On his arrival many questioned whether Glen Johnson was over-priced at almost £18 million. No doubt Liverpool paid a premium but the cost wasn‘t quite in line with the quoted fee when the remainder of Peter Crouch‘s transfer value was written off against the asking price.
The right back had recently signed a lengthy contract at Fratton Park as Portsmouth sought to protect an asset they knew would have to go but would have had to allow a much cheaper exit on his old terms. Permission to talk to Champions League clubs was key in the player putting pen to paper.
Not only that the England international brought the quota of qualified players for the 6+5 rule up by an extra one. At times in his career Johnson has been erratic but settled down to become possibly the Premiership’s best English born full back regardless of the flank covered.
Dirk Kuyt’s discipline and work ethic ensures Johnson needs to put in fewer lung bursting runs than he might otherwise expect. The Dutchman will drift backwards or hold to ensure his partner isn’t caught out so often looks to double. But Johnson has put in a decent shift at the back. Even in a struggling side like Portsmouth his meat and potatoes role as a defender shined.
His ability to pass be that in an orthodox fashion or via a cross has been seemingly understated for much of his career.
The ball for Andriy Voronin towards the end of the game with Stoke City was one the highest quality and as good as any of his many illustrious colleagues could muster. He has also shown himself able to take an advantage when coming from deeper positions to great effect.
Defenders are unsure whether he is likely to keep wide or cut in. they also do not know at which point he may opt to change course and very importantly - regardless of the range or quality of his passing - pick out the right ball. His crosses have been accurate, searching and sharp.
From a very practical point of view he has a quality Rafa likes - an ability to play elsewhere across the backline and if pressed midfield.
Liverpool’s plans revolve around adding additional threat down the wings so in addition to defending both left and right sided defenders will be expected to bomb on and this is something Johnson has excelled at. His contribution in that attacking third has been little short of outstanding
He caused Tottenham no end of worries and won a penalty which could have potentially saved the game despite a generally poor performance and terrorised Stoke grabbing a deserved goal for his troubles as well as rave reviews.
Sunday 23 August 2009
Saturday 22 August 2009
Aware of a Greek bearing gifts
With such a meagre pot at his disposal Rafael Benitez had to turn his attentions away from the capture of Michael Turner or Sylvain Distin. Not to mention Ryan Shawcross, Matthew Upson and others Sotirios Kyrgiakos was plucked from AEK Athens.
The £2 million price almost reflecting perfectly the rumoured sum at his disposal.
Though other areas of the team could have done with fortification or something approaching a world class addition short term a centre back was a priority.
Martin Skrtel may play on Monday against Aston Villa but his participation - extremely tentative as it is in the first place - may only be possible in a ’Phantom of the Opera’ style mask. Jamie Carragher will be patched up and sent out while Daniel Agger requires back surgery before he will play again.
Danny Ayala put in a competent enough display against Stoke in midweek. He didn’t do too badly at White Hart Lane either when Skrtel decided not even he could see out the final quarter but is too raw to expect to become the fourth first team option and at this point his development is best served by reserve team football.
Skrtel is a man who could give Nosferatu nightmares let alone Premiership forwards and it’s clear Kyrgiakos will provide some additional muscle in that position. The 30 year old stands 6’4” so is naturally commanding in the air and has mauled strikers plus countless midfielders in his homeland, Germany and Scotland. Not to mention those from a host of national sides.
Clearly an ability to dish it out was amongst the qualities the manager was looking at when selecting a new player.
Speaking at the press conference to announce the capture Benitez said: "He is a tough defender who is strong and good in the air. He has a strong character and we were looking for these things. He can score goals and will be a threat from corners and free-kicks. He's very strong in defence but he will need time as always to settle into the Premier League.
"We knew the player when he was with Rangers and we've been watching videos of him at Frankfurt and the national team. Our scout department had a lot of information.
He added: "We've talked about the things he's done before and the things he'll have to do for us. He knows what we want and he's ready to work."
Unlike those considered before him Kyrgiakos may have been a picking from the bargain bin which makes his signing low risk but with respect to all his previous employers this is the biggest move of his career albeit at a late stage which means he has every incentive to do well.
The £2 million price almost reflecting perfectly the rumoured sum at his disposal.
Though other areas of the team could have done with fortification or something approaching a world class addition short term a centre back was a priority.
Martin Skrtel may play on Monday against Aston Villa but his participation - extremely tentative as it is in the first place - may only be possible in a ’Phantom of the Opera’ style mask. Jamie Carragher will be patched up and sent out while Daniel Agger requires back surgery before he will play again.
Danny Ayala put in a competent enough display against Stoke in midweek. He didn’t do too badly at White Hart Lane either when Skrtel decided not even he could see out the final quarter but is too raw to expect to become the fourth first team option and at this point his development is best served by reserve team football.
Skrtel is a man who could give Nosferatu nightmares let alone Premiership forwards and it’s clear Kyrgiakos will provide some additional muscle in that position. The 30 year old stands 6’4” so is naturally commanding in the air and has mauled strikers plus countless midfielders in his homeland, Germany and Scotland. Not to mention those from a host of national sides.
Clearly an ability to dish it out was amongst the qualities the manager was looking at when selecting a new player.
Speaking at the press conference to announce the capture Benitez said: "He is a tough defender who is strong and good in the air. He has a strong character and we were looking for these things. He can score goals and will be a threat from corners and free-kicks. He's very strong in defence but he will need time as always to settle into the Premier League.
"We knew the player when he was with Rangers and we've been watching videos of him at Frankfurt and the national team. Our scout department had a lot of information.
He added: "We've talked about the things he's done before and the things he'll have to do for us. He knows what we want and he's ready to work."
Unlike those considered before him Kyrgiakos may have been a picking from the bargain bin which makes his signing low risk but with respect to all his previous employers this is the biggest move of his career albeit at a late stage which means he has every incentive to do well.
