Premier League: Liverpool’s best XI from present squad: Part 1, Defence
The 2010-2011 Premier League season is about to begin and the transfer window is about to close in about 4 weeks time. With a possible takeover at hand, it seems that Liverpool will be making some last minute adjustments to their squad, with money from billionaire Kenneth Huang backed (Hong Kong based) QSL Sports Ltd.
However, if the deal does not go ahead, Roy Hodgson will have to go ahead with the team he already has, and the few players he has signed over the summer.
While some players are packing to leave, the new ones are trying to settle in. The Argentinean team’s captain and star midfielder Javier Mascherano is expected to leave and join Inter Milan. Still, there is talent arriving at Liverpool with the arrival of Serbian Milan Jovanovic and a couple of youngsters.
Presented here is a list of players that will make it to the first team of Liverpool in the coming season with a strategy of 4-3-2-1.
Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina
He has the honour of winning the Premier League Golden Glove and enjoys popular support at Anfield. He was also in Spain’s World Cup winning squad, though with keepers like Victor Valdes and Iker Casillas, it was always going to be very difficult for him to star in the starting line-up, not because of lack of skill, but because the team is too star-studded.
The 27 year old shot stopper has an amazing 17 goalless matches. His fast reflexes and swiftness categorize the player amongst the best goalkeepers in the world.
Glen Johnson: Right Back
The English International is evolving into a better player day by day. He even elevated himself as the first choice of England in the defence department in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The 26 year old has played in the EPL for 8 years now and in four different teams. His evolution in the league was imminent, with the level of commitment he has always shown. The player possesses sharp passing abilities through the midfield which gives him the edge in counterattacks.
Jamie Carragher: Centre Back
Though the 32 year old Jamie Carragher did not have a very good last season, he nevertheless is considered to be among the veterans of the league and can deliver on demand; therefore, he can’t be excluded from Liverpool’s best.
He is also the vice captain of Liverpool and, like Gerrard, has a major influence over his players. He is a fearless defender and has often proven himself as the lone man to stop an invasion.
Martin Skrtel: Centre Back
Another young defender that will have a ripe future at Anfield is Martin Skrtel. The 25 year old Slovakian played brilliantly in the World Cup. Though he had injury problems in the last season, he has always been a consistent player at Anfield.
Progressing both internationally and with the club, he is definitely going to help Liverpool in their times of trouble. He also pledged his loyalty to the Kop when all other players were set to leave the club.
Daniel Agger: Left back
The young Danish player is considered by many as the best replacement for a left back; chances are he will be the one that will star in the first line-up. Liverpool is currently facing a crisis in the left back department.
They were trying to attain Manchester City’s Wayne Bridge, but negotiations fell apart over transfer issues related to funds. They were looking forward for some other options too especially after left back Fabio Aurelio’s contract expired. Now that they haven’t found a new option, they have resigned him, though they are still in the market scouring.
This seems like the perfect timing for the youngsters to step in, and it is expected that they will. With the change in Football Association rules of having at least 8 home-grown players, more youngsters will be seen in the season this year.
Agger has to prove himself at this position, though, but with his fearsome strikes and tight defence, he can easily establish himself as a regular on this spot.
Tags: