da spicy bet： Liverpool have already completed four major signings with the many new players as well as current ones will surely need to compete for places in Brendan Rodgers first team.
da supremo： With the World Cup recently being completed, the manager can be given an extra chance to evaluate the performance of his squad before coming up with his formation ahead of next season.
As the players prepare to compete for places during the club’s pre-season tour, we take a look at SIX Liverpool players and how their displays in Brazil will help with their team status.
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CLICK ON JORDAN HENDERSON TO SEE THE FULL LIST
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Glen Johnson (England – Right Back)
Glen Johnson’s Liverpool career was in doubt following his refusal to extend his contract as a host of clubs were aiming to sign him. He managed an assist in two of his games at the World Cup despite England being knocked out after only two matches. The 29-year-old continues to show his threat down the right flanks, both on the attack as well as in defence.
If he decides to stay, he could very well be the first choice for Brendan Rodgers due to the fact that Jon Flanagan may need to be shifted to the left side. Should Johnson get more playing time, he may decide to extend his stay rather than just running down his current deal.
In competition with: Jon Flanagan, Andre Wisdom
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/Q4n944R9rsQ
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Raheem Sterling (England – Attacking Midfielder / Winger)
Many believe Raheem Sterling was one of England’s top performers at the World Cup despite their early exit after only managing to pick up one point from three games. Even though he managed nine Premier League goals and five assist, there were times when he was rotated with Coutinho, meaning his place isn’t guaranteed.
Brendan Rodgers acquisition of Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic will mean he needs to keep up his form from the previous season if he wishes to concrete his place in the starting line up. At only 19, he has a very bright Liverpool future ahead of him.
In competition with: Coutinho, Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/VLBM1kMMOiE
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Adam Lallana (England – Attacking Midfielder / Winger)
Adam Lallana’s move from Southampton to Liverpool took quite a while to complete, but Brendan Rodgers knew he had to keep pushing in order to bring such a great player to the club. Picking up one start and two substitute appearances, the 26-year-old along didn’t manage to replicate his domestic form.
A gaurenteed place in Brendan Rodgers side cannot be given as he has a huge list of players who can play in the same formation as Lallana. However, the good news for him is that his versatile can see him be moved anywhere in midfield and he would still continue to perform.
In competition with: Joe Allen, Emre Can, Coutinho, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva, Lazar Markovic, Raheem Sterling
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/t7HBSEj7xTw
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Mamadou Sakho (France – Centre-back)
Mamadou Sakho earned his place in the Liverpool starting line-up lane into the second half of the season after recovery from an injury which kept him out of action for quite a while. Upon his return, he seemed to have edged out Daniel Agger in regards to a place alongside Martin Skrtel at the heart of the defence.
Having featured in four of his five French matches, he once again was in good form picking up a clean sheet against Honduras and Ecuador. He continued to perform for his nation despite his nation 1-0 exit against Germany. With Brendan Rodgers eyeing Southampton’s Dejan Lovren, he may face yet another friendly competition for places.
In competition with: Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure,
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/71igudASjWA
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Pepe Reina (Spain – Goalkeeper)
The former Liverpool number one recently returned from a loan move to Napoli and is believed to want to make it a permanent one. Playing one match at the World Cup, he managed to keep a clean sheet, something Iker Casillas didn’t manage to do after his first two matches.
With Simon Mignolet receiving quite a bit of criticism for his form the previous season, the return of Reina could mean his place will be at stake. Brendan Rodgers may not be able to choose his keeper until he has a chance to test the pair over the course of pre-season and probably during the first few matches of the new campaign.
In competition with: Brad Jones, Simon Mignolet
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/BPV6NhQu6tQ
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Jordan Henderson (England – Central Midfielder)
Jordan Henderson was performing on average over the past few seasons but became a vital part of Liverpool’s revival in the previous campaign. His role alongside captain Steven Gerrard in the middle of the field was a big part of the club’s second place finish.
Brendan Rodgers will surely see himself in a bit of a selection dilemma after the arrival of Adam Lallana and Emra Can who will surely provide some competition. Joe Allen, Lucas Leiva, as well as Steven Gerrard can all play in the same position as Henderson, so any mistakes or bad performances can prove to be quite costly.
In competition with: Joe Allen, Steven Gerrard, Adam Lallana, Emre Can, Lucas Leiva
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/MFXcJiGcSD0
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