Sunday 16 August 2009
Glory round the fields of Anfield Road? The 2009-10 season
Expectation, demand and belief is rife in Liverpool - at least in the city’s proverbial red half. Who can be sure just how those of bluer blood think. Especially after the season’s opening day.
Last season had that sustained and competitive title challenge Anfield has craved for so long and there is a huge weight on Rafael Benitez’s shoulders as a result. However, it’s a load he can bear and a he is more than capable of discharging.
Number 19 need not be polished up an delivered to a specific L4 postcode for the season to be a success but all things being equal and no doubt with that bit of luck every championship winning club needs it should be.
Surveying the contenders which despite Manchester City’s summer splurge will once again compromise the ’Big 4.’
Managers are by virtue of what they do responsible for success but after the summer departures at Manchester United the squad at Sir Alex Ferguson’s disposal is unarguably weaker than the one he had last season. For once the pivotal players he has seen leave have not been replaced with others of a similar standing. Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Gabriel Obertan do not counterbalance the exits.
Arsenal opened their campaign with a distinct burst. They have capable players and some fine young talent though remain a large work in progress and may fall as short as they did last term. There a chance they may lose a berth in the top four but no more than that. Reports of their demise are premature and perhaps no one should expect The Gunners to necessarily linger a distant fourth.
Chelsea have a strong squad with plenty of depth but Carlo Ancelotti has not made too many investments since gaining an influence on Roman Abramovich’s chequebook. Though Yuri Zhirkov promises to be an excellent signing for the most part the squad is one which peaked under Jose Mourinho’s but has subsequently not been good enough to regain their crown at three successive attempts. They will also be adversely affected by the African Cup of Nations.
Additionally not too much younger blood has been added this summer or over the past two seasons.
The vast majority of the squad is either over 30 or approaching that milestone and much of that old guard have been given new contracts an though Pter Cech, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba are every bit as much the strong spine of the Stamford Bridge outfit they are considerably older than their Anfield counterparts of Jose Reina, Jamie Carragher, Javier Mascherano, Gerrard and Torres.
Liverpool have, at least to date, survived raids from Eastlands and the Bernabeu with only minimal damage. Xabi Alonso is of course a big loss. His influence from midfield where he dictates the method and pace at which the game is played has been crucial to facilitating the game plans hatched by Rafael Benitez. It leaves a huge gap which any club would struggle to fill but his departure is potentially not as ruinous as Ronaldo packing up 30 plus goals in his Madrid bound suitcase along with those bursting runs and step-overs.
As for Carlos Tevez. Much of the Argentine’s work was selfless which created opportunities for either Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney or Dimitar Berbatov to take advantage of. Though while he may not have been the most prolific goalscorer at Old Trafford those he grabbed tended to be vital ones - a strike against his new employers to double a lead just before half-time and an equaliser against Wigan arguably took the title away from Liverpool’s grasp in mid-May. His late winner against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium started that eight match winning streak from Boxing Day until Liverpool’s win at Old Trafford in March. Most victories were grinded out during which time the Reds’ New Year lead had been overhauled.
Liverpool needed to make additions to supplement a squad which had come as close as any other to lifting the crown since the title was last resident at Anfield.
In the ideal world just tweaks would have been required to take that squad on far enough. The starting XI was as good if not better than anything else in the division but once exposed by injury, suspension or international duty lacked depth. It consequently needed strengthening in a few areas.
One of the key areas prior to Xabi Alonso’s departure were defence. For different reasons Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena did not had an easy first season. Sami Hyypia decided a challenge lay elsewhere while he was still spry enough to play a full schedule of games. Degen and Dossena’s signings were never wholly about defensive duties. Both are full-backs who get forward. Alvaro Arbeloa was always a willing and competent raider down the flank and keen to overlap but Glen Johnson offers more plus better delivery.
On the left Emiliano Insua is a real gem polishing up nicely. Martin Kelly and Stephen Darby can draw heart from the Argentian’s progress. As should Daniel Ayala and Mikel San Jose even if the latter should join Athletico Bilbao in the summer. Fitness allowing Fabio Aurellio has quality with a live as well as dead ball and like most Brazilians doesn’t need a second invitation to bomb on. Defenders coming forward makes up for the lack of natural width.
Whether Rafa lands Michael Turner Sylvian Distin, Ryan Shawcross or another centre back the rearguard will be brought up to a full and able compliment.
With Alonso gone there is an ability to change things around a little via Alberto Aquilani. The midfielder is someone who has shown promise at Roma but has yet to be tested in the Premiership. If he is to enjoy a smooth transition so much will depend on how he settles but it seems certain that the style of play especially at home will be more full-bodied that it often has been or at least as much as the personnel to hand have allowed such an approach. It won’t be frenzied. Any side the manager puts out will be disciplined but the Italian will have some license to raid forward and provide depth lengthy-ways.
Those few who placed confidence in Lucas Lieva may just see others recognise the maligned midfielder has something to offer and can maintain his impressive pre-season form. He has suffered from direct comparisons to playing in the same team and midfield as Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and Alonso but is and remains a very different type of player to each of those though will have a chance to display he can pass the ball quite well.
The Gerrard and Fernando Torres emphasis is important to Liverpool. Losing one or the other. Possibly even both as was the case last term is a blow. Though it doesn’t quite limit attacking potency it goes some way to doing that which means that forward line remains an area in which a quality alternative is needed. A point which needs to be made is that Liverpool are possibly no more but possibly less affected than other clubs who have a strike duo. With Ronaldo leaving extra has to come from Berbatov and Rooney whose importance doubled. Owen will get goals and a decent supply given the chances that will be created on his behalf but the burdens will not fall on his shoulders.
Liverpool’s mix of forwards is plentiful in number though lacks depth despite the ability of some of those win the ranks. The season to come will be an important one for Ryan Babel who needs to step up and show that his potential can be realised. For Yossi Benayoun there is the need to show his form during the spring was no flash in the pan.
