A deeper look into Liverpool's torrid history of loan deals

A deeper look into Liverpool's torrid history of loan deals

Liverpool's recruitment has received widespread praise for its effectiveness over the past eight years, but there is one key part of the club's plans that never seems to work: loan deals. I personally can't remember a loan move working out for the Reds since Javier Mascherano all the way back in 2008, which says a lot about the club's loan recruitment. Last summer, the Reds panicked and rushed into a loan deal for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo and it's fair …
The Jordan Henderson Criticism

The Jordan Henderson Criticism

Three games, nine points, no goals conceded, top of the league. And we’re not even playing that well. West Ham, aside we haven’t quite been at our swashbuckling best. Firmino is yet to score and, if viewed objectively, we’ve had to hang on a bit in our last two games so we’re not quite at the 1987-88 vintage where dicked everyone 4-0 week in, week out. That’s a good thing though. Liverpool, like the idea of America, is supposed to …
The Curious Case of John Arne Riise

The Curious Case of John Arne Riise

Last week, Leanne Prescott, AnfieldIndex's impish commentator, and I had an email exchange about the changing role of the fullback. Her argument - and it’s one I have no great issue with – is that the modern-day full-back spends as much time in the opponents half as his own. Gone are the days when the average wide defender could sit back and keep an eye on opposing wingers. Steve Finnan, Alvaro Arbeloa and, latterly, Nathaniel Clyne would need to do …
Jonjo Shelvey - The One That Got Away?

Jonjo Shelvey - The One That Got Away?

After Jonjo Shelvey's man of the match performance for England against San Marino on Saturday, I can't help but wonder whether Liverpool let him go a little bit too soon. When Liverpool signed 18 year old midfielder Jonjo Shelvey from Charlton Athletic in May 2010 for £1.7 million, it quickly became apparent that Liverpool had signed an extremely talented youngster. Despite his talent, it was still clear that Shelvey was somewhat a rough diamond and still had a lot of …
Are Liverpool in a Perpetual State of Transition?

Are Liverpool in a Perpetual State of Transition?

Evolution is inevitable. In football and in everyday life you change to adapt. So what's the difference between transition as a club and evolving? Why are some teams praised for adapting whilst others use being in transition as an excuse? Since Brendan Rodgers took the helm of Liverpool FC it feels like 'Liverpool are in transition' is one of the most overused sentences for fans and pundits alike. Many pin this on Brendan Rodgers, others like to associate the blame …