Sunday, June 23, 2013

HOW SHOULD LIVERPOOL REPLACE JAMIE CARRAGHER?


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.

 
  1. 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
 
  1. 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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