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When the season kicked off, many would have considered Liverpool as genuine Top 4 contenders but few would have expected them to be leading the pack ahead of the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs and even fewer would have expected them to be in such close proximity of the Premier League summit. The Reds have had a magnificent start to the season, and although the consecutive losses to Man City and Chelsea have taken off a little shine of it, they continue to be in a strong position to finish in the Top 4 this season.
Despite a plethora of goals being scored and a growing belief around Anfield, Liverpool’s shallow depth was almost exposed by Oldham athletic for the second year in running and Brendan Rodgers has time and again stressed upon the need for “affordable, quality” talent that could not only add fresh impetus to the Liverpool’s push for a Top 4 spot but come next season, can also turn Liverpool into genuine title contenders.
1.Yann M’Vila
Who is he? Yann operates as a defensive midfielder but his role and impact is not limited to the center of the park. His play is very much similar to the current role that Steven Gerrard currently fills in under Brendan Rodgers, and he even has the physical strength and vision to succeed in the Premier League. His arrival would allow Rodgers to rest Steven Gerrard and Lucas more and he would offer a different alternative from the bench, especially when compared to Joe Allen. However, you should not make the mistake of categorizing him as ‘squad player’, for he would make a very strong case for the starting spot and he would definitely allow Joe Allen to focus on his attacking play rather than worrying about tracking back. And like Gerrard, he likes to get forward whenever the opportunity presents itself. Just a co-incidence that his middle name is Gerard?
Likeliness: 7/10. Yann M’Vila attended the Merseyside derby and his agent has recently spoken of his client’s desire to play in the Premier League. However, any possible deal might be put on hold until the summer, which would suit all parties.
2.Mohamed Salah
Who is he? The Egyptian national has been often dubbed as ‘The Egyptian Messi’ for his play, that resembles that of the four-time Ballon D’Or winner. His preferred position is on the wings, although he is comfortable playing across the front line but makes an exception as a striker. He has some serious pace, likes to dribble and take on defenders, creates and scores alike, however his crossing is wasteful and he does not boast of any aerial prowess, something that is a source of bother for the Reds, especially in the absence of Daniel Sturridge. If he signs for Liverpool, he could slot straight into the Liverpool line-up ahead of Raheem Sterling, Iago Aspas and well, Victor Moses. One downside to his transfer is that he tends to waste a lot of chances to score, and Rodgers’ might need to work with him a little harder to increase the goals output from the midfield.
Likeliness: 7/10. If I had written the article a week ago, I’d have given it a 9 for as soon as the transfer window reopened, he was very strongly linked to Liverpool and a formal announcement was imminent, following his agent’s claims that they were in talks with Liverpool. Rumours have cooled since, Zenit have joined the pursuit and this could be all déjà vu for Liverpool.
3.Martin Montoya
Who is he? Another talented product of the famed Barcelona youth academy, La Masia, he is a young, talented full-back whose transfer rumors are fueled by his lack of opportunities at Camp Nou and more recently, his contract negotiations with the Catalan giants stalled, if reports are to be believed. Given that Liverpool’s play is similar to the tiki-taka system that Barcelona so adore, he would have no problems adjusting to Rodgers’ style, although that does not assures that he will be able to adapt to the much more physical and high-paced Premier League. He remains a possible target for now but with Flanagan impressing, Cissokho still in Liverpool ranks and Jose Enrique likely to return by the end of February, Liverpool would not be willing to pay over the odds for the youngster.
Likeliness: 5/10. Liverpool needs a decent full-back. Martin Montoya needs first team action. Are they a match made in heaven? No. Like many other, more likely in summer, however, if Montoya willing, it could happen before 31st January.
4. Alvaro Morata
Who is he? Real Madrid manager Carlos Ancelotti has repeatedly denied that they have any intentions of allowing Morata to leave, regardless of whether the deal is temporary/permanent. Although, his growing frustration at the limited chances that he has had at Real might just tempt him to move, temporarily maybe. The young striker has also been linked to a similar loan move to Premier league rivals Arsenal but new reports have suggested that Benfica have come in with an offer that sees him joining them permanently, which at this stage is highly unlikely. He has the potential to succeed at Real Madrid but no one knows whether he moves or not, especially to Liverpool, where he would find himself behind Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez.
Likeliness: 1/10. It would be something if he ends up at Anfield, although they could do with some decent backup for the SAS and he could regularly play as a wide forward. However, would he be willing to swap the Madrid bench for Liverpool’s is a totally different question. I would say any potential deal WOULD have to wait until summer.
5.Recall Suso and/or Assaidi
One very plausible option for Liverpool is to call back both of these players, who could play as wingers and have shown their talents at Almeria and Stoke City respectively. It is unlikely that Suso would make the Spanish National Team and Morocco has failed to qualify for the World Cup, so neither would suffer from reduced playing time. Suso has been playing well, creating many chances and scoring a few in his team’s bid to survive the drop, whilst Assaidi has been showing his talents in the Premier League with the Potters. These two although would not warrant a starting place, they would be decent coming off the bench, starting the odd game and being regular starters in the FA Cup.
