James Milner and Danny Ings, positive signings for Liverpool FC?

Liverpool new boys; Milner left, Ings right

Today, Liverpool FC have confirmed the signing of Danny Ings on a free transfer, subject to compensation, a deal that follows another free transfer signing, James Milner. Both will join the club on July 1^st when the summer transfer window opens.

In a summer where Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has to get every signing absolutely right with no margin for error, it seems his first two deals are fairly safe ones. Milner, a steady performer, who brings a wealth of Premier League experience and Ings a pacey young player with potential in a position that needs improving most, up front.

There have already been wholesale changes to the backroom staff at the club as they look to change their fortunes following a rather drab season that petered out with two embarrassing defeats to Crystal Palace, Steven Gerrard’s Anfield fairwell, and Stoke. Rodgers’ two main right hand men Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh are the first of many (should we believe the media) to be given the boot by the Liverpool hierarchy, but have remained faithful to Rodgers himself, however I feel this is a final warning. A poor start to next season could be curtains.

Another thing that is blindingly obvious is that Rodgers needs help in the transfer market with recruitment and negotiation. Last summer we paid premium prices for average players. £26m for Adam Lallana and £20m for Lazar Markovic among others when in the same transfer market Toni Kroos, one of the worlds most coveted midfielders who had just won the World Cup, was bought by Real Madrid for between £20-25m. Unbelievable. Liverpool need to follow models of clubs such as Atletico Madrid and Juventus who have spent a fraction of the money Liverpool who spent in recent years but have had far more success. Dejan Lovren, Lallana, Markovic and Mario Ballotelli were bought for around the same money it cost Juventus to assemble their starting 11 in the Champions League final on Saturday, £85m.  When you look as figures like this, it’s obvious where Liverpool are deficient. If other clubs in Europe had Liverpool’s wealth, they would be challenging on all fronts.

However, Milner and Ings do provide an improvement to the squad with little money spent which in my mind is positive.

James Milner

With Liverpool facing their first season post Gerrard, it is important to at least replace his experience and Premier League know how, as replacing his ability will be almost impossible. Milner provides this without commanding a fee, a safe option; he’s hardly an exciting signing or a player that will get you off your seat, but a good one. I’d much rather him in the team than Joe Allen or Lucas.

In his Man City career he was an underrated player (who wouldn’t be next to David Silva and Sergio Aguero) that grafted and did the leg work that allowed these players among others to shine.  A midfield with Milner in allowed players such as Yaya Toure and David Silva more of a free role to win matches, knowing that Milner would cover them. His work ethic for the team was to be admired but was never fully appreciated by certain fans. Many Man City fans would tell you how good he was, deceptively good technical ability and a turn of pace to beat a man, who was a useful cog in the Man City midfield. It comes as a surprise that they were willing for him to leave on a free considering he made 51 appearances in all competitions last season, often being preferred over Samir Nasri. This says something about his pedigree. Coaches seem to love him, dependable, reliable and consistent, you know what you’re getting with Milner which is why Rodgers went for him, he’s a fool proof signing, almost certain to do well which is exactly what Liverpool need. It says a lot about him that he’s willing to give up Champions League football for a starting position and regular football. He should fit nicely into Liverpool’s midfield alongside Jordan Henderson and Emre Can, a player I want to see in midfield next term.

Verdict: Good signing.

Danny Ings

Ings will arrive at Liverpool with less of a reputation than Milner, however still a useful acquisition. It’s no secret that Liverpool’s front line needs strengthening as Daniel Sturridge can’t seem to stay fit and the other forwards not cutting the mustard. Ings fits the bill. Young, pacey and a decent finisher, he has the ingredients to be a good player. He performed well in a struggling Burnley side last season that were very lacklustre in attack which wasn’t really Ings’ fault; they just lacked quality in all departments. He still managed 11 goals, more than all of Liverpool’s strikers last season combined, despite playing in a number 10 role, but I see him as a number 9.

He’s a player with good technical ability consisting of an excellent first touch and dribbling ability to beat defenders, a good strike but can sometimes be wayward with his passing. The one thing I liked about him most last season was the type of goals he scored; headers, tap ins, difficult and accurate finishes, in the right place at the right time, all this in a team that created very few opportunities for him.

My hopes are high for him. It will be interesting to see how he fits in with Sturridge, providing he’s fit, and Divock Origi another new signing. He may be deployed wide in his first season but hopefully he’s played in the number 9 role from time to time.

Verdict: Decent signing.

Both Milner and Ings are useful and needed signings but if they are the best players Liverpool buy this summer, they will look distinctly average ones. Liverpool still need big players, a world class striker if we can attract one, a new right back, goalkeeper, a winger to replace the want-away Raheem Sterling.

Liverpool just need to be a little more astute with their buys. There is plenty of talent available for reasonable money around Europe, something Rodgers has failed to get to grips with in his time at Liverpool, apart from Phillipe Coutinho and Sturridge who were bought relatively cheaply in January 2013.

