EPL Liverpool FC: Power Ranking the 10 Most Important Players Next Season

By (Featured Columnist) on July 28, 2011

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 01:  Dirk Kuyt of Liverpool celebrates with team mates Luis Suarez and  Lucas after scoring the second goal from the penalty spot during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool  and Newcastle United at Anfield on May 1
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Fresh faces have shaken things up on the Anfield pitch, and as fans we wait and see what impact our players can make next season, and keep our fingers crossed that our new players this year have a better first game than Joe Cole. For those of you who don't remember, he got a red card in under 45 minutes.  

There will be players who make more of an impact than others, and, as is the case with all football clubs, there will be players who are more valuable than others. Here is my personal list.

10. Glen Johnson

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14:  Glen Johnson of Liverpool sprints during a training session ahead of their UEFA Europa League Group K match against Utrecht at Melwood Training Ground on December 14, 2010 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Clive Brunskil
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The England International has been brilliant under Kenny Dalglish. His long runs galloping down the touch line will be key next season, when providing attack-able balls for the forwards. Johnson seems to have unlimited energy, almost like that bunny with the Duracell attached to his back in those old adverts.

Johnson seems to have forged a partnership with Dirk Kuyt, but if Liverpool adopt a 4-3-3 formation, Johnson may have to learn to play with either Stuart Downing or Luis Suarez, but that shouldn't be a problem.

It's up to Johnson this season to teach youngsters Martin Kelly and John Flanagan just how to defend in a red shirt, here's hoping he does.

9. Charlie Adam

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - JULY 16:  Charlie Adam of Liverpool celebrates after scoring during the pre-season friendly match between Malaysia and Liverpool at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on July 16, 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Stanley Cho
Stanley Chou/Getty Images

Charlie Adam has been the best deal Liverpool have manged to make. His passing will be a key factor next season, and he will be the replacement for Steven Gerrard, I'm sure of it. His never say attitude, coupled with a great footballing ability have made him one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

The only reasons Adam isn't higher on this list are the following: I don't know how he'll perform for Liverpool competitively, even though his pre season form has been good. Also, he faces heavy competition (see my other article:  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/782629-liverpool-fc-expectations-of-new-signings-and-analysing-the-midfield-problem).

Adam has openly admitted he would swap scoring goals for trophies, which shows both dedication and determination.

8. Andy Carroll

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 28:  Andy Carroll looks on during the England training session ahead of the International Friendly match against Ghana at Wembley Stadium on March 28, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Back in the days when he didn't need an urgent shave.

Andy Caroll was bought, as most of you will be aware, for 35 million pounds, making him the most expensive British player. However, injuries have plagued him since his arrival, and that is the reason he's not further up this list.

Andy will be guaranteed a starting place in the starting eleven unless Kenny adopts a 4-4-2 formation with Kuyt and Suarez upfront, or Ngog picks up the Premier League pace.

The new recruitment's, bar Doni and Henderson, look to be revolved around Carroll's rather large frame. Therefore I think Andy will be a 15-or-more-goal striker.His height makes him an easy target, he's like the Empire State Building compared to most mere mortals- and Peter Crouch.

Andy Carroll's got bags of talent, lets hope he proves me right.

7. Dirk Kuyt

UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 29:  Dirk Kuyt of Liverpool warm up during a Liverpool training session and press conference at the Galgenwaard Stadium on September 29, 2010 in Utrecht, Netherlands. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Kuyt is a huge fan favourite. His endless energy has earned him the nickname 'The Working Class Hero', and that attitude has yielded great results. Efficient in both defence and attack, Kuyt is like  a German tank. Except he's Dutch. He won't like me saying that- sorry.

Kuyt will have to battle for his place in the eleven, but his fitness will asure him of a role in the squad, whatever it may be.

6. Pepe Reina

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14:  Pepe Reina of Liverpool stretches during a training session ahead of their UEFA Europa League Group K match against Utrecht at Melwood Training Ground on December 14, 2010 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Clive Brunskil
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

WAAAAAAAAAATCHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAA! Eh hem.. sorry.

Pepe Reina has been the best goalkeeper Liverpool have had in a while. His commitment has been dented by the media, but he's risen above all criticism to deliver some great performances, and, to be honest, if you look past a howler against Arsenal last season, he's been consistent.

His mentality, too, is fantastic. A role model at the training ground I'm sure, Reina will have to be at his best next season.

5. Stuart Downing

HULL, ENGLAND - JULY 23:  Stewart Downing of Liverpool in action during the Pre Season Friendly match between Hull City and Liverpool at KC Stadium on July 23, 2011 in Hull, England.  (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

The transfer that everyone that supported Liverpool wished for was a winger. Kenny hasn't disappointed, and I feel we've got a great deal here. Rephrase that- we've got a great player, the price tag was a bit high. However, Downing's crossing ability is brilliant, fullstop.

His runs will trouble defences, as he, like Suarez, injects some flair into the Liverpool XI.

4. Jamie Carragher

UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 29:  Jamie Carragher Liverpool warm up during a Liverpool training session and press conference at the Galgenwaard Stadium on September 29, 2010 in Utrecht, Netherlands.  (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Jamie's body is probably black and blue, the amount of shot's he blocks with his body is incredible. Need someone to give there all when they're tired out and cramped? This is your man. Need someone with experience of winning almost every trophy there is at club level? This is your man.

Jamie's playing days are drawing to an end. Therefore it is imperative that Liverpool make the most of his experience now, for teaching younger defenders, or for those big matches.

One thing's for sure, whether Carragher is used as much from now on, when he hangs up his boots, it's farewell to a legend.

3. Lucas Leiva

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Lucas Leiva of Liverpool during a training session ahead of their UEFA Europa League Group K match against Utrecht at Melwood Training Ground on December 14, 2010 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Im
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

I would have put Lucas last in this list last year, to be honest. However, his improvement has been almost inmeasurable, and he has been crucial to our new found toughness. He will certainly be in the starting eleven, unless Adam or Meireles outshine him.

A fan favourite now, Lucas has survived the axe time and time again to win the Fans Player of the Year Award last season, lets hope he captivates that form again next season.

2. Steven Gerrard

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03:  Steven Gerrard of Liverpool during a training session ahead of their UEFA Europa League match against SSC Napoli at Melwood Training Ground  on November 3, 2010 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Ima
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Captain Fantastic.

The skipper was missing for an unusual amount last season, but now he is 'In the form of my life.' He will be an invaluable player next season, especially when Liverpool have to dig deep to grind out results. His passing ability will please the whole team, and again, players like Adam and Meireles can learn from him.

1. Luis Suarez

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Paul Scharner of West Brom in action with  Luis Suarez of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool at The Hawthorns on April 2, 2011 in West Bromwich, England.  (Photo
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Anyway, Suarez exceeded my expectations last season, but it wasn't his goal-scoring talent that did it. It was his desire, flair and assist ability. He proved invaluable when creating goals, as his mazy runs and clever passes allowing teammates to have a pop at goal.

Coming back from a fantastic Copa America campaign where he was named player of the tournament, Suarez will be hungry for more glory at club level. If he plays at the level he did last season, that's not out of the picture.

Thanks for reading, if there's anything you want to say, comment.

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