LFC World News

Benitez has Mascherano trust

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez remains confident Javier Mascherano is completely committed.

The MirrorFootball panel on... Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United and the title race

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:47:54 EST

Our popular MirrorFootball panel is back in session - and today's big question is: What impact will losing Cristiano Ronaldo have on Manchester United and the title race?

Anthony Clavane: Enough of an impact to loosen Man United's hold on the trophy. I think Ancelotti can steer Chelsea to win the title. John Terry's decision to stay was pivotal. Drogba is hungry again. And if the midfield click - and Ballack and Deco raise their game and Joe Cole returns - they should finish ahead of United.

David McDonnell: Ronaldo's departure will certainly make the Premier League more competitive, because Manchester United were so reliant on him to score and to change games when they were struggling to make a breakthrough. So his exit will certainly make the title race a more closely-fought contest, but United's strength in depth should - in my opinion - see them make it four titles in a row - the first time that has been done in English football. The other teams simply don't have the numbers to sustain a title challenge over the course of a campaign, as we saw last season.

Neil McLeman: The twin departures of Ronaldo and Carlo Tevez will hurt a Manchester United side which won the title by only four points last season. If Gerrard and Torres stay fit, and Benitez buys better this summer, Liverpool can close the gap and finally win the title.

David Maddock: Losing Ronaldo won't have the massive impact many expect, because Wayne Rooney remains at Old Trafford and he was United's most important player last season by a mile. Saying that, Chelsea won't have such a poor start this time, and if they make the signings promised, will win the league.

Brian McNally: Ronaldo's sale won't affect the title race one iota - Manchester United will skate it.

John Cross: Ronaldo has been the best individual player in the Premier League for the past three seasons, even if last season's standards could never live up to the previous campaign. Ronaldo made United comfortably better than the rest and his departure will narrow the gap between Liverpool and Chelsea. I fancy Liverpool to win it if they keep both Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. If either leaves, it will be United's title again.

James Nursey: Ronaldo will undoubtedly be a huge loss to United's chances of retaining the Premier League and Liverpool and Chelsea will definitely fancy their chances this season. But I still think United will emerge triumphant with the likes of Wayne Rooney raising their game to fill the void.

David Anderson: Although Ronaldo's departure will weaken Manchester United, they will still be stronger than all of their title rivals. Look back to the departures of Paul Ince, Mark Hughes, Eric Cantona, Peter Schmeichel, David Beckham, Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy and it's clear that no one player is bigger than the club. Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen will give United different options and carry them to the title.

Steve Stammers: None, in so much as Manchester United will find ways and means to counter his absence. Of course Ronaldo's goals and assists will be missed but look over the years and Sir Alex Ferguson has always found a way to replace the irreplaceable.

Dan Silver: In practical terms, next to nothing. Manchester United still have the best manager, the best defence and are still leagues ahead of their title rivals in terms of big match mentality. Chelsea will run them close, but Fergie's Premier League experience will tell over the course of the season, while Liverpool and Arsenal haven't done enough this close season to close the gap from last season. And while Manchester City will go close - possibly closer than many would predict, �considering they won't have to battle the squad-sapping effects of Champions League football - the lack of run-in experience on the parts of both Mark Hughes and the majority of his squad, should see them fall away in April.

Oliver Holt: It will make Manchester United weaker but ultimately I don't think it will have any effect on the destiny of the title. I think United will win it again, especially if Sir Alex Ferguson liberates Wayne Rooney and allows him to play in a more central role.

Simon Bird: Losing the goals of Ronaldo and Tevez will damage United. This is Liverpool's year.

Paul Smith: Ronaldo's departure will undoubtedly weaken Manchester United's defence of the title. There failure to recruit will have a profound effect on their season but replacing Ronaldo was always going to be near impossible unless United gave into the demands of Bayern Munich and signed Frank Ribery. If Liverpool can push on from last season they have a great chance of winning the title. But you can't rule out Chelsea if Ancelotti is a success at Stamford Bridge.

Simon Mullock: Manchester United will be a shadow of their former selves. Liverpool for the title.

Steve Anglesey: Ronaldo's absence will finally free up Wayne Rooney to become the dominant player we have all been waiting to emerge for the last few seasons. Not that he's done too badly, mind. I do think, though, that United will find it hard to replace Ronaldo's goals, assists and sheer unpredictability, especially now Carlos Tevez has finally made it to Manchester. The title is Liverpool's at last. Or Chelsea's.

