Liverpool FC has a bright future.
That sense of optimism a lot of Liverpool fans felt going into the Arsenal game, Manchester City, Newcastle, and earlier Manchester United owes credit to the effect Dalglish has on not only the club and his players, but also the fans. In the same way that he has forged a complete turnaround within the club, his optimism, desire to win and undying passion for the club has lifted the spirits of the fans – and rightly so. I feel I can speak for us all when I say there’s not a team in the league we wouldn’t fancy beating. The passion and commitment shown by the players on the field has been fantastic.
Fielding a severely ‘weakened’ side at the Emirates, Arsenal failed to do much in terms of creative attacking play. Robinson, Liverpool’s youngest ever first team player, putting in a wonderful performance at left back. Upon Aurelio’s injury and the introduction of Robinson, Theo Walcott found himself marked out of the game. A late appearance from Jonjo Shelvey meant there were three teenagers fielded by the reds, and Flanagan who has been largely present since the untimely injury of the talented young Martin Kelly has also shined.
Later than that, the reds let loose in the 3-0 demolition of financial giants Manchester City. Andy Carroll showing us what he can do with two sweet goals, and a great performance from the on-form Kuyt resulted in a goal of his own. A brief slip up at a rejuvenated West Brom looked as though we’d passed up another great opportunity, but since then we have scored 12 goals in 4 games, conceding only one at the Emirates – a penalty albeit. We currently sit at 5th place, a remarkable achievement considering the diabolical start we had under Roy Hodgson.
Not only should the youngsters and Dalglish be given credit for their great performances, but Steve Clarke’s work with the defence has been evident. Looking substantially more solid, only a penalty causing a lapse in a great run of defensive form, it looks like a great future can be looked forward to in the defensive quartet of the Liverpool squad. I personally struggle to decide if I’d have Flanagan or Kelly playing first choice right back! I deviate to the latter slightly, and would much rather see Johnson fill in on the left.
Besides these young revelations, Jay Spearing is enjoying a vein of good form in the absence of Stevie G, in a passionate and commanding attempt to fill the captain’s shoes. Recognising the commitment and aggression of the youngster, Spearing has been awarded a new contract and has committed his future to the club.
“We think he will be part of the future of the club, which is why we rewarded him with a new contract,” said Damien Comolli on Spearing – clearly stating the direction the club is taking.
The policy put in place by Liverpool owners states that money will only be used to sign players in positions where there is not already strong youth coming through. This is great news for the youth academy, which seems to be more important than ever before. Furthermore, the owners have stated that it will be an important summer for Liverpool, perhaps a few big signings are on the cards? Rumours state that Dalglish will be given between 50 and 65 million pounds to spend, so it certainly seems to me that owners are about as relentless as they could ever be (without being as stupid as the blue half of Manchester).
Personally, I can’t wait until next season. Ideally with Dalglish at the head, a strengthened squad with a new winger, some talented youngsters on the field and on the bench, some of the dead weight and over-paid players shipped out. I’m looking at you Joe Cole. Liverpool is taking a direction I have never seen the club take before.
So I repeat myself, the future is bright.
A few words from a former captain and club legend:
“Keep supporting – I will support the team for the rest of my life.” – Sami Hyypia.’
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