The
man
When Jamie Carragher
announced his retirement from the game, I was sad but not entirely surprised.
As he was reaching his mid 30s, I felt that his game was slipping a little. He
could no longer catch forwards like he used to and sometimes his tackling was
reckless. Although he grew up supporting Everton, he ended up playing for
Liverpool and even retired as a Liverpool player. He could’ve joined other
bigger clubs in Europe but decided to only play for Liverpool. He showed what
it meant to be a “one man club” and the true meaning of loyalty.
Liverpool legend Carragher |
Possible
Carragher long term replacements
When I heard Kolo Toure
was being considered for Carragher’s position, I was not happy because for me
although Toure is experienced, he is not the long term solution. I also never
rated him in the same bracket as people like Carlos Puyol, Ricardo Carvalho and Paolo Maldini. The only things I like about us signing him is
the fact that he was available on a free. So if Brendan doesn’t sign some more
defenders before the start of next season, then I hope he’d seriously consider
bringing in some more defenders in the next window. Below are just some players
I’d consider buying if I were him to give Liverpool’s defence an added boost.
- Kyriakos
Papadoupolos (Schalke)
He
has said he wants to remain at his current club but I’ve been a football fan
long enough to know that that’s not always the case when a players comes out
and says that.
Why
he’s a good buy?
He’s
still only 21 and yet he’s done really well at a good club in a respectable
league (remember how well German teams have been in recent Champions League
outings). However, even if he doesn’t mind leaving Schalke, Liverpool face
strong competition from the likes of Milan, Chelsea and Zenit St Petersburg and
because of his good performance last season, he’d costs around £19 million and
we’re not sure whether FSG would be willing to spend so much on a defender.
Kyriakos |
- Toby
Alderweireld (Ajax)
Unlike
most players linked with Liverpool, Toby has indicated that he’d be open to
join the club after declaring “Liverpool meets my criteria”.
Why
he’s a good buy?
Same
reason as the Kyriakos. He’s only 23 and also won titles at Ajax. My only
concern is Liverpool’s absence from Europe next season which may deter a young
ambitious player like him from coming to Anfield and the prospect of playing
under little known Brendan Rodgers. Let’s be honest, the current manager is no
Mourinho or Guardiola and apart from money, players also look at who’s managing
the club before deciding whether to join a particular club.
Alderweireld |
3. Ashley
Williams (Swansea)
This
player will always be linked with Liverpool for so long as Brendan Rodgers
remain manager of the club as both Ashley and Brendan have Swansea links.
Why
he’s a good buy?
Unlike
some of the other players linked with replacing Carragher, Williams has the
experience of playing in the Barclays Premier League and thus doesn’t need time
to adjust to life here. The only stumbling block would be his price tag as he’s
highly rated not just by his current club but even Liverpool legend Ian Rush.
Williams |
4. Raul
Albiol (Real Madrid)
Another
good player but with limited playing time due to competition from Sergio Ramos
and Raphael Varane. Already 27 and with the array of talent in the SApinish
squad, he may have to seek his fortune elsewhere if he is to make the Spanish
squad for the coming World Cup.
Why
he’s a good buy?
Anyone
who’s even good enough to sit on the bench of a club like Real Madrid must be
considered ‘good’. I know at other clubs, he’d probably be in the first team.
He’s not a lousy player but gets limited playing time because he’s playing for
the wrong club and is of the wrong nationality.
Albiol |
My
pick
I’d
sign Albiol rather than Williams but given that Toby is younger and has won titles
at Ajax, I’d sign him even if I’d have to spend more than £25million. Plus,
it’ll send a strong message to critics who argue that Liverpool lacks ambition
and cannot challenge for the top 4.It would also help raise Brendan’s profile
as a manager. After all, signing lesser known players from low tier clubs won’t
endear you to fans.
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