2013-2014 Season: So nearly the Promised Land

Seventh last season and second this and with the grace of God we could so easily have won the title, but for a “slip-up” at home to Chelsea.  Every supporter/fan I’ve spoken too is still shell-shocked, proud of our achievement, but shocked.

On reflection, it was a mighty effort to come so close, but in the end we ran out of quality players, cover in critical areas and experience both on and off the pitch to keep our title dreams alive.

We had our successes.  Raheem Sterling burst into the nation’s consciousness with some scintillating performances catapulting him up alongside his captain in the World Cup squad.

Jordan Henderson became the motor in the Liverpool engine room and was sorely missed following his red card against Man City; Philippe Coutinho graduated from promising player to one of the jewels in Liverpool’s crown with his creative influence recognised by colleagues with the moniker "David Blaine " because of his magical powers on the ball.  Jon Flanagan’s rise to prominence was as fantastic as it was unbelievable. The local boy came from nowhere to become one of Brendan Rodgers mainstays of the 2013-14 campaign.

Admittedly, we were without the distraction of cup football, but on the flipside the squad was cut down to be financial viable with the prospect of less matches.  Rodgers went into battle knowing he would have only a finite amount of talent to qualify in the holy grail of fourth place.  For that reason alone finishing second is a tremendous achievement in the scheme of things.

The challenge lies in building on this season, vying for the Premier League and qualifying for the Champions League and making the achievement a regular occurrence.  We need to continue stabilising the club and enticing the very best talent in the world annually and as such the pre-season transfer window is as important as we have ever had.

Player overview:

Simon Mignolet:  The ex-Sunderland stopper produced some stunning performances through the season.  The first Premier League game of the season against Stoke was an example of his agility pulling off a brilliant penalty save from Jon Walter’s two minutes from time propelling Liverpool forward from the loaded expectation of a new season with the tangible reward of three points and a foundation to move on without the banned Suarez.   His brilliance was occasionally undermined by his decision making, deciding whether to punch or catch or leave his line, although he cannot have been helped by the lack of continuity in front of him.  Mistakes against Man City, Stoke and Norwich come to mind too readily and one has to question his concentration levels.  One suspects a top class number two would be a help rather than a hindrance. 6/10

Brad Jones:  With no European football and our earlier than expected demise from both cup competitions he had very little chance to solidify his position behind Mignolet.  Jones conceded only two goals in his three FA Cup games, against Oldham, Bournemouth and Arsenal respectively, pulling off some smart saves.  Like Mignolet, he is suspect under high crosses.  A great a servant to Liverpool Football Club but it could be time to move on to pastures new. NA

Glen Johnson:  His performance against Crystal Palace was as disappointing as it gets from a seasoned performer.  Up to that point, Johnson had been competent rather than outstanding.  He lacked his usual renowned spark offensively, often choosing the wrong option with his final ball or shooting wide of the mark.  Defensively he was part of the back-line that leaked 50 goals and he was just as culpable as his defensive partners which has been a complaint made before on this blog.  He produced only 2 assists and zero goals in 29 Premier League games.    With Flanagan, Martin Kelly Ryan McLaughlin and Andre Wisdom all capable of making claims for the right-back position, Johnson must now be looking over his shoulder. 5/10

Jose Enrique:  Given the licence Brendan Rodgers gives his full-backs we undoubtedly missed his attacking verve and his link-up play with Suarez coming in from the left.  He started only 6 Premier League and 1 Capital One Cup match before succumbing to injury. The initial prognosis which was that he’d be back by February proved a false dawn.   Should Brendan Rodgers choose to augment the left-back position in a bid to strengthen the defence, then Enrique may be the one to bite the bullet with Glen Johnson negotiating an extension to his contract and Jon Flanagan capable of covering both flanks.  NA

Jon Flanagan:  To say Jon Flanagan’s emergence was a surprise is an understatement.  I for one thought the youngster, who was brought up a stone’s throw from the ground, would be on his way out of the club before the season started.  That he is on standby for the World Cup doesn’t just speak volumes of the level of his performances, but his mental strength.  He may owe his debut against Arsenal to the illness and injury of Johnson and Enrique respectively, but he grasped his opportunity with both hands and went on to produce top class performances more often than not at left-back.   In a Liverpool side where technique is King, Flanagan is not short of confidence on the ball scoring his first Premiership goal against Spurs with a flourishing finish that Suarez and Sturridge would have been proud of. Even with Brendan Rodgers in the market for a full-back his future seems assured.  7/10

