Liverpool Squad Preview: Ranking Expectations of Every First-Team Player

Liverpool are on the verge of completing their fifth senior summer signing with the capture of Jose Enrique from Newcastle United. Added to earlier signings Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Alexander Doni and Stewart Downing, Jose Enrique will now aim to help a much stronger—in terms of quality and depth—than last year's squad reach the upper echelons of the Premier League and qualify for next season's Champions League campaign.

Only two of last season's squad members have so far left the club in the form of Paul Konchesky and Milan Jovanovic, both of whom played bit-part roles in their single season at Liverpool.

With just a couple of days to go before the new Premier League season kicks off for the Reds in 2011-12, we take a look at the entire squad and see how they fared last season and how they will be expected to contribute to the coming campaign.

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Goalkeepers: Pepe Reina, Alexander Doni and Brad Jones

25. Pepe Reina

Spanish stopper Reina is about to enter his seventh season as the club's No. 1 choice goalkeeper.

Blessed with great reflexes, mentality and organisation skills, Reina is one of the top keepers in world football today. He made 50 appearances for the Reds last season in all competitions and, all things being normal, will play every league game for the club again this campaign.

Verdict

Despite another new arrival, Reina remains the undisputed first choice and will be key to Liverpool's hopes of a top-four finish.

32. Alexander Doni

Doni has just arrived at Anfield after completing a free transfer move from previous club AS Roma in Italy. An experienced Brazilian international who featured in the successful 2007 Copa America. Will be expected to push Reina as hard as possible but is highly likely to remain a second-choice goalkeeper, with League Cup appearances most likely.

Will be hoping the Reds get a favourable draw for the second round tonight so as to boost his chances of featuring early on this season.

Verdict

Brought in as a backup and that is what he will remain. His biggest challenge will be in remaining at the club for more than a season or two, which seems about the average for a second-choice stopper these days.

1. Brad Jones

No. 1 on his shirt, but the Aussie is anything but in reality. Third choice at the club following Doni's arrival and is widely expected to leave before the transfer window closes, either permanently or on loan.

Not a great start to his Reds career as he featured in the embarrassing defeat to lowly Northampton and it didn't get much better.

Verdict

Always likely to be moved on this summer after Peter Gulacsi moved above him as sub keeper last season. Championship-quality player.

Right-Backs: Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly and John Flanagan

2. Glen Johnson

Derided for perceived lack of defensive ability at times, Johnson must feel like he can't please anybody sometimes. Signed as an attacking fullback and that is exactly what he gives Liverpool—an outlet down the flank to charge at defenders with pace and dribbling ability.

Actually better at defending than given credit for; while his positioning can definitely improve, he has gotten much better at stopping crosses coming in and is good aerially.

Verdict

His ill-timed injury in the final preseason friendly could initially cost him his place in the side, but I have full confidence that Johnson will feature regularly for the Reds this season. Versatility could be a key asset, however, in a squad that shows a lot of competition.

34. Martin Kelly

Ask any Liverpool fan for a list of their youngsters who could have a big impact this season and Kelly is likely to be at the head of it.

Strong as an ox, Kelly is incredibly quick as well and shows great ambition and determination in both his attacking and defending. Billed as a long-term centre-back, I feel Kelly will a major player for the club this season—but at right-back for the time being.

Verdict

Will double his current total of 27 club games this season without any problems, assuming injuries do not hamper his progress further. Terrific prospect and likely to be a full England international by the season's end.

38. Jon Flanagan

"Flanno" burst onto the season late last season after injuries to Johnson and Aurelio meant Kenny Dalglish had to turn to youth to help out the first team. A series of composed and defensively aware performances proved the enormous strides Flanagan has taken over the past couple of years and he is now very much a part of the first-team squad.

Verdict

Will have to bide his time again this season but chances will come his way in the cups. Good passing and willingness to get forward mark him out as a definite one for the future.

