Liverpool are just Red-hot at the moment, with their progress this season the subject of much admiration, and rightly so.
Post Rafa, the club struggled to find an identity to make their own, and were stuck in a downward spiralling whirligig, with little hope of respite.
With no Champions League football, and no continuous influx of quality players, it is simply remarkable how well Brendan Rodgers has done in such a short space of time.
Yes, the lack of Champions League football has helped this season, but Rodgers still deserves full credit.
Quality football and top level management is what they’ve shown this season, and unless they press the self-destructive button, they should comfortably secure a Champions League spot.
If this does come to pass, phase two of Liverpool’s rebirth will commence. Quality additions are needed, while there are some players that need to be sold. In a nutshell, Rodgers should be allowed to sculpt the squad according to his own taste.
Let us take a look at five such players who should be sold next summer.
Pepe Reina
An obvious choice. The Spaniard joined the club in 2005/06 and soon became a fan favourite. Rodgers made the bold decision of replacing him at the beginning of the season, and sent him on loan to Napoli.
The Liverpool boss has since made it clear that Reina has no future at the club and it is up to Liverpool now to make a smart profit out of his transfer. Adios Pepe.
Iago Aspas
In football, there is no guarantee that every signing will work; and this certainly hasn’t worked for the Reds.
We have seen how Rodgers has tried to improve his fringe players in the squad, but no such attempt has been taken to improve the Spaniard. Injuries didn’t help him to settle in, of course, but I guess, most opinions were formed after the first few matches.
Daniel Agger
Liverpool fans must try and put their sentiments aside here, and accept the fact that the quality of Agger’s performances have dropped, and badly.
Rodgers has noticed this, and had cast doubts over his long term future at the club.
Liverpool already have one left-footed centre-back in Sakho, and he is expected to play regularly from next season. If Liverpool buy one good centre-back in the summer, it’s hard to see Agger staying at the club. It will create unnecessary competition, though his loyalty for this club will be remembered.
Glen Johnson
Like Agger, it’s time for Johnson to depart. Young Jon Flanagan has stepped up to the plate and expect him to take Johnson’s place permanently next season.
Oussama Assaidi
The 25-year-old has done well in patches for Stoke City on loan this season, but it may not be enough to convince Rodgers to have him in the side next season.
With quality players expected to arrive next season at Anfield, Assaidi’s Liverpool career is almost as good as finished.
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