Liverpool FC: Player-by-Player Guide to the Reds' 2011-12 Squad

When Kenny Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson as Liverpool manager, he inherited a depleted squad.

After years of poor signings under the misinformed, yet ever-watchful eye of Rafael Benitez, and several uninspiring new recruits during Hodgson’s six-month tenure as boss, Liverpool’s squad was one in desperate need of renovation.

After more than £100 million of investment, the Liverpool squad looks a far cry from its predecessor.

Some critics may feel that Dalglish’s promise in May that he would spend the money wisely has not quite rendered itself to be true, but nonetheless King Kenny seems to have built a team that is at least capable of fighting for Champion’s League qualification.  

No. 1 Brad Jones

Position: Goalkeeper

Nationality: Australian

Age: 29

Despite signing for Liverpool in 2010, the journeyman goalkeeper is yet to make his Premier League debut for the Merseysiders.

Prior to his arrival at Anfield, the Australian had earned the reputation for being a very capable second choice for Middlesbrough, deputising on occasions for fellow compatriot Mark Schwarzer.

When Schwarzer left Middlesbrough for Fulham, Brad Jones was made first-choice shot stopper. However, he was powerless to prevent Boro from Premier League relegation.

He spent a season in the Championship before being snapped up in a £2.3 million transfer by Rafael Benitez.

Frustrated by a lack of first team opportunities, Jones spent the end of last season on loan at Derby County. The arrival of Doni as further cover for Reina is likely to further frustrate the Australian, and he could seek to secure a loan transfer to guarantee himself regular football.

No. 2 Glen Johnson

Position: Right Back

Nationality: English

Age: 26

Glen Johnson has rebuilt his career after spending a difficult four years at Chelsea. The England right back established himself as a Premier League starter under Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth, before signing for Liverpool in 2009 for a negotiated fee of £10 million.

Johnson has been Liverpool’s first choice right back for the past two seasons, but the ascension of John Flanagan and Martin Kelly could provide him with stern competition to secure a spot in Kenny Dalglish’s starting 11.

The England international is a great attacking defender. However, as a consequence of his attacking style of play, he often leaves the right flank exposed to the counter attack.

Furthermore, he is not a particularly strong tackler of the ball, but this is compensated by the width he can offer Liverpool when they are attacking.

No. 3 Jose Enrique

Position: Left Back

Nationality: Spanish

Age: 25

The Spanish left back is, at the time of writing, Kenny Dalglish's latest addition to the Liverpool squad.

Jose Enrique signed for Liverpool from Newcastle on August 11, 2011, making his debut versus Sunderland two days later.

The Reds have long been deprived of a decent left back. It has been one of their biggest frailties for several seasons.

Like Glen Johnson, Jose Enrique will offer Liverpool extra width when they are on the attack. However, he is a little better at getting back than his counterpart.

His defensive positioning is very good, and he is a fine tackler.

No. 4 Raul Meireles

Position: Midfielder

Nationality: Portuguese

Age: 28

The Portuguese midfielder got off to a slow start under Roy Hodgson, but the arrival of Kenny Dalglish transformed him into a leading Premier League midfielder.

Raul Meireles has a keen eye for goal, and for creating assists.

He offers Liverpool a different dimension in attack. With Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique, the Anfield club can attack teams from out wide. Meireles takes the attack to the opposition from a far more central role, meaning Liverpool can penetrate teams from a variety of angles.

Meireles scored a number of important goals for Liverpool last season, not least the only goal in a 1-0 win versus Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

His fine performances at Anfield last season have seen him win the PFA Fans Player of the Year award, attracting interest from Chelsea at the same time.

No. 5 Daniel Agger

Position: Centre Back

Nationality: Danish

Age: 26

The Danish centre back fell out of favour during Roy Hodgson’s brief tenure as Liverpool boss, but under Kenny Dalglish he has featured in almost all of Liverpool’s games.

At 6'3", the tattooed Dane is an imposing centre back, tough and physical. He is not afraid to get forward and is strong in the air.

He is, however, a little prone to injury and is known to have momentary lapses in concentration.

No. 6 Fabio Aurelio

Position: Left Back

Nationality: Brazilian

Age: 31

Despite being at Anfield since 2006, the Brazilian left back has struggled to win the heart of the Kop and a regular place in any manager's starting 11.

In May 2010, it seemed that Aurelio was set to depart Liverpool. The Brazilian rejected Benitez’s proposal of giving the defender a pay-as-you-play contract. Following Benitez’s removal, however, one of the first things Roy Hodgson did was offer Fabio a new two-year contract.

