With Luis Suarez leaving for sunny Barcelona some fans still may feel that Liverpool don’t have the IT factor when it comes to balancing entertainment and winning on the pitch, but after watching (and studying) Liverpool’s pre-season there’s a lot to look forward to this season and here’s why:
Raheem Sterling:
The youngster hit a rich vein of form last season and what’s better for Reds fans is that it hasn’t stopped yet. Sterling was one of the only consistent performers during England’s short stay in Brazil and during pre-season he’s shone, proving that he has what it takes to succeed on the big stage.
He tormented Borussia Dortmund’s backline on Sunday with his blistering pace leaving players like Piszczek & Schmelzer trailing and struggling to keep up.
The youngster is developing into quite the player and is showing no signs of slowing down, he’s playing with confidence and is already adding goals and assists to his name.
Philippe Coutinho:
After being left out of the Brazilian squad for the world cup it seems as if a fire has been lit inside Liverpool’s number 10, during preseason at times he’s been unplayable.
His movement both on and off the ball has been an outright joy to watch and his involvement in Sturridge’s goal (the sublime flick) and his interchanging passing for Jordan Henderson’s goal against Dortmund looked reminiscent of Suarez.
This season fans can hope Cou becomes the main man at the club being both the provider and scorer of goals and at 22 he has a long career ahead of him.
Jordan Henderson:
The Sunderland native went through a rough first season and almost left the club when Brendan Rodgers took over. After playing himself back into favour Henderson has become a mainstay in the Liverpool midfield.
Lung busting seemingly impossible runs seem almost second nature to the former England U21 captain, his pressing on the pitch is a nightmare to deal with and his energy levels seem to last longer than a Duracell Ultra Power battery.
There’s also an aura of future captain surrounding Henderson, he screams passion when he’s on the pitch and who better to learn from then his midfield partner Steven Gerrard.
Emre Can:
The young German was once described as the next Bastian Schweinsteiger while at Bayern Munich and although only 21 has the potential to live up to his label.
He’s a powerhouse on the field, dispatching bigger players than himself off the ball like they’re nothing more than paperweights (ask Miach Richards).
He’s learning the Liverpool way fast and seems to understand what’s asked of him instantly.
He’s classy and has great hold up play and will endear himself to the Anfield fans with his no nonsense tackles, bringing chorus’ of ooooh’s and cheers when he intercepts players.
Lazar Markovic:
After seeing Markovic during pre-season I was amazed at how he drifted past opponents, side steps and step overs at speed the Serbian seems to have it all.
He may need to bulk up abit to adjust to the rigours of the Premier League but that won’t stop him from leaving a mark on games.
His trickery will more than make up for what the Reds have lost in Suarez and his ability to breeze past players will leave the fans wanting more.
Source: DSG
