Dirk Kuyt is backing Liverpool FC new boys to rise to the challenge

AFTER a dramatic week dominated by takeover talk and promises of a brighter future, the reality for Roy Hodgson is that little has changed.Liverpool remain slumped in the Premier League's relegation zone after their worst start to a season for over half a century.Prospective new owners New England Sports Ventures may be committed to backing the Reds boss with hard cash in the January transfer window but until then Hodgson must press on with what he's got.In the aftermath of last Sunday's dismal home defeat at the hands of Blackpool and with his star men scattered across the globe on international duty, the Anfield chief has had plenty to ponder. One area of major concern is how he can get more out of a midfield unit which has simply failed to fire so far this season.Hodgson has chopped and changed but has yet to find the right balance in an engine room currently lacking bite, guile and creativity.The stats make grim reading. Compared to the same stage last season, the Reds have won fewer tackles (70.9% to 73.7%), completed fewer passes (2,994 to 3,671) and had far less possession (50.2% to 64.8%).Hodgson was helpless to prevent Javier Mascherano leaving for Barcelona but the midfielders he signed this summer are already coming under scrutiny.Joe Cole has made some notable contributions but Raul Meireles, Milan Jovanovic and Christian Poulsen have failed to make an instant impression.

Source: Liverpool_Echo