White Hot cracker

Paul Merson weighs up who will triumph between injury-riddled Spurs and Alonso-less Liverpool.

Fernando Torres signs new �120,000-a-week deal at Liverpool

By David Maddock — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:13:56 EST

Spaniard will stay at Anfield until at least 2014

Brilliant, but Liverpool won't win the title - and that's a fact!

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:05:48 EST

I?d really like to believe those Liverpool fans who tell me that 2010 will be the year of the Kop.

Now when you?re a Mancunian, admitting that kind of thing is supposed to go against the grain. It?s like a Scouser claiming Oasis are better than the Beatles.

In fact, I?m now worried that I?ll be dragged out of my pit in the middle of the night and placed in some stocks in St Ann?s Square to be abused and pelted with rotten fruit.

But there aren?t two footballers in the country more deserving of a championship medal than Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, one-club men who as well as being great professionals are genuine people.

There?s Rafa Benitez. Don?t buy into Sir Alex Ferguson?s accusations of arrogance. As well as possessing one of the sharpest brains in the game, Benitez is both articulate and charming.

His team pushed Manchester United all the way last season.

Pepe Reina is an outstanding goalkeeper.

In Carragher, Martin Skirtel and Daniel Agger, Liverpool?s have a much-vaunted defence that has been further strengthened by the athleticism of Glen Johnson.

Xabi Alonso will be missed, but if Alberto Aquilani can excel in the cerebral midfields of serie A then the Premier League will hold no fears for him when he has Javier Mascherano as his minder.

Then there?s Gerrard and Fernando Torres. These two are probably - in fact make that definitely - the best front-line pairing in world football.

Liverpool?s 4-1 destruction of Manchester United at Old Trafford had to be the most complete performance of any English team at home or abroad last season.

Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are the rocks on which Ferguson has built three successive title successes. That afternoon in March, they were made to look distinctly alehouse.

In fact, Liverpool would have been champions if Gerrard and Torres had played more games together.

And that?s where Liverpool?s weakness lies.

Before the Manchester Thought Police issue a warrant for treason, I don?t think it will be Liverpool?s title.

For all his strength from numbers 1 to 11, Benitez is one injury away from a crisis.

Who will score the goals if Gerrard or Torres are missing for any length of time? Sorry Rafa, but not David Ngog, Dirk Kuyt, Andrey Voronin or Ryan Babel.

Who will keep goals out if Reina is absent? Diego Cavalieri or Charles Itandje?

Lucas Leiva certainly doesn?t have the presence to boss a midfield if Mascherano is missing.

And while Gerrard is Liverpool?s captain, it is Carragher who is Benitez?s on-field organiser.

All teams miss their best players. But United showed at the start of last season that they could win without Cristiano Ronaldo.

With Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez departed, they still have three top strikers, while teenager Kiko Macheda will only improve.

They also have three goalkeepers Ferguson can trust.

Their midfield will be stronger than the one that won the title last time thanks to the addition of Antonio Valencia, especially if they can get Owen Hargreaves fit again.

Chelsea underperformed in the Premier League last time. Their squad has lost none of its strength in depth and in Carlo Ancelotti they have a manager with a top club pedigree.

The transfer window doesn?t close until the end of the month, of course, but unless Benitez can use the Alonso cash to make at least two more top signings, Liverpool will be left with the best team in the Premier League but not the best squad.

That isn?t what champions are made of.

Torres pens new Liverpool deal

Pa Sports — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:51:00 EST

Torres signs extension

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has signed a new contract which could see him stay at Anfield until 2014.

Tottenham v Liverpool preview

Liverpool kick-off their assault on the Premier League title with a difficult fixture at Tottenham.

Brown holds Campbell talks

Hull City boss Phil Brown is in lining up a move for Sol Campbell should Michael Turner leave for Liverpool.

Ferdinand tips familiar foes to challenge

Pa Sports — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:11:00 EST

Benitez upbeat over injured duo

Pa Sports — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:11:00 EST

Torres - No excuses

Fernando Torres believes Liverpool have the talent and experience to end their long wait for a title.

Rafa waiting on Gerrard

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has admitted Steven Gerrard remains a doubt for Sunday's trip to Tottenham.

Alberto Aquilani could make difference in Liverpool FC's premier title race - Rafa Benitez

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

RAFA BENITEZ believes new signing Alberto Aquilani could make the difference in the race for this season?s Premier League title.