The Brazilian has been injury prone in recent seasons and will find it hard to challenge Jose Enrique for a slot in the starting 11.

He is a player that likes to attack, but his inability to tackle and special awareness is alarming for a club of Liverpool’s standards.

It seems that this season will be the Brazilian’s last at Anfield.

No. 7 Luis Suarez

Position: Striker

Nationality: Uruguayan

Age: 24

Luis Suarez is a menacing, hardworking centre forward. He plays with a real enthusiasm for the game, the omnipresent smile on his face when he is on the pitch is clear for all fans to see.

He is a great dribbler on the ball, and off the ball he is capable of making penetrating runs behind the defensive line. He likes to hang onto the last man, meaning that he does lose a lot of offside calls, but his finishing prowess means that when he does time a run right, he will at least force the goalkeeper into making a save.

He earned the reputation during his time at Ajax as a prolific goal scorer, indeed in 110 games for the club he notched up 81 goals. His scoring tally to date for Liverpool is equally as impressive: Six goals in 15 games.

One concern that Liverpool fans may have about the Uruguayan is his small stature, big Premier League defenders may find it easy to intimidate Suarez.

No. 8 Steven Gerrard

Position: Attacking Midfielder, Captain

Nationality: English

Age: 31

The England international is one of the greatest players of his generation, and one of Liverpool’s finest performers of all time.

He plays with real determination on the pitch, the pride he feels in wearing the Liverpool shirt is clear for all to see. He is an accomplished dribbler, passer and goalscorer.

His influence in the middle of the pitch is evident for all to see and in seasons gone by his strong performances have carried Liverpool. 

Furthermore, his versatility means he can occupy almost any position in the midfield.

The only blemish on his club record is that he is yet to win a Premier League title, something that is unique among Liverpool legends from times gone by.

Gerrard has been a world class player during a very mediocre point in the club's history.

One thing that Liverpool fans may be concerned about is his age and the impact it could have on his match fitness. Last season, the England international played just 21 games, the fewest season appearances he has made since the 1998-99 season.

No. 9 Andy Carroll

Position: Striker

Nationality: English

Age: 22

The Geordie striker could have become a club legend at Newcastle United, but a £35 million transfer in January 2011 means that Liverpool fans can look forward to seeing the best of Andy Carroll’s services.

At 6'3", the striker is taller than many Premier League centre backs, and his strong build makes him an incredible aerial threat. Despite his tender age, he already possesses one of the best headers in the Premier League.

Some fans, however, remain skeptical of his transfer fee, which does seem by all accounts to be somewhat exorbitant. If the Geordie striker can find the same form that graced the Premier League at the start of last season, he will soon become a fan favourite.

No. 10 Joe Cole

Position: Left Midfielder

Nationality: English

Age: 29

The former Chelsea star's debut season at Anfield was a bitter disappointment. Joe Cole failed to bring the flair and technical skill that graced the Chelsea squad for seven seasons to Anfield.

Joe Cole’s ability is no secret, he has been one of the best players in the Premier League in the past decade, but a series of injuries seem to have taken their toll on the 29-year-old’s body.  

The arrival of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing will make it difficult for Cole to force his way into the starting 11, a feat he found hard enough last season without the new recruits.

No. 11 Maxi Rodriguez

Position: Winger

Nationality: Argentine

Age: 30

After a disappointing debut season in 2010, the Argentine winger enjoyed an impressive 2010-2011 Premier League campaign.

The winger regularly forced Joe Cole out of the team and scored 10 goals in 28 appearances for the club, three of them coming against Fulham in a 5-2 drubbing.

Rodriguez offers Liverpool width, however, he is not afraid to come inside and shoot with the ball. If he can continue with his fine run of form, it is likely that he will contribute more goals this season to the Liverpool cause.

No. 12 Daniel Pacheco

Position: Striker

Nationality: Spanish

Age: 20

When Daniel Pacheco arrived in Merseyside from the Barcelona youth academy, he brought with him a lot of hype. Three seasons on and Liverpool fans are still hoping to see the best of the young Spaniard.

Pacheco has had limited first team opportunities at Anfield, but, if he is to force his way into Dalglish’s further plans, this is the season where he needs to impress.

Pacheco earned the nickname El Asesino (the Assassin) during his time at Barcelona thanks to his ability to score from almost any position. If he wants to remain a player at Liverpool, he will have to display such form when given the opportunity.

