Premier League Preview – Will Brendan Rodgers’ Philosophy Finally Pay Off For Liverpool?

Brendan Rodgers’ first season in charge was never going to yield the sort of success that Liverpool fans expect, but now that the Northern Irishman has built the foundations of his team, there is no reason why the Reds can’t be challenging for a place in the top four.

Rodgers’ January signings made a huge impact on the team’s performances, with Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho sharing 14 goals and 12 assists. Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto will bring more attacking flair to a Liverpool team that will be without Luis Suarez for the first six games of the season. There have been no official bids for the Uruguayan since Arsenal’s £30m offer in July and Liverpool fans will be desperate to keep him, despite his previous misdemeanours.

Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was brought in at the start of the transfer window as Pepe Reina’s replacement. The Spaniard was shipped out on loan to Napoli, apparently without knowledge of the move until the deal was done. Rodgers has also added experienced centre back Kolo Toure and he should bring some sturdiness to the Liverpool defence.

Liverpool will find it easy to keep the ball and score goals, but lack defensive organisation and Brendan Rodgers will have to change that in order for his team to compete with the best this season.

Prediction: 5^th.

 Thomas Baxter