Left-Backs: Jose Enrique, Fabio Aurelio, Emiliano Insua and Jack Robinson

Jose Enrique (number not yet assigned, presumed No. 3)

Though the transfer is not officially completed at the time of writing, Jose Enrique is well on his way to becoming Liverpool's new left-back, as shown by these photos of his medical at the club.

The Spaniard is comfortable on the ball and strong in the tackle and has a never-say-die attitude which will go down well with supporters. He is a good crosser of the ball and his 36 league appearances last season indicate his reliability as well.

Verdict

Will become another good part of the new-look Liverpool providing excellent competition down the left flank. Looking forward to seeing him link up with Downing on the left side. One goal in English football in three years indicate we shouldn't expect him to grace the score sheet too often.

Photo courtesy of lfc.tv

6. Fabio Aurelio

The boy from Brazil who could have been so much more, Aurelio has seen four or five fellow left-backs challenge him for the left-back spot since his arrival from Valencia and has more or less seen them all off—for a week or two, anyway, until injuries robbed him of any prolonged stay in the side.

One of the most naturally gifted left-backs in the Premier League, Aurelio is an excellent passer and set-piece specialist as well as a tigerish snapper of opposition wingers' heels. Unfortunately his diabolical injury record means he is never to be relied upon and this more than any doubts over his ability has forced the Reds into the market again for Jose Enrique.

Verdict

The beginning of the end for Aurelio, again. Got a second chance last summer when Hodgson brought him back after being initially released but still, the same problems continued. May remain at the club until next summer but will be a frequent spectator this season, injured or not.

Emiliano Insua (no number assigned)

Insua's loan spell at Galatasary last season was largely frustrating as he made just 12 league starts. He was close to joining Fiorentina on a permanent deal before the loan move and other Italian sides have been linked with bids this year. Featured in preseason under Dalglish but is back in the reserve side now and his Anfield days look to be numbered.

Verdict

Talented youngster but his time has unfortunately passed now at Liverpool. Will be desperate to get a permanent deal lined up before the end of the month to get his career back on track and regain his spot in the Argentina squad.

49. Jack Robinson

Liverpool's youngest-ever performer in the first team, Robinson—like Flanagan—featured at the end of last season when injuries took hold of seasoned regulars.

The arrival of Enrique will put the brakes on his fast-track involvement in the first team but don't expect his enthusiasm to be dampened; Robinson could well force himself into being Enrique's backup this season ahead of Aurelio and at such a young age, even being second-choice left-back would be a huge achievement.

Verdict

A season of progress is imperative for Robinson, cup games and the odd stint on the bench will do him no harm as he continues to learn off senior teammates and Steve Clarke. Very promising talent who must build on his successes thus far. Not yet ready to be a first choice but, like Flanagan, will still get his opportunities.

Centre-Backs: Jamie Carragher, Danny Agger, Martin Skrtel, Kyrgiakos and Wilson

23. Jamie Carragher

Finished? Finishing? Not a chance! Jamie Carragher is 33 years old and people are writing him off, saying he'll be phased out this season, or that this is his final season at the top.

That makes him one year older than current first-choice Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, the same age as Real Madrid's Ricardo Carvalho and a full two years younger than Milan's Alessandro Nesta—all of whom are still operating at the top level of European football.

Now, Carragher may get the odd rest at times this season but don't think for a minute he will be anything less than first choice for the Reds.

Verdict

Never lets the club down and doesn't rely on pace and never has. Committed blocks, unbeatable reading of the game, vocal in his organisation and a great man for the younger defenders to learn off, Carragher is an automatic pick for Liverpool this season.

5. Daniel Agger

Mark my words: Having Agger appear in 32 or more league games this season for Liverpool will give the club just as good a chance at qualifying for the Champions League as having Luis Suarez for the same time—he is that good and that important.

If Agger and Carragher remained the first choice and fit for the whole season, the Reds would have one of the best defences in the league. A wonderfully aggressive defender who adds as much to the on-the-ball play as off it.

