It's interesting to note that save for Spearing and Lucas (who play the more defensive, destroyer roles), each of our central midfielders also have a world class eye for a killer pass, long or short. Our midfield options are so plentiful that die-hard fans themselves have no exact idea as to which 2 or 3 players make up the best central midfield partnership. By the way, expect danger man Christian Poulsen to be phased out of Anfield.
Wingers:– Kuyt, Maxi, Henderson, Cole, Downing
Dirk Kuyt is like the Duracell bunny because he just keeps on going. His tireless efforts on the right, coupled with a striker's eye for goal and a wealth of crosses make him a very dangerous attacking threat for Liverpool. He's quickly built up a rapport with both of our winter striker signings, Suarez and Carroll (especially Suarez, as noticed versus Manchester United, Newcastle and Sunderland), and that bodes well for the future. Maxi Rodriguez is a capable backup to Dirk Kuyt because of his passing, crossing and seemingly newfound eye for goal. While he's no Kuyt, he also has energy, can play on either flanks equally well and has a capacity for quick thinking. Stewart Downing is the signing of the summer, for me. Blessed with more pace than most defenders, some trickery, an ability to weave through a few opposition players and a knack for near-perfect crosses, Downing will prove to be one of the club's top assist providers and can score a few mean goals as well. He is yet another player with fantastic dead ball abilities; and all in all, is my summer signing to watch out for this season. In contrast, i feel Joe Cole has basically become very much a shadow of the player he formally was at Chelsea and in pre-season has looked susceptible to yellow cards and tussles. I would much rather have sold him and brought in a proven winger to provide backup to Kuyt and Downing. Jordan Henderson's flair on the wings makes him a viable option on the right hand side of the attack as well.
Strikers:– Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Dirk Kuyt, David Ngog (?)
If Downing is the summer signing to look out for this season, Luis Suarez must be THE player to keep an eye out for in 2011-12. The catalytic Uruguayan forward has just returned as the top scorer and Player of the Tournament from the Copa America, having helped his home nation to their record-breaking 15th Copa America title. Suarez scored one and set up another goal in the final against Paraguay after scoring in the semi-finals as well, following a fruitful six months at Liverpool. His blistering pace, impressive trickery, sharp ball control and energetic displays led to a handful of goals and even more assists for Liverpool. To top it all off, he's yet another one who is great at set pieces (even though he's yet to prove that at Liverpool). Andy Caroll is the sort of striker who will feed off defender's errors and the fruits of his fellow forwards' labours. His significant height and bulky physique makes him a prime candidate for finishing off the crosses provided by Kuyt and Downing, and any loose balls and assists generated from Suarez's magic. David Ngog looks set to be sold before the transfer window closes, but IF he doesn't, I believe he is still a decent finisher when he's having a good day. He'll just be a backup option though, and would not really be considered a threat to any opposition yet. The aforementioned energy of Kuyt sees him as the much more obviously preferred backup striker, with a decent knack of scoring goals and providing crucial final passes. Having said that, it would be a lot better if Dalglish and Comolli could sign another proven striker into our ranks, to bolster our resources up front in case of emergency, suspension or loss of form.
All in all, Liverpool Football Club have bought very good players who all have a role and a gap to fill, and for the first time in a few years, there will be more football than problems higher up. With the return of the King, a club legend is in charge - one who seems to have once again instilled the foundations of our famous pass-and-move policy which served the great teams of Shankly, Paisley and Fagan so well. Confidence has returned and the fans are more optimistic. The club is finally stable, and the players seem raring to go and, for now, have little pressure to deliver the title. The club's Academy is churning out many good players, to become one of the best youth systems in the world. Things are looking up! Let the 2011-12 season begin.
Written by Govind Nayar, who blogs at Football (soccer) – The air I breathe
After finishing the premier league season 2010-11 with a gusto , the expectations on the red on the red half of Merseyside were high.
A Liverpool side languishing in Twelfth had managed to salvage the season . Kenny Dalglish had worked his magic charm , the confidence was back and Liverpool were playing with a sting in their tail .
But , in retrospect , it was all too late and sixth was a paltry showing for a side boasting the likes of Pepe Reina , Jamie Carragher , Raul Meireles , Steven Gerrard , Glen Johnson , Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez.
Nevertheless , Melwood was buzzing with excitement in earnest for the new season.
