Anfield Roar - Season 3, Issue 1 by Anfield Roar

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Wow! After a whirlwind of a summer, it’s finally time to pull on my red shirt again and head to Anfield! Since the (dis)satisfaction of finishing second in the league last year, it almost feels like the world has changed: for one, our inspirational striker Luis Suarez has departed to warmer climes (meh!), but more importantly, we are in the midst of watching a squad develop - much like we witnessed an incredible rise in performance during last season, it seems that Rodgers can work his magic even when the team aren’t playing or training! The signings we have made may not be all marquee names, but they are a talented bunch who fit the bill and will turn us from fallible to formidable. If we’d had these guys last season, there is no doubt that they would’ve kept us at the top of the league for two weeks longer... In this issue we take a look at what we can expect of our new signings, celebrate the fact that the only reason people have had in recent history (you know who) has finally stopped dragging the name of this legendary club through the mud, and look forward, with baited breath, for the season to come Last year was impressive, but 2014/15 is OUR season. On our day, we can – and will – beat anyone, regardless of how much money they might also have spent. So let’s get our voices roaring, set the optimism-meter to High, and bring it on. We go again! Enjoy this issue! YNWA 3

Message from the Editor

Excited for the new season!

Postbox

Fan rants and opinion

We Go Again

We lost our best player, but gained others. It will be an exciting season!

Playing with the Champions

We’re back where we belong - watch out Barca, Real & Bayern!

Ins & Outs

George Way gives us a n overview of who has gone, and who has come in

Spending it Right

Whar is the point in being a money-making machine, if you don’t spend it the right way?

Good Riddance? Aizaz Sheikh reckons we’re better off without the distractions of Luis Suarez

Introducing… Adam Lallana

Just one of the creative bright-sparks we’ve brought in to fill the gaping hole...

Introducing… Dejan Lovren

Finally! A centre back who can organise, shout, tackle and score!

Introducing… Rickie Lambert

The fairytale story of the boyhood LFC fan who worked his way to the top.

Introducing… Lazar Markovic

A profile of one of the most talented youngsters in the game today.

The Month Ahead

We preview the big fixtures, and predict the results (and we’re only slightly biased!)

Best of Youtube

We’ve picked out some videos of our new boys in action—makes for good viewing!

As Clear as Day Is Gavin optimistic for the new season? Would a domestic cup win be enough?

We asked ‘How will Liverpool do this season, now that Suarez has moved on…?’ Dear Anfield Roar, People seem to forget when talking about replacing Suarez's 31 goals that LFC don't need to score 101 goals this season if their defense improves sufficiently. Another striker is still required but overall am happy that the Suarez money has been spread throughout improving the squad and not on one marquee signing. Still think we'll finish 3rd/4th Richers, London ________________________________________________________________ Dear Anfield Roar It’s how the players will cope mentally without Suarez more than anything else that will be the key. We played well without him during the ban, plus he wasn’t that great in the last third of the season and we were scintillating then. His relentless brand of unpredictable skill just gave us an edge. Defenders panicked whenever he was on the ball, he drew 2, 3 sometimes 4 defenders to him constantly. The fact we are making a concerted effort to bring in a world class replacement (sorry Ricky) shows an ambition that’s lacked from us in the transfer market for years. Although I guess having the Champions League will do that. Falcao was always a big stretch though. Cavani may be possible, but I think we’ll end up with Bony (which is fine). 6

POSTBOX I think it’s inevitable there will some drop off, but not to the extent many think (and desperately hope for). We’ve got a good squad, a very good manager and still have some wedge to spend to improve things further. The one concern I do have is the keeper. Mignolet is by far the weakest out of the other top sides, and despite being a top shotstopper just doesn’t so everything else consistently well enough. He has a rick or two in him. No one would have predicted we’d go so close to the title last season, and maybe that was a one off, but I kind of think not. Arsenal and United still have glaring weaknesses, and I think we’ll finish above both. Weak link? Daniel Peters, Liverpool __________________________________________________________________ Dear Anfield Roar, There are three points of concern for me... 1) A replacement for Suarez. We need a consistent striker who can be relied on - Sturridge is too injury prone to make an impact all throughout the season. Lambert isn't at the quality to be putting in 20 goals a season, and it's likely he'll be on for the FA/League cup games in any case. Borini just isn't up to it in a Liverpool shirt - and that's sad. He tries his hardest but always ends up injuring himself. I'd take the 14m from Sunderland, but he doesn't want to go. 2) Gerrard. Goes without saying really. I'm only 20, so I've been brought up idolizing the guy. He was an incredible footballer and he still has plenty to offer, but I can't help but get the feeling he's going to want more games than he should be getting. He's fading. Hopefully we use him more sparingly this season - Can looks good.

POSTBOX 3) Goalkeeper. We've just sold Reina to Bayern, which leaves our back up of... Brad Jones! That's not going to work. Especially as Mignolet had a strong start and quickly deteriorated into flapping and general haplessness. Could quite possibly have been a result of a consistently uprooted back line in that he had to deal with, or being more scared of Skrtel than the opposition strikers. Hopefully an updated and stable backline will reduce his nerves somewhat. The main thing people are mentioning though is the defence and I'm not actually that worried about that anymore. I think this season we'll not see much of Johnson or Skrtel, and we're probably going to be going with Sakho/Lovren in the center with Kelly/ Flanagan/Enrique and Manquillo/Moreno out at fullback. It's going to be interesting to watch! Dunners, Reigate _________________________________________________________________ Dear Anfield Roar, We all knew Suarez was going to leave eventually - I won't say this for many players but he really is too big for Liverpool. Frankly he's too big for any club in England and it was always going to be Madrid, Barca or Munich for him. I will miss the chewy bastard because he's a fantastic footballer and he can make something of nothing (see: Sterling's goal vs Man City last season) but I'm not crying over his loss, and I think that's the general feeling for most Liverpool fans. It's impossible to tell where we'll end up going though. Transfer season is such a hit-and-miss time of the year, we could end up doing something incredible or we could end up like Spurs. It's a total coin toss at the moment. Andy Gunn, Liverpool