Verdict

Massively key for the Reds, but everybody knows what the deal is—Agger needs to stay fit. Do that, and Liverpool are halfway there. Extra mid-week rest between games this season should help him enormously.

37. Martin Skrtel

The opening kick of the new season will see Skrtel miss his first minute of Premier League football for Liverpool since the final game of the 2009/10 season when he was sub against Hull. Last season he featured in every minute of every league game for the Reds.

Skrtel is strong and decent on the ground but has a mad knack of giving away ridiculous fouls and not dealing with players aerially. This more than anything has prompted Liverpool into looking at alternatives for the centre-back position—Skrtel just isn't reliable enough to cover for Carragher and Agger.

Verdict

A good defender, but not a great one, and playing every game—though this season it will be significantly less—means a top side needs a top defender instead. Skrtel has great games and crazy moments but his insistence on diving into needless challenges miles from goal with no danger on make him a liability.

16. Soto Kyrgiakos

The big Greek became something of a cult figure after a series of robust performances in his debut season, but last term's poor run of games under the inept Roy Hodgson have lost him that following somewhat and despite performing well in the majority of his nearly 50 club games, he is definitely fourth choice at the back and likely to leave the club this season.

Has been mentioned as a possible makeweight in a deal to bring Bolton's Gary Cahill to the club.

Verdict

Will provide more or less good backup should he remain at the club but is still a possible departure before the window closes. Great aerially at both ends but struggles with agile forwards.

22. Danny Wilson

The Scot who signed from Rangers last summer did not enjoy the best of debut seasons with Liverpool, making just eight appearances for the Reds. Labelled as a composed and gifted player who does not let forwards dominate him, Wilson showed little evidence of this last season.

Still a young player and should not be damned by a single season of learning at the top level but must surely show significant signs of improvement this term.

Verdict

Another who could still leave on loan for the season as he seeks further experience, Wilson is regarded as a good option for the future but I don't see any place for him at Anfield this season. Bit-part player if he remains at Melwood beyond August.

Holding Midfielders: Lucas Leiva, Jay Spearing, Christian Poulsen and Conor Coady

21. Lucas Leiva

First-choice holding midfielder, Brazilian Lucas has won his way into the thinking of many Reds fans with his relentlessly improving performances over the past two seasons.

He featured in 33 of Liverpool's league games last season and will likely feature in a similar number this time around even in the face of increased competition. A fine tackler and passer of the ball who works hard for the team every match.

Verdict

With an impressive attacking array to choose from, Liverpool manager Dalglish will be looking to keep Lucas fit and available as often as possible to balance out the team. Should probably score more than he does but Lucas' passing and tackling are his key attributes and they will be in full evidence again this season.

20. Jay Spearing

New season, new squad number for local lad Spearing this term. He formed an impressive partnership with Lucas at the back end of last season and has now amassed 27 appearances for the club.

He will likely play the role of understudy to Lucas this season as Dalglish looks to have more attacking players in his lineup but will still be an important part of the squad and given the trust placed in him by Kenny can probably expect to feature in some big away fixtures.

Verdict

Spearing isn't going to be a first pick this season and may find opportunities a little more restricted than last season's breakthrough would suggest, but this is more a reflection of the stronger squad around being built rather than any lack of ability on Jay's part.

Will be a squad member on many match days and can play as a true holding midfielder or slightly further forward in a more ball-playing role. Will have to keep working hard to get his chances.

28. Christian Poulsen

Has recently expressed a wish to stay at the club to play alongside the new signings such as Charlie Adam, but most Reds fans will tell you they will be happy to see the back of a man who has never fit in with the playing style Liverpool are trying to achieve.

Just 12 league appearances last season show the picture of a defensive midfielder who has his attributes admittedly, but they do not match or excel those of Lucas or Spearing in any way except experience.

Verdict

Likely to move on sooner or later; may be kept until January if no suitable bid is received because of the lack of depth in this specialised role compared to other midfield areas, but in all honesty is hugely unlikely to figure much for the first team this season.