There is likely to be more transfer activity by the end of August though on balance bringing players in to reinforce those areas identified and even accounting for the sales made there is no reason why Liverpool shouldn’t remain competitive and fancy themselves to go one better next time.
Maintaining results against title rivals is important. 14 points from 18 may not be bettered - it will be difficult to emulate but even harder to improve - but as long as there isn’t a collapse in that mini-league and most vitally results are improved against the rest it is obvious. Key to that is gaining an extra cutting edge - someone or something different perhaps even a supplement to Gerrard and Torres.
Last season had that sustained and competitive title challenge Anfield has craved for so long and there is a huge weight on Rafael Benitez’s shoulders as a result. However, it’s a load he can bear and a he is more than capable of discharging.
Number 19 need not be polished up an delivered to a specific L4 postcode for the season to be a success but all things being equal and no doubt with that bit of luck every championship winning club needs it should be.
Surveying the contenders which despite Manchester City’s summer splurge will once again compromise the ’Big 4.’
Managers are by virtue of what they do responsible for success but after the summer departures at Manchester United the squad at Sir Alex Ferguson’s disposal is unarguably weaker than the one he had last season. For once the pivotal players he has seen leave have not been replaced with others of a similar standing. Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Gabriel Obertan do not counterbalance the exits.
Arsenal opened their campaign with a distinct burst. They have capable players and some fine young talent though remain a large work in progress and may fall as short as they did last term. There a chance they may lose a berth in the top four but no more than that. Reports of their demise are premature and perhaps no one should expect The Gunners to necessarily linger a distant fourth.
Chelsea have a strong squad with plenty of depth but Carlo Ancelotti has not made too many investments since gaining an influence on Roman Abramovich’s chequebook. Though Yuri Zhirkov promises to be an excellent signing for the most part the squad is one which peaked under Jose Mourinho’s but has subsequently not been good enough to regain their crown at three successive attempts. They will also be adversely affected by the African Cup of Nations.
Additionally not too much younger blood has been added this summer or over the past two seasons.
The vast majority of the squad is either over 30 or approaching that milestone and much of that old guard have been given new contracts an though Pter Cech, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba are every bit as much the strong spine of the Stamford Bridge outfit they are considerably older than their Anfield counterparts of Jose Reina, Jamie Carragher, Javier Mascherano, Gerrard and Torres.
Liverpool have, at least to date, survived raids from Eastlands and the Bernabeu with only minimal damage. Xabi Alonso is of course a big loss. His influence from midfield where he dictates the method and pace at which the game is played has been crucial to facilitating the game plans hatched by Rafael Benitez. It leaves a huge gap which any club would struggle to fill but his departure is potentially not as ruinous as Ronaldo packing up 30 plus goals in his Madrid bound suitcase along with those bursting runs and step-overs.
As for Carlos Tevez. Much of the Argentine’s work was selfless which created opportunities for either Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney or Dimitar Berbatov to take advantage of. Though while he may not have been the most prolific goalscorer at Old Trafford those he grabbed tended to be vital ones - a strike against his new employers to double a lead just before half-time and an equaliser against Wigan arguably took the title away from Liverpool’s grasp in mid-May. His late winner against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium started that eight match winning streak from Boxing Day until Liverpool’s win at Old Trafford in March. Most victories were grinded out during which time the Reds’ New Year lead had been overhauled.
Liverpool needed to make additions to supplement a squad which had come as close as any other to lifting the crown since the title was last resident at Anfield.
In the ideal world just tweaks would have been required to take that squad on far enough. The starting XI was as good if not better than anything else in the division but once exposed by injury, suspension or international duty lacked depth. It consequently needed strengthening in a few areas.
One of the key areas prior to Xabi Alonso’s departure were defence. For different reasons Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena did not had an easy first season. Sami Hyypia decided a challenge lay elsewhere while he was still spry enough to play a full schedule of games. Degen and Dossena’s signings were never wholly about defensive duties. Both are full-backs who get forward. Alvaro Arbeloa was always a willing and competent raider down the flank and keen to overlap but Glen Johnson offers more plus better delivery.
On the left Emiliano Insua is a real gem polishing up nicely. Martin Kelly and Stephen Darby can draw heart from the Argentian’s progress. As should Daniel Ayala and Mikel San Jose even if the latter should join Athletico Bilbao in the summer. Fitness allowing Fabio Aurellio has quality with a live as well as dead ball and like most Brazilians doesn’t need a second invitation to bomb on. Defenders coming forward makes up for the lack of natural width.
Whether Rafa lands Michael Turner Sylvian Distin, Ryan Shawcross or another centre back the rearguard will be brought up to a full and able compliment.
With Alonso gone there is an ability to change things around a little via Alberto Aquilani. The midfielder is someone who has shown promise at Roma but has yet to be tested in the Premiership. If he is to enjoy a smooth transition so much will depend on how he settles but it seems certain that the style of play especially at home will be more full-bodied that it often has been or at least as much as the personnel to hand have allowed such an approach. It won’t be frenzied. Any side the manager puts out will be disciplined but the Italian will have some license to raid forward and provide depth lengthy-ways.
Those few who placed confidence in Lucas Lieva may just see others recognise the maligned midfielder has something to offer and can maintain his impressive pre-season form. He has suffered from direct comparisons to playing in the same team and midfield as Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and Alonso but is and remains a very different type of player to each of those though will have a chance to display he can pass the ball quite well.
The Gerrard and Fernando Torres emphasis is important to Liverpool. Losing one or the other. Possibly even both as was the case last term is a blow. Though it doesn’t quite limit attacking potency it goes some way to doing that which means that forward line remains an area in which a quality alternative is needed. A point which needs to be made is that Liverpool are possibly no more but possibly less affected than other clubs who have a strike duo. With Ronaldo leaving extra has to come from Berbatov and Rooney whose importance doubled. Owen will get goals and a decent supply given the chances that will be created on his behalf but the burdens will not fall on his shoulders.
