Liverpool FC: 5 Reasons for Fans to Be Optimistic in 2013

Liverpool have had a tough start to the campaign and still have a long way to go before they'll be true Champions League contenders, but the fans shouldn't feel too worried, as the club has already shown signs of progress.

Here on Bleacher Report, we decided to pick the top five reasons for Liverpool fans to be optimistic going into the new year.

Read on and find out why it isn't all so dark for Liverpool.

Youngsters Are Finally Getting a Chance in the First Team

Not so long ago, it was virtually impossible for a youngster to break into the first team and play regularly at the highest level in the Premier League.

However, all that changed when Brendan Rodgers was brought in.

One of the first things Rodgers did at Anfield was give youngsters a chance to shine, and it couldn't have worked out better for Liverpool.

Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom have all impressed when given the opportunity, and Liverpool now have an 18-year-old regular in the first team and two 19-year-olds who can easily fill in from the bench should injury problems arise.

An outstanding accomplishment for Rodgers.

Momentum Is Finally Building Up

It's no secret that Liverpool started their season in a dull, unconvincing way.

However, as the season slowly grew, so did the club.

The Merseysiders soon went on an eight-match unbeaten run, which was unfortunately ended at the end of November when Tottenham beat Liverpool.

Since then, the club has had problems finding consistency but is now playing perhaps the best football since Rodgers' appointment.

After two back-to-back 3-0 wins, Liverpool are now eighth in the standings and might even be able to push for the much-coveted fourth-place finish.

Liverpool Are Still in the Running for 2 Trophies

Liverpool could still win a trophy this season; the Merseysiders are still in the running for the FA Cup and the Europa League.

The Europa League would present a much tougher challenge for Liverpool, but even if they fail in Europe, the Merseysiders could still win a domestic trophy, as they haven't been knocked out of the FA Cup yet.

Last season, the club ended its trophy drought, so now the players can be a bit more relaxed. Failing to win a trophy this year probably won't have serious consequences on the club.

The sheer prospect of winning a double for the first time since 2001 should be enough for fans to feel optimistic.

Daniel Sturridge

Liverpool put in a statement of intent by signing Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge in the opening days of the January transfer window. The club is finally doing some fine business in the market as Rodgers' transfer policy steadily takes effect.

Furthermore, Liverpool finally have a proven goal scorer other than Luis Suarez in their squad.

Should Rodgers manage to introduce Sturridge to the team soon enough, Liverpool could be serious contenders for the Champions League place at the end of the season.

Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez are finally starting to click.

The Liverpool duo is now in the very top of both the goal-scoring charts and the assist table in the Premier League, as their partnership finally seems to be bearing fruit.

At the moment, Gerrard is a rejuvenated player, and Suarez is up to his usual best. It can't get much better for the Liverpool faithful.

Also, should Sturridge manage to fulfill the expectations, Liverpool could possibly have one of the most intimidating strike forces in the league.

Liverpool might be set to unleash one of the most deadly attacks in recent club history.

Don't forget to check out:

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