35. Conor Coady

Strong, good passer, firm tackler and bundles of energy, Coady is one for the future and will very likely make his full Reds debut this season.

Verdict

Despite an awful lot of hype, Coady still has a lot of learning to do, especially tactically, before he is ready to feature for the first team. Will play at some point but I would be surprised if he exceeds half-a-dozen run-outs for Liverpool this season.

A candidate for a loan spell at some point; Coady is definitely a talented player and is fast improving, but he's not there yet.

Advanced Midfielders: Gerrard, Adam, Meireles, Henderson, Aquilani and Shelvey

8. Steven Gerrard

Injured for the end of last season and the beginning of this season, Gerrard's non-appearance seems to have some convinced that along with Carragher he will be phased out this season. Utter tosh of course—Gerrard will be back around September or October and will spend the rest of the campaign showing that he remains one of the best players in world football.

With a much higher-quality supporting cast and the exciting Luis Suarez to link up with, Gerrard's big-game experience and all-around brilliance will be just as important for the Reds as always.

Verdict

With more squad players to pick from, Gerrard as much as anyone else must fight for his place, but it is important that he gets fully fit this time before returning. Gerrard on top form is the best player in the league and if Kenny Dalglish finds a system which fits Gerrard, Suarez, Downing and Carroll, we could see our captain have his best campaign in several seasons.

26. Charlie Adam

Excellent taking of set pieces aside, Adam should bring some much-needed second-wave thrust and creativity to the side which has been missing for too long. A good passer with an eye for the spectacular—which he may even have to kerb somewhat at times—Adam comes into his debut season at Anfield with an almighty battle on his hands to win a place ahead of some much more experienced players at this top level.

Verdict

Has been signed for a reason and will play games. Might not start every week but is a great option to have even from the bench and his determination as much as his ability will probably nudge him ahead of certain others when push comes to shove. Will have a good season for the Reds.

4. Raul Meireles

Still suffering from injury and possibly to miss the season opener as a result, Meireles has been another player dogged by speculation about his future all summer. Played right the way across the midfield last season in his 33 league appearances and will need to show similar traits this term to make a similar contribution.

I feel he will be almost in direct competition with Adam for a place early on as others will be preferred in the more advanced role, but could fill in on either flank too—if he stays at Liverpool.

Verdict

For me, the new signings are an upgrade on Meireles. I don't overly want him to go because he is one of the players who offer real depth to the squad but if everybody remained fit I couldn't see him playing more than 25 games in the league.

The fact that Liverpool have better options just a year after he arrived as a first-choice midfielder shows just how far the club has come recently.

14. Jordan Henderson

The former Sunderland man played every league game but one last season for his former club and was a key player when their form was at its best in the first half of the season, featuring both on the right and through the centre of midfield.

At Liverpool, he will find the competition much more intense but has already shown that there is enough to his game to contribute significantly throughout the season. His delivery from set pieces and wide areas is commendable and his physical prowess will see him revel in midfield over the long term.

Verdict

I expect Henderson to play more from the right than the centre early on this season but he could grow into both roles as the season goes on. Might be used as more of an impact player to begin with and needs to get a few good performances under his belt to push his case for regular inclusion but definitely has the raw ability to get much better than his current level suggests.

Alberto Aquilani (no number assigned)

The Italian playmaker Aquilani has divided Liverpool fans for most of the summer: Should he be kept or sold? Seemingly in demand back in July from the likes of Fiorentina, Juventus and AC Milan, Aquilani has performed admirably in preseason for the Reds and shown glimpses of his undoubted talent and range of passing.

Another example of the impressive depth of the squad in this area of the pitch, Aquilani would grace most Premier League sides and could do so for Liverpool—again—if he stays.

