Liverpool FC - A Fresh Start

Merely 7 years ago, Liverpool were celebrating being crowned Champions of Europe. But 7 years on from possibly Liverpool's finest achievement in their illustrious history, the Reds hit a rough patch and failed to recover. Big names left, which contributed to the rapid fall of one of the worlds most prestigious clubs. But by ending their 6 year wait for a trophy in February last year, things may well be looking up for the Merseyside club. With exciting young Northern Irish manager Brendan Rodgers taking the reigns at Anfield, there is a new belief surrounding the Liverpool camp. But the question is; can Liverpool re-establish their status as one of the world’s biggest clubs?

New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers would be looking
to transform LIverpool's recent fortunes

There is no doubt that Liverpool have been in turmoil for the last 3-4 years. Despite nearly snatching the Barclays Premier League title in the 2008/2009 season, ever since the Reds have plummeted down the table to the extent that they have become the laughing stock of English football. Despite ending their 6 year trophy less run in February, Liverpool endured yet another disappointing season, in which they finished in 8th place, behind their local rivals Everton. Every single year since their second place finish in 2009 Liverpool have been tipped for big things, and they have always managed to fail miserably, which enforces the fact that Liverpool’s stay at the top of English football has ended.

Last year in particular was meant to end the many years of hurt, with big money being thrashed about on the additions of Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing. However in exclusion of Luis Suarez, the 4 others failed to impress in the way they were expected to, meaning Liverpool went through another terrible season. It could be argued that Liverpool simply do not possess the same threat that they used to, meaning opposing teams are not afraid of them anymore. With Anfield also not being the fortress it used to be, it can be argued that it will be a considerable amount of time until Liverpool can finally breakthrough and establish themselves as one of England's best once again.

But Brendan Rodgers's appointment really does excite me and Liverpool fans alike. I've been really impressed with the success he's delivered at Swansea, transforming them from a mediocre Championship club to a mid table Premiership club. His attractive, passing style of football will suit the likes of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard to the core, and this is very encouraging. Getting the very best out of your top players is the key to success, and if this is done by the exciting 'Tika taka' football that Brendan Rodgers favours, then Liverpool may well return to the top very soon.


The capture of Fabio Borini is extremely encouraging for
Liverpool supporters

Liverpool's spending power may also prove to be pivotal in propelling them back to a top 4 club. If the money is spent wisely and not out of proportion like last year, Liverpool will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with. Rodgers has already secured the services of the promising Italian forward Borini, whose style of football matches the Tika taka style that Rodgers is implementing. Borini also has the capabilities to not only score goals, but more importantly provide Luis Suarez with the firepower he needs to score regularly in similar fashion to when he does for Uruguay and formerly at Ajax. With more big signings expected to be announced in the not too distant future, this added firepower and depth may just provide Liverpool with the quality needed to break back into the top 4 and subsequently qualify for the Champions League, something they have not accomplished for 3 years.

Personally, regardless of the circumstances that have haunted Liverpool in previous years, I think that this season may well be the turning point for the football club. The acquisition of Rodgers as boss is extremely positive, as he is shown in the past that he is one of the most promising young managers in the foot balling world. His free flowing style of football that he likes his teams to play will in my opinion suit Liverpool and bring the best out of the players they already have in their possession, which is why I believe that Liverpool will have what it takes to stop the rot and surge back up the table. With the addition of a couple more signings, preferably wingers with pace to burn, I think that Liverpool will find themselves back in the top 4 and challenging for major honours within the next couple of years.

Follow me on twitter: @JamesStroud1995