As the season draws to a close, we are sitting comfortably in 6th place. We are far enough ahead with the remaining games to be confident of ensuring 6th, but 5th seems a bit too far away. Although we are out of the European places, sixth is something to be proud of, considering our awful start to the season, and the fact that administration wasn't far off in October. The players and management feel we can still get fifth, but unless Spurs really suffer a European hangover, were out of Europe next year. This could be a blessing in disguise.
With the games we have left, and the injuries were currently plagued with, I think we should take this rare opportunity to blood some of our younger players. The likes of Coady, Suso and Sterling could benefit from being involved with the squad, and i don't think there is anything to lose. The lack of strength and depth in the squad has been revealed in our last few matches, especially in defense.
Soto just does not seem to be LFC standard. His cameo's last season and the the earlier part of this one were impressive, but his lack of pace has cost us in recent matches. He is being played more then I'd hoped due to Agger's fitness (or lack thereof!). Although he is rarely fit, Agger is undoubtedly our best footballing defender and gives us a completely new dimension to our game. When he is fit he is the first name on my teamsheet, so we need to accommodate him. We do this by having good quality back up. Jamie is getting older, Skrtel has improved this season, but Soto is becoming a liability. A new center-half is needed. Preferably someone from our youth set up, such as Wilson or Ayala, but if they are deemed not good enough, I think we should look towards young English talent. Scott Dann is a cheap option, but Gary Cahill would suit the role best. Either would be suitable. Cahill would become first choice alongside Carra, whereas Skrtel would start as first choice if Dann was to arrive.
We also badly need a left full back. Konchesky was never good enough, and although Insua showed promise, the current staff don't seem to see anything in him. So options for the slot? My choice would be Leighton Baines of Everton. He is an experienced, English player and exactly what we need. His club and price tag are big obstacles, but miracles can happen! Other options include Aly Cissokho of Lyon, Fabio Coentrao of Benfica and Jose Enrique of Newcastle. Enrique would be my second choice, his marauding runs up the left provided Andy Carroll with inch perfect crosses for Newcastle and is coming into the last year of his contract. He should be available for around £8m.
A versatile winger is a must for the summer, to provide ammunition for our new look strike force. Ashley Young seems to be the preferred option, as he is coming into the last year of his contract and is highly rated around Anfield. Balázs Dzsudzsák of PSV is another option. He is untried at the top level but is cheaper and looks like a great prospect. Whatever winger they bring in must have pace, a good cross and be versatile.
These are only signings to improve our current squad. All other sales must be replaced as our squad is small and weak. Dalglish will hopefully get the job and we can look into the new season. With this squad I am confident of a European place, and possibly a run at the title. Well, we can hope can't we?
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