As another transfer window slams shut, those Liverpool fans avidly watching Sky and Setanta's rolling sports news coverage will be disappointed. No surprise big-name arrivals or short-term cover with the seemingly inevitable exit of Robbie Keane. Rafa has been widely criticised on both the terraces and in the press for his treatment of Keane but at least it puts an end to the distractive talk surrounding his future, role in the squad and politics concerning club transfer policy - for now.
Enough has been written on Rafa's admission that Keane's acquisition was not his idea, seemingly more Parry's olive branch following the doomed Barry transfer saga - seemingly the last straw for Benitez in his ongoing feud with the endangered chief executive. I'm fed up with boardroom wrangles so focussing firmly on football, how does Keane's sale affect the strength of the squad. Overall, do we possess the necessary options to maintain our title challenge? Let's look at the depth of back-up for the first team.
GOALKEEPER
DIEGO ** Untried back-up to indispensible Reina - his rare cup forays have not inspired confidence.
DEFENCE
DOSSENA ** Injury-prone Aurelio has been excellent this term (when fit) compared to £7m Italian international Dossena. We are unbeaten in the 11 games Fabio has started compared to Dossena's record of W4 D4 L1. The scouts who recommended him failed to observe he is a wing-back not a full-back and has consequently struggled defensively. With Insua's emergence, I fully expect Rafa to offload him in the summer.
INSUA **** Fortunately, Insua has continued his progress with 3 wins and a draw over Christmas as cover for injured Aurelio. The youngster's great run of from was cruelly curtailed by his involvement in the pointless South American Under-20 tournament in Venezuela. He is due back later this month and will hopefully establish himself as Aurelio's deputy and potentially given Fabio's age and fitness record, his replacement.
AGGER/HYPPIA **** Experienced and assured back-up to Skrtel and Carragher.
DEGEN * What a waste of time. At least we didn't waste as much as we did on Dossena. As I said at the time, we really needed to strengthen other areas.
DARBY ** Untried in Prem this season, despite injuries to Arbeloa and Degen's constant absence. A vote of no-confidence for the 20 year old. Consistent performer for reserves who needs first-team opportunities or a loan move to progress.
MIDFIELD
LUCAS ** Not quite as bad as some fans would claim he is: undoubtedly a Brazilian international isn't something to be taken lightly and his distribution isn't quite as poor as you'd think. His mistimed tackles and results comparison with Mascherano and Alonso are damning evidence against Lucas. In 7 Prem starts, he has won twice and drawn 5 (just over 1.5 points per game) compared with 40 points gained in Xabi's 19 starts and 29pts from Mascherano's 14 starts ( both average over 2 pts/match). His recent poor tackle at Wigan underlined a belief he concedes too many cheap free kicks and aside from a wonderful assist against a woeful Newcastle in December, he's contributed little creatively this season. If Keane did little to justify his big fee, then the man from Gremio must surely be a goner this summer.
PLESSIS/SPEARING ** Much like Stephen Darby, neither player has had much opportunity to feature, more understandable given the supreme form of Gerrard and Alonso this season.
EL ZHAR *** Pacey and tricky, the Moroccan winger has occasionally featured from the bench and with the departure of Pennant, may be called upon again.
BENAYOUN **** The Israeli is another player who divides opinion but he does boast 2 goals and 3 assists from his 11 starts, a better return than first choice Albert Riera who has featured more. His mazy dribbling can frustrate fans looking for a final ball but is a good impact sub and can play any of the attacking support roles in Rafa's 4-2-3-1 system.
STRIKERS
BABEL *** The flying Dutchman has not featured much this season with only 4 starts. His winning goal was a rare high in a season of frustration after falling behind Riera in selection. May get more game-time in his preferred position as a central striker after Keane's sale. Interestingly, while Keane featured in 8 of Liverpool's 11 draws in all competitions, Babel has appeared in just one stalemate. Having only just turned 22, the Amsterdam rap star needs game-time to progress. His ferocious pace and powerful shot are useful weapons but needs to improve his tactical nous to gain Rafa's favour. Keane's departure will now give him more opportunities to shine.
N'GOG * Was surprisingly preferred to Keane but has impressed in the reserves. Featured 6 times as a sub, most notably for a fruitless hour in the bore draw at Villa. The 19 year old has still only scored two goals so far in his pro career. Not the credentials of a world-beater!
The strength in depth of the squad has regularly been called into question with the press lazily citing Rafa's rotation policy (a practice used by all top clubs) and the relatively smaller budget of Liverpool compared to Chelski and Manure. Fortune with injuries and progress in Europe will have a big impact on our season: the list of back-up options varies enormously in quality. From seasoned internationals like Hyppia, Agger and Benayoun to rookies such as Diego, El Zhar and N'Gog. Added to that the lack of progress shown by big-money younger recruits such as Lucas and Babel mean it is vital that stalwarts such as Gerrard, Alonso and Torres maintain form and fitness through the remainder of the campaign. Central defence and left-back are seemingly the only areas which we possess genuine strength in depth (Hyppia, Agger and Insua). Compare some of our other substitutes with those of our closest rivals is frightening. N'gog and Babel vs Drogba or Tevez? Rafael vs Degen or Darby? Anderson vs Lucas? Diego vs Foster? We need to keep the first team players fit and not expose these weaknesses. Ongoing participation in Europe and the FA Cup, coupled with international commitments could test the depth of the squad to breaking point. Fingers crossed Lady Luck smiles on the Liverbird.