WE GO AGAIN! Paul Baker sums up what's been going on at Anfield over the last few months - we have a lot to be excited aboutâ&#x20AC;Ś! It has been a packed pre-season for Liverpool. Brendan Rogers and his team have been busy trying to source the players required for next seasons title challenge and the welcome return of Champions League Football to Anfield. The preseason tour of the United States has been enjoyable, even if it means more late nights! The main talking point of the summer in respect of transfers, has been the departure of Luis Suarez. The loss of the 31 goal star from last term will be massive and with respect to any of the new players joining the club, nobody will ever replace him! That said, no player is bigger then the Club, so Rogers will be looking at his tactics and the players available in the transfer market and in his squad and will no doubt be plotting and planning. Last season plan A was outstanding. The way the side took teams apart was at times breathtaking. When we were good, we were unplayable! This time around through we are going to need a plan B, C and maybe D, especially when the side are playing in the Champions League and playing two games a week!

WE GO AGAIN After going from 7th to the very edge of winning the title, teams are going to come to Anfield and know what the players are capable of. Yes, losing Luis is huge, but the team will learn to live without him and others will step up and perform for the shirt.

Yes, losing Luis is huge, but the team will learn to live without him and others will step up and perform for the shirt. The goals will start to flow from different areas, Phil Coutinho and Henderson are just two of the players who will be keen to weigh in with more goals. Coutinho can be the brain behind everything good about Liverpool on his day. If he can improve on his finishing, then visiting teams to Anfield will need to watch out! The defence last season was sometimes a problem area, but due to the attacking ability and the goals flowing in at the other end, the players were able to think, never mind losing a goal or two, we can go and score three if need be! This time around, they need to be stronger at the back and not give sides the chance to nick an early goal and then shut up shop. Anfield will see so many buses parked this coming season that Rodgers could do with employing a traffic warden on match days! The signing of Croatia international Dejan Lovren could turn out to be one of the key moves of the summer. He joins the Club as the most expensive defender in the Club's history. When Jamie Carragher retired, the side lost a leader at the back and also from the dressing room.

New Carra

Hopefully Lovren will carry on at Anfield from where he left off with the Saints. He is a loud and commanding leader on the pitch, who will also be an organiser at set pieces, another area where the players sometimes looked weak last season. 10

WE GO AGAIN Another player that will add quality and style to the side is England international Adam Lallana. The player enjoyed a decent season at Saint Mary’s and earned himself a place in Brazil. Lallana will add competition to the side and can offer Rogers another option. He is a excellent finisher of the ball, has the ability to read the game and will also get back and help out in defence. He will know a starting place is not guaranteed, like at Southampton, it will need to be earned by performances on the pitch. He should also help to share the goals burden! Another former Saint, Rickie Lambert was a great buy from Rogers. At the age of 32 he may be nearing the end of his career, but the Club can't always buy for the future. Sometimes they need a player who will do “what it says on the tin”. He will score goals and create chances. A great option from off the bench. He will scare European sides with his power and threat from in the air. As a local born lad, he won't need much motivative when playing in the famous shirt!

The Southampton connection A player for the future is Lazar Markovic. He enjoyed a great 2013/14 season for title winning Benfica and looks like he has enormous potential. He is somebody who has great versatility and can play in a number of forward attacking positions. He appears to be mentally strong, which should help him to settle into the Premier League. As he can play with both feet, Rogers will have options as to where to use him. Although only young, he has played European Football with Benfica. This is something he can share with the younger members of the squad. 11

WE GO AGAIN

Divock Origi has also joined the Club in a ÂŁ10 million transfer after enjoying a decent World Cup. He will spend next season on loan at Lille before starting his Anfield career in 2015/16. A loan move will allow him to continue to develop and learn. Sometimes, (not so much at Liverpool), players are signed by the big clubs and never given a chance. Even if the loan period turns out to be for two seasons, it will hopefully allow him time to become the long term replacement for Ricky Lambert.

Divock Origi has also joined the Club for ÂŁ10 million. A loan move will allow him to Origi Origi looks to have the ability to play in a number of positions, something Rogers likes from his players. He played on the left side of a 4-3-3 for Lille and from reports in France performed well. Reds fans will be keeping half an eye on Ligue 1 to see how he gets on and if he is ready for the step up that playing for Liverpool will be. Rogers will be keen to set up the team so he can use different tactics, game by game if need be and to even change it during the match. This was something that lacked last season. His options from the bench are going to be much stronger. I expect him to use the midfield diamond, with Lambert and Strurridge leading the line. Stevie G will play in the holding role, as he did last season, with Allen and Henderson out wider. Coutinho or Sterling will compete to play at the tip. Emre Can may be used by Rogers to cover for Stevie in case of injuries and in Cup games. We will also see the 4-3-3 formation used. Sterling can be dangerous out of the left hand side, making attacking runs into the box. Lallana can play on the right side, using his clever football brain to create chances for Sturridge. 12

WE GO AGAIN The defence will be interesting as to who Rogers picks and where they play. Lovren seems set to be given the chance to show what he can offer. Lovren's defensive partner will be likely to be either Skrtel or Sakho. Flanagan will be given the right back position, with Enrique, (if fit) left back or Alberto Moreno if as expected when he signs on. It’s been nice to see Martin Kelly return from long term injury. With the Club still looking for a “marquee signing” to try and fill the void left by Suarez, Fabio Borini may be given another chance by Rogers. The Club seem in no rush to go out and spend big and risk buying the wrong “star” player. Borini, who enjoyed a successful loan at Sunderland may find that this is his season to try and get to the Anfield grade. Of course he is not going to score 30+ goals like Luis, but given the number of games the Club are going to have to play, chances for minutes on the pitch will open up, especially in Cup matches. He scored some important goals for Sunderland last season. I like many Reds fans, hope to see progress to be continued. The attitude of the players will be key. It’s going to be a long and hard season. The Clubs around us have been spending money and strengthening their squads. We have in place an excellent team spirit. It’s something that can be built on!

