With more "outs" than "ins" expected this summer. Liverpool could potentially move on what could be seen as a full starting XI. The departure of some players will be more straightforward than others. However, a few as you will see yourselves are more debatable. Let me know on Twitter if you agree with me or not. Thanks for Reading @Anfield Europe.
1. Brad Jones.
Ever since Brad Joined Liverpool in 2010 he has only averaged just over 5 games a season (27). The Australian never really seems to push the goalkeeper a head of him enough in order to make the number one spot his own, whether it was Pepe Reina or now Simon Mignolet. It's kind of like he's become comfortable in this role. Therefore, for his own playing career he would probably benefit from a new challenge. Although Mignolet has improved massively since Christmas, Brendan needs to freshen up this position in the summer in order to offer more competition.
2. José Enrique.
A popular member of the squad. However, unfortunately not for footballing reasons. José has failed to find the form he enjoyed prior to his injury. José Enrique's wages are far too high for what he contributes to the team. Lazar Marković and even Raheem Sterling have been preferred to Enrique to what is his natural position. With young Alberto Moreno looking to hold down a regular first team spot at left full back times up for the Fifa fanatic, instagram posing, table tennis loving Spaniard.
3. Sebastián Coates.
Another players' career halted by injuries is Sebastián Coates. The young Uruguayan will only be remembered for one moment during his 4 year Liverpool career; his wonder goal against QPR in 2012. Now up at Sunderland on loan, where he has failed to make an impact is almost certain to be moved on his summer.
4. Glen Johnson.
Glen has just recently come back into the fold and hasn't played that badly to be honest. However, on the whole he hasn't really been at his best for a couple of years now and with his extortionate wages which the club are paying him, a move abroad, with Italy being his probable destination is on the cards. Moreover, this position is also top of Brendan's priorities to be strengthened this summer & with young Jon Flanagan & even Jordan Ibe back fit and well, both are able to slot into the right wing back position with ease, Glen's services will be no longer required.
5. Kolo Toure.
Kolo is a popular player amongst most Liverpool fans. However, I don't fully trust him. At a club like Liverpool I can't argue the case to keep a centre back solely because of his experience. If he isn't technically good enough, a contract extension can't be justified or deserved. Liverpool will have at their disposal three "experienced" centre backs in Skrtel, Lovren & Sako. Also with young Can excelling in this position, I don't think we will need him anymore. Moreover, Brendan will be having a look at Tiago Llori and Andre Wisdom's development and most likely bring back at least one of them back to Melwood.
6. Steven Gerrard.
I wish Steven Gerrard the very best in his new venture in America. However, let it be a brief one. There is still a lot of work to be done in Liverpool for the Huyton lad. Steven Gerrard, will return to Liverpool Football Club, although, at present it's unknown in what capacity, but he will. Steven Gerrard, is more than just a footballer to this city and as my banner says; he is "one of a kind".
7. Luis Alberto.
I've never really understood why we signed Luis Alberto and paid nearly 7 million for a young lad who only had a half decent season for Barcelona B in Spain's second tier. Obviously, he was a risk buy and our scouting network must have thought he had the potential to become the next Xabi Alonso or something. Sadly, the lad was a flop and a permanent move back to Spain is on the cards.
8. Lago Aspas.
I don't want to be too hard on him but this lad is terrible. Another failure for our scouting network, looking to sign the "next big thing". Lago made his name at Celta B and only played one year in La Liga. Certainly, not any anywhere near Liverpool FC standards. Adios!
9. Javier Manquillo.
Manquillo, again, is another example of Liverpool scouring La liga for future stars and falling flat on their feet. Just like Aspas and Alberto, Manquillo came with very little experience at the highest level. He has been given a chance at Liverpool but failed to put in exceptional performances in order for him to nail down a regular starting spot in Rodgers' starting XI. Manquillo is about to finish his first season of a two year loan deal which includes an option to buy after the first year. Obviously the fee and his wages would be an issue. However, buying him, after what we have seen of him so far would be unlikely and like I mentioned before this position is looking to be strengthened shortly either by young Jon Flango or even a new signing. Javier would be pushed back in the pecking order. Nevertheless, if Javier doesn't request Liverpool to cancel his loan deal so that Athletico could recall him, we may be forced to stick with the young Spaniard until his loan deal runs out in 2016.
10. Mario Balotelli.
Where do I start with Mario Balotelli? I could write a full piece just on Mario and he's only been here a few months. Therefore, this one has to be done in bullet form:
- Chooses when he wants to play, even when he gets passed fit by the Liverpool medical staff.
- Gets ill too often.
- A Lazy trainer.
- Was disrespectful to Jordan Henderson by not allowing him to take a penalty. (Jordan was the captain that day against Besiktas)
- Doesn't have the right attitude to be a footballer never mind a Liverpool Striker.
- Uses social media to post cringing and unprofessional videos.
- Doesn't help the team on the pitch. Not only from his inability to score goals but by not tracking back enough or pressing when we don't have the ball.
Mario wasn't wanted by Rodgers in the first place and was offered to him just before the season was about to start. Brendan Rodgers had to choose between him and Eto'o after previous efforts to sign other strikers to replace Luis Suarez failed.
11. Fabio Borini.
The only attribute Borini posseses is he's a grafter and when given the chance he'll put in a shift and play with determination and aggression (abit too much against Arsenal!). However, when we're 2-1 down or drawing 0-0, is a hard working striker who doesn't really have an eye for goal the solution? No, we need a forward who we know is going to give us a goal or change the dynamics of the team positively when he enters the field of play. Brendan's first or second changes need to be players who just miss out on the first XI and if we could play with 12 or 13 they would be on the pitch from the start. Borini is no where near good enough to start upfront for Liverpool which consequently explains the lack of joy from the fans when he comes on. We never hear cries from the Kop such as, "bring Borini on" or "is right, here comes Fabio, we'll be alright now". It's more like "Here comes Borini" or slightly harsher "what's Borini going to do?" This can't the case at Liverpool. Brendan has to be bringing players on who can score, turn the game around that can pose an immediate threat. Sadly, Fabio Borini doesn't have anything to offer in order to carry on being a Liverpool player.
@Anfieldeurope
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