5 Main Reasons Why Liverpool Will Improve in 2015/16 Season. 5 Main Reasons Why Liverpool Will Improve in 2015/16 Season please log in to view this image A summer of positivity has so far gone to great lengths to bury a miserable 2014/15 campaign for Liverpool and manager Brendan Rodgers, and despite falling to a 6-1 defeat away to Stoke City at the end of last season, there are signs of great improvement for 2015/16. Upheaval both in terms of playing personnel and backroom staff sees a new-look Reds move into the new season, and supporter optimism has been renewed. But what signs are there that Liverpool will improve in 2015/16? Here are five main reasons, including the return of a deadly attacking option to Rodgers' lineup. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=liverpool
A Reliable Right-Back please log in to view this image Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Liverpool announced the signing of Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne on Wednesday, with the 24-year-old joining on a "long-term contract." This deal should secure the Reds' right defensive flank for close to a decade; Clyne is a top-class Premier League talent, with potential to develop even further, and Liverpool have him tied down for his peak years. This move strengthens what was a problem position throughout 2014/15, with Javier Manquillo untrusted, Emre Can unsuited and Glen Johnson unqualified. On his first England call-up in November, Clyne told Henry Winter of the Telegraph: "I’m not that surprised I’ve kept Glen Johnson out of the squad." Rightly so, the gulf in quality between the pair is incredible. Finally, the Reds have a right-back they can rely on—and one who is fit enough to play almost every game.
Emre Can in Midfield please log in to view this image Michael Steele/Getty Images The departure of Steven Gerrard this summer doesn't necessarily deplete Rodgers' starting XI, but the 34-year-old's switch to LA Galaxy still requires a player to step up in his place at Anfield. In 2015/16, this can be Emre Can. Having showcased his ability in a variety of midfield role for the Germany U-21s at this summer's European Under-21 Championship—moving from defensive midfield to a box-to-box role to operating as a No. 10—the 21-year-old should have shown Rodgers enough to claim a regular role there this season. Can is a powerful runner, a tenacious tackler and an accomplished passer—everything that is required to thrive in the Reds' engine room. Wasted in defence last season, Liverpool will improve if Can is used in midfield this term.
Development of Lazar Markovic, Jordon Ibe please log in to view this image Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Two very different tales of development played out in 2014/15 were those of Lazar Markovic and Jordon Ibe. One was signed for a £20 million fee from Europa League finalists Benfica and sank into system-dictated mediocrity, while the other spent the first half of the season on loan with Championship battlers Derby County before returning to Merseyside to great effect in 2015. At this juncture, former Primeira Liga star Markovic looks as close to leaving Liverpool as he is to staying, with a nondescript role last season and Express-spurred links with a return to Benfica going against his chances of a lengthy Anfield stay. But in terms of talent, he should be in the same position as Ibe; both young forwards should play a key role for Liverpool next season. If Markovic stays and is played in a more natural, attacking position as opposed to last season's regular wing-back outings, he stands to develop into a devastating option—much like Ibe. Markovic and Ibe could develop into stars in 2015/16, and this would greatly improve Liverpool's fortunes.
Roberto Firmino-Philippe Coutinho Tandem please log in to view this image Paul Gilham/Getty Images "The creativity, intelligence, and goals they have between them can change Liverpool as a team. It is a big sign of intent. To have a midfield with those two gives them a big chance to qualify for the Champions League next season. "It is a dream for the Liverpool strikers to have that sort of service," Ronaldinho professed in June, as reported by James Orr of the Independent. "If you can’t score goals in a team with Coutinho and Firmino in midfield then you wont score goals in any team." What the Brazilian legend alludes to is Liverpool's solving of a major problem from last season: In 2014/15, the Reds relied far too heavily on Philippe Coutinho in the creative stakes, but the £29 million arrival of Roberto Firmino serves to lighten the load. Towards the end of last season in particular, when Coutinho was quiet, Liverpool were quiet—he needed another inventive mind to bounce ideas off. Wth his 10 assists last season, former 1899 Hoffenheim man Firmino should signal an improved playmaking sector for the Reds.
Hope for a Returning, Fully-Fit Daniel Sturridge please log in to view this image Shaun Botterill/Getty Images The 2014/15 season was a write-off for the unfortunate Daniel Sturridge. Laden with injuries and subsequent fitness issues, the striker made just 12 Premier League appearances, scoring four goals and making one assist. It was the single biggest factor in Liverpool's failing last season: A lack of goals from Sturridge, paired with the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, saw the Reds limp through fixture after fixture aimlessly. Sent to New York to undergo hip surgery and then Boston to work with the Red Sox's top-class medical staff over the summer, the hope is that Sturridge canreturn next season and more or less complete a full campaign. "We anticipate that Daniel will be back to train around September time," Rodgers told James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo in May. "It’s a period of time out but we’re hopeful the problems and issues he’s had have been resolved with the operation." If Sturridge can return for September, or even October, with a high level of fitness, then reach optimum match fitness back in the No. 15 shirt, his goals will improve Liverpool immeasurably in 2015/16.
Decent right back - Can in midfield - development of Markovic and Ibe - Firmino and Coutinho together - Sturridge fit again
Indeed it seems so... cahnt get any worse. Any sort of forward knocking in 10-15 goals will improve us a lot.
