We're about a third of the way through the Premiership, and looking over my predictions below, I'm not that far off. I must admit that I'm rather shocked by the form displayed by both Newcastle and Bolton. Having said that, let's not pretend that Bolton can keep this up, but I'm not so quick to write off Newcastle though. They've got the in form striker of the moment (Andy Carroll), and could quite possible ride him to a top half finish.
As for my Liverpool, I'll say this... (and I say this having watched all but the United match)
We're not as far off as some people would have you believe. I still think we'll struggle to finish in the top 4, but I think my prediction of a 5th place finish is spot on. Spurs have seen the effects of just what I spoke about in my last post, Champions League football. They've racked up injuries along their back line at a frightening pace, and they're beginning to see what Liverpool usually has to deal with. A glut of fixtures which puts even more pressure on a thin squad.
Liverpool meanwhile have have been able to quietly go about their business in the Europa League, trotting out reserves and backups in non-league matches, allowing us to focus on the task at hand, getting back to Champions League football. Much has already been made of the ownership situation and how much we've improved on that front, so I don't think I need to rehash those details. What is important to note however, is the shift in policy with the new regime. For awhile now, we've focused our view on the present. We've ignored the future and our youth system is devoid of major talents as a result. In the past we didn't have the money to buy younger players to mold into a first team player, we had to resort to buying risky options (Aquilani), or players who were aging and possibly past their prime (Kyrgiakos). However with the hiring of Damien Comolli to be our new director of football strategy, (who signed the majority of Arsenal's Invincibles and the majority of the current Spurs side), it appears a shift to youth is on the cards.
It's about time. Maybe now I won't have to read about all the rumors of the best young players in football being linked with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Barca, Madrid and United. Maybe now Liverpool will get back to what they used to be, and maybe now we can get back to competing for trophies. If Mr. Comolli needs any help identifying talent, I'd be more than happy to help. I'm pretty good on Football Manager at building clubs, and I've even been offered the chance to manage England. Damien Comolli, if you're listening (which I know you're not), we need a left winger. It just so happens that one of the brightest stars in all of football plays out on the left, and that if we buy him now, we could get the jump on all the other clubs trailing him.
Eden Hazard
No comments:
Post a Comment