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Czwartek, 28 marca, 2024   I   12:26:25 PM EST   I   Anieli, Kasrota, Soni

Defense Key for Liverpool Next Season

08 sierpnia, 2014

With the loss of Luiz Suarez to Spanish giants Barcelona, question have arose whether or not the outfit of Anfield can make do without such a talisman. His 31 goal haul in the 2013/2014 Premier League season firmly established that the Uruguayan hitman is Europe\'s finest forward at the moment. There are only a handful of players could replace Suarez\'s goals, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have been long since settled at their current clubs, with wages and consistent Champions League football easily guaranteed.

Simply, Liverpool can not replace Luiz Suarez with one or even two forwards. His ability to finish, dribble, create, and force errors among the opposition defense is almost second to none in Europe. He will be sorely missed no matter who comes in to try to replace his presence. Indeed, Daniel Sturridge and Ricky Lambert are not enough anyway to carry the club through this season, as now they have Champions League football, as well as a strengthened Premier League, to contend with. Another striker should be purchased, however it most definitely will not have Suarez-esque ramifications. Therefore Liverpool need to look to other areas of the squad to improve.

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That area has to be the defense. Even though Liverpool scored the most goals as runner-up in the Premier League era, it also conceded 50 goals last season. The champions, Manchester City, conceded 14 goals less. Ultimately it was this defense that was their undoing last season, highlighted by the 3-3 draw on one of the final matchdays against Crystal Palace. Improving the stability has to be a priority for Manager Brendan Rogers, since a Suarez-less Liverpool is sure to score significantly less the next season, no matter who they bring in. Thus, the most sensible option would be to significantly lower the goals conceded. A defender like Mats Hummels or Mehdi Benatia would go a long way to marshall the fragile backline. A competitor to goalkeeper Simon Mignolet would also be required, since Pepe Reina is now off to Bayern Munich. Lastly, reinforcing the right back position, where Glen Johnson resides, would offer a more balanced defensive setup for the Reds.

Replacing Luiz Suarez is nigh on impossible. If Liverpool can\'t score more goals as a result, lower the goals conceded.

michael skok sport editor poland.usMichael Skok
Football Editor for
Polish-American Portal www.Poland.us
More on: www.mikesgoal.com