Liverpool’s mix of forwards is plentiful in number though lacks depth despite the ability of some of those win the ranks. The season to come will be an important one for Ryan Babel who needs to step up and show that his potential can be realised. For Yossi Benayoun there is the need to show his form during the spring was no flash in the pan.
There is likely to be more transfer activity by the end of August though on balance bringing players in to reinforce those areas identified and even accounting for the sales made there is no reason why Liverpool shouldn’t remain competitive and fancy themselves to go one better next time.
Maintaining results against title rivals is important. 14 points from 18 may not be bettered - it will be difficult to emulate but even harder to improve - but as long as there isn’t a collapse in that mini-league and most vitally results are improved against the rest it is obvious. Key to that is gaining an extra cutting edge - someone or something different perhaps even a supplement to Gerrard and Torres.
Monday 10 August 2009
When he got there the cupboard was bare
At the end of last season the general consensus was that the Liverpool team which had gone so close to ending a title drought needed a few tweaks to not just remain competitive - as rivals with far more economic muscle seemed almost certain to strengthen - but reach that higher spot on the ladder.
The areas identified were defence - as a centre half would be needed along with additional options at full back. Wing backs had been signed the previous season in Philip Degen and Andrea Dossena but through either injury, a struggle to take to Premiership football or both neither had too much success. Alvaro Arbeloa though content with life on Merseyside was said to want a return to Spain sooner rather than later and with the 5+6 rule set to be introduced by UEFA there was a wish to recruit an English player.
Glen Johnson who fitted that criterion of birth and pushed himself heavily as one of the best attacking full backs in the top flight was a name touted heavily but courtesy of a contract extension from Portsmouth his price became somewhat steeper.
Another position was an attacking player - not necessarily an out an out forward in the mould of Fernando Torres - but someone who could share the goalscoring burden even deputise for Torres or Gerrard possibly allow another player to be pushed on from a deeper position.
Speculation was that Valencia’ David Silva was an option. He certainly peaked interest but the initial fee quoted was far too high to contemplate.
When Rafael Benitez signed his new contract in March amongst the many promises made was the provision of a £20 million war chest which could only be increased by any raised by sales during the coming summer.
Champions League and that for matter Premiership prize money along with the substantial sums from broadcast rights and other receipts would not be available.
Not long after Rafa became aware Xabi Alonso was likely to leave. Real Madrid were in essence the only bidder and a fee of €30 million (somewhere between £25 and £26 million depending on the exchange rate) was agreed as acceptable compensation by the owners and manager.
Every single penny based on the promise made back in the spring going into the kitty.
Finding a suitable replacement for Alonso as a metronomic influence in midfield would of course take a chunk of that sum but there would be a surplus along with additional funds.
Adding the other receipts in should see the fund standing at:
Xabi Alonso £25,500,000
Alvaro Arbeloa £ 3,500,000
Sebastian Leto £ 3,000.000
Jack Hobbs £ 800,000
Adam Hammill £ 500,000
Paul Anderson £ 250,000
Astrit Ajdarević free
Sami Hyypia free
Jermain Pennant free
Total £33,550,000
Added to the funds promised the total plus a surplus £10 million from Robbie Keane’s transfer back to Spurs the amount to hand should tip just over £63 million.
Notionally there is more as the balance of Peter Crouch's transfer to Portsmouth - somewhere in the region of £7 million - was written off meaning Johnson actualy cost £10 million in real terms.
Though three players have brought no funds in their salaries are savings but along with loan fees due for Ryan Flynn and Nikolay Mihaylov have been excluded. These sums are far from nominal and likely to show a surplus if the figures were to hand additions to the squad plus a number of players from across the ranks receiving increments to their pay will account for some of this resource.
However, contrasted to the £36 million so far spent - Johnson £17 million plus Alberto Aquiline £19 million - leads to a simple equation. After taking a few million out for the signings of Aaron King and Chris Mavinga it seems £25 million or thereabouts should be left.
A £6 million bid for Michael Turner suggests the reserves may well be lower and that a marquee signing to add weight to the front line is unlikely.
Hull could well be offered a little more but with Sylvain Distin remaining an alternative and Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross now touted as an option chances are Turner will no longer be an option.
Speaking after the weekend’s game with Athletico Madrid Benitez was coy when asked about his transfer plans and just how much he had to hand saying:
"We have to work with the players we have at this moment and keep working with the scouting department. We had some money but I will not talk about figures. When you talk about the figures I think it is clear. I will not say anything. I don't have the answer.”
Adding: “We are working hard with the players we have and the money we have. Always it is difficult to compete in the Premier League with clubs who have more money."
Matters could well have changed since the debt which allowed Tom Hicks and George Gillett to buy the club was refinanced roughly a fortnight ago.
An essential clause of the new agreement is that the loan must be serviced by the payment of £40 million within 12 months and though some funds came from personal guarantees of £60 million the owners provide by previous restructuring a fair sum falls squarely on the club’s shoulders.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of the set up other sources were earmarked for that purpose. Not the transfer balance sheet.
Asked directly about any new constraints from Hicks and Gillett there was a diplomatic answer from the Liverpool boss but possibly one which suggested new targets: "We are talking about these things. We are working always. We try to be ready just in case [a new player can be brought in], but you never know. It depends on the prices. It is something I have to talk with the club about. We have some ideas and we have to discuss these ideas."
Discretion continued to be shown as did the prospect of no one else arriving before the end of August: "To sign better players than we have now is not easy. If you analyse it you have to spend big, big money to sign these players. We have to manage with the players we have and I am pleased with them and hopefully with the experience of last season they will be better” Benitez said.
"I think we have some young players who need to improve San Jose, Ayala, but also Ngog, Nabil, Babel and Lucas; young players with quality. The priority was to extend the contract of the senior players to make sure we kept the spine of the team. Alonso decided he wanted to go. He told me in May he wanted to leave. We had to keep working and I think the price at the end was good. With this money we have brought in Aquilani.
