Liverpool's Season Review

The previous season could be considered as the most attack-minded season under Rafa Benitez. But as the strike force became positive, the defending put the team down.

A step back into the past...

It all began when Rafa bought the likes of Torres and Babel, also completing the permanent deal for Mascherano, we all knew that something good was to come from the talents that were brought in. Results are visible, Torres scored 33 goals in all competitions in his inaugural season at Liverpool and Babel reached double figures with his goal tally. Not to forget the likes of Kuyt who flourished himself on the right wing and also reached double figures. Benayoun and Crouch had limited appearances due to the good form shown by Kuyt and Babel, but both of them also reached double figures. Another new addition, Voronin, was too injured to be evaluated appropriately. Fears of another Kewell perhaps ??

Captain fantastic, Gerrard, has never let the team down and proved his mettle striking an amazing partnership behind Torres and scoring freely. Midfield duties were on the shoulders of Mascherano and Alonso. The latter struggled with injury and form, presenting a chance for young Lucas to shine when given the opportunity. Pennant carried out his job of supplying strikers. The ever-injured Kewell's doctor hopes he now receives equal rent from Kewell as he has permanently moved into the hospital.

Moving on to the defence. Hyypia had a consistent season after Agger had been crocked, Carragher and Finnan showed signs of age and did not have the best of seasons. Both have retired from international football and can focus completely on the club now. Arbeloa and Aurelio were dependable and steady throughout the season. Riise had a nightmare season with the Reds. Skrtel had a solid debut season and learnt quickly from Carragher.

Reine kept well in goal winning the Golden Gloves Award for the third consecutive time. He received no competition what so ever from Charles Itandje.

Saddest part of the season was that Liverpool finished the season without any silverware. Played well in the Champions League but unfortunately got dumped out by Chelsea in the semi's. Rick Parry has made the League title priority for next season and is still working closely with Rafa to end the boardroom bust-up between the US co-owners. Rafa could have easily left his post when the Klinsmann saga rambled on. But being the bigger man, guided Liverpool safe to the Champions League spot and his now focused on the job at hand for next season.

Liverpool’s league record under Benitez:
04/05:
Home: 12 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses
Away: 5 wins, 3 draws, 11 losses
58 points
05/06:
Home: 15 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss
Away: 10 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses
82 points
06/07:
Home: 14 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss
Away: 6 wins, 4 draws, 9 losses
68 points
07/08:
Home: 12 wins, 6 draws 1 loss
Away: 9 wins, 7 draws, 3 losses
76 points

League goals for and against:
04/05: 52 scored, 41 conceded (82 for in all competitions)
05/06: 57 scored, 25 conceded (104 for in all competitions)
06/07: 57 scored, 27 conceded (90 for in all competitions)
07/08: 67 scored, 28 conceded (119 for in all competitions)

Top scorer:
04/05: Milan Baros - 9 in the league, 13 in total (Gerrard and Luis Garcia also finished the season with the same respective tally)
05/06: Steven Gerrard - 10 in the league, 23 overall
06/07: Peter Crouch - 9 in the league, 18 overall (Kuyt finished top scorer in the league with 12 to his name)
07/08: Fernando Torres - 24 in the league, 33 overall

Clean sheets:
04/05: 7 in the league, 18 overall
05/06: 22 in the league, 33 overall
06/07: 20 in the league, 28 overall
07/08: 18 in the league, 25 overall

Points behind the league winners:
04/05: 37
05/06: 9
06/07: 21
07/08: 11

Back to the present...

Liverpool have sold Riise to Roma. Rafa gave Riise the chance to join a could club as he was not guaranteed first team football anymore. Riise opted to move and is looking forward to the Italian challenge. Le Tallec has been sold to Le Mans. Harry Kewell had been released earlier and has now found a better operation table in the likes of Galatasaray.

Liverpool have signed Phillip Degen on a Bosman-transfer from Dortmund to offer Finnan and Arbeloa competition. And Adrea Dossena has been snapped up by Rafa from Udinese and will go head to head with Aurelio for first team football. Crouch could be on his way to Portsmouth and Alonso could be close to a switch to Juventus. As for the Gareth Barry saga, it seems to be far from done.

As for the future...

It's the balance Rafa's seeking in the team and will need more finances to aid the team. What happens in the coming season ?? Who knows. But attractive football will always be offered by the Reds. Keep up the good work Rafa !!

Picture Source : Flickr