With a new manager, new style of play and a new look spine to the team it wasn’t too surprising that Liverpool lost their opening day fixture. Just like Manchester United at Everton, Brendan Rodgers would have much preferred to kick off with a less testing tie at home. In fact, you could argue that the only two teams that hit the ground running were Swansea and Fulham. Chelsea were never in trouble but Wigan don’t start playing until April.
So the result will have left the Liverpool fans disappointed, but most will know that this display doesn’t have to define the season. Borini and Allen need to bed in but both showed signs of class. West Brom performed at a high tempo throughout and, especially with the second penalty, the luck went their way.
Rodgers will still need to strengthen this squad at some stage and if the opportunity arises he will add one or two more during this window. Here are three viable deals that he should do before the deadline
Clint Dempsey
A predictable inclusion in the list. He’s been touted as a future Liverpool player all summer and, now that he has effectively put in a transfer request, he is surely headed to Merseyside. Any doubts that Liverpool supporters have about Dempsey will be quickly quashed if he does sign. He is a highly intelligent and effective player who makes things happen and knows where the goal is. Dempsey brings movement, a great work ethic and goals. Enough said.
Adam Johnson
Other clubs are circling but I’m surprised that Liverpool haven’t made more of a play for this lad already. Adam Johnson is a gem and would have been a first team regular anywhere else but Middle Eastlands. He has more guile and offers much more penetration than Liverpool’s other main winger Stewart Downing. Johnson absolutely loves to take on and beat his man. He can play on either wing and his final ball is excellent. Scores goals too. Sign him up Brendan. It’s a no brainer.
Kaka
This one could go two ways. Either Kaka will price himself out of the market by demanding close to the £250k he has reportedly been earning at Real Madrid. Or, he simply loves football and wants to get his career back on track at a great club. For around £50k a week, or a pay as you play deal, Kaka would be well worth a punt in my estimations – and noone is currently banging Real’s door down to sign the player. I think he could add creative quality to Liverpool and represent a major coup.
So, would these players improve Liverpool?
Gentlelity
Aug 22, 2012 at 8:41 am
For Dempsy and johnson yes but for kaka hmmm thanks not at all
Eddie
Aug 23, 2012 at 3:19 am
For Johnson and Dempsey is good enough for Liverpool , but for kaka no point to bring him to Liverpool that all
don pascal
Aug 22, 2012 at 8:43 am
pls Rodger we need another gaol keeper
Miles
Aug 22, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Who is being incarcerated that Liverpool require a gaol keeper? A shepherd would have been more appropriate given that the Liverpool squad comprises, among others, a donkey (Carroll), , a meek lamb (Henderson), a pair of mules (Downing & Adam), a sickly puppy (Cole) and the ever-present jackasses (Carragher & Lucas).
Batfunk
Aug 22, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Lucas a jackass?!? Which Lucas is that, not the one who is a world class defensive midfielder who is a no brainer on Brazils teamsheet. Must be another guy.
Iykeman
Aug 22, 2012 at 5:30 pm
don u said we need anoda golkeeper what of the ones we have like Alex Doni, Brad jones. I have not seing Doni in our squard dis season. WHY?
Iykeman
Aug 22, 2012 at 5:37 pm
don u said we need anoda golkeeper what of the ones we have like Alex Doni, Brad jones.
Kumkatnas
Aug 22, 2012 at 8:50 am
4get kaka he can‘t deliver any more. It “ll just be a waste of money. Lfc should go for demsey, he still have more to give us.
Ian
Aug 22, 2012 at 8:52 am
Kaka???? Are you having a laugh a 30 year old injury struck player who’s best days are behind him wanting more money then any player in the Liverpool team, comming to us to play where exactly? I like Dempsey but he’s 29 or 30 and not a 10ml pound player and who is it you’re dropping to play him?
Wanson
Aug 22, 2012 at 8:58 am
I’d drop Downing in a heartbeat to play Dempsey. Not sure about Johnson, he hasn’t played much for Man City but he’s looked decent when he has. But it’s a bit easier to look good playing in a great side. Kaka? Too big a risk.
salami Oladeji
Aug 22, 2012 at 9:01 am
It will be very good
Damo
Aug 23, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Thanks Oladeji, back to sleep now!
