7 Positives Liverpool Fans Can Take into Next Season

Let's get the negatives out of the way—what a disappointing season.

Liverpool lost their last game of the season to finish eighth in the league, their worst finish in recent memory—hated rivals Everton finished above them in the table.

They scored only 47 goals, one of the lowest goal tallies in the league this season.

All of this despite spending around £100 million on the purchases of Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam. 

In light of all the disappointments and let-downs, there are still several positives that Liverpool can look at after this season and look forward to for the next campaign. 

Here are seven positive things Liverpool fans can look forward to for next season. 

Liverpool Broke Their Trophy Drought

Okay, let's be realistic—out of all the cups Liverpool fans wanted to see in the Anfield trophy case, the Carling Cup was probably last on the list. 

However, a cup is a cup, and Liverpool hadn't won a trophy in six years. 

Liverpool showed that they are capable of winning cups, and, were it not for a horrible first half against Chelsea in the FA Cup final, they would've added another trophy to the 2011-2012 campaign. 

The Carling Cup is more than Arsenal and Manchester United can claim. 

In addition to winning their first trophy in six years, the Carling Cup also brought them...

European Football

If you think that the Europa League is a soft tournament, ask Atletico Madrid how good it feels to win the tournament twice in three years. 

Many people said that a year away from European football would be good for Liverpool, as it would allow them to focus on the league. It really didn't work out that way.

It's not the Champions League, but the fact that Liverpool will be participating in a continental tournament should be a bargaining chip in some of the transfer negotiations that will happen over the summer. 

Andy Carroll Is Improving

Andy Carroll took a lot of flak this season.

He underperformed for a large part of the campaign and many (including myself) were calling for his departure over the summer. 

However, something switched within him, and he began to show signs of why Liverpool shelled out £35 million for him. 

He didn't score often, but the goals he did score were impactful and he scored when it mattered. 

Andy Carroll has shown signs of improving, and that can only be good news for Liverpool. Look for the big Geordie to be in a much better vein of form next season. 

The Defense Was Fantastic

The center-back duo of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel (please stay Skirts—we need you) was one of the few bright spots on this dismal season.

The Liverpool defense only conceded 40 goals this season.

Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson were decent on the wings, and with the likes of Martin Kelly, John Flanagan and Danny Wilson coming through the Acedemy, the back line is something Liverpool management won't have to worry about for a while. 

Liverpool cannot afford to lose Martin Skrtel in the transfer window. That would be catastrophic.  

Lucas Is Returning from Injury

Lucas was Liverpool's best player before a knee injury sidelined him for the rest of the season, and he was arguably the best holding midfielder in the league.

It is a testament to how important Lucas was for the side, as it was around the time of his injury that Liverpool began to falter.

Hopefully the influential Brazilian will be able to return from his injury and continue his stellar form next season.  

Alberto Aquilani Is Returning from a Loan Spell

In my opinion, Alberto Aquilani shouldn't even be at AC Milan right now. He could have been extremely influential in the makeshift midfield Kenny Dalglish put on the field week in and week out.

Should Lucas encounter a setback in his recovery, Aquaman will fill in nicely—that is, if King Kenny decides to keep him around next season.  

This Season Will Have Been a Wake-Up Call

Liverpool is one of the most storied and famous clubs in English football history. An eighth place finish is unacceptable, for the fans, for management and it should be for the players.

Finishing mid-table, and behind Everton to boot, leaves a bitter taste in the Liverpool organization's collective mouth. 

The underwhelming performances this season are not what were promised Liverpool fans at the beginning of the campaign, and the brass at Liverpool will be looking to change the downtrodden atmosphere that is hanging around Anfield. 

The future is looking bright, however. Liverpool has been linked with some exciting prospects in Luuk de Jong and Rasmus Elm for next season, and with Kenny Dalglish flying out to Boston to review with the owners, expect some big changes for next year.