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Are Hodgson, Cole, Wilson and Jovanovic enough to reverse the Liverpool decline?

Published by Ian John on July 24, 2010

Its been a tumultuous off season at Anfield, one of frantic activity that has both delighted and occasionally irritated fans and paradoxically a lack of activity at boardroom level that continues to bedevil the club as regards bringing in a new owner.

Chairman Martin Broughton has said that talks are progressing with several interested parties but as yet, no firm offer has been made for the club and despite claims from some sources that there was hope the clubs future could be sorted by the beginning of the new season, as the deadline for that approaches, the future of Liverpool FC at ownership level still remains firmly up in the air, much to the consternation of many fans.

On the field however, the inactivity at boardroom level hasn’t been repeated. The Reds have seen Rafa Benitez finally depart, for treble winning Inter Milan. In, after several weeks of deliberation, has come former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson. He was preceded through the Shankly gates by the Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic, whom the Reds have signed on a Bosman from Standard Liege and since his arrival Hodgson has been quick to land the services of Danny Wilson from Rangers, Scottish young player of the year and probably his best deal to date, the signing of England international Joe Cole on a free transfer from Chelsea.

However it hasn’t all been one way. Yossi Benayoun has departed to Chelsea for £6 million, Emiliano Insua seems set for Fiorentina for £5 million, Albert Riera could be joining Olympiakos for a fee in the region of £3 million while Javier Mascherano has been strongly linked with a £25-£30 million switch to Inter Milan to rejoin his former boss at the San Siro. Then of course there is all the speculation of a bid from Chelsea, or Manchester City, for Fernando Torres as well as Rafa Benitez also being linked, perhaps a tad tenuously with Dirk Kuyt.

So it seems so far so good for Liverpool. Hodgson’s appointment looks an astute one. He is one of the most respected managers in international terms with a wealth of experience across Europe. His performances with Fulham over the past couple of years have merited a chance at a top club and Liverpool fans will be hoping Hodgson can take it, though many still worry about his less than auspicious time with Blackburn Rovers a few seasons ago.

The three new signings should also bolster the squad, Wilson is rated one of the best young Scottish prospects for some time and already there are claims he can become the new ‘Alan Hanson’ for Liverpool. That’s a lot of pressure for a 19 year old who is yet to feature for the club and who is not even guaranteed of a first team berth. Jovanovic and Cole however should be. The Serbian striker has been prolific in Belgian and did something that no England player managed at the World Cup, by scoring the winning goal against Germany. It seems likely Jovanovic will be used in a similar role to Dirk Kuyt, providing width down the left at times but also useful in a supporting striking role for Fernando Torres.

However it is Joe Cole’s signing that has really got Liverpool fans hopeful of a better 2010-2011 season. The former Chelsea man spoke of his desire to play a more central role at club level in his best position, which suggests that Cole will fill the role Steven Gerrard has played for the past couple of years, as Torres most advanced partner, allowing Gerrard to move back into a move central midfield role. Certainly on paper, a Torres, Cole, Gerrard attack is a mouthwatering prospect.

This has already led to many outlandish claims from some misguidedly optimistic Reds fans, who now feel that everything will be rosy next season. There are several reasons to be cautious however. None of Gerrard, Cole or Torres are particularly resilient to injury. All had disappointing seasons last year and failed to shine at the World Cup in the summer. All are recovering, or have recovered recently, from nasty injuries. They have never before played together as a unit and if Liverpool are going to enjoy a good season, then they need to gel and gel very quickly. Starting with four of the first five league games being against Arsenal at home and then away to Manchester City, Birmingham City and Manchester United, means that easing themselves into the season on the back of some home wins against ‘easy’ opposition isn’t going to be an option.

Indeed, if Liverpool’s form in season in 2010 continues in the same vein as 2009, then Liverpool may well be out of the title race come the sixth game of the season.

Hodgson doesn’t have a lot of time, nor money, to put things right. It seems somewhat obvious that Mascherano will soon be sold. Others will surely follow as Hodgson continues his rebuilding at Anfield. But what kind of player does he need?

The spine at the club, from Reina in goal, Carragher, Agger, Skrtel and Wilson in defence, Lucas, Gerrard, Aquilani in midfield, Cole, Jovanovic and Torres in attack is strong enough. Johnson at right back is also solid. But there are real problems at left back, where the club have no recognised player at present and also down both flanks.

Dirk Kuyt, while ever willing, isn’t as creative a player as an out and out winger. Liverpool have lacked pace in wide areas chronically over the past few years and this has often been their downfall. Babel hasn’t quite fitted the bill, certainly under Benitez and it will be interesting to see if the Dutchman is given a fair chance to be the answer down the left at Anfield. He has the talent, it is more a question of whether he has the will and determination to make himself a success week in, week out.

A recognised right winger would take the pressure of Babel however and that, along with a recognised left back, would be a smart move for Hodgson to consider, even if it means selling the willing Kuyt to fund a move for a player of genuine talent to fill the void. Jesus Navas of Sevilla would be a name to consider strongly in my view, while for left back, the marauding Marcel Jansen of Germany looked a talent at the World Cup.

So for now, optimism remains high, but Hodgson has a tough task on his hands to rebuild the Empire of the Kop on a limited budget, fractured squad and against clubs who can outspend and out-perform Liverpool off and on the field at present. He has made a good start but the club still look some way from being genuine title challengers just yet. The first step towards that however doesn’t come from Hodgson, but from the sale of a club to a new owner.

Over to you, Mr Broughton.

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