Martin Kelly:  The long-striding utility back suffered a disappointing season failing to breakthrough.   At 24 years of age and with only 62 appearances, the support of his manager after the end of season game against Shamrock Rovers must have come as a Godsend.  Rodgers said, “He’s been really unfortunate, bless him.  He’s been out for a year. He came back this season… as the season wore on and we were concentrating on one game a week it was very difficult to get games.  Rodgers went on to say, “He’s a quality player. He’s a good guy as well, he knows the club inside out and he’s been around for a long time.  There’ll be games next year for the likes of him to come and play in if we continue to qualify in the competitions.”  NA

Aly Cissokho:  Arrived at Anfield with the reputation as a solid performer, but with his gangly style reminiscent of Djimi Traore the omens weren’t in his favour.   After a shaky start, he steadily improved defensively, but in a Liverpool side where the full-backs are required to offer width he struggled offensively, although notching one assist.  He lost his place before the season reached halfway to the rapidly improving Flanagan and Glen Johnson and it is unlikely that he will back for a second season.  4/10

Kolo Toure:  Made his debut against Stoke on the opening day of the season and put in some strong performances early on offering valuable experience.    The small squad size and injuries saw the ex-Arsenal and Man City defender make 20 appearances over the season with two assists.   Despite two own goals his experience may just buy him another season albeit with less appearances with the refurbishment of the back line. 5/10

Daniel Agger:   Unquestionably, the most gifted defender at Liverpool with his ability to bring to ball out of defence, long range passing and shooting.    His lapses in concentration showed no sign of abating and his lack of form was disappointing in a season where Liverpool needed him to provide leadership qualities at the back with the retirement of Jamie Carragher and his taking on the mantle of vice-captain.   His injury woes continued and in the key end of season games against Chelsea and Crystal Palace was left on the bench, although fit, suggesting a lack of trust in the Danish captain and as such there must be serious doubts as to his future at the club. 5/10

Martin Skrtel:   Came into the season with rumours circulating that Brendan Rodgers was looking to moving him on and finished the season as unquestionably the premier centre-half at the club with 7 goals and 1 assist to his credit.  Regrettably, he also bagged 4 own goals, which only highlighted his sometimes impetuous defending.   That being said, he put his body on the line for the cause and with the constant change of centre-back partners it would’ve been difficult for him especially with Sakho and Toure newcomers and Flanagan bedding in.  7/10

Mamadou Sakho:   His performance against the formidable presence of Andy Carroll emphasised his ability to go up against the strongest forwards.   His short passing is underrated as he often moved the ball on by passing well into midfield.   Often appears very casual on the ball appearing to do an inadvertent shuffle when he is closed down which gives rise to a feeling of panic through Liverpool faithful.  As his English improves and he gets used to the pace of the English game he could become the class performer we crave at the back. 6/10

Steven Gerrard:   Almost led us to our first title in 24 years with performances that many thought beyond him.   Enjoyed his most productive season in years having been reinvented by Brendan Rodgers in a holding role where he controlled the tempo like Xabi Alonso, with the addition of a creative element at the top end of the pitch.     His dead ball delivery was so accurate it made up most of his 13 assists and gave us an extra dimension adding to the threat of our double strike force.   Gerrard’s leadership was one the main ingredients in our League challenge where he grew game by game, no longer leading just by example, but providing the all-round qualities one expects from a captain.  Jordan Henderson spoke of how Gerrard has helped him with advice throughout games and his explosive rallying cry to his team following victory over Man City to keep it together was one of the moments of the season.   Henderson said, “Since I've been at Liverpool, Stevie has helped me a lot personally - on the field you pick up little things, training with him every week has really been a help for me.