“We knew he had an operation, but we wanted to change a little bit the games at home when the opposition is deep and it is not easy to give the final pass. Aquilani will be good there. The other players we have to wait and see how they progress in the season."
Liverpool are the jewel in the crown of Hicks and Gillett's sporting portfolios. So much so that stakes in other "franchises" have been put up for sale.
The club, the current ground and that long promised new stadium are all able to generate huge amounts of money but in the current climate the preferred leverage deals come with multiple strings attached. They also attract great expense which it seems has to be met from coffers which were supposed to be sacrosanct.
The areas identified were defence - as a centre half would be needed along with additional options at full back. Wing backs had been signed the previous season in Philip Degen and Andrea Dossena but through either injury, a struggle to take to Premiership football or both neither had too much success. Alvaro Arbeloa though content with life on Merseyside was said to want a return to Spain sooner rather than later and with the 5+6 rule set to be introduced by UEFA there was a wish to recruit an English player.
Glen Johnson who fitted that criterion of birth and pushed himself heavily as one of the best attacking full backs in the top flight was a name touted heavily but courtesy of a contract extension from Portsmouth his price became somewhat steeper.
Another position was an attacking player - not necessarily an out an out forward in the mould of Fernando Torres - but someone who could share the goalscoring burden even deputise for Torres or Gerrard possibly allow another player to be pushed on from a deeper position.
Speculation was that Valencia’ David Silva was an option. He certainly peaked interest but the initial fee quoted was far too high to contemplate.
When Rafael Benitez signed his new contract in March amongst the many promises made was the provision of a £20 million war chest which could only be increased by any raised by sales during the coming summer.
Champions League and that for matter Premiership prize money along with the substantial sums from broadcast rights and other receipts would not be available.
Not long after Rafa became aware Xabi Alonso was likely to leave. Real Madrid were in essence the only bidder and a fee of €30 million (somewhere between £25 and £26 million depending on the exchange rate) was agreed as acceptable compensation by the owners and manager.
Every single penny based on the promise made back in the spring going into the kitty.
Finding a suitable replacement for Alonso as a metronomic influence in midfield would of course take a chunk of that sum but there would be a surplus along with additional funds.
Adding the other receipts in should see the fund standing at:
Xabi Alonso £25,500,000
Alvaro Arbeloa £ 3,500,000
Sebastian Leto £ 3,000.000
Jack Hobbs £ 800,000
Adam Hammill £ 500,000
Paul Anderson £ 250,000
Astrit Ajdarević free
Sami Hyypia free
Jermain Pennant free
Total £33,550,000
Added to the funds promised the total plus a surplus £10 million from Robbie Keane’s transfer back to Spurs the amount to hand should tip just over £63 million.
Notionally there is more as the balance of Peter Crouch's transfer to Portsmouth - somewhere in the region of £7 million - was written off meaning Johnson actualy cost £10 million in real terms.
Though three players have brought no funds in their salaries are savings but along with loan fees due for Ryan Flynn and Nikolay Mihaylov have been excluded. These sums are far from nominal and likely to show a surplus if the figures were to hand additions to the squad plus a number of players from across the ranks receiving increments to their pay will account for some of this resource.
However, contrasted to the £36 million so far spent - Johnson £17 million plus Alberto Aquiline £19 million - leads to a simple equation. After taking a few million out for the signings of Aaron King and Chris Mavinga it seems £25 million or thereabouts should be left.
A £6 million bid for Michael Turner suggests the reserves may well be lower and that a marquee signing to add weight to the front line is unlikely.
Hull could well be offered a little more but with Sylvain Distin remaining an alternative and Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross now touted as an option chances are Turner will no longer be an option.
Speaking after the weekend’s game with Athletico Madrid Benitez was coy when asked about his transfer plans and just how much he had to hand saying:
"We have to work with the players we have at this moment and keep working with the scouting department. We had some money but I will not talk about figures. When you talk about the figures I think it is clear. I will not say anything. I don't have the answer.”
Adding: “We are working hard with the players we have and the money we have. Always it is difficult to compete in the Premier League with clubs who have more money."
Matters could well have changed since the debt which allowed Tom Hicks and George Gillett to buy the club was refinanced roughly a fortnight ago.
An essential clause of the new agreement is that the loan must be serviced by the payment of £40 million within 12 months and though some funds came from personal guarantees of £60 million the owners provide by previous restructuring a fair sum falls squarely on the club’s shoulders.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of the set up other sources were earmarked for that purpose. Not the transfer balance sheet.
Asked directly about any new constraints from Hicks and Gillett there was a diplomatic answer from the Liverpool boss but possibly one which suggested new targets: "We are talking about these things. We are working always. We try to be ready just in case [a new player can be brought in], but you never know. It depends on the prices. It is something I have to talk with the club about. We have some ideas and we have to discuss these ideas."
Discretion continued to be shown as did the prospect of no one else arriving before the end of August: "To sign better players than we have now is not easy. If you analyse it you have to spend big, big money to sign these players. We have to manage with the players we have and I am pleased with them and hopefully with the experience of last season they will be better” Benitez said.
"I think we have some young players who need to improve San Jose, Ayala, but also Ngog, Nabil, Babel and Lucas; young players with quality. The priority was to extend the contract of the senior players to make sure we kept the spine of the team. Alonso decided he wanted to go. He told me in May he wanted to leave. We had to keep working and I think the price at the end was good. With this money we have brought in Aquilani.
“We knew he had an operation, but we wanted to change a little bit the games at home when the opposition is deep and it is not easy to give the final pass. Aquilani will be good there. The other players we have to wait and see how they progress in the season."
Liverpool are the jewel in the crown of Hicks and Gillett's sporting portfolios. So much so that stakes in other "franchises" have been put up for sale.