Champions League Nights :)

An top 4 spot is again the minimum requirement from 2014/15. A decent run in the Champions League would be amazing. Not just for the added cash, but when it comes to future transfer market dealings. Top players don't just want to play in the CL, they want to have a chance to reach the later rounds and be playing for a Club with the chance of winning it! Six times has a nice ring to it!!! We go again!!! Expertly written by: Paul Baker Feedback? Send your feedback to : @paul_baker 13

Playing with the Champions

Emma Rhodes is glad to see the return of Champions League football at Anfield. At the beginning of the 2013/2014 season, Liverpool set the target of a top four finish. After five long years, top level European football is to return to Anfield in September and fans will once again experience the magic that is the Kop at its most majestic. Liverpool have a celebrated and renowned history with the competition, winning â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big Earsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 5 times already. That incredible night in Istanbul is still considered one of the best nights of the competition since it began. Many players, fans and managers still reflect on the magical night which saw Liverpool come back from 3-0 down against AC Milan. Liverpool have not been a part of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elite since 2010 when a disappointing campaign saw the Reds finish third in a relatively straightforward group including Debrecen, Fiorentina and Lyon. Some of the more memorable recent European nights at Anfield have to include the 2004 edition of the competition where the red men welcomed Olympiakos during the group stage. 14

CHAMPIONS Knowing that only a win by two goals or more would see them through, Rafa’s men produced a night that few would be able to forget. The most unforgettable moment without doubt was THAT Gerrard goal which has become one of his career highlights! Thanks to a great header by Neil Mellor, Gerrard unleash a ferocious 25 volley which sent Anfield into ecstasy. Another brilliant evening at Anfield saw Liverpool beat Chelsea in the semi-final as Jose Mourinho seethed at the ‘goal that was not a goal’. Garcia tucked away what was referred to as a controversial goal as the sangria drinker helped Liverpool secure their spot in the final.

THAT goal

Just turn and celebrate!

The Reds will find out who they shall face in their group when the draw takes place in Monaco on Thursday 28th August 2014 and the competition this year looks just as dangerous as always. European heavyweights including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and PSG shall all be competing for the prestigious trophy next season but Liverpool will certainly be putting up their best to make sure they come back with a bang. Some current players will be looking forward to experiencing 15

CHAMPIONS Champions League for the first time within their careers, playing in front of larger crowds with a completely refreshing atmosphere during the week. Joe Allen has expressed his excitement to experience European football with the Reds during the American tour, “We all know it’s a competition in which Liverpool has a rich history.”

The Reds will find out who they shall face in their group when the draw takes place in Monaco on Thursday 28th August 2014 Expectations for Liverpool are generally high and many fans will be hoping for another title chase as well as the potential for watching Captain Fantastic lift the huge trophy for the 2nd time at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Local lad Jon Flanagan will be very excited at the prospect of playing in the competition for his childhood team, “everyone can’t wait for that and the draw. The fans will be buzzing. It’s exciting times for this club and hopefully we can have a great season.” The enthusiasm and excitement building already is very contagious and after slight disappointment at the end of last season, everyone who loves the club is beginning to look forward with hope and slight expectation. Tottenham and Manchester United will be watching the competition from their sofas this year however there are rumours that there may be the possibility of allowing up to five English teams qualify for the competition. 16

CHAMPIONS It may take Liverpool a bit of time to get used to the rigours of top level European football after five years away but the team has certainly proved that they are a unit and have the potential for proving to Europe they are a force to be recognised. Luis Suarez could become a threat again to former team mates such as Gerrard, Sterling and Sturridge after England’s World Cup misery. However, despite this half-expected departure, up front Liverpool are still looking very strong with the new SAS of Sturridge and Sterling who always appear to be on top form when together, and Southampton’s Lallana has also joined the red men in their quest for success. It may not be as straightforward as in previous years, but this could be another season where fans see Liverpool make European history once again! Expertly written by: Emma Rhodes Feedback? Send your feedback to : editor@anfieldroar.com

Win a pair of tickets to the Official story of Liverpool FC! The smash hit stage show is back with a three-night special run of shows at the Echo Arena, between 28-30 August and we’ve teamed up with the show and LFC to giveaway two lucky followers the chance of winning a pair of tickets each to the opening night! The Official Story of Liverpool Football Club brings to life some of the Reds’ greatest memories and glories, documenting stories from the era of Elisha Scott, Albert Stubbins and Billy Liddell to Dalglish, Gerrard and Rodgers. With complete access to the LFC archive, the show’s writer Nicky Allt has brought together every significant moment in the Club’s history and created a show that will make fans laugh, cry and cheer out loud. For your chance to win a pair of tickets to opening night on Thursday 28 August, just follow us - @anfieldroarmag

One follower will win! 17

INs & OUTs George Way looks at who has arrived at Liverpool, and who has left (though probably not through the turnstiles…!) Coming out of the world cup, a huge list of names were linked with a huge list of clubs – Liverpool were not excluded, and following the success of last season, perhaps more pressure than ever was placed on the shoulders of the board at the club. After coming so close last season, the whole football world wanted to see who Rodgers would line up to improve a squad which has bossed the country since the start of 2014. Since the start of the transfer window, Liverpool have indeed been one of the busiest clubs in the window, as they have brought in (at the time of writing) 8 names.