The spin he imparted on the ball to bend the ball into Sturridge’s run against Fulham was sensational having to angle his body to deliver the pass.  The saying “form is temporary, class is permanent” describes Gerrard’s renaissance to a tee.  After Suarez he was the most important player helping Rodgers deploy his methodology on the field.  His “moment” against Chelsea and the fact that he could have reined in his troops at Crystal Palace doesn’t take away from the fact that he almost led us to the Promised Land and deserves another bite and the cherry, both in the Premiership and the Champions League and it should be remembered that he captained England to World Cup qualification.  Improved depth next season will enable him to take strategic rests, especially as we will be fighting on four fronts.    9/10

Jordan Henderson:  As important to us as our captain.  His importance can be assessed by the fact that without him we lost crucially to Chelsea and drew with Crystal Palace, the midfielder accrued 4 goals and 7 assists in 35 Premier League games.  Henderson’s improvement isn’t just about covering for others and well-timed runs into the opposition’s penalty area.  His passing which had hitherto not been his greatest strength, improved out of all recognition.  Played some clinical short passes in the final third, often inside the full-back, which led to goals and he has enhanced his long range passing, particularly diagonally, to a degree that his technique allows him to drill passes like his mentor Gerrard.   Deservedly made the World Cup squad and he is a potential Liverpool captain in the making who has shown character and immense mental fortitude to overcome the poor start and criticism he received in his early Liverpool career and that levelled at his running style by Sir Alex Ferguson.  9/10

Lucas Leiva:   Arrived with the reputation as a box to box player with a powerful shot, but through force of circumstance he morphed into a holding midfield player.    His injuries have reduced his effectiveness and he appears to have lost the edge which made him our player of the season in 2010-11.  Even if he returns to those levels whether he has the class to hold on to a first team place is debatable and one suspects asking a player who has undoubted pretensions to be a Brazil first team regular would be a bridge to far for the likeable midfielder.

Joe Allen:  He will probably be disappointed with his return of one goal and no assists in 24 games,   but showed enough for this blog to feel those figures will be transformed next season as he begins to widen the breath of his play and will obviously benefit with the prospect of playing in more games.   Showed he has ‘game intelligence’ and his influence grew was unlucky on a few occasions breaking late into the area not to have notched a few more goals and linking up particularly well with Luis Suarez. 6/10

Philippe Coutinho:   His explosive impact last season provided Liverpool with as multi-dimensional attack as Anfield had seen since Barnes, Aldridge and Beardsley.   Coutinho’s understanding with Sturridge and Suarez seemed almost telepathic.  The pass he delivered in the 5-1 demolition over Arsenal which curled into the path of Sturridge was so good that the goal only enhanced the stunning nature of the pass.   He is still inclined to go for the ‘Hollywood pass” or shoot when there is a simpler option on, but there is no doubt than he has taken on board the criticism levelled at him, becoming more of a complete player using his undoubted world-class talent at the right moments scoring 5 goals and supplying 7 assists.  The trick is for him to now take that world-class talent and become a world-class player.  It is noticeable that he has become more responsible defensively because of the attacking nature of the team.  He is still prone to disappear in games of a more physical nature although he did overcome that to come back and score the winner against Man City at a time when he usually finds himself substituted.  7/10

Victor Moses:  His promising start dissipated into one of disappointment by the end of the season and one felt that by the seasons end he was only getting on the pitch because of the lack of bodies.  Brendan Rodgers hinted back in January that Moses needed to start working hard in training on a daily basis if he wanted to stay at the club permanently.  The fact that he was unable to work his way into the manager’s thinking suggest he fell down the pecking and wasn’t able to deliver what was expected from a player of his talents as the style of play was tailor made for him to flourish.  3/10

Raheem Sterling:  If Raheem Sterling started the season as an embryonic bud showing signs of blooming he certainly flowered in majestic fashion in the second half of the season moving in from the wing to take on the pivotal position at the tip of the diamond.   He showed remarkable maturity demonstrating a multi-faceted game, holding the ball up (remembering the final goal in the 5-3 win over Stoke), dropping back as a right-back if asked and playing behind Luis Suarez in the absence of Daniel Sturridge.   He progressed at such a rate that the World Cup bound youngster showed maturity beyond his years, often making correct decisions in the final third by lifting his head up to survey the situation before shooting or passing.  If any player embodied the Rodgers philosophy it was Sterling, as he doesn’t just have the ability to play in more than one position he is comfortable doing so.   The nineteen year old made 33 League appearances and his improvement is borne out by his statistics of 9 goals and 5 assists placing him fourth in Liverpool’s scoring charts.  8/10

