The Rafa Revolution: About To Spark Into Life?

Eighteen years. That is the statistic echoing around Anfield. Eighteen years since Liverpool last won the league title.

Back in 2004, when Rafa Benitez replaced Gerard Houllier as manager at Anfield, he was instructed to do what the Frenchman could not—win the Premiership.

While still England’s most successful club, the lack of championship silverware in the cabinet underlined how far the club had fallen.

Four years later, Benitez has so far failed to deliver on his remit. Nevertheless, the Spaniard’s popularity on Merseyside is high—due in no small part to his Champion’s League successes.

While domestically the club had waned, Benitez’s triumph in Instanbul in 2005 cemented the club’s place amongst the European elite.

Another final appearance in 2007, where the Reds were unlucky to lose their rematch with AC Milan, did little to harm Benitez’s relationship with the fans.

Unfortunately, in the league, the much-hyped ‘Rafa Revolution’ has so far failed to materialize.

Last season, improvements were made, giving the fans cause for optimism.

Unfortunately, a very public spat between Benitez and his chairmen, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, meant that Benitez’s position was under more threat than ever before.

Whatever the ‘In Rafa We Trust’ brigade may think, the fact is that a poor 2008/09 campaign will more than likely see the end of the Spaniard at Anfield.

But this is by no means certain. There are many reasons to indicate Liverpool could well mount a strong title challenge.

First among them is the squad itself.

Fernando Torres appears to be the goal-poaching No. 9 that the Reds have been crying out for since Michael Owen left in 2004. Last season the majority of his league goals were scored at Anfield—this season he should take his goal-scoring talents on the road as well.

Another bonus is the return to fitness of Daniel Agger. The Danish defender, who missed most of last season with a persistent metatarsal injury, adds to a solid defensive core of Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher. Sami Hyypia, for whom age is finally catching up, will not have to be relied on so frequently.

Age is not a problem for most of the Liverpool squad, however. The Reds have one of the most promising youth squads in England—with the likes of Emiliano Insua, Mikel San Jose, Sebastian Leto, and new acquisition David N’Gog turning heads for the reserves.

Seventeen-year-old striker Daniel Pacheco has played a part in every one of Liverpool’s preseason games so far, drawing widespread praise. He looks like he could do a job this season.

Benitez’s transfer additions also look useful. Andrea Dossena, signed for £7 million, will replace the outgoing John Arne Riise. The Italian, formerly of Udinese, brings with him a reputation for playing best in the big games—something that should help the Anfield club against top four opposition.

Free transfer Phillipe Degen should cover Alvaro Arbeloa at right-back. Diego Cavelieri should do the same, behind Reina, between the sticks.

In the press however, the big stories have surrounded whom Liverpool have so far failed to sign.

Gareth Barry, subject to a protracted approach, now looks unlikely to move to Anfield. After months of disagreement between Liverpool and Aston Villa, it finally looks like Benitez has given up on the move.

This is great news for Liverpool fans.

The Red’s need is certainly not in central midfield. With Mascherano, Lucas, and Damien Plessis able to play the holding role, and Gerrard a lock further forward, the limited resources available should be used elsewhere.

Selling Xabi Alonso to bring in Gareth Barry is not worthwhile. Offloading Peter Crouch to finance a move for Robbie Keane, on the other hand, certainly is.

In attack is where Liverpool really need to purchase some quality.

Analysing the squad, it looks likely Benitez will move to the 4-3-3 formation increasingly popular in the Premiership. Reina will continue as ‘keeper, with Dossena, Agger, Carragher and Arbeloa likely to be the starting back four.

In midfield, Mascherano will sit deep—with Xabi Alonso and Gerrard slightly further forward. The club captain will undoubtedly have license to roam forward, with Alonso’s distribution exploited from deeper.

The weakness, therefore, is in the front three. While in defence and midfield Benitez has an array of options, in attack the squad looks thin.

Torres will lead the line, giving defences across the country headaches with his sublime movement. Playing deeper and wider, Ryan Babel should be employed to cut in from the left and support ‘El Nino’.

But who can do the same from the opposite side?

This is Benitez’s quandary. No one in his squad can excel in the position. Yossi Benayoun could do a job, but little more. Pacheco, while promising, is not ready yet.

Hence the club’s attraction to Keane, David Silva, and Ricardo Quaresma.

Quaresma, a true winger, would be unlikely to contribute the number of goals required of the position. While the Portuguese international has great delivery, Torres prospers more from through balls and short, intricate passing—something that the Porto player is less adept at.

Silva, the Valencia youngster, would thus appear to be the perfect fit.  Technically gifted, with a good cross and an eye for goal—he appears to tick all the boxes. Unfortunately, his stellar performances at Euro 2008 have priced him out of Liverpool’s range. The American owners just do not have the £30 million required to sign him.

This is the problem Benitez faces. He cannot pursue elite talent like his main rivals can.

So the focus turns to Keane. The Tottenham forward, while unlikely to operate as wide as Babel, has the touch and guile to provide the perfect foil for Torres.

He will also chip in with more than a few goals himself—forcing opposition defences to divide their attention between him and the Spaniard. He can even contribute defensively if required.

Crucially, at 28-years-old, the Irish international should be reaching the peak of his career—with three to four quality seasons ahead of him.

At £18 million, the sale of misfit Crouch for £11 million should provide Benitez with the funds to recruit Keane. It could prove a bargain.

While Tottenham are unhappy with Liverpool’s underhand approach, they have privately resigned themselves to losing their No. 10.

Alan Hansen, Liverpool legend, told the Times yesterday he thought his former club were nearing a title challenge.

“They are getting closer, but they still need three or four players,” he said.

If Keane signs on the dotted line, they will need one less. Hopefully for Benitez, his much-heralded youngsters will fill any remaining gaps in his squad.

Eighteen years of hurt on Merseyside—could Keane prove to be the missing piece in one of English football’s longest running puzzles?