Liverpool FC: The Dawn of the Rodgers Era
Liverpool travelled to Belarus yesterday in what was Brendan Rodgers’ first competitive match as manager, but what did we learn from the game?
Obviously we cannot draw too many conclusions from a game which was essentially a glorified friendly match in which many of Liverpool’s key players were not present, but already some patterns are starting to appear. Firstly, it would appear that Joe Cole will be given an opportunity to prove himself at Anfield (provided he can stay relatively injury free). The implications of this will be felt elsewhere as it means that Charlie Adam’s playing time could be severely cut. As a passing play-maker, he will now fall behind both Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole in the pecking order. However, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for the Scot, as both men have a worrying recent injury record and he may well find a place in the starting eleven open up in the not-too-distant future.
Secondly, and unsurprisingly, it is clear that Liverpool are a much stronger side with Lucas Leiva in the heart of their midfield. Much maligned in his first seasons at the club, Lucas has since become the world-class midfielder that Rafa Benitez promised us all those years ago and has established himself firmly in the hearts of Kopites everywhere. Many (myself included) believe that had Lucas remained injury free last season, Kenny Dalglish could still be Liverpool manager and it is no surprise that Liverpool’s calamitous second half of the season coincided with the Brazilian’s absence, as Jay Spearing is still young and does not have the ability to boss a midfield in the way that Lucas does. His return to fitness will be welcomed in all corners of Anfield.
And now for something completely different: Stewart Downing will have a strong season and win over his infinitely many doubters. The winger began life as a Liverpool player with a shambolic first season, finishing with a grand total of zero goals and zero assists in the Premier League but he is set to impress in a Red shirt this year. The Englishman scored what proved to be the decisive goal last night, but that is not the only reason I am tipping him to improve this year. If you look back to his first season at Aston Villa it was similarly unimpressive, and even at Middlesbrough it took him a while to find his feet. It was in his second season at Villa that he really began to impress and I am predicting another second season renaissance this time around.
More will be learnt over the coming weeks as transfers are made, and players return to fitness so stay tuned to Rant Sports for all the latest developments…
