Liverpool FC pre-season tour - The 6 for whom it matters the most

Going into tomorrow’s game against Italian side AS Roma, I talk about the players who really desperately need to make an impression this pre-season.

It’s going to be absolutely key for….

…Alberto Aquilani

On the pitch, Aquilani is an absolutely classy player. Really neat and tidy, his performances in pre-season for Liverpool FC have always been rather impressive, although Kenny Dalglish did indeed cut him off and loaned him away for that much needed playing time.

Relatively injury free for two years running now, surely now is the time for Alberto Aquilani to finally make a permanent impression on Liverpool FC fans. If not, then at least make pre-season a platform to a more expensive valuation when someone comes in with an interest.

…Raheem Sterling and Suso

If the duo are going to break through this season, this is when they have to do the business. They need to show that they can be first team choices with good displays and also try to get in the frame with impressive work in training sessions.

Suso, in particular, impressed me against Toronto FC, as he was able to do a few small dribbling tricks here and there along with unleashing ferocious long range shots from far out. He took two shots, and both forced a save out of the keeper.

Sterling had the penetration that Liverpool really lacked under Kenny Dalglish on the wings. He really looked to beat his man and cut inside. It’s going to take more than a performance to get into the first team though, as they will also need to maintain consistency over the course of the entire pre-season to cement themselves places on (at least) the Anfield bench.

…Dani Pacheco

Hailed as the next big thing just two years ago, he has struggled in the years that have followed and at one point even struggled to find himself on Spanish side Rayo Vallecano’s bench. He looks like an improved player and one that might be able to make himself a permanent fixture on the left wing.

Looked really promising on the left flank, as he managed to leave his marker standing on a number of occasions. His crossing was dismal, but it is something that can be worked on in training. At 21 years of age, this is the time where Pacheco really needs to prove his worth or get cut off by Brendan Rodgers.

…Joe Cole

On the back of a good season for French side Lille, this will be Joe Cole’s last chance to prove to Brendan Rodgers that he can still be of much importance to the reds this upcoming season. On a huge payroll, he has to impress or be shipped out this summer.

…Lucas Leiva

He is really important midfielder for our 2012/13 campaign, as we saw our previous season crumble in light of his injury. But he needs to get that fitness program in really quickly, as should he succumb to another injury, we will face the problem of having to play Jay Spearing week-in, week-out. And this is something that I’m still not convinced about Spearing being able to do.