I just hope there is more to come.

Stalemate as Chelsea vs Liverpool ends in 1-1 draw

In a game that won’t live long in the memory, Liverpool are now effectively out of the running for the fourth and final Champions League spot barring a miracle, after a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Newly crowned Champions Chelsea couldn't have wished for a better start when after 4 minutes Captain John Terry rose highest to head the ball beyond Simon Mignolet from a corner.

The game ebbed and flowed following the opener with neither side able to create any real chances of note, with Liverpool having the better of the play.

In a must win game for Liverpool to have any chance of a top four finish, they started sluggishly and Chelsea looked every bit worthy Champions after the early exchanges.

Liverpool improved as the half went on and had efforts from Phillipe Coutinho and Glen Johnson being saved and missing the target as they tried to find a way back into the game.

The frustration was evident with yellow cards being shown to Adam Lallana, Martin Skrtel and Rickie Lambert in quick succession midway through the first half.

However after 43 minutes Steven Gerrard headed home Jordan Henderson’s free-kick at the back post making the score line 1-1 just before half time, his second headed goal in as many games. The abuse Gerrard had received from Chelsea fans will have made the goal all the more satisfying to the Reds skipper.

The second half began in a similar manor to how the first played out with little in the way of chances being created by either side, just pop shots that rarely threatened either goal.

Willian and Coutinho had low shots that just evaded the target for their respective sides, as both Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers looked to find a formula to win the match, which meant little to Chelsea and much more to Liverpool.

Mourinho obviously sensed Liverpool’s attacking threat as he brought on Nemanja Matic for the impressive young Englishman Ruben Loftus-Cheek on 60 minutes. Matic being the standout defensive midfielder in the Premier League this season.

The rhythm of the encounter didn't change much as Fabregas forged the best chance of the half for Chelsea after 73 minutes, breaking into the box but only managing to shoot straight at Mignolet. He then had a shot blocked by Skrtel three minutes later.

The draw left Liverpool six points behind Manchester United in fourth with two matches to go; consequently a Europa League place beckons barring a huge turn of events.

Liverpool's new system paying dividends

The new formation that's proven a success

After yesterday’s fantastic 2-0 win against Southampton, it was highlighted by Brendan Rodgers in his post-match interview that Coutinho’s wonderful opener was down to the system before acknowledging the individual brilliance.

‘It was a wonderful goal, I think in terms of the system and how we play it was a great demonstration of that… moving the ball out onto the sides, draws the team across and then allows the central players the space’ Rodgers said to the BBC before explaining that it was actually a phenomenal piece of skill.

I think crediting a goal of that type to the system is a little farfetched. Players get space in the middle a number of times in a game, it’s just wasted in most cases or just passed wide.

But ‘Brodgers’, as Noel Gallagher called Brendan on Match of the Day 2, does have a point when talking about the new system and its effectiveness, although I think the focus should be at the other end of the pitch, the improved defence.

There is no doubt that after last season’s sensational campaign, where Liverpool finished second in the league only 2 points behind the eventual winners Man City, that the defence had to be improved. ‘The Brodge’ went to work in the summer transfer market signing three new defenders to patch up the leaky defence. Moreno, Lovren and Manquillo were brought in for a lot of money (Manquillo on loan) as a solution.

In the early parts of the season the signings seemed futile. Goals continued to be shipped in at the wrong end, in fact the defence had got worse with the addition of the new signings. However I wouldn’t attribute the problems entirely on the new boys. Mignolet, Skrtel and Glen Johnson were particularly error prone and performing well below par, attracting much criticism.

Something had to be done with the club languishing in the lower depths of the top half.

It was Sunday 14th of December, Man United away. One of the biggest fixtures in the domestic calendar. Things looked bleak following elimination from the Champions League at home in a dismal 1-1 draw with Basel the previous Tuesday. A change was needed. Pressure was most certainly on Rodgers in the toughest period of his fledgling managerial career. How would he respond? A change of formation.

It came as a surprise to the media and fans alike when Liverpool changed formation and went with a 3-4-2-1 with wingbacks. Especially in light of the defensive problems that had troubled the club. The decision to play no recognised striker was also a shock, instead deploying Raheem Sterling through the middle with Lallana and Coutinho in close proximity. It offered far more movement in the final third in place of the labouring Balotelli, who at the time still hadn’t scored his first Premier League goal.

To sum up, Liverpool lost 3-0, a score line that flattered Man United in a game where Liverpool had the better chances but met an inspired Man United goalkeeper in David de Gea, who saved everything that came in his direction.

Despite the result, the performance was much improved. Far more movement and energy in the final third, far more pressure put on the opponent in possession, a feature of the Liverpool side of last season that hounded opposition into submission before killing them off with deadly finishing. The trio of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho looked to bear fruit with bright performances, despite their missed chances.