No. 14 Jordan Henderson

Position: Midfielder

Nationality: English

Age: 21

Jordan Henderson’s £20 million transfer from Sunderland has raised a few eyebrows, but he arrives at Anfield following of the back of an impressive two seasons at the Stadium of Light. Despite his tender age, he has already appeared in 73 Premier League matches.

Henderson is a versatile midfielder, primarily suited to playing in the centre of the pitch. He likes to play as a box to box midfielder, and it has been suggested that Dalglish has signed the fledgling England international as a long-term replacement for Steven Gerrard.

No. 15 Alberto Aquilani

Position: Midfielder

Nationality: Italian

Age: 27

The less said about Alberto Aquilani, the better. He is a player of immense potential, but a string of injuries have prevented him from fulfilling it.

When the Italian signed from Roma he was injured, and it seems to have remained that way ever since.

Fans may be made by the 33 appearances he made for Juventus during a season-long loan in the last Serie A campaign, but question marks remain on whether the Italian can adjust his game to the English style of football.

No. 16 Sotirios Kyrgiakos

Position: Centre Back

Nationality: Greek

Age: 32

Perhaps not good enough to be a regular starter for the club, Sotirios Kyrgiakos is a solid centre back that Dalglish can call upon when Liverpool need to close out a game.

At 6'4", he has a daunting physique, and he does not shy away from contact. At times he can be erratic, making stupid mistakes, but he has proven himself to be a great player to call upon in times of need.

No. 18 Dirk Kuyt

Position: Striker

Nationality: Dutch

Age: 31

Although he is not the greatest finisher in front of goal, Dirk Kuyt is a real grafter.

The Dutch striker is known for his selflessness and versatility, which makes it unsurprising that Kuyt has been a permanent fixture on the team sheet since his arrival in the summer of 2006.

He has gained criticism for not scoring enough goals, but last season saw him collect a personal best tally of 13 in 33 appearances, including a hat trick against Manchester United.

Kuyt is a hard worker off the ball and will persistently put defenders under pressure. He chases everything, which has made him a great ball-winner in the final third of the pitch.

No. 19 Stewart Downing

Position: Winger

Nationality: English

Age: 27

Stewart Downing’s work rate was a little patchy during the early years of his career, but during his tenure at Aston Villa he blossomed into a fine team player and dangerous winger.

He has one of the best left foots in the Premier League, and, although he may be lacking in half a yard of pace, he is capable of making surging runs on either wing.

Stewart Downing’s ability to play inch-perfect crosses will complement Andy Carroll’s aerial ability in much the same way Charlie Adam’s piercing balls from the half way line will.

Liverpool’s frontmen in general will all be blessed with service from the wing that is as consistent as it is efficient.

No. 20 Jay Spearing

Position: Midfielder

Nationality: English

Age: 22

Jay Spearing is a versatile player who can play as a centre half or in central midfield.

His small frame, however, suggests that he is better suited to a central midfield role. 

He is a determined young player; always keen to have the ball at his feet and seldom shies away from a challenge.

No. 21 Lucas Leiva

Position: Midfielder

Nationality: Brazilian

Age: 24

It is fair to say that the Brazilian holding midfielder took his time to win over the Kop. A series of cumbersome performances in his debut season suggest that Lucas Leiva was another of Rafael Benitez’s absurd signings.

Since then, however, he has blossomed into a fine holding midfielder.

He now seems like a natural replacement for Xabi Alonso. Contrary to the usual Brazilian style of play, Lucas likes to control the game from the deep.

The midfielder is a solid ball winner, in part due to his fiery determination and no nonsense tackles. He has at times been erratic, but after a solid 2010- 2011 campaign all signs suggest that he is maturing into a fine player.

No. 22 Danny Wilson

Position: Centre Back

Nationality: Scottish                

Age: 19

At the age of 17, Danny Wilson had already won his way into Rangers’ first team. The 19-year-old Scott arrived in Merseyside having won every major honour that Scottish domestic football has to offer.

At the age of 19, there is much that the young centre back has to learn, but all of his attributes suggest that he could become a long-term replacement for Jamie Carragher. His positioning and timing is already impressive, and he exudes confidence in the box.

No. 23 Jamie Carragher

Position: Centre Back, vice-captain

Nationality: English

Age: 33

Jamie Carragher may be an aging centre back, but that seems to have had no impact on the amount of first team appearances he has collected for his treasured club.