Gladian JD
Aug 22, 2012 at 9:02 am
KAKA? Am I having an illusion or this is for real? Are you serious? It will take an angel to fly out from Rodgers’ ass to get Kaka to come to Liverpool. Be realistic. Dempsey or Johnson are the more likely arrival. Kaka…bleeding Christ.
williams simeon etete
Aug 22, 2012 at 9:02 am
its going to be a problem for us ( LFC ) because Rodgers has no mind of buying Dempsey if not the guy ( Dempsey ) could have been in the team long ago,and Adam Johnson am still in doubt if Rodgers will buy him and with other club strengthening their squad while we ( LFC ) still folding our hands and look at those club i wonder how we will make it in these season but only God knows how.
Gaz
Aug 22, 2012 at 11:41 am
I think you’ll find Rodgers does want Dempsey, but thinks that the asking price is too much and will not be held to ransom
mathew desmond
Aug 22, 2012 at 9:25 am
this formation will be gr8t renia
johnson skrtel agger enrique
gerrard kaka allen
adam dempsey suarez
subtitution:lucas,kelly,downing,borini, coates,assaidi,carragher
Dan
Aug 22, 2012 at 10:57 am
I sincerely hope you mean Adam Johnson and not Charlie Adam. Charlie Adam playing on the wing may be the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. Worse than the people calling for Rodgers to be fired after one game.
steve s
Aug 22, 2012 at 10:59 am
Your comment should be removed for including Adam in the team – especially over Lucas
Gaz
Aug 22, 2012 at 11:42 am
How can you leave out Lucas, our best player form wise and a truly world class defensive midfielder. Typical ignorant fans
the voice
Aug 22, 2012 at 12:51 pm
never mind leaving lucas out of the team , just for putting adam in your post should be removed and you banned from the website and banned from supporting LFC for life. as for kaka…… NOT IN A MONTH OF SUNDAYS PAL. he is way past his best injury prone and jose would wet himself laffin that he managed to pawn him off on the english team he hates the most.
Alex
Aug 22, 2012 at 9:32 am
I wl b vry hpy ef rodgers can bring dose playa. Bt plz 4gt abt kaka
steve s
Aug 22, 2012 at 10:59 am
Are some of the keys missing on your keyboard??
Gaz
Aug 22, 2012 at 11:43 am
My thoughts exactly
loboh goriola
Aug 22, 2012 at 9:33 am
Pls rodger dempsey and gaston remires is ok 4 us and let adam on loan if hez not ready to quit
Kamster
Aug 22, 2012 at 9:37 am
Adam or Dempsey would be great… As for this other winger called Downing, heard of him but hardly seen him, does he do anything for us other than collect his wages ???
peter
Aug 22, 2012 at 9:48 am
if liverpoolfc know what is good for them they rosh for demsy johnson and tello before the transfer close or else we will not see top four and that is the end of liverpoolfc
Gaz
Aug 22, 2012 at 11:45 am
Rosh? And Tello? That has already been rejected, we don’t need him anyway, we have Assaidi who is a proven winger, Tello is unproven
chinonso
Aug 22, 2012 at 10:04 am
buy gaston adam johnson and clint dempsey
peter
Aug 22, 2012 at 10:04 am
liverpoolfc are too slow in meking deals they will be the one to start chasine player befor u know eider man u or chelsea will take the player or even club that are not to the standard of liverpoolfc befor you wear good clouth you have to put good money befor you buy it pls go for ADAM JOHNSON. DEMSEY. TELLO and also give this boys chance to prove them self PACHECO.STARLING:and IBE they are good talented players to the club
Gaz
Aug 22, 2012 at 11:47 am
You really need to learn how to spell properly
bod
Aug 22, 2012 at 10:07 am
none of them – dempsey too old and overpriced – johnson too slow – kaka past it
Y-Nodad
Aug 22, 2012 at 1:04 pm
If you watched last year and before that, for England, Gerrard and Johnson love playing together and they work well with one another and for me any one who gerrard can link up with well should be signed. I think if we got Ramirez and Dempsey it would make this a successful transfer window for us
DaveWestAus
Aug 22, 2012 at 10:31 am
Johnson is a backward step,he is’n’t good enough for what LFC require! he’s done very little in the past and that’s why he does’n’t get a game at Man.City!
Olumide
Aug 22, 2012 at 4:07 pm
How on earth ll you say such a thing about Adam Johnson? Like you ve not seen him play in years. Mancini is only a poor coach to have chosen Milner ahead of Johnson. Lfc should go for Adam Johnson and Clint Dempsey. And then take ds formatn: Reina, G. Johnson, sketel, Agger, Enrique. Lucas, Gerrard, Allen. A. Johnson, Dempsey, Suarez. Dempsey is a quality goal getter and ll surely respond to the creative works of suarez and A.