The club, the current ground and that long promised new stadium are all able to generate huge amounts of money but in the current climate the preferred leverage deals come with multiple strings attached. They also attract great expense which it seems has to be met from coffers which were supposed to be sacrosanct.
Sunday 9 August 2009
Close the door on your way out
Liverpool fans may have waved a reluctant goodbye to Xabi Alonso in the week but the next player to file through the Anfield exit door will receive no such send off.
Despite holding talks with Greek Super League side Panionios and seemingly being close to an agreement Charles Itandje may be bound for Italy. Serie A side Roma have registered an interest following an injury to Alexander Doni and because of their acute need hope to announce that they have completed the signing soon.
The keeper signed as cover for Pepe Reina in the summer of 2007 which in turn allowed Scott Carson to join Aston Villa on loan made seven cup appearances for the Reds but at the end of his first season Rafael Benitez had decided he was open to offers for the stopper.
Liverpool saw little of the promise which had seen Itandje identified as one of the best young keepers in France and on the verge of a senior cap just before he came to Merseyside. Eight goals were conceded in the seven cup games he played and though the defence was often different from that usually expected to turn out in a league match his backline often looked unsure when he was between the sticks.
After graduating through to the professional ranks with Red Star 93 and earning youth caps Itandje had a trial with the Reds during Gerard Houllier’s stint at the helm but also tried out with RC Lens who he opted to join in 2001.
When Diego Cavalieri joined the club prior to the 2008-09 season commencing it seemed certain Itandje would join Turkish side Galatasary but he rejected the terms on offer after a deal had been reached between the clubs. The player claimed Middlesbrough were another team who came in for him but the transfer window closed before any talks could be finalised.
In April 2009 at the service which commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster Itandje drew condemnation for appearing to laugh and mimic dance actions during a song.
A club fine and suspension were imposed and though the player apologised to the bereaved families his departure became inevitable. Only the fact that players’ contracts expressly inhibit sacking in the most extraordinary circumstances possibly stopped his instant dismissal.
Despite holding talks with Greek Super League side Panionios and seemingly being close to an agreement Charles Itandje may be bound for Italy. Serie A side Roma have registered an interest following an injury to Alexander Doni and because of their acute need hope to announce that they have completed the signing soon.
The keeper signed as cover for Pepe Reina in the summer of 2007 which in turn allowed Scott Carson to join Aston Villa on loan made seven cup appearances for the Reds but at the end of his first season Rafael Benitez had decided he was open to offers for the stopper.
Liverpool saw little of the promise which had seen Itandje identified as one of the best young keepers in France and on the verge of a senior cap just before he came to Merseyside. Eight goals were conceded in the seven cup games he played and though the defence was often different from that usually expected to turn out in a league match his backline often looked unsure when he was between the sticks.
After graduating through to the professional ranks with Red Star 93 and earning youth caps Itandje had a trial with the Reds during Gerard Houllier’s stint at the helm but also tried out with RC Lens who he opted to join in 2001.
When Diego Cavalieri joined the club prior to the 2008-09 season commencing it seemed certain Itandje would join Turkish side Galatasary but he rejected the terms on offer after a deal had been reached between the clubs. The player claimed Middlesbrough were another team who came in for him but the transfer window closed before any talks could be finalised.
In April 2009 at the service which commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster Itandje drew condemnation for appearing to laugh and mimic dance actions during a song.
A club fine and suspension were imposed and though the player apologised to the bereaved families his departure became inevitable. Only the fact that players’ contracts expressly inhibit sacking in the most extraordinary circumstances possibly stopped his instant dismissal.
The best laid schemes o' mice an' men
Rafael Benitez may have meticulous plans for the development of his young players now he has fuller authority over the junior ranks but even at ten past three his curriculum would not have involved Danny Ayala or Mikel san Jose facing Diego Forlan and Sergio Agüero.
The South American duo are two of the hottest strikers in European football and have formed a partnership teams from La Liga and further afield envy.
Many observers believe the teenage Ayala has potential to become a top class international. San Jose is a little older but has also done well in the junior levels earning caps at a host of levels including under-21 but to place such expectation on the pair would have been harsh.
However, noting that Athletico’s opener came when the Reds were down to ten men and the backline was being hastily rearranged there was some mitigation.
That said the finish was of the highest quality as was the second Madrid goal even if it, like the opener, the visitors were assisted by a touch of naivety for both strikes.
Lucas Leiva who has worked hard to improve his fitness and stamina over the summer is reaping rewards with some fine performances in midfield plus a late goal after linking with Steven Gerrard.
The skipper’s understanding with Fernando Torres looks likely to remain as productive as it was last season. fitness allowing. Gerrard's promptings created more than half a dozen chances for the forward who should have bagged at least one but will trust his ability to fire on all cylinders with a little more fine tuning.
Glen Johnson gave an impressive home bow - popping across the field when it was an option - and was another who linked well with Gerrard.
His instructions to raid measured alongside similar instincts of Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio when he returns suggest the frailties which led home draws with the likes of Stoke, West Ham and Fulham amongst others - the results which effectively denied Liverpool the title - will be addressed.
Worries about scorelines should be out into perspective by news emerging from Spain on Saturday evening. Daniel Jarque who skippered Espanyol against Liverpool in last weekend’s friendly died following a training session in Coverciano, Italy.
The 26 year old is believed to have suffered a heart attack and could not be revived.
The South American duo are two of the hottest strikers in European football and have formed a partnership teams from La Liga and further afield envy.
Many observers believe the teenage Ayala has potential to become a top class international. San Jose is a little older but has also done well in the junior levels earning caps at a host of levels including under-21 but to place such expectation on the pair would have been harsh.
However, noting that Athletico’s opener came when the Reds were down to ten men and the backline was being hastily rearranged there was some mitigation.
