5 Liverpool FC Players That Could Be Important Next Season

Liverpool FC. A team with history.

Over the years, Liverpool have had amazing players such as Dalglish, Rush, Keegan, Hughes, Barnes and many more who had a major influence on the team when they played. However, while today's squad have players of that standard in Steven Gerrard and possibly Luis Suarez, players such as Jay Spearing and Stewart Downing do not possess the same ability.

While it is too early to say if Kenny's 'buy British' policy was a failure, from my point of view the players brought in have not being good enough. Only Jose Enrique, the Spanish fullback has performed to the standard expected.

I have identified the players who will have a part to play if Liverpool want a Champions League place next season and how they will contribute to the team.

Luis Suarez

If Liverpool are to get back into the top four next season, they must be firing on all cylinders. This includes Luis Suarez.

The little Uruguayan has been a dynamo for Liverpool, with his intense work rate and dribbling skills. However, Suarez has so far failed to consistently score goals in England, with a goal scoring rate of just under one every three games, including League Cup victories against teams like Exeter City.

While nobody expected Suarez to keep up his fantastic record at Ajax (as defenses in Holland are weaker), it would be nicer if he could score more goals.

A 20-goal a season Luis Suarez has the potential to lift Liverpool back into the Champions League, but being the creative spark at Liverpool has not been enough so far.

Andy Carroll

Yet another striker, Andy Carroll so far has not justified his £35m price tag.

And he never will. Carroll has the potential to be a very good striker for both Liverpool and England, and has finally started to show his abilities lately. But £35m is too much a weight on the Geordie No. 9, whilst 10 goals in 50 games is not good enough for a player of Liverpool.

If Carroll wants to stop being labelled a flop, he will have to hit the net more often next season, and use his fantastic heading abilities to score and also set up other players.

But like I said before, Carroll has started showing potential over the last few games, involving himself in the link-up play and upping his work-rate. A good sign for Liverpool next season, but this should've happened a long time ago.

Daniel Agger

When playing regularly, Daniel Agger is up there with the best central defenders in the world, and this has been shown in his excellent partnership with Martin Skrtel this season. He has the ability to play the ball out of defence, whilst excelling at the simple things a defender should do.

However, he has been out with injuries far too often in his Liverpool career, and this injury-proneness has affected Liverpool's season. While he was out, the squad's defence gradually weakened with the older Jamie Carragher. Whilst Jamie has been an incredible servant for the club, his age and pace mean he can no longer be considered a starter. 

Keeping Daniel Agger fit means that Liverpool's defence will be tighter, and conceding less goals can not hurt Liverpool's top four hopes.

Steven Gerrard

What can I say about Steven Gerrard that hasn't already been said? The heart of Liverpool, the creative spark that has driven Liverpool consistently towards success, the captain who could and often did lift the club by the scruff of the neck and win the game by himself.

However, the past few years have been harsh on Stevie. A mixture of injuries and getting older have limited Gerrard to a few cameo appearances this season, while he missed half of last season through a niggling injury. Without him, Liverpool have been missing not only an inspirational captain, but also a player of tremendous quality. 

Players who have the ability to change the game all on their own is hard to come by these days, so like Daniel Agger, it is important that the club work with Stevie to prolong his role in the starting XI, as Liverpool often look flat and hesitant without 'Captain Fantastic.'

Raheem Sterling

It is fair to say that Raheem Sterling is the most exciting prospect in the Academy at the moment. 

Sterling has the ability to be a top class player with his flair and blinding pace, and can also put in good crosses which players like Andy Carroll could thrive on. With Dirk Kuyt getting older, Maxi often overlooked and Jordan Henderson a centre midfielder, there is no better time to blood the talented youngster in the first team.

However, it remains unknown if he will get his chance under Kenny Dalglish. It's not a good sign if he had to force his way into the team if rumours are to believed, when he should have the chance due to his talents.

While I am not saying that he deserves to start games just yet, he could play an important role next season if allowed. 

Afterthought: Alberto Aquilani

Remember him?

Alberto Aquilani is the player Liverpool have been missing this season. He has a creative spark that could have influenced the squad's goal tally this season. One can only hope that Milan do not take up the option of buying the midfielder.

If Aquilani does remain at Liverpool next season, which is highly doubtful, then I feel he can contribute to the squad. If his performances in Italy are anything to go by, then he still has a role to play next season.

Thank You

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