It’s still relatively early days
but Liverpool can be really happy
with their season so far. However, with Everton, Man City, Chelsea and Spurs to
play (all away from home) before the New Year, things may look quite different
come the half way stage of the season. In recent seasons though, Liverpool have
not been flying quite as high as they are right now. Brendan Rodgers has
settled in and his team is starting to take shape after he inherited a squad
that had been built largely by Kenny Dalglish and Roy Hodgson.
Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge
have been prolific so far. Steven Gerrard, admittedly now in the twilight of
his career, is probably having his most injury free run in the side for a few
years and seems to be relishing the responsibility he has been given with the
England captaincy. Coutinho has added some much needed flair to that midfield
while Jordan Henderson is having is best spell ever in a Liverpool shirt.
Defensively, it’s been a mixed
bag. The Reds kept 3 clean sheets in succession at the start of the season but
didn’t get another until the recent thrashing of Fulham. Many will point to the
experimentation of playing 3 centre backs which doesn’t really seem to have
worked but also to Glen Johnson. He was present for the opening 3 clean sheets
but then effectively missing through injury until the latest clean sheet
against Fulham. So, a great start for Liverpool and by January 1st
2014 we should know whether they have the legs for a title challenge or whether
they will be content with battling for a Champions League spot.
There are some great players in
this “L” category too and many of them have already created good talking points
this season.
Hugo Lloris – Is the Tottenham goalkeeper the best in the Premier
League and should he have been substituted after that head injury at Everton?
Romelu Lukaku – What a great loan signing for Everton and sure to
be amongst the league’s top scorers this season.
Frank Lampard – Still a favourite of Jose Mourinho but could this
be Frank’s final season at the very top? I am a massive Lampard fan and in my
opinion he has been the best midfielder in the league for 10 years, but there
are signs that age is finally catching up with him.
Ricky Lambert and Adam
Lallana – Have now both been capped by England and their terrific form has
helped Southampton to the dizzying heights of the top 4 in the Premier League.
Erik Lamela – Many hadn’t even heard of him when Spurs made him
their most expensive signing ever and with the emergence of Andros Townsend
coupled with his (Lamela’s) inability to speak English, he has found settling
in London really tough. However, those who saw his display against Sheriff Tiraspol
in the last round of the Europa league, will have noted the potential of the
young Argentinian. It may take a while but there could be a superstar waiting
to explode at White Hart Lane – and they certainly need one after the departure
of Gareth Bale!
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