If Liverpool lost any of these seven it would set their progress back – They simply must keep them
Every club has their lynchpins, and star men for the future. The problem with the club’s lack of progress is their star men can become disenfranchised and look for a move which will give them a better chance of winning trophies- as seen with Javier Mascherano.
There are the seven that in our opinion Liverpool cannot afford to lose.
Pepe Reina
Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina was bought in by Rafa Benitez in 2005 and has been a mainstay of the side ever since. With Liverpool’s lack of trophies in recent years, he was last year even linked with a move to Manchester United and previously Arsenal. Age 29, he is at the stage of his career where he will want to be in with a chance of further medals, and will hope Liverpool can continue to prove their ambition. He has been superbly consistent for the club and if they ever lost him, the club would have to spend big to replace him.
Martin Skrtel
Slovakian Martin Skrtel has developed into one of the Premier League’s best defenders, and offers a strong goal threat from set pieces too. After initially having fans wondering if he was going to make it, he has become a long term replacement for Jamie Carragher, who was left out of the FA Cup Final starting line up. Speculative transfer rumours have linked Skrtel with a move away, and fans will hope it is just talk with no substance.
Daniel Agger
Daniel Agger has struck up an impressive partnership with Skrtel in central defence, and if either left it would be a huge blow for Liverpool. As with Reina, to replace either of them would require a big investment. The Dane has had troubles with injury in the past but has had a successful season from that point of view, which bodes well for the future. Age 27 he is approaching his prime, which is exactly why Liverpool must keep him.
Lucas
Defensive midfielder Lucas is the cog in the Liverpool midfield which keeps the team ticking over. Without him, they were left cruelly exposed, he still topped the tackling statistics months after his injury. There are few better than him at what he does in the world right now, and there is no way the club should allow him to go. His injury means any move would be a non-starter, and Liverpool can safely look forward to him regaining full fitness and getting back to his best form next season.
Jonjo Shelvey
Shelvey is the wildcard on our list, but hear us out. Right now, if Liverpool were to lose him, the team would carry on, but as he develops into a top player elsewhere, they would soon regret it. He is highly rated and has shown in flashes his potential, and has the ability to one day assume the mantle from Gerrard in midfield. He is a far better prospect than both Henderson and Spearing, and in the next two years will prove just why he deserves his place on this list.
Steven Gerrard
Quite simply, Steven Gerrard is still Liverpool’s main man. His injuries had meant the club have had to get used to coping without him, but he is a proven matchwinner and has the ability to turn a game. His hat-trick in the 3-0 demolition of Everton was evidence of that. Kenny Dalglish’ challenge is to get the best out of him and manage him sensibly so that he stays fit. He still has at least three years left at the top level, and is the heartbeat of Liverpool’s side.
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez is proven quality on the biggest stage, a scorer in the Champions League for Ajax and World Cup for Uruguay. He has endured a difficult season for various reasons, and had difficulty with his finishing, but he will become a wiser and better player for it. His best years are still ahead of him, and as he becomes more acclimatised to English football, Liverpool will see him become even more of a feared attacker. The challenge is for Liverpool to find a system and a striker partner which gives him the freedom to be at his best.
The rest?
Liverpool can do without, if push came to shove. Players like Glen Johnson, Lucas Enrique and Andy Carroll are all replaceable, and like for like players can be found in the transfer market. That isn’t to say Liverpool must go and sell, but simply they haven’t earned the status of a must-keep player. We admit Shelvey is yet to be that, but his potential demands his inclusion in our list. If sensible bids were to come in for any of the rest of Liverpool’s squad, they should carefully consider them.
Who would be your top seven?
image: © kong niffe
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