Iago Aspas:  Started 5 League games after arriving from Celta Vigo with a stellar reputation after bagging 12 goals in 34 games for the struggling Basque outfit.  Unfortunate in that he suffered from the brilliance of Liverpool’s front two and the club being knocked out of the cup competitions early on and as such he was unable to stake a claim or get used to the physicality of the English game.   Whether he showed enough is debatable in the time allotted him with the suspension and injuries to Suarez and Sturridge respectively?  One suspects that he failed to show enough to make himself conclusively the third striker and as such we have no hesitation in saying he will be sold.  His complaint of lack of game time in the final throes of the season was poorly timed.  2/10

Daniel Sturridge:  This was the season that Daniel Sturridge arrived, proving to his critics, of which there were many, that his claim at Chelsea of deserving a striking berth was well founded.   He had given due warning in scoring 10 goals in 14 games last season and hit the ground running taking on the mantle from the banned Suarez.   Sturridge is not just a predator with searing pace, but has differing degrees to his play.   He is just as capable of scoring outside the area as he is in, although like most goal scorers he can be exasperatingly greedy, but his 7 assists suggests that he is still growing as a player having played only one full season in the Premier League as a striker.  As a natural goal scorer it was encouraging to see him increasingly working at an understanding with his strike partner and tracking back.  His goal tally of 21 League goals in 29 games is as prolific as is his ratio of shots (99) to goals.  Hopefully next season he stays clear of injury as he started only 26 games in the League. 8/10

Luis Suarez:   The striker is incontestably one of the top three players in the world, having enjoyed a phenomenal season scoring 31 League goals in only 33 games (sharing the golden boot with Ronaldo and becoming Liverpool’s record goal scorer in the Premiership) and finishing just one assist behind Steven Gerrard on 12.   His goal scoring numbers are astounding given he is not the club’s penalty taker.  With the giant strides made by Coutinho, Henderson, Sterling and Sturridge we were privileged to see the full range of Suarez capabilities as he was no longer carrying the side.  

The stunning nature of many of his goals are too many to list, hence to say that no player got close to scoring the voluminous types of goals which Suarez devastated defences with.  He scored goals from 40 yards to taps in.  Headers from close range to a bullet header from the edge of the area, he was literally on fire from his first match (missing the first five matches because of suspension) to the last which is unbelievable given his prodigious work rate.  He became the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick against the same club when Liverpool beat Norwich 5-1 in December.

He dominated the season collecting the PFA and the Football Writers’ Player of the Year Awards as well as the Barclays Player of the Season and the Barclays Golden Boot Award.  His also notched up the Football Supporters’ Federation Player of the Year for 2013, FTBpro PFA Player of the Season for good measure (which is chosen by football supporters and supported by clubs) and also equalled Andy Cole’s record for the fastest player to 20 Premier League goals (15 matches) and ended up with 3 hat-tricks over the season.  Suarez topped the goal scoring charts in the South American section of the 2014 World Cup Qualification.  10/10

Players on the periphery

Luis Alberto:  Although making his debut against Notts County in August in the Capital One Cup he failed to start in any League games, coming on as a sub in nine games with one assist.  Alberto is a technically gifted player and given his attributes his only possibility of a place is usurping either Coutinho, Sterling or Joe Allen in the midfield which at the moment looks unlikely.   His lack of experience means immediate future lies out on loan or more likely being sold.

In 13 minutes of Premier League football Joao Texieira left enough of an impression for Liverpool fans to drool over his future.  The young Portuguese playmaker displayed the touch and technique of a potentially top class player.  Interesting to see if he is sent out on loan or includes him into the first team squad.

Suso’s is a fan’s favourite and the excitement in his return ramped up a level with the success of his season-long loan to Almeria in which played a big part in keeping the struggling side in La Liga.  The gifted playmaker started in 26 games out of 33 appearances in his first full season.  He scored 3 goals and provided 7 assists.  Suso showed he has the ability to play on either flank and in the hole.  Sadly, the need for Liverpool to buy in quality signings particularly in midfield and out wide could mean that he may struggle to find a way back.

