Benitez Can Reflect On A Season Of Liverpool Gains...

(Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

In a season of more twists and turns than a ride on a fairground rollercoaster, Liverpool FC can reflect on a year of almost resolute transformation, of unbridled continuity and; most importantly, title challenging authority.

The Reds transformation has been clearly demonstrated by their hounding of Manchester United in the closing stages of this year's Premiership title race. Gone is the indecision and the numerous team and tactical changes from Senor Benitez, instead, a team with renewed vigour, confidence and strength has emerged from the ranks of our Spanish conquistador's squad.

Indeed, it is already documented that Xabi Alonso's renaissance in this Liverpool side has contributed invaluably to the Reds cause this season, his expert passing and distribution being the foundations on which the skyscraper that is Gerrard and Torres is laid.

Had Alonso shown this type of form in his previous two seasons for the Merseyside giants, then the vultures that have circled overhead for the signature of our artista, may well have been more vociferously fended off last July, rather than whole-heartedly encouraged by Rafa Benitez.

Added to this, Yossi Benayoun has been a delight, proving that in the occasional absence of Gerrard, we have a playmaker who can step into those almighty shoes and become provider for the goal-machine that is Fernando Torres.

Allied to this, Lucas has, on occasion, stepped up to the plate and showed glimpses of the promise that his young talent is yet to yield. Emiliano Insua gave performances beyond his youthful years, and even Ryan Babel (in particular against Real Madrid) showed an adoring Anfield public that given a little more time, he could prove the answer to Rafa's left-sided dilemma.

Continuity has been achieved through little, indeed minor tactical adjustments this term as opposed to almost whole team changes being made (as in previous seasons). This has contributed to Liverpool showing the form that has guided them to just one defeat in their last 27 games in the Premiership—two in the whole campaign.

But this is where the real work has to start. Rafa has to prove that this is no flash in the pan, that we now have the where-with-all, knowledge and capability to push Manchester United all the way next season.  Certainly, given that Benitez has total control over transfer policy at Anfield, then the onus and pressure really is on him to deliver.

I believe that this Summer's transfer dealings will be the most single important dealings in the last 20 years of Liverpool FC's history, and Benitez has only increased this pressure by insisting he has sole control over all comings and goings to Liverpool - there will be no hiding place if things go wrong next term.

Already the rumour-mill is in overdrive, with a plethora of players neither us nor Rafa Benitez has ever heard of presumably joining the Reds ranks. Gareth Barry is apparently back on radar (but not at the expense of Xabi Alonso so we're led to believe), Carlos Tevez, Glen Johnson, and even Fulham's outstanding Brede Hangeland are all headed to Anfield.

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