That said the finish was of the highest quality as was the second Madrid goal even if it, like the opener, the visitors were assisted by a touch of naivety for both strikes.
Lucas Leiva who has worked hard to improve his fitness and stamina over the summer is reaping rewards with some fine performances in midfield plus a late goal after linking with Steven Gerrard.
The skipper’s understanding with Fernando Torres looks likely to remain as productive as it was last season. fitness allowing. Gerrard's promptings created more than half a dozen chances for the forward who should have bagged at least one but will trust his ability to fire on all cylinders with a little more fine tuning.
Glen Johnson gave an impressive home bow - popping across the field when it was an option - and was another who linked well with Gerrard.
His instructions to raid measured alongside similar instincts of Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio when he returns suggest the frailties which led home draws with the likes of Stoke, West Ham and Fulham amongst others - the results which effectively denied Liverpool the title - will be addressed.
Worries about scorelines should be out into perspective by news emerging from Spain on Saturday evening. Daniel Jarque who skippered Espanyol against Liverpool in last weekend’s friendly died following a training session in Coverciano, Italy.
The 26 year old is believed to have suffered a heart attack and could not be revived.
Friday 7 August 2009
A Distin possibility
Sami Hyypia leaving the club plus Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger struggling with pre-season injuries means Liverpool are not only without much in the way of experienced cover but also a centre-back light.
Additional resource in the area will go some way to assisting Liverpool’s aspirations for the season to come.
Rafael Benitez has given the position plenty of thought over the close season and the short-list seems to extend to Michael Turner - subject of a £6 million bid to Hull City - and Portsmouth’s Sylvain Distin who is likely to be a spot cheaper. Though with others expressing an interest and Portsmouth hoping to keep hold he will not come at a cut price.
Age is a factor in any calculations about the latter but so too is the length of the 31 year old’s contract - due to expire in just less than a year‘s time.
Turner almost half a dozen years the Frenchman’s junior on the other hand is tied to the KC Stadium for double that amount of time. He has potential excelling during Hull’s early season run last term but under pressure as the Tigers struggled to clear the danger zone he sometimes looked laboured - though an unconfident and less well equipped side will probably have done the Londoner few favours in that regard.
Some compromise between the rumoured £6 million offer and Hull’s valuation which is thought to be double that proposed will have to be found before a deal can be arranged. £12 million would certainly seem the ridiculous price Phil Brown says will tempt him to sanction a deal.
In both cases only getting the right agreement will put the wheels in motion.
Peaking interest from Anfield aside the pair are the only outfield players throughout the Premier League to play every minute of each league game during the 2008-09 season.
Turner would clearly seem the first choice but for all the promise he can offer over a longer term than Distin the Pompey man who can, as he so often did for Newcastle, turn out at left-back will remain a serious consideration.
Additional resource in the area will go some way to assisting Liverpool’s aspirations for the season to come.
Rafael Benitez has given the position plenty of thought over the close season and the short-list seems to extend to Michael Turner - subject of a £6 million bid to Hull City - and Portsmouth’s Sylvain Distin who is likely to be a spot cheaper. Though with others expressing an interest and Portsmouth hoping to keep hold he will not come at a cut price.
Age is a factor in any calculations about the latter but so too is the length of the 31 year old’s contract - due to expire in just less than a year‘s time.
Turner almost half a dozen years the Frenchman’s junior on the other hand is tied to the KC Stadium for double that amount of time. He has potential excelling during Hull’s early season run last term but under pressure as the Tigers struggled to clear the danger zone he sometimes looked laboured - though an unconfident and less well equipped side will probably have done the Londoner few favours in that regard.
Some compromise between the rumoured £6 million offer and Hull’s valuation which is thought to be double that proposed will have to be found before a deal can be arranged. £12 million would certainly seem the ridiculous price Phil Brown says will tempt him to sanction a deal.
In both cases only getting the right agreement will put the wheels in motion.
Peaking interest from Anfield aside the pair are the only outfield players throughout the Premier League to play every minute of each league game during the 2008-09 season.
Turner would clearly seem the first choice but for all the promise he can offer over a longer term than Distin the Pompey man who can, as he so often did for Newcastle, turn out at left-back will remain a serious consideration.
Wednesday 5 August 2009
A midfield maestro whose passes are so delightful
Footballers are often tagged as world class talents and with varying degrees of merit. However, if there is one sporting arena where that level talent is not only judged by the highest of standards but recognised and valued highly when found its Anfield.
Few would argue Xabi Alonso fitted into the category so when the faithful regather on Saturday for the sole remaining friendly before the new season kicks off it will be with a heavy heart now the Spaniard’s transfer to Real Madrid has been confirmed.
At the time of his arrival almost five years ago Liverpool lacked that creative spark which had hallmarked some of the great sides of recent decades. There had been flashes of creativity during the reign of Gerard Houllier but towards the fag end of his spell at the helm - a very demoralising period for Reds - that spark was not even flickering. It was totally absent.
The capture of the then little heralded 22 year old Basque was, despite a reputation for being a formulaic and cautious manager, a statement of intent by Rafael Benitez who knew the Spanish market better than any other and recognised one of its rising stars had the temperament plus ability to fulfil a playmaker role at any grade. Indeed in any country.
A midfielder with vision and a huge passing range was by any reckoning a breath of fresh air but Alonso offered so much more.
Though it was still available in European football time on the ball had become something of a rarity in the domestic product and in these febrile atmospheres Xabi appeared to have those few crucial seconds - somehow conjuring them up when no one else could.
The Steven Gerrard/Fernando Torres axis in attack has performed so well partly because of the role Alonso assumed.
Many including those who should know better labelled him a holding or defensive midfielder but Xabi made it possible for the captain to push forward and creative the devastating pairing.
Despite his cultured nature Alonso got through his share of the hard yards and no small measure of the 'nuts and bolts' midfield toil. He was keen to chuck himself in where the boots were flying or a melee developed to stamp not just his but Liverpool’s authority on the engine room.
