Grading Liverpool's Transfer Window Signings
The transfer window is closed and Liverpool have had one of the busier summers, signing nine players.
Brendan Rodgers has added the much-needed depth to his squad that he requires ahead of a return to the Champions League this campaign.
Any Liverpool supporter back in May would have told you that they wanted to see a left-back, centre-back and a forward arrive this summer. They all did so and more.
With a net spend of around £34 million, as per This Is Anfield, they've also invested shrewdly. Furthermore, only three players over the age of 24 have been signed—experienced Premier League trio Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana from Southampton.
The rest of Rodgers' new signings are certainly ones with bright futures predicted for them.
It's extremely early to predict how they may play out long term, and a transfer can only really be rated after the player leaves the club, or retires.
Nonetheless, here are Liverpool's transfer window signings graded and ranked.
9. Rickie Lambert
1 of 9
Position: Forward
Signed from: Southampton
Reported fee: £4 million
Liverpool FC say: "While possessing the height, body strength and leap to present an obvious aerial threat, the Englishman boasts much more - not least a deftness of touch, clarity of vision and relentless thirst for firing the ball into the back of the net."
Verdict: A potentially excellent purchase, Lambert is the perfect back-up forward for Liverpool. At 32 years old, and being a boyhood supporter, he is happy to play back-up to Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli. His worth to the side will only be known as the season progresses, rotating in for cup competitions and covering for injuries as required.
Grade: C
8. Emre Can
2 of 9
Position: Midfield
Signed from: Bayer Leverkusen
Reported fee: £10 million
Liverpool FC say: "Combining a mixture of power and poise, the versatile player is well versed in piloting the pace of games, especially when he is deployed in a deep midfield role. Can revels in box-to-box responsibilities, but has also performed effectively on the left as an attacker and full-back, as well as in central defence."
Verdict: Can looks a coup of a signing, but as with most young players, his development could prevent him from reaching his potential. His versatility and physical attributes should mean he gets plenty of chances to develop at Liverpool.
Grade: B
7. Dejan Lovren
3 of 9
Position: Centre-back
Signed from: Southampton
Reported fee: £20 million
Liverpool FC say: "Strong, dominant in the air and offering a composed presence, Lovren also boasts great leadership qualities, which helped him make a rapid rise to playing top-level football."
Verdict: Liverpool have needed a leader to replace Jamie Carragher in defence and Brendan Rodgers hopes Lovren is his man. A shaky start has the jury still out; can he settle and become the commanding presence at the back? Time will tell.
Grade: B
6. Divock Origi
4 of 9
Position: Forward
Signed from: Lille (loaned back)
Reported fee: £10 million
Liverpool FC say: "A powerful presence - even at academy level - he attracted interest from abroad, and in the summer of 2010 he made the move to France to join Lille, where he'd continue his development in their second string set-up."
Verdict: Origi's signing was an astute one, especially given his impressive performances at the World Cup. For somebody so young and so talented, Liverpool could have a very hot property on their hands next summer.
Grade: B
5. Javier Manquillo
5 of 9
Position: Right-back
Signed from: Atletico Madrid
Reported fee: Loan (view to permanent move)
Liverpool FC say: "Solid on the flank of any defence and fearless in the challenge, Manquillo will bring his considerable pace and attacking prowess to the Reds' backline."
Verdict: Last season's loans of Aly Cissokho and Victor Moses did not work out for Liverpool but the temporary signing of Manquillo finally offers an alternative to Glen Johnson at right-back. The Spaniard has impressed early on and could well become a regular even this season.
Grade: B
4. Mario Balotelli
6 of 9
Position: Forward
Signed from: AC Milan
Reported fee: £16 million
Liverpool FC say: "Blessed with power, athleticism and incredible technical ability."
Verdict: A calculated gamble, Balotelli's arrival has certainly ensured Liverpool got a big-name forward to replace Luis Suarez. The price of the transfer means there is less pressure on it working out, while his physical and technical attributes do make him an excellent partner for Daniel Sturridge.
Grade: B
3. Lazar Markovic
7 of 9
Position: Attacking Midfield
Signed from: Benfica
Reported fee: £20 million
Liverpool FC say: "Gifted in possession, blessed with searing acceleration over short and long distances and diligent defensively, the 20-year-old excels on either flank or in a more traditional central position - and his progression to Anfield has been rapid."
Verdict: The signing of Markovic could prove to be one of the best this summer in the long term. Not necessarily a first-choice player right away, the Serbian attacker looks to have a very bright future.
Grade: A
2. Adam Lallana
8 of 9
Position: Midfield
Signed from: Southampton
Reported fee: £20 million
Liverpool FC say: "Blessed with an innate ability to create and capitalise on chances, this is a footballer who is not merely comfortable but confident in using both feet, while the versatility that allows him to play in any and all possible midfield positions was likely of considerable appeal to the man who will now manage him."
Verdict: Liverpool needed depth in midfield and Lallana will certainly provide that. The fee may surprise some but he won't need time to settle and will be a key man under Brendan Rodgers once he's fit from injury (after the international break).
Grade: A
1. Alberto Moreno
9 of 9
Position: Left-back
Signed from: Sevilla
Reported fee: £12 million
Liverpool FC say: "Boasting laudable athleticism and blessed with blistering acceleration over short and long distances, Alberto thrives on scampering forward along the flank to support attacks with crosses or dangerous shots of his own in opposition territory."
Verdict: Left-back has been Liverpool's problem position of the past two decades, with temporary solutions being offered but now in Moreno they hopefully have a long-term solution.
Grade: A
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