Liverpool FC: 18 Years Too Long!

It has been nearly two decades since the boys from Merseyside last lifted the league title, and another preseason brings only higher expectations for manager Rafa Benitez's men.

By Rafa's own high standards, the 2007-2008 season would be deemed a disappointment, with only a Champions League semi-final and a fourth place EPL finish to show for. Being a Rafa fan myself, it hurts me to say that if things don't get better this campaign, (due to the obnoxious American owners) the Red's Gaffer will surely be getting the sack by the end of the season.

Saying all of that, there is certainly a lot shining bright this year at Anfield. First off, with his performance at Euro 2008, Fernando Torres has fully established himself as a world class, goal scoring superstar.

Secondly, there is plenty of young talent breaking into the squad, including new signings Phillipp Degen and Andrea Dossena. But most importantly of all, Captain Fantastic Stevie Gerrard possesses more passion and drive than ever to lead LFC to the promised land, which is the Premier League title.

With Cristiano Ronaldo on the shelf for a couple of months, along with Chelsea and Arsenal not making too big of a splash in the transfer market, I fully expect Liverpool to push on more than ever and take down a first league championship in 18 long years. 

It is quite obvious that Benitez still wants another player or two, but the addition of Robbie Keane will form an absolutely mouth-watering strike partnership with 'El Nino', which immediately becomes the most lethal in the Prem. 

It appears that finally the Gareth Barry saga has come to an end after Aston Villa decided not to part ways with the England international, but Rafa still seems keen on making a move for a left-sided midfielder. 

Valencia's David Silva would be a perfect fit at Anfield—adding even more Spanish flare— but the Reds would need extra transfer funds to make a move for the Euro 2008 star. This would mean selling off even more fringe players—perhaps Pennant, Voronin, Itandje, etc.

When it comes to the new signings, Dossena and Degen will see plenty of first team football—especially if Alvaro Abeloa leaves the club for personal reasons. As for the young kids—like Saric, Mendy, and Vincent Weijl—they will join the likes of prospects Stephen Darby and company in probably the top reserve squad in England. 

David Ngog, the teenage Frenchmen signed from PSG, will likely see the most first team action of all the youngsters, and given that he has scored at every level he's played, should bag a few goals this year. 

Over the past few years, Rafa Benitez has shown that he has a genius eye for young talent, enabling him to make smart business moves by selling off aging fringe players, such as Kewell, Riise, and Crouch for a decent chunk of change.

As always, expect Rafa's men to be aiming high in every competition this year, and given history, the Reds are perennial favorite in the Champions League. It doesn't get bigger or better than a European night at Anfield. 

But, given the long wait, capturing the Premier League title is what every LFC player, coach, and fan craves more than anything—and now is definitely the time to prove to everyone that Liverpool Football Club can dethrone the Devils from Manchester and once again, for a record 19 times, be crowned Kings of England.