Loaned out to Sheffield United Conor Coady enjoyed a fine season, flourishing, particularly in the second-half of the season under the tutor ledge of ex-Liverpool forward Nigel Clough.  Coady, who joined the Liverpool Academy at 12, became one of the main protagonist in Sheffield United’s FA Cup run to the semi-final.   He appeared in 54 League and cup games (starting in 45) scoring 7 goals and 4 assists.  It would be a great lift for the club if another Academy graduate joins Flanagan in the first team squad.

Andre Wisdom is the most interesting of all the loaned players because he is centre-half playing at right-back and is rated very highly by Steve McClaren.  He has learnt to read the game instead of diving in rashly as he was once prone to do.   He also developed his game enough to produce 3 assists.   With the plethora of right-backs at Liverpool if he is to make it back it at his home club it will have to be as a centre-half, but it is more likely that he will be sent out on loan for another season.

It will be a surprise should Fabio Borini fail to make it back on the First Team roster unless Liverpool receive a bid to good to turn down.  Brendan Rodgers has always thought a great deal of the Italian and his success in leading the line and helping Sunderland to the Capital One Final and securing their Premier League survival with 10 goals in all competitions, will put him in position as a support to the big two.  While he may not be a top flight finisher, there is room for improvement and Borini’s good technical ability coupled with his strong work ethic make his reinclusion a positive going forward,

Jordon Ibe is the apple of his manager’s eye and it will be a surprise if he sent out on loan again as he already has the tools to make an impact in the first team.   Possesses, speed, skill and power and the confidence to match.   He was sent out on loan to Birmingham and played a crucial part in the final goal which helped keep them in the Championship.

If Daniel Agger has played his last game for Liverpool then we could have a ready-made replacement in Tiago Ilori.  He is composed and assured on the ball and has speed in abundance.  He was coolness personified in marshalling the back-line against the much vaunted Barcelona attack, helping Granada shut out Messi and co and take an unlikely win.  Ilori played nine games in all as Granada avoided relegation.

The Manager

Brendan Rodgers:  What I like about Brendan Rodgers is his courage.   The courage in his own beliefs that his way of playing is the right way.  That conviction that his players should have the skill and technique to apply his philosophy and that those same players must adopt the Liverpool way in representing the club.

The season was a difficult one.  Not only did he have to contend with the expectations as the season reached its nadir, but he led the club through the 25^th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster knowing that every word he spoke would be as a representative of the club and its supporters.   Whether he spoke after a crushing winner or a stinging loss or at the Hillsborough Memorial he upheld the traditions of the club always with dignity.

It cannot be over stressed just how important his demeanour throughout helped the players deal with the mounting expectation.   That the situation finally overhauled our ambitions was more to do with lacking experience both on and off the field than anything else i.e. patience against Chelsea and closing up shop versus Crystal Palace.  In time that should come.

The advances made by Coutinho, Flanagan, Henderson, Sterling and Sturridge are purely down to Rodgers managerial skills.   He has instilled such belief into all five that the club now have a core of young players to base our future around.  Suarez looks as happy has he has ever been or shown at the club and has continued to improve year on year.

Then there’s the Liverpool captain.   He has adopted and flourished under Rodgers ideology as the focal point steering the ship through choppy waters.  Rodgers may just have bought his captain two or three more years.
He was named League Managers’ Association (LMA) Manager of the Year.

Howard Wilkinson, the LMA chairman said upon Rodgers’ winning the award, “There can be no greater tribute to a manager and his work than a tribute awarded by his match day foes and peers.  This evening we applaud Brendan Rodgers as receives that most valuable award.

“Liverpool Football Club’s performances and results this season have produced memories of some of those momentous years in the past when they had to contend with those two United’s, the first from Leeds, the second from Manchester.

“For Liverpool and Brendan, I’m sure we all hope this season marks the beginning of a new voyage and a new era.

For me, Brendan Rodgers reminded us that Liverpool Football Club is synonymous with class both on and off the pitch and long may that continue.

He made us dream, he made us believe, but more importantly he made us proud.  9/10