The whole football world wanted to see who Rodgers would line up to improve a squad which has bossed the country since the start of 2014. The players that have been recruited have varied greatly, from Belgian future prospect Divock Origi to seasoned veteran Rickie Lambert. The former has been loaned straight out to his former club Lille. He, like some of the other youngsters we have brought in, is clearly part of Rodgers’ long term plans. 18

INS & OUTS Amongst these future prospects, Lazar Markovic is a Serbian who Liverpool snapped up for hefty sum of ÂŁ20m from Benfica. Whilst this is clearly an exceptional amount for a 20 year old, it is important to remember the ability this particular 20 year old. In both of the last two seasons, he has been selected in the team of the season for the league in which he was playing. Most recently, he was at Benfica, and enjoyed a European campaign in the Europa League, which ended in final defeat (though the winger did not play in that game as he was banned following a fight with Vucinic in the semis). A more defensive player coming in at the club is young German midfielder Emre Can; signed from Leverkusen, the Reds had to fight of competition from Bayern Munich for his signature. And based off pre-season, it is easy to see why Pep Guadiola wanted him. Offering a combination of brute force and carefully selected passes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this combination will surely be an asset to the Liverpool squad, as he will certainly fit into Rodgers midfield plans.

Can he fill the gap?

Also, he has youth on his side, so it looks like (once adapted to the Premier League) he will be an asset in the years to come. Some of the new recruits will need no time at all to adapt to the pace of English league football. Adam Lallana for example is already established as a top player in the country, and, in spite of his disappointing world cup, could comfortably step into any side. Even a midfield that already contains Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, and Philippe Coutinho (to name a few).

INS & OUTS Another name who impressed last season is Dejan Lovren. The towering Croatian has not walked his way into the squad, but shouted it. In both training and the recent friendly against Dortmund the centre back has shown off his leadership qualities. Qualities which, since the departure of Some added bite Carragher have been lacking in the back line of the Reds. Not only that, but he grabbed a goal that may seal his place in Rodgers’ defence for the years to come. The final player who was brought in as part of the raid on Southampton was Rickie Lambert. A lifelong Reds fan, it would seem as though Lambert was brought in to fill a place on the bench, with no obvious first team role.

In Rickie Lambert, we have a reasonable Plan B. However, in games where the quick passing doesn’t come off (i.e. Chelsea at home) perhaps the only alternative would be to float crosses in to Lambert and hope he can manufacture a chance from nothing. And what for the remaining weeks of this window? Personally the only thing I could hope for would be a star player to send a message to the rest of the league. So if John Henry happens to stumble across this, I’d like him to remember that Reus is perhaps only a phone call and £30 million away. But even if we don’t see another big name come in, I’m sure that the players we’ve already acquired are more than good enough to shine in the Premier League this season. Expertly written by: George Way - you can send your feedback to us and we’ll pass it on - editor@anfieldroar.com

SPENDING IT RIGHT George Way looks at how the football industry has grown, and how that can help LFC splash the cash... Over recent years football has grown, or rather evolved into an industry. As time progresses, it would seem as though the sporting side of the game will take a back seat role, as the transfer market becomes the playground of oil merchants and big investors. Nevertheless, some clubs seem to survive by spending limited amounts and not resorting to mass recruitment. One of these clubs has always been Liverpool; a fact we as supporters should be proud of. Now, by contrast, it would seem money is raining in at Anfield, but what is good to see is the way that it is being spent, rather than leaking through into the owners’ back pocket. There is no need to describe the cloud from which the money has rained from; that Uruguayan thunderstorm is long gone. Luis Suarez’ parting gift however, still remains at the forefront of the club’s plans. 21 21

SPENDING £75 million is a lot of money whichever way you look at it, but you can take a variety of views on the way to spend it: • •

Splash it all on one major Suarez replacement, or Spread it carefully over a long term solution that not only stabilizes the squad, but further enhances it;

These are the two options that face Brendan Rodgers. It would appear that we already know the option that he has selected; by bringing in the likes of Lovren and Lallana, Rodgers has Premier League players who are sure to improve the squad as soon as they walk in the door. Conversely, a great deal of money has already been spent on younger players, such as Can and Markovic. These players represent the bigger picture; Brendan Rodgers is not building a squad to win the league next year – he is sculpting a unit capable of challenging in Europe for years to come. This unit however will surely take more than one summer to create; or will it? Upon looking at the current crop at Anfield, it is difficult to see what is missing – potentially a full back and a star striker? And with Moreno set to join in the coming weeks, it would seem that the final piece in this jigsaw is a big name capable of partnering Sturridge in a similar way to Suarez. But how could such a move be funded? Would the owners be willing to spend more money than they gained from the Suarez deal? Based on their record in previous transfer windows, the answer would have to be yes. Go back to the January of 2011, and the last time Liverpool received a record fee for a player. Back then, FSG spent big on two star players to fill the hole left by one. Although one of these ‘stars’ struggled to get going, the other went on to become the man who scored more goals than anybody in the season just gone... Expertly written by: George Way - you can send your feedback to us and we’ll pass it on - editor@anfieldroar.com

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GOODBYE & GOOD

RIDDANCE?

Aizaz Sheikh reckons weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re better off without the distractions of a certain Uruguayan. Do you agree? Where were you on Tuesday June 24th of this year? You probably think that's a random way to start an article. Fair enough. Let me try another question. Where were you when you saw (or heard of) Luis Suarez biting Giorgio Chiellini? Easier question to answer? When Suarez appeared to crack in the pressure cooker at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Liverpool fans winced. This can't be happening again. Please, somebody say it isn't so. But it did happen, again. Luis Suarez bit an opponent for a third time in his career. It was the second time as a Liverpool player. And even though it was in Uruguay's colours this time, we knew it was ultimately our problem.

He bit me?!

We all know how the rest of the summer played out. A nine game ban, and banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity for a period of 4 months. 24

GOODBYE! We were going to be without our star for the start of the season again. And then, the club - Brendan Rodgers, the fans, and the PR/ marketing team got a 'get out of jail free' card. Barcelona swooped in. For the reduced fee of £75m (if Gareth Bale was £100m, I still insist that £75m for Suarez is cheap!), they took the problem off our hands. I'm not sure about you, but I've heard the 'doom and gloom' talk all summer. Talk of how we took a step back by letting him go. Talk of how we came so close, and then just let our crown jewel slip away. Time will tell, but total over exaggeration if you ask me.

