Even the most ardent Liverpool fans would agree that Liverpool's title challenge last season was a surprise to all. At the beginning of the season, Brendon Rodgers would have happily taken a top-4 finish but the season shaped up even better, though ended in disappointment as the Reds narrowly missed out on the title.
Since then, the club has seen the exit of controversial talisman Luis Suarez who contributed 31 goals and 12 assists last season. The new additions all put together (Ricky Lambert 13, Adam Lallana 9, Emre Can 3, Lazar Markovic 5, Dejan Lovren 2) only managed as many goals between them last season. This means that unless there is some more activity before the transfer window (read Bony), Liverpool will start the season a striker short. One look at the forward lineups of the other title challengers only reaffirms this. (Manchester City: Sergio Aguero, Eden Dzeko, Alvaro Negredo; Manchester United: Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney; Chelsea: Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Diego Costa; Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez, Oliver Giroud, Lukas Podolski )
The other problem for Liverpool is the lackluster defending that saw them concede 50 goals and potentially cost them the league. The defence has been strengthened by the return of Jose Enrique and new signing Lovren, with Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo signings underway. One theory suggests that Liverpool don't need to replace Suarez's 31 goals if they can make improvements in this area.
Photo Credit: Getty Images.
"I started coaching for one reason and that was to make a difference for people, not just as footballers but as human beings." Rodgers has built a team around a specific style of play but teams need to have the ability to grind out results to achieve success in the league. Did Rodgers need to go for a win when a draw would have sufficed against Chelsea last season to keep their title hopes intact? Rodgers' inability to adapt was visible when Jose Mourinho frustrated Liverpool by "parking two buses" in front of the goal.
The curse of finishing a close second had left Liverpool reeling in 2009-10 season where they had to wait five long seasons outside the elite club of European Champions League. This season sees them return to the Champions League but the busier calendar will test the depth of the young squad.
Liverpool and Manchester City were definitely the best teams to watch last season in attack and here is hoping that the most successful English club in the world is able to end their 25-year wait for a Premier League title.
Strengths
1. Rodgers' style of play
2. Daniel Sturridge
3. Midfield comprising of Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen, Steven Gerrard, Lallana, Raheem Sterling
Weaknesses
1. Defence that conceded 50 goals last season
2. Attack without a replacement for Suarez's 31 goals
3. Rodgers' inability to adapt
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