So we’re continuing with our summer feature, where we talk about the options for right midfield next season, along with deciding which option is the best.
Option A: Dirk Kuyt
Our hard-working, never-say-die, pops up at the right moment, striker-turned-winger that we signed from Dutch side Feyenoord. Already became part of the Liverpool family with him never ever showing that he wanted to leave throughout hard times and helping us to score crucial goals.
Remember the hat-trick against Manchester United? A special moment that we won’t forget for a long time. What he brings to the team, well, a defensive bite on the attacking end, he will continually harass and disturb the defenders, often forcing them to misplace the pass or lose the ball. Wonderful at the penalty spot with a 100% record for Liverpool, brilliant technique. He’s Dirk Kuyt.
Option B: Maxi Rodriguez
He can play on both flanks and he absolutely showed his potential on a good day with a sparkling end to last season, where he managed to nab two consecutive hat-tricks, both coming from left-wing. Great with a dribble, good technique with a shot, and even a wonderful header to his name, especially given his height.
Although getting older, he causes havoc with his marauding runs where he cuts in, although the thing is that he potentially cuts in way too often, leaving us a) bare on the wings and b) not using that space on the wings. By bare on the wings, I talk about it defensive wise, where the opponent would then have space to break. By not using that space, I mean that he doesn’t deliver too many crosses into the box, something that we need with Carroll in the team.
Option C: Joe Cole
A horrible season for the Englishman, and he may even be leaving in the summer, but he’s still an option nonetheless. Definitely needs to work on his pace, as he seems awfully slow these days and that seems to be one of his key weak points. Scored a lucky goal on the back end of last season, and if he stays, he needs to do more than that.
The desire, the skills, he’s hugely capable of performing, and I think it’s confidence and match fitness in which he has been lacking in, so well, don’t put your money on him succeeding next season, but it’s still a possibility. Who knows? It’s football, remember?
Option D: Transfer
A bit of transfer activity and well, Payet is no longer an option anymore with him signing for Lille. But this potentially allows some room for tinkering for Eden Hazard, a Lille player himself. Hazard could have very much be brought in as his replacement in the summer, so that’s possible. Although tons of clubs would be jostling for him, and he would be fetched for a very high price.
I think that a more realistic target would be Manchester City outcast Adam Johnson. Although there is a chance they might not sell to Liverpool, there is as much chance that they will. He is surplus to requirements at Eastlands and would be welcomed at Liverpool. Lots of trickery and speed, he could just prove to be a wonderful buy.
My Best Option
It was a close decision for me, it was down to Dirk Kuyt and Adam Johnson, but I decided to go for Adam Johnson. Reason being that, with Andy Carroll around, we need more accurate crossers of the ball. Johnson could provide Liverpool with just that, and he certainly knows how to beat his man.
Submitted by Two Liverpool Fans
