Time is running out for Liverpool

With the transfer window end date looming, Rodgers and Liverpool’s management team are desperate to add one or two new players to the squad, in hope to qualify for Champions League.

After losing out on Egypt International Mohamed Salah to Chelsea, Liverpool have been linked with spanish midfielder Saúl Ñíguez Esclápez,(Niguez), who is currently on loan to Rayo Vallecano from Atletico Madrid.

Who? I hadn’t heard of him before, so I did a little research..

• He’s 19 years old, his father and brothers all play professional football.
• He can play as a defensive midfielder and a centre back
• He has a buy-out clause, but Liverpool are preparing an 8 million pound offer for him.
• LFC scouts went and watched his latest game, where he was playing out of position and scored an own goal.
• He is also wanted by Arsenal and Man United.
• His father met with Liverpool in England to discuss options.

The thing that makes me worry is that he is only 19! We haveenough young players in our team at the minute, with Sterling, Coutinho, Ibe, all young players who yes are good, but don’t have the experience under their belt. However I would rather sign him than nobody, and he must be promising if Atletico Madrid bought him.

Niguez will most likely be played as a defensive midfielder, alongside Steven Gerrard, allowing Gerrard to make more runs and create another attacking option. Rodgers doesn’t have long to make the deal, with only four days remaining.

Liverpool are also linked to AC Milan’s defensive midfielder Nigel De Jong. With many national caps for Holland, this player has a lot of experience and is known as one of the toughest tacklers in the game. He sounds perfect!

BUT WHEN WILL WE PUT PEN TO PAPER?

I’m sure i’m not the only Liverpool fan that is freaking out, constantly checking news feeds for information on Liverpool’s latest actions. It’s not only obvious to the fans that we urgently need a defensive mid, and a strong centre back, but it’s obvious to the whole league! Everyone knows that our defence isn’t nearly as great as our attack, and that it’s easy to put at least one past us. If we want to make top four we need to make a signing, or two. Or else I really struggle to see us make top four, especially with the likes of Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea being extremely strong at both ends of the pitch.

#InRodgersWeTrust

Liverpool through to fifth round of FA Cup.

Liverpool travelled to Bournemouth for the fourth round of the FA Cup, beating the Cherries 2-0 in what seemed a close match.

The Reds seemed a bit shaky in the opening 20 minutes, as Bournemouth were dominating possession and looking extremely dangerous. Poor finishing was the only thing letting the home side down, with many chances to put the ball in the back of our net. A goal from Moses eased nerves, as Liverpool went one up going into the break.

The Reds got off to a much better start in the second half, chances from Coutinho and Suarez, which eventually set up Sturridge to double Liverpool’s lead.

With the derby only days away I thought resting Gerrard and Suarez would’ve been a priority. Instead Moses and Kelly got taken off, at least Coutinho got off. This match again highlighted Liverpool’s huge weakness and worry (especially for us fans), which is our defence. My heart dropped when Skrtel went down, just whatwe need another defender injured.. But he seemed to be alright after a few minutes.

Liverpool need to improve their defence if they want to beat Everton in the mid-week fixture. It has become really obvious that Suarez and Sturridge can’t camouflageour week defence anymore.

Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.

Can Mata help United make top four?

Juan Mata is now a Manchester United player, after Chelsea confirming the 37 million pound sale earlier today.

The Spaniard has been sidelined too often for Chelsea, only getting real playing opportunities in Cup games.

But can Mata make an impact for Man United? 

It’s no secret that United have fallen greatly since Moyes has taken over, but it became evident this morning that it’s not all Moyes fault.

The semi-final of the Carling Cup saw Sunderland go through to Wembley, after thrashing United on penalties.

Only one Manchester United player could convert from the spot kick, Darren Fletcher, some saying it was the worst penalty shoot out they’ve ever seen.

So will Mata be the answer to their problems? Probably not, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction for United.

Now I turn to criticise Jose Mourinho. He wasn’t playing Mata, yes it was clear for everyone to see he wasn’t the clear favourite. Having to fight for his place in the first eleven, competing with Hazard and Oscar.

When Mata does get played, he performs. Which brings me to my only main concern for the selling of the skilful midfielder. Yes, Chelsea have a strong team. But lets say Oscar, Hazard, Lampard get injured, who will they have as a replacement?

I just don’t think it was a good move to sell one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, ultimately weakening his own side, especially when it comes to cup games. Fair enough he wanted to go because of the lack of game time, but Jose could’ve fixed that.

I think Jose will regret this!

Gerrard’s career is far from finished.

After this weeks disappointing draw to Aston Villa Stevie G has received a lot of criticism.

Many fans have taken to social media outlets claiming that Gerrard has lost his mojo and his career is coming to an end.

What people don’t realise is that Rodgers was asking a lot of him. To throw him in a deeper role without any real help in order to try and pill off a ‘regista’ role was near impossible. Especially with Villa playing a diamond formation in midfield. Even Gerrard says he got swamped every time he received the ball.  And yes, he himself admits it wasn’t one of his best 45 minutes played.

Steven Gerrard proved himself in the second half with a perfect ball to Suarez which in the end earned the penalty. Also converting the penalty to go level with Villa.

Rodgers has admitted his tactics and formation didn’t work well against Villa, who you have to give credit to played exceptionally well.

Let’s hope next week Rodgers reverts back to our successful 4-3-3 formation which helped us ease past Tottenham, and hopefully Gerrard will be out of the holding midfield role.