I am impressed with the actions taken by Brendan Rodgers early in the transfer window. Both Kolo Toure and Iago Apas was good signings that maybe wont always be in the starting 11 but will be good signings to add to the squad.
Carra left and experience and leadership was needed and was gotten for cheap through Kolo Toure. He also brings a crucial winning culture and I thought one of the most telling commentaries on the Toure purchase came from the Manchester journalist (link in previous blog post).
The fact that Suarez and Skertel have both been airing their frustrations and desire to leave is interesting. Both will be difficult characters to handle but I heard today that no bids or enquirers have been received for either player so I will just continue to hope that they will both be there next season.
Agger and Skertel could still start and has played well together before. I think lack of form, confidence and leadership was an issue and partly why Carra was brought back in but Skertel also played really poorly for long periods after a previous season where we was amongst the best players at LFC.
Agger has to step up and show some leadership and I am hoping he can take the best from Carragher and maybe add some of Kolo Toure's skills.
It may take time for Toure to pass on his knowledge to Agger and Skertel but I think it can happen if they mix up that trio regularly.
Apas should be a good addition to our attacking options and even if we get injuries on Borini now we have lots of options in Sturridge, Sterling, Suarez (hopefully) and then Apas.
Borini and Apas and perhaps even Shelvey may get a game or two at the start considering Sturridge injury and Suarez suspension (or potential departure).
Shelvey can also still play up front in an emergency although I like him better as a box to box midfielder.But with the squad options we now have and with Henderson ahead of him in the line for a starting position I would be inclined to let Shelvey go on loan at least after Sturridge and Suarez is back from suspension and injury.
Henrikh
It looks like we are chasing this guy and this is what I have been talking about when we say world class. This guy seems to have a lot of the raw qualities. Pace, technique, an eye for a pass, two feet (for passes and shots) but most of all the ability to spot when to make a run and how to find space for through balls from Gerrard or Lucas or someone else in that front line like Coutinho or Suarez.
To me it looks like this guy can be world class and is already close to it. He always seems to have time on the ball and I realise many of these moments in the video clips is from the Ukranian league where the pressure will be different from premier league etc but still I think he can adapt.
I would very inclined to sign this guy and would be willing to pay up to 20M for him based on his raw quality and potential. His quality will put him in very many scoring positions if used correctly and if we sign a guy like this would allow us to get rid of either Henderson or like mentioned previously Downing.
I still think we should go for signing Sinclair and get rid of Downing if we can get over 12M for him.
Others may disagree.
Here's to hoping we can hold on to Reina, Suarez and Skertel next year, sign Henrikh and I think we will be contending for top 3.
PS! notice how I do not see it as crucial to sign another centre back.
YNWA,
Stian
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