Is Kenny Dalglish The Cure For Liverpool's Blues?

As Kenny Dalgish, the legendary former Liverpool striker, took the ill fated hot seat at his former Merseyside Club, many hailed the return of the "King".  However, with two straight defeats from fierce rivals Manchester United and Premier League newcomers Blackpool, Dalglish may have a taller order than he anticipated.  While the first loss United deemed as acceptable, the Blackpool defeat meant the Tangerines pulled an unprecedented double over the Reds, causing unrest within the Liverpool camp. 

Dalglish was brought in to steady the ship.  The problem, however, is what exactly does that entail?

1. Blooding Youth Players Into The First Team

Suso

There is a stagnant air about the once mighty Liverpool FC and a serious need for new faces to keep the team fresh.  While some have clearly earned the right to wear the jersey, others have had their chance to do so and failed comprehensively.  Players like Christian Poulsen and Milan Jovanovic are two names that jump immediately to mind, and after being given opportunities to prove their worth, neither are fit to stay in the squad.

Interestingly, players like Daniel Pacheco, fellow Spanish midfielder Suso, Danny Wilson, David Amoo and Chris Mavinga have remained relatively out of the loop.  Dalglish brings a new air to management, however, has remained motionless in this much hyped transfer window.  If he isn't going to make any noise here, he must look to his youth ranks who, in all fairness, have several promising players.  

Dalglish can look to the youth for new faces and will likely do so in coming weeks.

Stop Playing Players Out Of Position

Meireles arrived from FC Porto only last summer.

Though Rafael Benitez was the initial abuser of this, Hodgson quickly emulated his actions by playing players out of position.  

One of the most notable of Benitez's reign was throwing Steven Gerrard on the right side of midfield for nearly an entire season, much to the dismay of the Kop.  Notable additions to the list are Dirk Kuyt, bought as a striker but deployed on the right; Ryan Babel, also bought as a striker and sent out as a winger; Lucas Leiva, a more attacking midfielder but now a holding midfielder and now Raul Meireles, who has been on the right side of midfield on numerous occasions.  

It's hard to expect the best from a group of players who are playing out of their comfort zone, but that's exactly what the Liverpool faithful are doing.  For his first Premier League game, Dalglish did start Meireles in the middle of the park but had Kuyt out on the right wing for a forgettable evening.  

It is understandable that nearly all players must play out of position at one point or another, however Liverpool seem to be spearheading the movement.  

Ship Out The Deadwood

Time is up for the Dutchman.

On paper, Liverpool's starting XI is nothing to shake a stick at.  You'll see Pepe Reina, Steven Gerrard, Raul Meireles, Joe Cole (once in a blue moon) and Fernando Torres.  With a strong core of talent, one would think that the Reds wouldn't be anywhere near the bottom half of the table.  Now, not only are they in the bottom half, but they are only four points clear of the relegation zone.  

Not only must Liverpool mobilize and bring in fresh talent to a club craving change, but they must also ship out the players who no longer have a future at the club.  The list includes:

1. Christian Poulsen - While Poulsen is a proven player and has shown that at the highest stage, he is far from his best which has had Liverpool paying the price for it.  The Dane has no future at the club and must be treated as such.

2. Milan Jovanovic - Though acquired on a free, the Serb has done little to impress at his time on the Merseyside.  Hopefully, the Reds can bring in a replacement and see the winger/forward on his way.

3. Dirk Kuyt - Despite his tireless running displays, he lacks the overall competency as a winger and is frequently playing catchup with players of a quicker ilk.  His service to the club has been substantial, however, every player gets old and Liverpool would be wise to sell the Dutchman sooner rather than later.

4. Glen Johnson - The fact that the Reds spent £18 million for the English right back has looked foolish given the defenders recent performances.  Conversely, those of the young Martin Kelly justify the sale of Johnson - reportedly not very popular within the squad.

5. Paul Konchesky - Dalglish has to pay for Hodgson's mistake of bringing Konchesky on board.  The Englishman has not been up to snuff at Anfield and is surplus to their current needs.  

Retain Star Names

This nearly goes without saying, however, there is a very real danger that Liverpool could lose the likes of Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina in the summer if serious change is not made. 

While the appointment of Dalglish is sure to earn the respect that players like Torres grew up idolizing, more additions must be made to a squad seriously lacking self belief.  With Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Juventus all waiting in the wings, Torres is in high demand despite his less than impressive season.  While it looks unlikely that any major names will depart in January, what Dalglish does now in the transfer market and in the latter half of the season will be instrumental in deciding whether those stars stay or go. 

Liverpool is a club used to success and trophies, and players in the squad came there with the intent of winning silverware.  However, if that is not a realistic goal, then several may head for the exits.  

Bring Back The Belief

The glory days.

A seemingly simple action that is, in actuality, a much more difficult task.  With a Liverpool squad heavily short of confidence after being frequently hit out at by former manager Roy Hodgson, the act of restoring belief is a tall order.

However, there is likely to be no other man on the planet more capable than Kenny Dalglish at reminding players of what they are doing when the pull on a Liverpool shirt.  

The road is a long and winding one for Dalglish, however, the man simply bleeds Liverpool and will give his all to restore pride to the once great club.