I've heard talk of how we took a step back by letting him go. Talk of how we came so close, and then just let our crown jewel slip away. Time will tell, but total over exaggeration if you ask me. Luis Suarez has moved on. And if anyone saw the demolition of (an albeit, weakened) Borussia Dortmund team in our final warm of game of the summer, so have we. The first part of us moving on is about the age old cliche - no one is bigger than the club. It sounds boring, but it's true. We all know what happened when Keegan and Rush left. Even Torres. Liverpool will keep evolving, new stars will emerge, and may have already emerged. Which brings us to Raheem Sterling. Somehow, Raheem has stepped up another gear. How does he keep doing this? Full disclosure, like last season's progress, I never saw this coming. The player we saw in preseason was not far away from Luis Suarez. Including the goals.

New Suarez?

GOODBYE! So, now we can enjoy the SAS 2.0. And I can almost guarantee you the other half of the partnership; Daniel Sturridge will enjoy this version more. (Don't believe me - look up Jamie Carragher's quote of Suarez bullying Sturridge,,,)

“I felt at times that Suarez bullied him a little bit. I know with strikers there’s sometimes a little bit of a jealousy thing there, if someone’s scoring. I felt for him at times. I think he got the rough end of the stick at times with him and Suarez." Carra on SAS Maybe Sterling will leave one day too. In fact, the hawks might even hover over Anfield as early as next summer. It's all good, we'll move on from that too. Because the real Liverpool revolution is powered by Brendan Rodgers from the side of the pitch. Nothing else shone through more in that Dortmund game, or in the tour of the USA. 2 years after the 'philosophy' that he was mocked for instilling in his 'group', Brendan outshines any individual. We are poetry in motion, remember? Free-flowing attacking football. Goals galore. And we went from 7th placed losers to Premier League pretenders in 2 years. Suarez didn't do that. Brendan Rodgers did that.

Raise a glass to Brendan

On the pitch, Brendan has brought in Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana, as well as the so-far-unimpressive Ricky Lambert. Even if two of these settle in, they can help the SAS v2.0 cushion the blow. And there are other important on-pitch factors. Without Suarez, Liverpool only lost one game from ten. We have already proven we can do without him.

GOODBYE! Let's assume what we have spoken about so far compensates for 16 Luis Suarez goals. How do we bridge the remaining 15? We tighten up at the back, for a start! Dejan Lovren has come in, and he might even chip in with a couple of those 15. We might need to only save on 10 of those 15! Come on guys, we can't possibly defend worse than we did last season. Plus Mignolet and Sakho are a year further in their progression. Ok, I can go and on. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obvious from what you have read so far that I am absolutely fine cutting ties with Luis Suarez. Even on the pitch, we can, will, and have no choice but to replace him. And, it's on the pitch where (I think) I have justified us replacing him in what you have read so far. But, in closing I am going to turn my attention off the pitch. Like you, I was ready to defend him again. And would have again. And he would have come back, again. And would have let us down, again. And we would have defended him. Again. And again. And again and again. And it's with this in mind, that I not only bid him adieu, I think I am almost ready to say good riddance. The club is sacred to me. Like it is probably sacred to you. It is not sacred to Luis Suarez, and that is ok. It doesn't have to be. Not at all. If you represent our club the way you did at times, we are good with that. But you see, no one can drag our club through the mud anymore. I am tired of justifying his actions. I am tired of his nonsense. I am tired of people turning their nose up at the institution that is closest to my heart, for any reason. Let alone someone who obviously refuses to seek help for such glaringly obvious issues. All good things come to an end. When Luis Suarez was good, he was very, very good. But when he was bad, he was too much. And it happened too much. And quite frankly, enough is enough. We go again.

Expertly written by: Aizaz Sheikh Tweet us your thoughts - @anfieldroarmag

Introducing... Adam

LALLANA Emanuel Ivan introduces to the man who has slowly risen through the divisions... ‘The rise to fame’. That is probably the best way in which you could describe the story of a footballer that went from League One, to the Premier League and then the World Cup, in just three years... This is the story of Adam Lallana. Adam David Lallana, 26, is an English attacking midfielder who was born in St Albans on 10th May 1988. He has played for AFC Bournemouth as a youngster and was signed by Southampton FC at the age of 12. The midfielder was involved with the likes of Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale in Southampton's successful youth set up, and provided a record number of assists for the St Mary U17 side in 2003/04. At the age of 17 though, Adam suffered a heart scare when a training monitor picked up an irregular beat. He wasn’t able to play football until he underwent successful keyhole surgery. 28

LALLANA "I felt fine, but I had this irregular heart beat that stopped me playing for a bit. I underwent a minor operation that corrected everything and I’ve not looked back since.” In contrast to former Southampton team-mates like Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – who all left for big clubs as teenagers – Adam Lallana had to take a different path to the top: “I don’t recall ever being close to leaving, or having options to leave. It was better to stay and have two seasons in League One.”

Our new number 20 is a boyhood Everton fan. Remember any other Blues that played for us? Rush, Owen, McManaman, Fowler, Carragher? Hopefully, Lallana will go on the same highs as those players did for Liverpool FC. During 2008/09, cash strapped Southampton were forced to rely on mostly young players, which gave Lallana the chance to establish himself as a regular first team player. But, the youngster really made a name for himself during Southampton's first season in League One (2009/10). “We were relegated, starting with minus 10 points, administration, with talk of liquidation. Those were dark days. There was even one month where we didn’t get paid.” Nevertheless, during that season, Lallana achieved 20 goals in all competitions, making him the first non centre forward to score 20 times in a single campaign for Southampton, since Matt Le Tissier hit 30 in 1994/95. The attacking midfielder regularly caused defences trouble with his intelligent dribbling, and his creativity was crucial for the Saints.