Johnson.
Ibrahim
Aug 22, 2012 at 11:02 am
Definetly there are going to improve liverpool style of play
Nigel
Aug 22, 2012 at 11:07 am
Wait until 10pm deadline day for Dempsey cos the guy has played his hand at fulham now by refusing to play in pre season. Around £5m is a steal for a player who is what we need- determined- work rate- team work- goals- strength. Adam Johnson is quality. Only because of nasri, silva et al that he can’t push into that first Xi. £10m well spent and should give downing plenty to think about. Would love to see gaston Ramirez at lfc too. Young, skilful and may link with Suarez perfectly. If Carroll leaves then we do need a finisher big time. If spurs buy Leandro damiao I would definitely go for Defoe. Realistic target. Quick. Knows where the goal is and wants to play. But they usually come at a premium unless you are the Newcastle scouts! They found two gems in ba and cisse! But that’s my main 3 attacking choices for this windown- Dempsey for under £7m. Adam Johnson and Ramirez. The 4th is Defoe if spurs add damiao to adebayour.
Reina
G.johnson Skrtel. agger Enrique
Gerrard. Allen
Dempsey/Ramirez
A.johnson* Ramirez/Suarez**
Suarez/Defoe ***
*ramirez/Suarez/Assaidi/dempsey
** a.johnson/Assaidi
*** Dempsey
Gaz
Aug 22, 2012 at 11:52 am
Where’s Lucas, our world class defensive midfielder in this line up. You do realise we need a defensive midfielder in the 4-3-3 line up and neither Gerrard nor Allen fit into that category. We need Lucas in our starting XI.
BoBo
Aug 22, 2012 at 11:21 am
Why is that downing and adam still wearing liverpool jesey? Must brendan wait for another year so that he will be thrown out the door together with these two clowns?
Why brendan isn’t trying to sign ramirez?
If cheap players can bring the team to be champion then many of those bottom clubs would had became champion years ago!
samuel
Aug 22, 2012 at 11:55 am
liverpool go for gaston ramiriz and nuri sahin and and dawson and adam johnson wit dis player premire league is our own
James
Aug 22, 2012 at 12:10 pm
Our starting XI is pretty damn good, but our squad depth is absolutely woeful and may well be one of the worst in the league (similar to Everton). To compete with the six other teams that finished above us, we would need another striker, winger, attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, left back, centre back (or right back and move Kelly to his favoured centre back) and a ‘keeper!
Bare in mind we have more games this season with the Europa League and the fact we have offloaded more players than we’ve brought in, and things do not look good at all. Too many players have no decent competition for their starting place (Gerrard, Lucas, Enrique, Reina, Skrtel, Agger etc), which allows for severe loss of form (think Enrique and Adam last season), plus players will burn out with too many games (especially with Thursday night games) and thats not even accounting for inevitable injuries and the extra injuries that will occur through playing too many games.
Without severe investment in squad players from FSG, Liverpool will not start to climb the table.
I honestly cannot believe Brendan Rodgers is so irresponsible that he would leave it until this late in the transfer window to be still needing to bolster his squad, especially considering the number of players he has let go and that fact that this season is probably the most important of his managerial career.
I am still hopeful we can bring in a few players (even if all our loanee targets have declined the chance to join us). Like I say our starting XI is great, and will get us a long way, but XI players can only get you so far in if you end up playing 50+ games in a season. FSG need to dig deeper, if they wish to see the progression they keep talking of.
Isaac
Aug 22, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Johnson, ramirez and dempsey bingo
Chris
Aug 22, 2012 at 12:30 pm
I just seen someone used Adam, Dempsey and Suarea as a front three. Charlie Adam on the wing? Get real he isn’t even good enough to sit on our sub bench if you ask me. He should be sold. Someone also mentioned about if we got Kaka, having a three in midfield involving Allen, Gerrard and Kaka.. Get to doctors mate. Why would Lucas be left out of midfield? He is just as vital as gerrard the days. I would say sign Adamn Johnson, Dempsey and get that young birmingham keeper! Maybe even take a look at Gaston Ramierez?
