Liverpool: 5 Big Glimmers of Hope for Reds

No matter the performance level against Manchester United on Sunday, the harsh reality is that Liverpool still only have two points in five fixtures.

What’s next?

There’s no excuse for a continual lack of productivity, but, in the Red tradition of peerless optimism, here are five glimmers of hope for Liverpool.

The Fixture List

As the cliché goes, there are no easy games in the Premier League.

But West Brom away, Manchester City home, Arsenal home, Sunderland away and Manchester United home hardly represent the most attractive fixture set in a new manager’s opening list.

Next up for Liverpool is a Capital One Cup tie at West Brom’s Hawthorns, followed by Norwich away, Udinese home (Europa League), Stoke City home and Reading home.

It would be so very Liverpool if they went on to drop points against less prestigious competition, but equally, perhaps the Brendan Rodgers era is just beginning.

The Midfield

More evidence of a new era is a new midfield.

Granted, Jonjo Shelvey got himself sent off with a strong challenge against United on Sunday, but a hot-headed moment in a youngster’s career might, in hindsight, have done wonders for his mental approach to the big stage.

While Steven Gerrard was back to his best—and he seems to raise his game for the big ‘uns—beside him was Joe Allen, yet again displaying the composure and passing that has already seen himself become a new Anfield favorite.

With Lucas on his way back, Suso making an encouraging cameo and loan signing Nuri Sahin still yet to fully acclimatize, this Liverpool midfield, unlike their colleagues ahead of them in the attacking department, could turn their season into a bright one.

The Youth System

Speaking of Shelvey and Suso, Sunday also featured Raheem Sterling and Martin Kelly, making it four young prospects who have received extensive education at Anfield at such a young age.

Suddenly, from a continentally dominated team under Rafa Benitez, Liverpool have transformed into a bright, young hotbed for young British talent, and not the exorbitant likes of Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing.

One of the plusses (read: the only plus) from Liverpool’s threadbare squad is that Brendan Rodgers has had to dip into his reserves and youth teams for players with the ambition and technique to step up.

The first-team experience they get this season will be invaluable toward their future Liverpool careers.

The Philosophy

The budding brightness of the youth system reflects the philosophy instilled at Liverpool.

Rodgers constantly refers to a “philosophy” and the importance he affords it, and while the academy roots were laid down by Benitez and the British-first policy by Kenny Dalglish, the youth system has churned up some very encouraging results.

Besides all possessing the individual skill to unlock a defence, Shelvey, Suso and Sterling are all teamwork personified and constantly close down on the opposition.

This turns them into fearsome prospects for a defender. So while Liverpool attempt to ingrain a short-passing game into their DNA, perhaps less noticed are their positional sense and discipline.

The Commercial Deals

Finally, yes, just a word about the commercial side of things.

John Henry and his ownership team took some considerable flak for not splashing the cash in this summer’s transfer window, so much so that he felt compelled to issue an open letter to Liverpool fans.

Andy Carroll’s loan departure without an adequate replacement, Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez’s release and a lack of any star signings this summer perhaps let down an expectant Liverpool fanbase, but behind the scenes are apparent efforts to change the way the club has been run.

So while the shirts that sell still belong to Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard, efforts are underway to continue to secure lucrative sponsorship and business partner deals.

With the wage bill cut during the summer at the cost of valuable points that could have been brought home by a few striking reinforcements, Liverpool fans will hope that Anfield’s new-found austerity means a gradual buildup of their transfer warchest again.

Your Thoughts

Perhaps a slightly overoptimistic view of the Liverpool situation, yes, but the silver linings can’t be ignored just yet.

It’s up to Brendan Rodgers and his employers to ensure that what remains of Liverpool’s hope doesn’t go on and die out.

What do you think of Liverpool’s current predicament? Is it a rut they can get themselves out of, or are they doomed? Let us know in the comments below.

Also check out: How Liverpool Can Turn Season Around

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