Can Liverpool finish in the top four this season?

It’s well known that Liverpool have neither qualified for Champions League nor for Europa League, courtesy of their 7th place finish last season. Brendan Rodgers tried his best last season so that Liverpool could at least qualify for Champions League but over-dependence on Suarez and the lack of creativity in midfield cost the Kops many matches.

The condition seemed to improve after the arrival of Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge but then it was too late and we finished even below Everton. Suarez tried his level best, but it was of no use.

Even after Liverpool’s disappointing season, we Liverpool fans saw a glimmer of hope as Henderson and Downing performed much better last season. We saw that under Brendan Rodgers Liverpool adapted a more attacking style of play which allowed Gerrard to play a deeper role and pushed Downing and Henderson forward.

But last season Brendan Rodgers did what he could with the resources available. This is a new season, and we already have witnessed many interesting transfers like Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Luis Alberto Romero (Sevilla), Kolo Toure (Manchester City), Simon Mignolet (Sunderland) and Bernard Duarte (Atletico Mineiro).

Brendan Rodgers has always tried to instill a style of play which would involve quick passing and dominating possession. With the players he has bought, it seems that Brendan Rodgers would be able to accomplish that to a large extent.

Everyone is going to see a completely changed Liverpool team as it would now see Simon Mignolet at the goal and Kolo Toure playing the role which was earlier played by Jamie Carragher. It would also see the inclusion of Bernard Duarte and Luis Alberto in the midfield and Iago Aspas playing up front with Sturridge or Suarez, if he stays.

Also, in the pre-season games the team has performed well with Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas scoring and looking in fine form. The success of Liverpool in this season would depend a lot on how well Coutinho plays. As soon as he came into the squad, he was given the duty of setting up goals and to play the central role.

One thing I have noticed in the pre-season games is that without Suarez the team plays like one unit. The play no longer revolves around Suarez, and other players are able to express themselves better on the field.

If Suarez stays and plays as well as he played last season, Liverpool would certainly finish in the top four and play in the Champions League. Ultimately it depends on how the new players adapt to the Brendan Rodgers style of play.

God Bless Liverpool. YNWA!