Thursday, June 14, 2007

Transfer market hysteria

I'm really trying not to get too caught up in it. Trying being the key word. I can't help it. It's fun. Keeps the offseason interesting, especially in a non World Cup or Euro Cup summer. Who's coming to Anfield with this supposed war chest of American cash? Eto'o? Malouda? Villa? Simao? Today it's Benayoun (who I like - he torched the Reds in the 2006 FA Cup final. Tireless worker)

I trust Rafa has a well crafted wishlist. As it's been two seasons running though, the chance to win the title was lost with poor early away form. Last season: Sheffield United (draw), Chelsea (loss), Everton (loss), Bolton (loss), Man Utd (loss), Arsenal (loss), Boro (draw), Wigan (win - finally on Dec. 2nd). There's no way that results in a title contender. Man Utd and Chelsea only lost 3 away matches last season. Liverpool lost 9. Even with Anfield acting as a fortress (fluke Man U game being the only loss), it's impossible to make up that difference. Depth in the squad is important, and rotation is essential for late season strength, but players need to be in the hunt from the start to keep that hunger. Stevie G says the league is the most important competition going forward. Well, let's see some new players that won't accept losing points to bottom feeders at a nasty ground.

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