Liverpool have never won the Premier League in its current format and name. It was in the 1989/1990 season, 24 years ago, that Liverpool last earned the coronation as English champions. The Premier League as it’s known today was founded on 20 February 1992. There was every reason to suggest at the onset of this season that Liverpool were set to have a nightmarish season. But today, with a handful of games to go, they are witnessing one of their best seasons ever and playing world-class quality football that’s not been seen at Anfield for a long Time. Unsettled superstar Luis Suarez ushered in the 2013/2014 season with a series of league matches off thanks to the ban after the Ivanovic biting episode. Legendary defender Jamie Carragher retired, and out-of-favour defenders Sakho from Paris St Germain and Kolo Touré from Man. City were drafted in. In addition, the club was rumoured to have dire financial difficulties while captain Steven Gerrard was supposed to have passed his prime, nursing injuries. Some naysayers felt maybe coach Brendan Rodgers was not the right one after succeeding club legend, Kenny Dalglish. Should they win the championship this year they would definitely go down in history as one of the most entertaining Liverpool sides ever. So what has been their secret and what have been the reasons for their success so far? Brendan Rodgers (Manager of Liverpool) For those who are unaware, prior to Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers was manager at Swansea (2010 -2012) and under him they played top class quality football – full of mobility, ball passing and constructed play, as opposed to typical British kick and follow football. Liverpool under Rodgers dont speculate by long thrusts forward and follow to force results, but play their way from the back through the sections of the pitch, ridicule opponents with constructive moves and mobility that unlock defences. A beauty to watch. By standing his ground and refusing to give in to star player, Luis Suarezs wishes to leave the club in the summer of 2013, he showed great foresight – from which the club is reaping mega rewards today. He smartly knew that quality world class strikers like Suarez, who has proven his worth in the English Premier league and assures you over 20 goals in a season, are not many in the market nor affordable. So he held on to him. Recently Liverpool extended Suarezs stay and wages by a contract extension. The game plan and tactical schemes that he puts up in every game not only neutralise the opponents’ strong points, but allows the best qualities of his players to be put on show eg. the way he tactically outplayed Manchester United and Arsenal speaks volumes. Take note of the player changes he effects: not only are they effective but the timing of the player changes he makes shows great thinking on the feet under match pressure. You know what they say: good kids are the products of good parents. Luis Suarez and the attack line This is one player non-Liverpool fans love to hate but would love to have on their team line-up. Like him or loathe him, he is one of the best players in the world and wow, how he has matured in a short period. This player was on the way out of Liverpool but his forced retention and his world class performances have pushed Liverpool to the top of the EPL table. He scores loads of goals (nearing a seasonal 30-goal mark as we speak), and produces loads of assists for co-strikers Sturridge and Sterling who just love playing beside him in a year prior to the World Cup. Midfield strength This is where Liverpool orchestrates its victories .The ability of Stephen Gerrard to adapt his game from being a forward-running player with the ball at his feet, to being a holding midfielder who dictates the tempo of the game and holds the fort, has given so much balance to this team. This is a really smart conversion by the manager, Rodgers, judging from Gerrards age. Henderson is a working force. Coupled with Coutinhos creativity, its been a delight to watch and effective. New acquisitions and defence line Liverpoo[truncated by WhatsApp]
Posted on: Thu, 10 Apr 2014 13:10:54 +0000
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