The Liverpool side last season had a lot of glaring loopholes . Defensive and attacking reinforcements were needed . Our New American owners made no secret of the fact that they were willing to invest heavily into the squad .
Kenny Dalglish drew out his transfer-targets and began pursuit swiftly. First in-line was the surprising signing of Sunderland's young midfielder Jordan Henderson . Much coveted over the last few seasons because of his impressive performances at the stadium of light , earning him a call-up to the senior side , signing him raised a few eyebrows.Considering Liverpool have a plethora of midfielders , Signing Henderson for £16 MILLION showed a level of intent.
Charlie Adam's rise to prominence in the premiership was unmissable . So, it was only fitting that Liverpool jumped into swoop for him. Liverpool have for the past few seasons, lacked some serious width and a quality winger . Stewart Downing had put in match-winning performances for Aston Villa since signing and after a long-drawn out transfer saga , Downing put pen-to-paper on a five year deal at Anfield. Roma's Alexander Doni was next signed on a free . The Brazilian having endured a poor season with Roma , having fallen out of favour in Rome. In Doni , Liverpool possess an experienced back-up for Reina.
All the right moves were made in the transfer market and , now it was time for the players to function as a cohesive unit.
Pre-season is all about getting the players back into the right frame of mind , getting their fitness up to the mark and using a lot of the fringe players to gauge the depth of the squad. The pre-season fixture list was drawn up and Liverpool's fixtures were as follows - A trip to Asia , Hull City , Galatasaray , Valarenga and Valencia .
Copa America winner Luis Suarez was given the month off , Steven Gerrard was still recovering from a groin infection while all the new signings were expected to get a good run-out.
Pre-season gives the manager a clear indications of his side's strengths and weaknesses.
Liverpool have a massive fan base in Asia . So , it was a good ploy football and business-wise to play two friendlies in Malaysia and Singapore .
Liverpool kicked off their pre-season against Guangdong Sunray Cave. The game , on the whole was controlled by Liverpool . In the first half , Liverpool raced ahead with goals from David N'Gog and Christien Poulsen and stamped their immediate authority in the first half only have a goal pulled back because of slack marking. Kenny Dalglish rang out wholesale changes in the second half with the introduction of Charlie Adam , Alberto Aquilani in particular .The impressive Conner Coady scored the third slotting home brilliantly after trading passes with Andy Carroll
Charlie Adam showed glimpses of his wonderful array of passes , Liverpool showboated in the front of the cheering Chinese supporters. But football is an unpredictable game and Liverpool were caught napping as two quick-fire goals from The excellent Lu Lin and Ying Hongbo took the gloss of an established Liverpool performance . The Match ended 4-3 .
Next up for Liverpool was a trip to Malaysia to face the Malaysia XI . Liverpool started off well but faded off as the half wore on . Charlie Adam scored his first Liverpool through the penalty spot to give Liverpool the lead . Safiq Rahim equalised with a superb free-kick to make it 1-1 . The game sparked into action in the second half with both teams playing attractive ,flowing football. But Liverpool's experience and skill overwhelmed the Malaysian resistance as 2 goals each from David N'gog and Maxi Rodriguez put Liverpool into the driving seat.Malaysia XI fought back bravely though with quick goals from S.Sali but a Dirk Kuyt Goal demolished all hopes of a remarkable comeback . Liverpool winning comfortably on the night 6-3 . Alberto Aquilani was the standout performer for Liverpool pulling all the strings in central midfield.
However , the trend emerging was Liverpool's inability to keep a clean sheet. After the Asian escapade it was back to England for the remaining fixtures .
Hull City at the KC Stadium was Liverpool's next encounter.
Liverpool's new signings Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing were on the bench while Alexander Doni was given his debut. Hull City started the sharper of the two sides and broke the deadlock on 21 minutes with a superb strike from on-loan Manchester United youngster Robbie Brady. The home side doubled their lead 13 minutes later when Slovenian international Robert Koren found the net after working a one-two with Aaron McLean.Dalglish made 11 changes at half-time but failed to change the outcome of the game as Hull added a third following sloppy Liverpool defending to cap an impressive 3-0 win . Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson failed to make a mark but showed a few touches of class . Next up on the menu was a daunting trip to Istanbul,Turkey. It was built-up as Liverpool's glorious return to the unforgettable city of Istanbul that marked the club's most famous triumph in 2005.