Carragher famously stated that it was more of an honour to play for Liverpool than it is for England, and his fiery passion has been omnipresent in the heart of Liverpool’s defence for over a decade.

He has established himself as one of the finest centre backs to have ever played in the Premier League, mostly due to his excellent timing, special awareness and ability to pull off last-minute, match-saving tackles.

No. 24 David N'Gog

Position: Striker

Nationality: French

Age: 22

David N’Gog has shown signs of promise during his four-year Liverpool career, but to date he is yet to convince fans he has what it takes to be a first-team player.

The striker unquestionably has a high work rate, but his finesse does at times leave much to be desired.

No. 25 Pepe Reina

Position: Goalkeeper

Nationality: Spanish

Age: 28

It is unfortunate that such a fine goalkeeper has found his international opportunities limited because of Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas.

The Spaniard has, alongside Petr Cech and Edwin Van Der Sar, been the finest shot stopper in the Premier League since his arrival in 2006.

He commands his box superbly and is competent at dealing with long and short range efforts on goal.

Furthermore, he is agile, meaning he can pull off some miracle saves.

His distribution is not bad either.

No. 26 Charlie Adam

Position: Midfielder

Nationality: Scottish

Age: 25

In Charlie Adam, Liverpool have secured the services of one of the finest passers in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old Scot slotted nicely into Liverpool’s four-man midfield against Sunderland, and his inch-perfect cross set up Luis Suarez’s 12^th-minute goal.

Adam’s passing ability should become an invaluable asset to Liverpool, who has found themselves guilty of over-relying on Steven Gerrard in recent seasons.

His well-weighted deliveries ought to complement Andy Carroll’s aerial ability and provide a challenge for all of the Premier League’s defences.

On top of his passing ability, he is a feisty competitor off of the ball. Although at times a little aggressive, his physical presence in the midfield will offer something that Liverpool has been lacking since the sale of Xabi Alonso.

He also has a keen eye for goal and is a very capable set piece taker. He managed to score 12 goals last season whilst playing for Blackpool; it would be reasonable for Liverpool fans to expect a similar tally this season.

No. 32 Doni

Position: Goalkeeper

Nationality: Brazilian

Age: 31

Doni’s arrival at Liverpool seems somewhat pointless, but the Brazilian is likely to prove himself to be a very capable deputy to Pepe Reina should the Spaniard get injured or suspended.

He has earned 10 caps for Brazil and won major honours in the past.

During his time at Roma, he was recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in the Serie A, making him a fine second-choice keeper for the Reds.

No. 33 Jonjo Shelvey

Position: Striker

Nationality: English

Age: 19

The England youth international signed from Charlton last year in a £1.7 million transfer.

Jonjo Shelvey was held in high regard by Charlton fans and captained the England Under-17 team to win the Victory Shield.

Shelvey is pacey and has excellent ball control. He is a player that exudes confidence on the ball, and it is likely that Liverpool fans can expect to see him feature in a few games later this season.

No. 34 Martin Kelly

Position: Right Back/Centre Back

Nationality: English

Age: 21

England manager Fabio Capello was impressed by Martin Kelly’s seasoned performance against Arsenal in the second game of the 2011- 2012 season.

The 21-year-old reads the game well and looks a real threat coming forward, further strengthening Liverpool’s already brilliant options out wide.

His biggest asset is his determination, which is highlighted by the fact he missed two years of development with a serious back injury. Despite the setback, he worked hard and has finally earned a slot in the Liverpool team.

No. 37 Martin Skrtel

Position: Centre Back

Nationality: Slovakian

Age: 26

The no-nonsense Slovakian international arrived at Liverpool in 2006, initially to act as cover for Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger.

He has since blossomed into an accomplished Premier League defender, capable of scoring important goals with his head.

Despite his hulk like build, the Slovak defender is liable to the occasional injury, which has prevented him from establishing himself as a consistent first-team starter.

No. 38 Jon Flanagan

Position: Right Back

Nationality: English

Age: 18

The tough-tackling right back hails from Liverpool and has been a member of their academy from a young age.

Last season, Flanagan managed to feature in seven Premier League games, collecting three yellow cards in the process. His discipline is something that he will need to work on, as is his special awareness.

That being said, he is excellent on the attack and all signs suggest he could become a very capable first-team player in years to come.

So What Do You Think?

Would you like to see any additions before the transfer deadline?

Who do you consider to be dead wood?

Is this squad good enough to win the Premier League?