Verdict

A class act on the ball who can win a match in a moment with a clever pass or shot from distance, but a slight liability off the ball. His presence in a starting 11 could seriously be determined by which teammates are playing; with Kuyt and Suarez either side of him he would be accommodated but with the less workman-like Cole or Maxi he might be kept on the bench.

Nonetheless a terrific option to bring on and I sincerely hope he is kept at the club beyond August. Could be a real attribute in key games with stubborn defences.

33. Jonjo Shelvey

In danger of becoming something of a forgotten man amongst all these new signings. Shelvey is a definite talent and has already got the physical attributes to rival any of those above. His passing and willingness to run with the ball is refreshing but question marks remain over his team-first mentality and, which is natural in such a young player, his consistency.

Verdict

Shelvey managed 21 appearances in his first campaign with the club and will probably manage a similar number this time around but will definitely have to grasp any opportunity with both hands in cup games if he is to stake a claim for league action.

I have a feeling he may feature heavily in the League Cup but be loaned out in January if the Reds do not make the latter stages and Aquilani remains at the club.

Wingers and Attacking Midfielders: Stewart Downing, Joe Cole and Maxi Rodriguez

19. Stewart Downing

Liverpool's biggest signing of the summer (so far, at least), Stewart Downing has been brought in from Aston Villa to add width, flair, pace and crossing ability from both sides of the pitch. His best season at Villa Park coincided with Villa's own worst season in some years and Liverpool have picked up a player approaching his prime.

Already in preseason he has shown glimpses of what he can offer the team and if he can provide the service for the forwards which Dalglish hopes for, then he could prove to be worth every penny of his large fee.

Verdict

Downing will feature in almost every Liverpool match he is available for, from the beginning. He is a first-team choice and it is imperative that the Reds find ways to make Downing link regularly with the likes of Gerrard and Suarez just as much as Andy Carroll.

10. Joe Cole

After his much-heralded signing from Chelsea last year, Cole really did not deliver the goods. A missed penalty and a red card early on in his Reds career signalled what was to follow as he lurched from average performance to injury.

Preseason has been mildly more promising but Cole is one of a handful of players on heavy-duty wages who did not contribute sufficiently to the cause and thus has come under scrutiny amid rumours of roughly a thousand London-based clubs willing to take him "home," either on loan or permanently.

Verdict

With so few "natural" wide men in the squad, Cole should grasp his chance with both hands to become a regular first-team member, but his terrible match fitness and apparent utter loss of the creative forces and burst of pace which made him such a formidable player four years ago appear to have robbed him of any chance of making his mark at Anfield.

I suspect he will be kept for another season and could have his uses as an impact player but is definitely on the fringes of things for now.

11. Maxi Rodriguez

Maxi ended last season wonderfully with several goals and performances reminiscent of his best days at Atletico Madrid. However, those games in the red of Liverpool have been too long coming and Maxi has dropped down the pecking order this summer.

The arrival of Downing in particular will hamper most chances of the Argentine making a big impact in 2011-12. He was seemingly set for a return to Argentina with Newell's Old Boys but has since taken possession of a new squad number and looks set to remain as part of the squad.

Verdict

Another squad player to add decent depth; Maxi will likely battle it out with Cole for a bench spot most weeks. Experienced and capable of doing good team jobs in a variety of roles but lack of pace and consistency mean he has been left behind by the progressive squad this summer.

Forwards: Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Dirk Kuyt, David Ngog and Dani Pacheco

7. Luis Suarez

It is very difficult not to get carried away with this lad; not even 20 games into his Liverpool career and he is already a fan icon and one of the symbols of the new Kenny Dalglish reign, even armed with the King's legendary No. 7 shirt.

Suarez's pace, trickery and dribbling ability make him a defender's nightmare; his movement, non-stop work rate and outlandish attempts on goal make him a teammate's dream.

Verdict

Suarez will be—along with Gerrard, Agger, Reina, Lucas, Carroll and Downing—one of Liverpool's most key players this season and form the basis of a terrifically talented spine of the team. Will look to score at least 15 and probably closer to 20 this season in all competitions and create at least the same amount. Major weapon in Liverpool's quest for a top-four spot.