Chest out! 29

LALLANA “I might not have been here today if I’d left when Southampton went into administration. It’s been great ever since, back-toback promotions and competing in the Premier League.” Alongside the club to which he remained loyal through thick and thin, the midfielder took the Premier League by surprise. In total, during the two seasons that he has spent playing in ‘the most watched football league in the world’ (2012/13 and 2013/14), Lallana managed 12 goals and 14 assists. He initially operated as a central attacking midfielder, but was later moved out wide on the left.

“Adam is special, he is a very unique player. I am always telling him that he has the characteristics of a Spanish player and he has the skills of an Iniesta, Xavi or Fabregas." Mauricio Pochettino, ex-Southampton manager In July 2014, after long periods of negotiations between our officials and Southampton, Adam Lallana became a Liverpool FC player. The St Marys club were adamant to get £20m for the midfielder, so Liverpool had to pay a total of £25m, as his former club, Bournemouth, had a sell-on clause which stipulated that they receive 25% of Lallana’s transfer fee.

Expertly written by: Ivan Emanuel You can tweet Ivan at @emy_2good

INTRODUCING…

DEJAN LOVREN Ross Webber gives us a run down on the man who is going to become the heart of our defence... Heading into the summer, there was one key issue that needed addressing; the amount of goals Liverpool conceded last season. The retirement of Jamie Carragher in 2013 left a hole in the Reds’ back line and his absence was apparent as 50 goals were put past Simon Mignolet in the Premier League – 13 more than eventual winners Manchester City. It’s no wonder therefore that Brendan Rodgers has reacted by securing the signature of central defender Dejan Lovren from Southampton. The Croatian international served an impressive first season in English football at the heart of the Saints’ defence last year, catching the attention of Rodgers who moved quickly to make Lovren one of his latest captures.

LOVREN Lovren first caught the eye after some impressive displays in Ligue 1 with French side Lyon where he spent three years before joining Southampton last summer. The 25 year old could prove to be an important cog in the LiverLooking mean pool defence, bringing key communication and organisational skills – something the leaky Reds back line lacked last season. Not only will his mental attributes contribute to the back line, but Lovren is also a strong unit, proving last season that he was more than capable of dealing with the demands of the Premier League. Despite Croatia’s disappointing World Cup campaign earlier this summer, Lovren continued to prove himself, this time on the world stage despite conceding a very controversial penalty against Brazil. Nevertheless, Lovren has grown as a footballer immensely over the last year or so and his recent move to Anfield illustrates that.

“Dejan was perfect – he's what I've been looking for since Jamie Carragher left. He's a dominant centre-half who goes and attacks the ball and reads the game incredibly well. He has his quality with the pass. Both sides, left foot, right foot.” Rodgers on Lovren after Dortmund The Croatian had previously been linked with a move to Liverpool prior to joining Southampton, and Lovren not only knows how it feels to play in front of the Anfield crowd, but he can also boast an Anfield goal from early last season against the Reds. After the Saints turned down an offer for the defender earlier this summer, it was clear Lovren was keen on the move, claiming his “head was already in Liverpool”. Lovren has been allocated the number six shirt at Liverpool, following in the footsteps of legends Alan Hansen and Emlyn Hughes in wearing the famous jersey. He joins Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana who both were recruited by Liverpool from 32

LOVREN Southampton earlier in the transfer window, so Lovren should have no trouble settling in with the team. His addition will also offer more competition in the central defensive role, with Rodgers strengthening at the back. Kolo Toure suffered a shaky debut season for the Reds and with Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Agger suffering injuries throughout the campaign, Liverpool were down to the bare bones in that particular position. But Lovren will also add a missing leadership quality which in vital for any defence. Lovren signed a four-year deal with Liverpool on 27th July for a fee of around £20 million after completing his medical at Melwood. Upon signing, Lovren claimed it was a “dream come true” Have some of that! and that hearing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in front of the Kop last season was something special.

“We have a week now to prepare for the Southampton game. We will have time to get to know each other better but I already feel settled here. I said from the start we want to take the title. We have the qualities and we have a team working well together.” Lovren

The Croatian becomes the fifth signing for Liverpool so far this summer, following Lambert, Lallana, Lazar Markovic and Emre Can through the Anfield door.

Expertly written by: Ross Webber Ross’s site is liverpoolnewsandviews.tumblr.com 33

Introducing...

Rickie

LAMBERT Michael Reid introduces us to the player who has been a fan since he was a boy... We all know his fairy-tale. Released by his boyhood club aged just 15, his dreams in tatters, he followed a path from Blackpool to Macclesfield Town to Stockport County to Rochdale to Bristol Rovers before finally making a name for himself at Southampton. Wind forward five years at the Saints and he finally ends up where he started, at the club he has supported for all of his life. He finally ends up at Liverpool, 17 years after he was told he wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it there. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the sort of story that not even the greatest of fictional authors could think of.

LAMBERT If the tale ended at that point, it would be a typical, cliché happy ending. But the story does not, and must not, end here for Rickie Lambert. He was signed by Brendan Rodgers not because of sentimental reasons. He was signed because he is seen as the man to improve Liverpool’s current squad. And it is vital that he produces.

f the tale ended at that point, it would be a typical, cliché happy ending. But the story does not, and must not, end here for Rickie Lambert. So what exactly are the qualities that Lambert possesses to make him the signing Liverpool need? Why choose a 32 year old forward who has had just two seasons in the Premier League over perhaps a more youthful, trickier, more elegant attacking player? One answer to this question is that with age comes experience. Whilst Lambert may not have countless major trophies or Playing for County considerable years of top flight football behind him despite his age, he has played over 600 professional career games. He has been there, done that and bought the t-shirt in every English division – and indeed has an impressive 28 Premier League goals to his name in just 2 seasons in the top flight! In fact last season, our new number 9 was incredibly one of only 15 players in Europe’s top 5 leagues to not only reach double figures in his goal tally, but also to assist more that 10 of his teams goals too. Just think of how many world class attacking players there are in the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga – only 14 other players in all of those divisions managed to achieve what Rickie Lambert did in terms of goals and assists in 2013/14! 35

LAMBERT It is this creativity that Rodgers’ will inevitably admire in the Scouse striker. Even if Lambert is to be mainly used as a substitute, that is not a bad option to have from the bench for both Champions League and Premier League games, and indeed he will be an excellent option for FA and League cup matches too! At Southampton, Lambert – like other newcomers Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren – played a similar passing and pressing game to the one Rodgers employs with Liverpool. This means that he should be able to settle in the Reds’ style of play relatively simply.