Enough has been written on Rafa's admission that Keane's acquisition was not his idea, seemingly more Parry's olive branch following the doomed Barry transfer saga - seemingly the last straw for Benitez in his ongoing feud with the endangered chief executive. I'm fed up with boardroom wrangles so focussing firmly on football, how does Keane's sale affect the strength of the squad. Overall, do we possess the necessary options to maintain our title challenge? Let's look at the depth of back-up for the first team.
GOALKEEPER
DIEGO ** Untried back-up to indispensible Reina - his rare cup forays have not inspired confidence.
DEFENCE
DOSSENA ** Injury-prone Aurelio has been excellent this term (when fit) compared to £7m Italian international Dossena. We are unbeaten in the 11 games Fabio has started compared to Dossena's record of W4 D4 L1. The scouts who recommended him failed to observe he is a wing-back not a full-back and has consequently struggled defensively. With Insua's emergence, I fully expect Rafa to offload him in the summer.
INSUA **** Fortunately, Insua has continued his progress with 3 wins and a draw over Christmas as cover for injured Aurelio. The youngster's great run of from was cruelly curtailed by his involvement in the pointless South American Under-20 tournament in Venezuela. He is due back later this month and will hopefully establish himself as Aurelio's deputy and potentially given Fabio's age and fitness record, his replacement.
AGGER/HYPPIA **** Experienced and assured back-up to Skrtel and Carragher.
DEGEN * What a waste of time. At least we didn't waste as much as we did on Dossena. As I said at the time, we really needed to strengthen other areas.
DARBY ** Untried in Prem this season, despite injuries to Arbeloa and Degen's constant absence. A vote of no-confidence for the 20 year old. Consistent performer for reserves who needs first-team opportunities or a loan move to progress.
MIDFIELD
LUCAS ** Not quite as bad as some fans would claim he is: undoubtedly a Brazilian international isn't something to be taken lightly and his distribution isn't quite as poor as you'd think. His mistimed tackles and results comparison with Mascherano and Alonso are damning evidence against Lucas. In 7 Prem starts, he has won twice and drawn 5 (just over 1.5 points per game) compared with 40 points gained in Xabi's 19 starts and 29pts from Mascherano's 14 starts ( both average over 2 pts/match). His recent poor tackle at Wigan underlined a belief he concedes too many cheap free kicks and aside from a wonderful assist against a woeful Newcastle in December, he's contributed little creatively this season. If Keane did little to justify his big fee, then the man from Gremio must surely be a goner this summer.
PLESSIS/SPEARING ** Much like Stephen Darby, neither player has had much opportunity to feature, more understandable given the supreme form of Gerrard and Alonso this season.
EL ZHAR *** Pacey and tricky, the Moroccan winger has occasionally featured from the bench and with the departure of Pennant, may be called upon again.
BENAYOUN **** The Israeli is another player who divides opinion but he does boast 2 goals and 3 assists from his 11 starts, a better return than first choice Albert Riera who has featured more. His mazy dribbling can frustrate fans looking for a final ball but is a good impact sub and can play any of the attacking support roles in Rafa's 4-2-3-1 system.
STRIKERS
BABEL *** The flying Dutchman has not featured much this season with only 4 starts. His winning goal was a rare high in a season of frustration after falling behind Riera in selection. May get more game-time in his preferred position as a central striker after Keane's sale. Interestingly, while Keane featured in 8 of Liverpool's 11 draws in all competitions, Babel has appeared in just one stalemate. Having only just turned 22, the Amsterdam rap star needs game-time to progress. His ferocious pace and powerful shot are useful weapons but needs to improve his tactical nous to gain Rafa's favour. Keane's departure will now give him more opportunities to shine.
N'GOG * Was surprisingly preferred to Keane but has impressed in the reserves. Featured 6 times as a sub, most notably for a fruitless hour in the bore draw at Villa. The 19 year old has still only scored two goals so far in his pro career. Not the credentials of a world-beater!
The strength in depth of the squad has regularly been called into question with the press lazily citing Rafa's rotation policy (a practice used by all top clubs) and the relatively smaller budget of Liverpool compared to Chelski and Manure. Fortune with injuries and progress in Europe will have a big impact on our season: the list of back-up options varies enormously in quality. From seasoned internationals like Hyppia, Agger and Benayoun to rookies such as Diego, El Zhar and N'Gog. Added to that the lack of progress shown by big-money younger recruits such as Lucas and Babel mean it is vital that stalwarts such as Gerrard, Alonso and Torres maintain form and fitness through the remainder of the campaign. Central defence and left-back are seemingly the only areas which we possess genuine strength in depth (Hyppia, Agger and Insua). Compare some of our other substitutes with those of our closest rivals is frightening. N'gog and Babel vs Drogba or Tevez? Rafael vs Degen or Darby? Anderson vs Lucas? Diego vs Foster? We need to keep the first team players fit and not expose these weaknesses. Ongoing participation in Europe and the FA Cup, coupled with international commitments could test the depth of the squad to breaking point. Fingers crossed Lady Luck smiles on the Liverbird.
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