Chris
Aug 22, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Nigel you know what you are talking about mate. Defoe would be a good realistic signing for us. We should snap him up. He would be the kind of player to thrive of all the chances we create. He would score about 20 a year with all our chances.
the voice
Aug 22, 2012 at 1:09 pm
you lot are missing one key ingredient in all your lists of players that you want, which part of WE NEED A STRIKER THAT CAN SCORE 20 GOALS A SEASON do none of you understand , we have enuf midfielders in all positions i agree that adam,downing, cole have to go and possibly loan spearing , so it is time to buy the goalscoring machine we need,dont ask me who cos i dont know and im sure you’ll reply with plenty of choice but it has to be someone who fits lfc and wants to play for us cos rodgers will not be held to ransom on wages and fees.
YNWA JFT96
kazeem
Aug 22, 2012 at 1:42 pm
pls y hvnt we signd dempsey
ficky
Aug 22, 2012 at 1:57 pm
if rodgers can sign adam johnson 4rm man city nd dempsy of fulham…i tink dat wil ad 2 ur patern of playin nd dey wil yield us positve reslts…plz chnge reina he is addin salt 2 ur wound
bubbles
Aug 22, 2012 at 1:58 pm
As much as people think Lucas is a brilliant player, he is just average in an average team (Adam, Spearing, Carroll, Hendo, Downing, Borini and Lucas himself). There is no quality in the squad except maybe Suarez, Stevie G is past it. So, face it people, its a bottom half squad which no one wants to join but some of former Swansea players, and we no why.
bubbles
Aug 22, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Kevin Miralls was available and boast a prolific record if u ask me, but Kenny Rodgers only wants Swansea players, he goes for Borini whose record is as bad as Carroll’s. £10+ m for Borini whose goal return is that of Carroll’s compared to about £5m for Mirallas who banged 20+ plus goals the season before. An average manager signing average players for an average team. Nothing sacres the opposition at LFC except Suarez.Top four, really? More of bottom four. If Man U, Man C, Spurs, Newcastle, Everton and Chelsea were reduced to 10 man in the first 15 minutes against West Brom, i very expect them to hold their own and win the match.
Batfunk
Aug 22, 2012 at 6:20 pm
Stop talking sh&t. Lucas would not make the Brazil team consistently if he was average. Bottom 4? Just shows your obvious hatred of LFC. Get real and grow up.
Onas
Aug 22, 2012 at 2:14 pm
The facts is that we need to get back to top four this season so therefore we need a striker that can score at least 2goals in every match,signing dempsey will be a great advantage for us,he always like to net in every match.as for the midfield iwant rodger to give allen and locas chance to blend with each other steven gerrard is getting older.and for the defense we are the best for now.agger should pen down for lfc and manager should sign adam johnson to surport dempsey upfront with this we can move back to top four and win trophies this season.
Ahmadi
Aug 22, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Yes this is our last chance to be in top four. We have to sign with at least with two Kaka & Adam. Come on rodger please sign with them immmediately. We dont want to see big players every 4 years.
kuye mutiu
Aug 22, 2012 at 2:58 pm
RODGER. SELL CARROL AND BUY NEW FINISHER STRIKER.
Hamza adamu
Aug 22, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Lfc need to have a goalkeeper whos better than reina
legunsen tayo
Aug 22, 2012 at 3:14 pm
downing shld nt b on d bench he is nt gud enuf we nid a striker who can score 20-25 goals. I blive in rodgers
jason
Aug 22, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Think some of you are clueless and the rest are like sheep. One person says Kaka is no good and the rest just follow. Kaka can bring a lot to the table, liverpool should be approaching Real about him. We need Dempsey and Gaston and Sahin
mclis
Aug 22, 2012 at 3:34 pm
I felt that we created a lot of chances, in the first half of the WBROM game. However, our finishing was woeful. What does that tell you? We need goalsorers. I think Clint Dempsey and Gaston Ramirez would be ideal players, to add to our lineup. Dempsey is a proven goalscorer and Ramirez is a talented midfielder, who likes to go forward, create chances and score goals. I would love too see both of them in a REDS uniform.
Stephodazzle
Aug 22, 2012 at 3:46 pm
I believe Adam Jonhson, Clint Dempsy, and kaka will be a better player at anfiled if only Rogers can sign these players. Liverpool have been mentioning Adam jonhson several years without a solid move. If liverpool realy want to be in top four this season, they should realy act in this transfer window before it close. I can’t wisthand this shame any longer amidst my friends. YNWA.
DUBLIN
Aug 22, 2012 at 4:05 pm
What we need is adam johnson Α̲̅πϑ dempsy +ramirez Α̲̅πϑ sell caroll Α̲̅πϑ buy a ĠõõD striker dzeko or defoe
King
Aug 22, 2012 at 4:21 pm
What we need now is good wingers and a good distributor in midfield like dempsey.adam johnson and gaston remirez will be a good addition to the squard but dnt forget that rodgerz should gve our young talents chanse to play and also gve another goal stoper chance coz Reina is not getting it alright.
