Stay or leave Liverpool: Part Two

In part one of this article, we looked at Liverpool‘s options at the goalkeeper, defence and holding-midfielder positions. While Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson were determined as definite stayers at Liverpool, Jose Enrique and Sebastian Coates look to be moving up and down the pecking order. Martin Skrtel and Pepe Reina remain vulnerable to an exit from Liverpool.

Part two looks at options in the attacking front for the Reds.

Wingers

Best options: Stewart Downing, Raheem Sterling, Dani Pacheco, Oussama Assaidi and Suso

This position has been a matter of concern for Liverpool for years now. Downing has progressed from a reject at Anfield to a consistent starter whereas Assaidi hasn’t lived up to his hype surrounding his transfer. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Liverpool ships both players out this summer to add to Rodgers’ transfer kitty.

File photo of Liverpool’s emerging talent Suso

The youngsters Raheem Sterling, Dani Pacheco and Suso have a huge growing potential to flourish under Rodger’s football system. Sterling has featured more prominently than Suso has in the past season but Suso’s versatility to slot in anywhere in attack could propel him to a starter’s place in the coming years. Pacheco has moved in and out of the starting 11 but Rodgers might want to use him for his pace and creativity this season. Also, the Spaniard has matured significantly from his loan time.

Stay or leave for Stewart Downing? Leave.

Stay or leave for Oussama Assaidi? It depends if Rodgers wants more money and squad space. If yes, then Assaidi might depart well before Downing does.

Suso and Raheem Sterling are two of Liverpool’s most prized youth assets and will be at Liverpool come this August. However, it wouldn’t hurt to send Suso out on loan to a lower division club to gain experience.

Attacking midfielder

Best options: Steven Gerrard, Philippe Coutinho and Jay Spearing

Steven Gerrard is Mr. Liverpool and is unlikely to lose his starting place till he retires. He is going to stay, undoubtedly.

Phillipe Coutinho could be tagged as Liverpool’s best purchase under the Rodgers era. He is dexterous, quick, versatile and creative with his feet. He doesn’t just chip in with assists but is soon turning into a goal machine. He is here to start at Liverpool’s and Brendan Rodger’s side in 2013-14 as well.

However, Jay Spearing remains a mystery considering he is just coming out fresh from his loan spell at Bolton. He was voted as Bolton Wanderers’ Player of the Season for 2012-13 but his time at Liverpool hardly saw him flourish which perhaps forced his loan move. The local lad has a lot up his sleeves to showcase but will he fulfil his potential is the question. Maybe, a season under Rodgers at Liverpool after a good 12 months in a Championship side could resurrect his career at Anfield.

Strikers

Best options: Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Samed Yesil

File photo of Liverpool’s young German talent: Samed Yesil

Luis Suarez is Liverpool’s best player and he has an amazing partner in strike force in Daniel Sturridge. Together, Rodgers can rotate their positions to use both players well in his formation – one playing behind another or side by side with Gerrard behind them. Samed Yesil is another talent that needs to flourish and with good game time, will fit it at Liverpool at due time.

The trio will be at Liverpool unless a Champions League guaranteeing club decides to lure away Suarez or Rodgers ships Yesil out on loan like he might with Suso.