In truth he had a deep lying role and position from which he could direct patterns of play plus the tempo. It allowed Gerrard the freedom to maraud rather than be tempted to put out fires in other areas of the field.
Alonso was a key component in a spine it had taken the Anfield boss five years to assemble and which came closer to claiming the title than any other Liverpool side had in many seasons.
His linking play be it through a six yard short ball or a sweeping 60 yard pass which softly caressed the grass as it bounced and fell inch perfect for the intended recipient. Just as vital as the ability to spray balls to all corners of the pitch with unerring accuracy was that whatever pass he made the right one was almost always selected.
When his other attributes were added Benitez had a potent weapon in his hands but all good things must come to an end. In football that is inevitable and includes Xabi Alonso’s tenure in a red shirt.
Though his departure is far from a welcome one it does at least draw a line under a summer long saga allowing everyone to move on.
The funds received have already been earmarked for reinvestment in a similar type of player and there has at least been adequate notice for alternatives to not just be explored but assessed and lined up within 24 hours of the agreement being announced.
Alberto Aquilani is not a like for like replacement though is stylish, fast across the ground and industrious. The move go through if his fitness can be proved. There are other options already at the club too.
As he is not a regular name on the score sheet it possibly suggests there may be additions perhaps one arrival to supplement the forward line and allow variations of play within the 4-2-3-1 system which proved so effective last term.
Statistics never tell the whole truth about a player’s contribution even if they suggest Liverpool averaged more points per game and had a better win ratio with the Basque in the ranks.
Xabi Alonso’s presence would have undoubtedly aided the quest for number 19 though his absence will not exactly hinder any surge in that direction. The Reds pulled off some notable wins in his absence.
Real Madrid’s need for the player is actually far more acute than Liverpool’s and that slice of the £200 million spending spree which brought Alonso to the Bernabeu is the most vital investment Florentino Perez has made.
Many of those highly priced Galaticos will find themselves unable to play how they did in their former leagues be that in England, Italy or France and will encounter a very different highly technical game were movement can be staccato rather than flowing.
He will take up his new challenge with gratitude for his contribution to the club and best wishes for the future.
Leaving Anfield a better player than he was on arrival.
Few would argue Xabi Alonso fitted into the category so when the faithful regather on Saturday for the sole remaining friendly before the new season kicks off it will be with a heavy heart now the Spaniard’s transfer to Real Madrid has been confirmed.
At the time of his arrival almost five years ago Liverpool lacked that creative spark which had hallmarked some of the great sides of recent decades. There had been flashes of creativity during the reign of Gerard Houllier but towards the fag end of his spell at the helm - a very demoralising period for Reds - that spark was not even flickering. It was totally absent.
The capture of the then little heralded 22 year old Basque was, despite a reputation for being a formulaic and cautious manager, a statement of intent by Rafael Benitez who knew the Spanish market better than any other and recognised one of its rising stars had the temperament plus ability to fulfil a playmaker role at any grade. Indeed in any country.
A midfielder with vision and a huge passing range was by any reckoning a breath of fresh air but Alonso offered so much more.
Though it was still available in European football time on the ball had become something of a rarity in the domestic product and in these febrile atmospheres Xabi appeared to have those few crucial seconds - somehow conjuring them up when no one else could.
The Steven Gerrard/Fernando Torres axis in attack has performed so well partly because of the role Alonso assumed.
Many including those who should know better labelled him a holding or defensive midfielder but Xabi made it possible for the captain to push forward and creative the devastating pairing.
Despite his cultured nature Alonso got through his share of the hard yards and no small measure of the 'nuts and bolts' midfield toil. He was keen to chuck himself in where the boots were flying or a melee developed to stamp not just his but Liverpool’s authority on the engine room.
In truth he had a deep lying role and position from which he could direct patterns of play plus the tempo. It allowed Gerrard the freedom to maraud rather than be tempted to put out fires in other areas of the field.
Alonso was a key component in a spine it had taken the Anfield boss five years to assemble and which came closer to claiming the title than any other Liverpool side had in many seasons.
His linking play be it through a six yard short ball or a sweeping 60 yard pass which softly caressed the grass as it bounced and fell inch perfect for the intended recipient. Just as vital as the ability to spray balls to all corners of the pitch with unerring accuracy was that whatever pass he made the right one was almost always selected.
When his other attributes were added Benitez had a potent weapon in his hands but all good things must come to an end. In football that is inevitable and includes Xabi Alonso’s tenure in a red shirt.
Though his departure is far from a welcome one it does at least draw a line under a summer long saga allowing everyone to move on.
The funds received have already been earmarked for reinvestment in a similar type of player and there has at least been adequate notice for alternatives to not just be explored but assessed and lined up within 24 hours of the agreement being announced.
Alberto Aquilani is not a like for like replacement though is stylish, fast across the ground and industrious. The move go through if his fitness can be proved. There are other options already at the club too.
As he is not a regular name on the score sheet it possibly suggests there may be additions perhaps one arrival to supplement the forward line and allow variations of play within the 4-2-3-1 system which proved so effective last term.
Statistics never tell the whole truth about a player’s contribution even if they suggest Liverpool averaged more points per game and had a better win ratio with the Basque in the ranks.
Xabi Alonso’s presence would have undoubtedly aided the quest for number 19 though his absence will not exactly hinder any surge in that direction. The Reds pulled off some notable wins in his absence.
Real Madrid’s need for the player is actually far more acute than Liverpool’s and that slice of the £200 million spending spree which brought Alonso to the Bernabeu is the most vital investment Florentino Perez has made.
Many of those highly priced Galaticos will find themselves unable to play how they did in their former leagues be that in England, Italy or France and will encounter a very different highly technical game were movement can be staccato rather than flowing.
He will take up his new challenge with gratitude for his contribution to the club and best wishes for the future.
Leaving Anfield a better player than he was on arrival.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)