There is no longer a revolution underway at Anfield, it is well and truly complete as Liverpool now occupy fifth place in the Premier League and although it is probably too late to catch Manchester City for the Champions League berth, this season has been well and truly rescued by Kenny Dalglish and his team. Liverpool spent big and boldly in the January transfer window in order to try and salvage their season and despite Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez (especially) having performed well for the Merseyside outfit since their arrival, it has been ‘King’ Kenny’s faith in the youngsters that has been the real positive from this season.
John Flanagan, Jack Robinson, Jay Spearing, Jonjo Shelvey and Martin Kelly have all made great strides under the Kop Hero and have slotted in comfortably to aid Liverpool through their injury troubles, with all of them turning in performances that belie their years. Dalglish’s belief in the youngsters has been a breathe of fresh air in a league that sees the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City mainly ignoring home grown talent and preferring to spend big abroad, but with a reported major summer overhaul of Liverpool’s squad, will the promising starlets be lost amongst pound signs and foreign imports?
Since the end of January, Liverpool have only let in 8 goals, a remarkable feat by a defensive unit. Martin Kelly, can play all across the back line and prior to his injuries the young England Under-21 international’s performances have even forced Liverpool and England’s first choice right back Glen Johnson to play at left back several times this year. But with both these full backs out, along with Fabio Aurelio, up stepped Jack Robinson. The young Englishman put in a sublime performance in the recent 1-1 draw with Arsenal, where he had Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott in his ‘back pocket’. With such talents emerging in the full back positions, should Liverpool really look to be adding someone like Newcastle left back Jose Enrique to their squad?
Jay Spearing epitomises that iconic FIFA 2010 saying “bulldog-like approach” and has been hugely impressive in the absence of Steven Gerrard. Despite the much improved performances of Lucas and a returning Aquilani, if Liverpool were to partner the young Englishman with Stevie G next season, he would only get better, which is a scary thought considering Spearing’s incredible determination and work rate already at just 22.
The future is bright down Anfield Road and if Kenny Dalglish sits tight, he will reap the rewards from his young stars next season, and with the money saved on transfers perhaps Kenny can afford a different haircut after 30 years.
Perhaps the time has come for a Red Dawn.
Article courtesy of Football FanCast