Galatasaray possess a lot of Europe's has-been coupled with skilful youth . Surprisingly , Liverpool fielded an under-strength squad with Charlie Adam , Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson not travelling with the squad. The game from the onset was dominated by an experienced Galatasaray squad . Two goals from former red Milan Baros and a thumping Volley from Johan Elmander sealed the game on a rather forgettable night for the reds. The Liverpool attack lacked cohesion and the defending was shambolic at times. Although a friendly , the manner of the defeat left much to be desired . Liverpool went back to the drawing board and after a hard workout at Melwood travelled to Oslo to play unfancied Norwegian Valerenga . Liverpool put out a strong amidst criticism following the Galatasaray game with Glen Johnson (playing his first game) Jordan Henderson , Charlie Adam , Stewart Downing , Dirk Kuyt , Daniel Agger and Andy Carroll all starting. Liverpool dominated the early exchanges with Downing , Kuyt and Carroll linking up well. Valerenga took the lead though against the run of play with a low cross from the left that was neatly slotted home by Lars Iver Strand . Minutes later the Norwegian’s went two ahead as the ball broke to Yssouf Kone inside the Liverpool box and, while he was in the act of shooting, he was carelessly, clipped by Charlie Adam and the referee showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Fegor Ogude finished off a neat penalty giving Reina no chance . Liverpool huffed-puffed after that without threatening the Valerenga Goal . Just before the half-time interval , the impressive Stewart Downing delivered a delightful cross towards Andy Carroll who controlled and finished a well worked goal . In the second half , Liverpool grew into the game and dominated possession following the introduction of Alberto Aquilani . The Italian International , rumoured with a move away from the club , forcing two good saves from the Valerenga keeper . The Liverpool pressure finally paid off as Daniel Agger scored off two Aquilani corners to put Liverpool 3-2 up . Liverpool looked to have pulled a narrow comeback only to be denied by a wonderful 20 yard goal from Mohammad fellah as he dribbled past two Liverpool defenders and struck a rasping left-footed shot past the helpless Reina. The match ended 3-3 , a fair result in the end.
Liverpool's final pre-season game was at Anfield against Valencia . On paper , Valencia was the toughest fixture . The pressure was on the hosts as they needed to perform in front a expectant crowd following a mixed pre-season. After a cagey start , Valencia defender Davil Albelda made a back pass that was intercepted by Andy Carroll and after his initial shot hit the post , He made sure of the rebound finishing expertly from an acute angle to give Liverpool the lead. Juan Mata found himself overshadowed by a decade of Premier League experience in Downing, whose barrage of deliveries into the Valencia area began in the opening minutes. Valencia barely threatened Pepe Reina's goal and they failed to find their rhythm . The second half continued much like the first with a pedestrian Valencia performance and Liverpool failing to make the most of Downing's whipped balls from the flanks. The game got its second goal as Sotirios Kyrgiakos scrambled home a Jay Spearing free-kick from the Left . Liverpool ran out comfortable victors with a deserved 2-0 victory . The victory came at a cost as Glen Johnson picked up an Hamstring strain which will rule him out for two weeks.
And with that , came to end a mixed pre-season for Liverpool FC having won 3 games , losing 2 and drawing 1 .
The fringe players showed a lack of class and skill . Players like Christian Poulsen , Jonjo Shelvey ,Emiliano Insua , Philip Degen ,David N'gog, Daniel Ayala and Joe Cole are far from proving they are Liverpool material . The youth players like Andre Wisdom , John Flanagan , Conner Coady , Jack Robinson and Raheem Sterling impressed and showed that the future is bright for Liverpool football club. Amongst the most notable indicators from pre-season were Liverpool's lack of defensive cover , inconsistent attacking play and creativity in the final third . At times , they looked one-dimensional with their direct passing . Alberto Aquilani was easily Liverpool's best player combining immense technical ability with flair and accurate passing . Liverpool's new signings Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing put in able performances . Jordan Henderson needs to play more games to justify his £16 million price tag. Daniel Agger needs to remain fit in order to steady the defensive shift . Andy Carroll looked sharp in the final two games . With Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez to come back into the squad , Liverpool have the necessary depth this season to finish in the top four . Consistency in the away games has been Liverpool's downfall past seasons . With abundant and variable resources available this time , it remains to be seen what actually transpires on the football pitch.
Written by Mayank Adhye, who blogs at The Musical Escapade and also a Reds supporter.
LEICESTER CITY
2-3