Even if Lambert is to be mainly used as a substitute, that is not a bad option to have from the bench for both Champions League and Premier League games He is an excellent passer of the ball with an immaculate first touch – something the likes of Raheem Sterling, Lazar Markovic and Daniel Sturridge will love to use to their advantage, bouncing passes off him, using his excellent close control and passing to execute highly effective 1-2’s when combined with their lightning pace. In addition to this, at 6’2” and with bundles of rough and ready lower league experience, Lambert is more than capable when it comes to the more physical side of the game.

More of these please!

From corners, Steven Gerrard will love trying to find him, particularly with his excellent ability to create space in the box using his strength and experience, and he will be a more able target man than the likes of Sturridge, Suarez or Aspas were last season if a long ball from the back is needed. However, there is an obvious worry with Rickie Lambert joining Liverpool. With a certain Luis Suarez now gone, Lambert’s influence will be all the more needed, and the pressure of playing 36

LAMBERT for your boyhood club, a club as massive as Liverpool, is humongous.

Netting for England Just look at Lambert’s first penalty for the Reds against AC Milan – whilst it was only a pre-season game, this penalty was saved. To put that into context, Lambert scored all 34 of his spot-kicks for Southampton, and has converted an incredible 58 of his 60 professional career penalties. To go and miss his first, albeit a less meaningful penalty for Liverpool indicates the new pressure he is under. No disrespect to Southampton, but Liverpool is an all new and so very different challenge for Rickie Lambert, and one that he must not be overawed by. He must relax and play his natural game, or else he will be considered a flop, even at just £4m! Lambert’s fairy-tale story may feel complete for him right now, but the final chapter is yet to be written. He has all the tools to make it the best yet, and Reds fans across the globe will be routing him on to every success. He loves the club and the fans will love him back for it too. Liverpool have a new number 9 to adore. Expertly written by: Michael Reid Feedback? Send your feedback to : editor@anfieldroar.com

INTRODUCINGâ&#x20AC;Ś

LAZAR

MARKOVIC Ronan McCourt tells us more about the 20 year old winger who has impressed everyone at his previous clubs.. As the first signing by the club in the post-Suarez era, a lot has been said about the ÂŁ19.8 million deal to bring 20 year old Serbian attacker Lazar Markovic to the club from Portuguese champions Benfica. Namely, who is he and why has the club paid so highly for a largely untested, unknown quantity? Such fears can be immediately put to bed however, as on closer inspection it looks like Rodgers might have snared a real star in the making. Markovic began his career at the highly-acclaimed Youth School Belin academy of Serbian Champions Partizan Belgrade, the same academy that boasts Manchester City duo Stevan Jovetic and Matija Nastasic among its alumni, at the age of 12. 38

MARKOVIC He made his first team bow aged just 17, and in his first 2 seasons of senior football at the club he made 46 appearances in all comps and was voted into the SuperLiga Team of the Year on both occasions. Such form earned him a move to Portuguese side Benfica, where he was signed amidst a host of fellow Serbians (including his own brother Filip) to join the club in what many saw as a ploy to keep star man Nemanja Matic happy in Lisbon. It didn’t take long for Markovic, as before at Partizan, to stand out from the crowd. 2 goals in his first 3 league games, including a wonderful individual effort in the Lisbon derby against Sporting saw many sit up and take notice of the kid once described by Avram Grant as “apart from Ronaldo and Messi, one of the best talents I’ve ever seen at 19 years of age.”

“Apart from Ronaldo and Messi, one of the best talents I’ve ever seen at 19 years of age.” Avram Grant A total of 49 matches and seven goals last year are impressive numbers for a player who only turned 20 in March and who was playing abroad for the first time. In terms of his ability, he has many attributes and qualities which stand out. His versatility will be important, as he can play almost anywhere across the front. He described the left wing as his favoured position in his first LFC interview, however he played predominantly from the right at Benfica, as well as at No. 10.

Cool finish 39

MARKOVIC His pace and dribbling abilities are his main strengths. His ability to glide past players at terrific pace, all with his head up is almost unique, he has an unmistakable presence and style when on the ball and this is what has marked him out as a potential world beater from an early age. Cheesy Grin He is still very raw of course, his decision making at times, as well as his final ball and finishing can only improve, however for a 20 year old he has all you could want in an attacker and some, and he will only improve as he adapts to the demands of both Liverpool and the Premier League.

And who knows, if he continues to develop at this rate, he could make us forget about Suarez a whole lot quicker than we thought we could. Our one fleeting glimpse of him so far in his 45 minute cameo vs Olympiakos was enough to whet the appetite and we can hope for some eye catching performances from the youngster of the next few years. And who knows, if he continues to develop at this rate, he could make us forget about Suarez a whole lot quicker than we thought we could. Expertly written by: Ronan McCourt You can tweet your responses to @anfieldroarmag

Paul McFarland preview the crucial first few matches - hopefully we’ll be still in the mix after these lot... Liverpool's season kicks off on the 17th August at home to Southampton. It seems so long ago that the World Cup ended, never mind the premier league. I don't know about everyone else but I’ve been counting the days from the final whistle that brought Liverpool's season to an end, along with my hopes and dreams of that elusive 19th title. Here's my prediction on how things will pan out for the next month: Sun Aug 17th Liverpool v Southampton - win. I think this should be a straight forward win, after all we have half of their team. Mon Aug 25th Man City v Liverpool - draw. This one will have the rest of the premier league looking at us to see if we're as strong/good as last season without your man whatshisface. But after watching us against man city in America I believe we're a match for them, it'll be tight, but I still think it'll be a draw. Sun Aug 31st Spurs v Liverpool - win. After the two hidings we give them last season I don't think they'll be as open and easy to play through this time, so a low scoring win.