9. Andy Carroll

Big, strong Andy Carroll is fully fit and ready to show Liverpool fans just why he is worth every bit of the £35 million Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli splashed out on him in January.

Carroll is a machine—a very talented striker with the ball at his feet and nigh on unstoppable in the air. Come the end of the season, a lot of people are going to have to hold their hands up and admit their opinion of Carroll was entirely wrong.

Verdict

Now that he's fit, just watch the goals flow. Liverpool as a whole must still get to grips with playing to Carroll's feet as much—more even—than his head but once everything starts to click Carroll will fire Liverpool to a top-four spot, of that I have no doubt.

18. Dirk Kuyt

What with all the lavish praise being thrown at the other two forwards above, one could be forgiven from thinking that Kuyt had either left the club or resigned himself to a bit-part role this season and if that is the case, I sincerely apologise.

Kuyt has a huge role to play for the club this season and will continue to feature more often than not. His ability to perform just as well from either flank, in behind the forward or as a lone striker means he will get games in a variety of positions and be equally important.

Verdict

I think Kuyt will perhaps be used a little more sparingly at home this season, in the starting lineup at least, but still has a major role to play in the big games and away from Anfield. Regardless of if he misses a few games, he will still net in the double figures and prove time and time again that he is an important member of the squad.

24. David Ngog

The subject of rumours linking him with a move to Bolton Wanderers at present, Ngog is a fast and sometimes flashy forward who suffers from a lack of consistency and, perhaps, real trust. Always seen as the backup option rather than a genuine starter, he can change the way Liverpool approach a game but is too often found chasing the flanks to make a real impact.

His shooting is generally good, though he frustratingly lapses at times and can go large spells without scoring.

Verdict

A decent squad member to have but Ngog is way behind the other three in terms of starting matches; honestly speaking, I think he will be sold on this summer, to the betterment of all involved. A good player but will probably never reach the heights of his teammates.

12. Dani Pacheco

Pacheco is something of a cult hero at Liverpool despite hardly featuring for the first team. He made his name with a string of eye-catching displays at reserve-team level and got his breakthrough under Rafa Benitez but didn't really show enough in his brief outings to stamp his position on the team.

A loan spell at Norwich did him the world of good and his current prolonged participation in the Under-20 World Cup with Spain will also benefit him.

Different to the other forwards in the squad in that he is almost exclusively a "second striker"; Pacheco is inventive and creative and thrives when players have great movement ahead of him.

Verdict

Needs more time to continue to develop and another loan spell, even for half a season, could benefit him enormously. Too early to write him off as one who didn't make it but probably does need to have some impact this season.

Could be a good alternative to Suarez in non-key games but is obviously some distance off that level of impact for Liverpool at present.

Possible Team Sheet for Liverpool's 4-2-3-1 Formation

So there you go: 33 players vying for 11 spots on any given match day—and that's without taking into account other youngsters along with Coady et al pressing for inclusion such as Michael Ngoo, Stephen Sama and Andre Wisdom.

I've already indicated those who I think will make up the foundations of this team, but who else will typically fit in around them?

Putting the players into a 4-2-3-1 system which looks like the favoured formation at present, I will offer my thoughts on which players are more likely to feature.

............................Reina

Johnson....Carragher....Agger....Jose Enrique

..................Lucas........Adam

....Downing...........Gerrard............Suarez

..........................Carroll

Of course, in more testing fixtures or away from home games, I would expect Kuyt to play in place of one of the front four or Adam, while Martin Kelly can come in for either fullback without the Reds losing any quality on the field.

Skrtel, Aquilani and Henderson will all be in and out of the team throughout the season and rack up more than respectable appearance tallies while the likes of Shelvey, Maxi, Cole and Aurelio face real battles for their first-team places.

Feel free to put in your lineups below or comment on which players you think will have a more (or less) important role to play than I have indicated!