Benji
Aug 22, 2012 at 4:22 pm
We’ll 4 lfc I tink dempsey kaka and a-johson should help liverpool end we’ll this season considering the number of competitions we are in
Afe alex
Aug 22, 2012 at 4:38 pm
I tink kaka,gerrard,suarez,dempsey,downing,allen,glen johnson,enrique,skrtel,aggar,raine sub doni,coate,lucas,adam charlie,johnson adam,cole,sterling,borini,carrol wil be a gud team dat lfc wil ve
hoyehbahmhihji
Aug 22, 2012 at 5:25 pm
let’s b realistic wif our comment mad abt lfc anyway to ma own perspectv wat liverpool need is sharp striker; attackin midflder and dfindin midflder to suit rodgers pattern of playin; as for m if i happn to b lfc coach, i’ll quickly go for dempzy,ramirez n defeo…
Dillon
Aug 22, 2012 at 5:53 pm
Johnson Coates Agger Enrique ……………………………………………………………….Lucas………Shelvey…………..Saurez………..Gerrard………Sterling…………………….Carrol …………………..
Dillon
Aug 22, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Sorry that didn’t come out right
Rob2604
Aug 22, 2012 at 6:02 pm
Think of the shirt sales for Dempsey and Kaka. The three of them would fit right into the team but who will score us the goals. Who will be the 20 – 25 goals per season man ??? Thays my worry, we need an out and out scorer and for me at this moment – Lets get Defoe.
Nunny
Aug 22, 2012 at 6:10 pm
For me it has to be Johnson and Defoe as the priorities but if available Dempsey is a good player and would add to the squad. Please go and get them all three want a move and are hungry to get their careers back on track!
Steve Sanderson
Aug 22, 2012 at 6:21 pm
If we are going to spend in the region on 10 mil on dempsey i would put another 4 towards it and go after llorente!! apparently inter have agreed a deal for 14million……where were we when this was happening???? we need another goalscorer, we cant just rely on suarez
Divine
Aug 22, 2012 at 6:35 pm
I think the player livpooal need out this three players is Dempsey. He 29 but have alot to deliver and he is skilful, good in dribbling, have nice shot, have eye for goal and as a matter of fact, can fit in B/R tiki taki. YNWA
reaz peerojee
Aug 22, 2012 at 6:59 pm
get k k & flacao
Esskay
Aug 22, 2012 at 7:03 pm
I want kaka 2 come en caroll 2 go
leornard
Aug 22, 2012 at 8:03 pm
thy are al creative experienced and talented players. i cnt wait to c thm in action at anfield….
LFChmmm
Aug 22, 2012 at 8:21 pm
Liverpool need the following
Hangeland
Dempsey
Johnson
Sahin
Ramirez
and Kaka
ben-afa
Aug 22, 2012 at 9:53 pm
ðë best lineup doni,johnson,Agger,skyr,Enrinque,Lucas,Allen,Ramirez,suarez,Dempsy,Adam johnson
Mmozzes
Aug 22, 2012 at 10:13 pm
We need acreative midfielder like kaka en dempsey….suarez should play wide
swoosh
Aug 22, 2012 at 10:38 pm
so now everybody’s picking allen over lucas…what is happening to football
Kangeyan Ramachandran
Aug 23, 2012 at 3:20 am
Roger Brendan ..Pls go and get 2 players from any of this country Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal. This players can play hard and quite skill ful. Not to mention their work rate. These guys can play 3 games in a week I mean every week.
Look at Newcastle team the 3 players control the whole team.
makk
Aug 23, 2012 at 4:19 am
Hulk , good goal scorere , buy a good player n finish
Kamal yusuf
Aug 23, 2012 at 4:51 am
Please brenden Rodgers we need Adam Johnson so much because we don’t ve winglest expecially apsent of Kuyt nd bellemy. Y.N.W.A
leta
Aug 23, 2012 at 6:00 am
i think kaka is better than adam ,kaka is more creative and skillful than adam no question
Abdulai bah
Aug 23, 2012 at 7:07 am
Let try to come with dempsey to play with suarez before window close.
Ron
Aug 23, 2012 at 8:17 am
Forget them all and let’s bring Alonso back with a striker that gets at least 25 goals a season. We’re playing 1-2-8….