We’ll take another 3-2 win!

FIXTURES Sat Sept 13th Liverpool v Aston villa - win. Even though villa were crap for most of last season they always seem to play that bit better against us, or is it that they bring us down to their level? If we are to have another shot at the title then this is the kind of game we need to win. Another low scoring win I think. By my calculations, we should have 50 points by the end of the year, but I think we all know the premier league likes to throw a spanner in the works for every team. I'm pretty sure we will drop points along the way where nobody expects it and maybe pick up a few where we don't deserve to as well. I think come the start of January and we are still in the mix for the champions league and still thereabouts for the premier league, then I'll be happy enough. Paul McFarland YNWA If only...

Comp Prem

Opposition Southampton (h)

Date Sun 17th Aug

Time 13:30

Predict WIN

Prem

Man City (a)

Mon 25th Aug

20:00

DRAW

Prem

Tottenham (a)

Sun 31st Aug

13:30

WIN

Prem

Aston Villa (h)

Sat 13th Sept

17:30

WIN

Expertly written by: Paul McFarland Feedback? Send your feedback to : editor@anfieldroar.com

This month weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried to do a little scouting work for you guys - just have a look at what our new boys have been up to at former clubs! Lazar Markovic

A video of all Lazar Markovicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sensational dribbles, passes, shots and goals - whats not to like? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0denE-XksE

YOUTUBE

Adam Lallana

3 minute mix of the tricks, skills and silks of Liverpool and England’s creative genius - Adam Lallana http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMl0vX8uknw Divock Origi

And here’s one for the future…! After impressing for Belgium this guy is worth a second look… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEJNUEQTIbk

Send us your favourites - @anfieldroarmag 44

It's been an interesting summer from a Liverpool perspective with many players in World Cup action, although far too briefly in certain cases, plenty of transfer activity taking place and a chocker pre-season program to cram in. Initially, with friendly results inconsistent and a certain Uruguayan heading off into the Catalonian sunset, I was very pessimistic about our chances of achieving success in 2014-15. Despite assembling eight notable additions at a combined cost of around ÂŁ100m, including some exciting talents and players with proven Premier League pedigree, there remains work to be done on the transfer front before the month is out. Bringing in another striker, which is something Brendan Rodgers himself is on record as describing as 'crucial', is the primary one. At the moment an injury to Daniel Sturridge looks like it could prove fatal with only Rickie Lambert offering a viable alternative, albeit one that would herald a noticeable change in approach. Personally I'd also like to see a defensive midfielder purchased, particularly if Lucas Leiva departs before the transfer window closes.

Not the new Suarez

Steven Gerrard may have excelled in a deeper role last season but it could still prove pertinent to have a specialist who can shield the back four in the traditional sense; in a manner Javier Mascherano once did for example.

CLEAR AS DAY Admittedly such players, at the very top level at least, are in short supply and the tactics we generally employ don't really require one, but there will no doubt be games, when we're on the back foot or looking to safeguard a lead, that a natural defensive midfielder could prove invaluable. Perhaps the answer could actually lie within and promising youngster Jordan Rossiter will be the next Academy player to make the step up to the first team fold?

Perhaps the answer could actually lie within and promising youngster Jordan Rossiter will be the next Academy player to make the step up? Elsewhere, the pursuit of a new left-back, although now finally resolved with the recruitment of Alberto Moreno, became a bit of a drawn out soap opera. Negotiations with Sevilla for the Spanish international were on and off more times than a whore's drawers, while contingency bids for Ben Davies and Ryan Bertrand ultimately led to nothing. The position has been a regular thorn in the side of Liverpool teams for what seems like decades now and it would have been preferable if Moreno had been brought in much sooner than he was. Defenders often need a little extra time to bed into a new club and adjust to a differing tactical approach, especially with certain facets such as positioning, marking and off-side policy specific to them. Pitching Moreno straight in against Southampton will therefore be a brave decision, although fellow new signings Dejan Lovren and Javier Manquillo both excelled in their debuts against Borussia Dortmund at the weekend. I try not to get too carried away at this stage of proceedings, mainly as a result of predicting Bruno Cheyrou would be a world 46

CLEAR AS DAY beater after watching him excel in a friendly against Lazio a decade or so ago, but Sunday's resounding 4-0 win was probably the best pre-season performance I've ever seen. On this evidence, Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson can collectively replace the influence, effectiveness and goals of Luis Suarez over the coming months. And perhaps that will be the key for us this season; the whole becoming greater than the sum of its parts. Rodgers has talked extensively about the need to build a better squad with greater strength in depth and, besides up front, he's certainly got that. Unfortunately, despite the positives, I cannot quite see us matching last season's swashbuckling title push this time around. For me, staying in the top four and winning one of the domestic cup competitions would represent a good season. As for who will win it, I'm plumping for Chelsea, as much as it pains me! Given I correctly predicted Manchester City would be successful in this very column 12 months ago, perhaps you should go and have a little flutter on it? Unfortunately my Fantasy Team didn't fare quite as well as my attempts at being Nostradamus but for those of you interested here's my latest line-up (3-5-2): Asmir Begovic; Mathieu Debuchy, Dejan Lovren, Ben Davies; Jesus Navas, Aaron Ramsey, Philippe Coutinho, Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling; Wayne Rooney, Stevan Jovetic.

Expertly written by: Gavin Day - tweet him @superbag Visit Gavinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s site at http://www.liverpool.vitalfootball.co.uk

FULL TIME

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