Liverpool's Woeful Season

After a terrific season last time around, liverpool were expected to strengthen their squad and give another strong performance this season.

But with departure of stalwarts Alonso, Arbeloa and hyypia, liverpool had to make sure they get quality replacements. In came Alberto Aquilani,Glen Johnson and Sotoris Kyrgiakos.

Benitez gambled heavily by bringing in Aquilani as the Italian was injury prone, but was confident that he could bring the best out of him and that he'd play a crucial role this season.

After Johnson's capture, Benitez was told that he had only 2 million in his transfer kitty, at the time when he was trying to lure the talented David Silva from valencia to Liverpool. Benitez had no other option but to buy a centre back in Kyrgiakos for 1.5 million.

With Aquilani injured, Lucas had to fill in for Alonso. It was too much to ask of him. Though he has played his best, the passes in the final third were lacking and goals were hard to come.

 With Skrtel suffering two major injuries, and Agger not playing his best, Carragher and Kyrgiakos had their task cut out and performed much better than what was expected from them.

In the front, Torres has been exceptional but playin the lone striker has taken its toll on his fragile body. N'gog has played his part well and has made a lot of progress this season. Gerrard has not been able to reproduce the form of last year but his mere presence gives a huge boost to the team.

With Reira out, Benayoun's injury problems and Babel's inconsistency, Left wing has been a major problem this season. Maxi Rodriguez's signing has strengthened the right side.

Insua's under-performance and johnson's injuries have forced the likes of Agger and Carragher to fill in for them.

What liverpool need now is a commanding mid-fielder and perhaps, till the end of the season and N'gog or Benayoun helping out Torres up front.

The only Positive this season has been the performance of 'keeper Pepe Reina.

Liverpool desperately needs some talented new players to lift their game up and to be able to challenge for the champions league spot again.

Most importantly they require their owners support, financially.