Do Liverpool have a title-winning midfield?

Liverpool’s transfer signings this summer are a strong bet made by the owners that with Arsenal and Tottenham struggling and Liverpool resurgent under Kenny Dalglish, this season is the best time for them to return to the Champions League.

The significant transfer outlay will not only provide long-term options for Liverpool but they also help Dalglish ensure that Liverpool are able to match the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea in competing for the top four spots.

A key focus on Liverpool’s transfer strategy has been strengthing their midfield, and regardless of whether you think Liverpool have over-paid or bought value with Downing, Adams and Henderson, there’s a lot more creativity, technical ability and flexiilit in Liverpool’s midfield now, allowing them to adapt to a particular match situation instead of floundering with a single course of action.

Nick Miller makes a very valid point about Liverpool making a big gamble on buying midfielders to support Carroll, but it’s equally true that all three players are great passers of the ball, period, and whether it’s Suarez or Carroll or Kuyt leading the line, they are bound to provide valuable service to him.

Adam, Henderson and Downing – Premier League 2010-11

Here’s a closer look at the performances of Liverpool’s 50m trio:

Scottish international Charlie Adam scored more penalty goals than any other player last season (seven). The former Blackpool midfielder was one of eight PL players to be involved in 500 or more duels.

All three players posted a higher crossing accuracy than last season’s league average (23.26%).

Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing created 239 goal-scoring chances between themselves last season in the Premier League; all three players are included in the top 12.

In fact, Downing and Henderson are ahead of the likes of Nani and Young (Manchester United), David Silva (Manchester City) and Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) when it comes to creating chances. Although it has helped their case that they were regular starters at their respective clubs last season and may not get similar opportunities at Liverpool, but if the trio can continue their good form of last season, Liverpool will suddenly be a very potent threat going forward.

Most chances created* – Premier League 2010-11

*last pass before a shot – goal assists included

Set Pieces

Only 17 of Liverpool’s 59 Premier League goals came from set-piece situations last term, only three teams posted a lower proportion, so these signings should go some way to improving this. One of the teams below Liverpool, Manchester United, have brought in Ashley Young partially to give them a greater goal-threat from set-pieces.

However, it must be pointed out that while Blackpool (Charlie Adam) scored 24 goals from set-pieces last season (a tally matched or bettered by only 2 other clubs), Aston Villa (Downing) and Sunderland (Henderson) were both poorer than Liverpool when it came to set-pieces, scoring 14, 12 and 17 respectively. Here’s hoping that it was the lack of finishing that had been an issue, not the creative players themselves.

Goals From Set Pieces in 2010/2011

Do you think Liverpool have a title-winning midfield? Let us know your thoughts below.