1) Sign a natural left-winger
Rafa made a bid in the region of €11m plus Leto for Espanyol left winger Albert Riera which was rejected and has been regularly linked with a bid for Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing.
I was intially appalled by the Riera link having seen his unremarkable stint at Man City but was impressed with his displays in La Liga although it must be noted Luis Aragones didn't select him in his Euro 2008-winning squad. Surely therefore not title-winning material? Riera must have impressed watching scouts on Friday night as he scored twice (including a sublime back-heel) in Espanyol's 4-0 friendly win over Championship newcomers Swansea.
There are similar concerns regarding Downing as some perceive his rarity as a left-footer means his international caps reflect the scarcity of alternatives more than Downing's ability. However, last season (the fifth full campaign of his career) he managed double figures for the first time, notching 10 goals in 44 games. Hardly the form likely to get the big guns for their chequebooks but when you factor in his assists (6 last season in a struggling Middlesbrough front line) and his excellent fitness ( he hasn't missed a league game through injury in two seasons and played more mins than anyone in the league last season).
On the plus side, he is English and only 24, which mean he would likely to be settle in and adapt quicker than an overseas player. Furthermore, Sepp Blatter's plans to introduce quotas for domestic players (however unlikely in the short-term) and UEFA rules which state clubs means
Benitez has been forced to favour domestic targets this summer.
Figures in excess of 12m pounds for Downing and Riera seem expensive compared to potential alternatives in this summer's market. When you consider players of the calibre of Deco and Mancini have moved for less than the figures quoted for Riera and Downing but when you consider pricier alternatives such as David Silva of Valencia and Benfica's Ricardo Quaresma, a bid for Stewart Downing doesn't seem so crazy.
Despite my doubts over the suitability of Riera or Downing, even greater doubts lie over Quaresma and Silva. The Porto winger is unquestionably gifted but has failed to shine on the big stage during his disastrous spell at Barca (where he publicly criticised his coach Rijkaard for not playing him after an injury). Aside from his volatile temprament, he is right-footed and lacks height and goals. On the other hand, Silva is both left-footed and prolific but his role at Valencia is more central in the mould of former Valencia talisman Pablo Aimar. His performances at Euro 2008 were solid if not inspirational and he rarely stayed on the left wing for extended periods. Despite Valencia's financial problems, Silva would command a fee of around 20m pounds which would effectively price us out of a move in any case.
In conclusion, I expect Rafa to sign either Riera or Downing for a fee in the region of 15m: something that will not inspire excitement among Liverpool fans but given the constraints of our budget and the market, it is the most likely scenario.
2) Play 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 without natural wingers
Rafa's preferred system is the fashionable 4-2-3-1 with the striker supported by three offensive midfielders or forwards. Last season, he preferred Babel, Gerrard and Kuyt behind Torres. The wider players (i.e. Babel and Kuyt) push out wide to make a 4-5-1 in defence or more advanced in 4-3-3 in attack. Both players adapted well to these specialist roles but lacked both the creativity and goals boasted by players playing similar roles at rivals. Babel showed promise in his first season in England at such a tender age and Dirk Kuyt is the epitome of endeavour but both lacked the attacking threat of a Van Persie, Ronaldo or Joe Cole playing behind the striker.
Benitez's pursuit of Barry was designed to bring balance to 4-3-3 system as Barry could play on left of midfield three. Mascherano sitting deep and our new fullbacks pushing on to give width. In the event of Rafa being unable to recruit a left-sided player, he could also use Aurelio or Insua in midfield ahead of Dossena.
4-3-3: Reina; Dossena, Agger, Carra, Degen; Barry?, Masch, Gerrard; Babel, Torres, Keane?.
Some have touted a return to three at the back (remember Razor, Scales and Babb?!). They advocate this system makes use of our strength in central defence and lack of genuine wide players. Our new attacking fullbacks could presumably occupy the wingback roles although they would worryingly be relied upon to create eveything from wide areas.
3-4-3: Reina; Agger, Carra, Skrtel; Dossena, Xabi, Masch, Gerrard; Babel, Torres, Keane?.
In the event of Rafa being unable to recruit a left-sided player, he could also use Aurelio or Insua in midfield ahead of Dossena. The two systems outlined show possible solutions to our lack of left-sided players. One must remember that Wenger's unbeaten Arsenal side played with right-footed Robert Pires on the left: it isn't necessarily a requirement to have a left-footer, although having a left-footed option would undoubtedly bring balance and natural width to our play.
Last season, Benayoun and Pennant played in the absence of Ryan Babel, who will be on Olympic duty as the new season kicks off. Neither player is left-footed: Pennant did perform well against lowly opponents but Benitez cannot view him as a candidate for a left-sided role. Benayoun's best role is probably a free central one behind the striker as he rarely stays on the flank when asked to play as a wide forward in Rafa's preferred 4-2-3-1 system, probably the reason for his lack of game-time last season. In brief, a non-starter.
CONCLUSION: Don't put square pegs in round holes - sign Downing!
It would be ludicrous to have a 30-man first-team squad without a single natural left-sided midfielder. I have criticised him in the past but I believe Stewart Downing would be the best solution and surely an improvement on Sicknote Harry or playing someone out of position. Please post your comments below. Feel free to criticise!
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