It turned out to be a stepping stone and a platform to improve from having only lost one game (the away leg in the capital one cup semi-final against Chelsea after extra time) since the defeat. Rodgers persisted with the three at the back and has brought in Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho since to flank Martin Skrtel. The three have since formed a solid basis and are a fundamental reason for the incredible turn around and form of late.

It’s a formation that complements the players Liverpool have at this current time. Obviously Can isn’t a centre back by trade, but he’s excelled in the position and for such a young man, the future looks bright. Skrtel and Sakho look far more comfortable as part of a back three with the extra man next to them. Alberto Moreno looks far better with slightly less defensive responsibility and more license to get forward, something that was catching him out when part of a back four. Lazar Markovic has performed better as a wingback than a winger and the addition of Lucas to midfield has been crucial, someone to break up the play. Gerrard is being used far more sporadically which seems to have benefitted the team as there’s less of a reliance on the talismanic captain, and players like Henderson and Coutinho have stepped up to the plate.

The positioning of the defence has also been much improved. A more solid structure as part of a back three with more help from midfield and a more mobile attack has contributed to the defensive enhancement. I must not forget to mention Simon Mignolet and his return to form has been a definitive factor, and also Jordon Ibe coming into the side and performing extraordinarily. Even Balotelli looks to have upped his game despite Rodgers’ recent outburst criticising his work rate. The fact that Daniel Sturridge hasn’t had to be rushed back like many thought he would is testament to the new system and the incredible turn around that Rodgers has martialled. He is no doubt going to be a huge player between now and the end of the season.

Testament to Rodgers, he’s improved the side defensively, with five clean sheets in a row away from home in the League. Credit where credit’s due. Experimenting with a formation that’s been tried and often criticised by many, such as when Man United use it, Louis Van Gaal has been lambasted by the media and fans.

Obviously its early days of the revival, and nothing has been achieved yet, but if form continues as it has been, then top four is a realistic ambition which was unfathomable late last year. Rodgers has passed his latest test and continues to go from strength to strength, no doubt highlighted by the win at Southampton yesterday, a game if played in October, would more than likely have ended in defeat.

I’m going to stop sucking up to Rodgers now. Let’s just say he’s done a great job and leave it at that. The new system is most certainly paying dividends.

Let me know if you agree!

Jordon Ibe - Anfield's New Hero

Ibe with one of his many explosive runs against Besiktas on Thursday 

Now, before anyone says anything, yes, I know Ibe has only made a handful of appearances since being recalled from Derby and calling him a ‘hero’ is a little farfetched, but he’s really hit the ground running.

After Liverpool’s latest win against Beşiktaş on Thursday, a 1-0 success, pundits and fans alike have been purring at Jordon Ibe’s latest performance. He was so good that he was subsequently awarded the man of the match, underlying his undoubted talent.

His performance was full of energy, skill, directness and intelligence as he has the opposing left back tied up in knots with several runs causing havoc down the right-hand side. After an impressive showing, he wore down the opponent’s defence which eventually lead to him being fouled in the box, winning a penalty for Liverpool – we won’t go there.

It’s unfortunate that the fracas surrounding who took the penalty has taken away the limelight from Ibe, as without it, the football world would surely be all over themselves about how good he could be. Well, Liverpool fans at least.

Jordon Ibe burst onto the scene at a mere 15 when scoring on his starting debut for Wycombe Wanderers in October 2011, a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Signed up by Wycombe as a 12 year old following his release from Charlton, he made remarkable progress, which was shown when they were willing to throw him into the first team at such a tender age.

He didn’t last long at Wycombe. Bigger and better things were on the horizon. Liverpool came calling just after his 16^th birthday and signed a deal with the club for an undisclosed compensation fee. He would join up with the u18s.

Ibe has since been out on loan at Birmingham and Derby in the Championship to gain vital first team experience, a system that has proven dividends many times, look at Harry Kane. It was his most recent spell at Derby that caught many onlookers’ attention. With a series of energetic performances he certainly endeared himself to the Derby faithful, which consequently prompted Rodgers to recall him, this was instead of making a signing showing the level of faith he has in Ibe’s ability.

Not long after being recalled, he was handed a start against Everton in the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, his first appearance since his return to the club. In a drab game, Ibe was one of the bright lights of the match, particularly with his thundering effort for outside the box cannoning high off the post after a mazy run. This was a sign of things to come leading to his outstanding display against Beşiktaş yesterday.

His talent seems limitless, much like Raheem Sterling, he can achieve what he wants from the game. Much comparison has been drawn between the two, boasting similar attributes; skill, pace and intelligence. They both have and an understanding of the game that’s remarkable considering their age. Both evidently have a football brain taking up clever positions on the pitch with cunning off the ball runs and astute decision making.

However, Ibe seems to me to have a lot more strength and directness, plus a more powerful shot, something that lets Sterling down on occasions. He has a long way to go to the considered on the same level, but he is certainly on the pathway to stardom providing he keeps his feet on the ground.

He has the fundamental attributes to become a hero at Liverpool.