I?m tough enough for Premier League, says Alberto Aquilani: Liverpool FC latest

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST

ALBERTO AQUILANI has dismissed his injury-prone reputation by insisting he can cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

Alberto Aquilani: 'I hope to do this shirt proud' - Latest Liverpool FC new

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST

?THE Little Prince? walked into his new kingdom yesterday vowing to prove he?s got what it takes to be a success at Anfield.

Rafa Benitez was key to me coming to Anfield - Alberto Aquilani

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST

ALBERTO AQUILANI has revealed that the chance to work with Rafa Benitez convinced him to sign for Liverpool.

Liverpool FC latest: Alberto Aquilani?s versatility can be key, says Rafael Benitez

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST

AS a connoisseur of tactical intricacy, it was simply too good an opportunity to miss for Rafael Benitez.

Premier League preview: Martin Lipton's club-by-club predictions for the new season

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:13:39 EST

How will your team fare for the new season? Let MirrorFootball's Mystic Martin Lipton guide you through the next nine months...

Arsenal
Arsene Wenger is under pressure to deliver and the opening four games will show whether the Gunners are serious contenders or also-rans.
Key player: Cesc Fabregas.
Prediction: 4th

Aston Villa
Villa chief Martin O?Neill has two gaping holes to fill after the losses of Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen. Will do well to match last term?s top four near-miss.
Key player: Ashley Young
Prediction: 8th

Birmingham
Finding the goals to keep Blues up is the big task for Alex McLeish and his promoted side but the Scot has recruited midfield experience and needs his record signing to shine.
Key player: Christian Benitez
Prediction: 17th

Blackburn
Will not be pretty but bound to be effective, especially at Ewood Park, as Sam Allardyce does what he did down the road at Bolton. No place for the faint-hearted to enter.
Key player: Ryan Nelsen
Prediction: 12th

Bolton
Gary Megson has still to win over the Wanderers fans but has added depth at the back. Will look for more from Jonas Elmander but again reliant on familiar faces.
Key player: Kevin Davies
Prediction: 14th

Burnley
Promotion was a massive achievement and Turf Moor will relish being back in the big time after 33 years. Survival will be an even bigger ask of Owen Coyle and his men.
Key player: Steven Fletcher
Prediction: 20th

Chelsea
Carlo Ancelotti has a tough act to follow after Guus Hiddink and has to deliver or face the inevitable consequences. Keeping Lampard, Terry and Drogba fit are absolutely crucial.
Key player: Frank Lampard
Prediction: 3rd

Everton
Outstanding effort to be the best of the rest and that will realistically be the aim this time around too. Fewer injuries, though, and David Moyes could upset the top four applecart.
Key player: Tim Cahill
Prediction: 5th

Fulham
Roy Hodgson was the real manager of the season last term but with European demands his squad looks dangerously thin of there are any injuries. Top half would be a huge result.
Key player: Brede Hangeland
Prediction: 11th

Hull
Survived by the skin of their teeth despite a terrific start but post-Christmas form is often an indicator of the next term. Staying alive again will be a tough fight.
Key player: Geovanni
Prediction: 18th

Liverpool
After 20 seasons, this looks like the year for Rafa Benitez to end the Merseyside title drought. Needs Aquilani to find his feet but more importantly Gerrard and Torres to stay fit.
Key player: Steven Gerrard
Prediction: Champions

Manchester City
Mark Hughes has spent more money than most of the league put together and now has to show he has bought a team and not just a collection of players. Breaking up the cartel is not that easy.
Key player: Gareth Barry
Prediction: 6th

Manchester United
No team in English history has won four straight titles but if anybody can, Fergie can. Doing it without the 101 goals Ronaldo and Tevez have contributed over the last two seasons suggests otherwise.
Key player: Wayne Rooney
Prediction: Runners up

Portsmouth
No cash, no players, no hope? It looks that way, for all that Paul Hart is trying to stay positive. Rats have taken longer to desert sinking ships than the squad exited Fratton Park.
Key player: David James
Prediction: 19th

Stoke
The Britannia Stadium fans did as much as Tony Pulis and his team to keep them up last term and the Potters boss will ask for the same to prevent second season syndrome.
Key player: James Beattie
Prediction: 15th

Sunderland
Steve Bruce has got what he always wanted - a big club and cash. Now he will try to show he deserved the chance and give Wearside even more to crow about than Newcastle?s plight.
Key player: Darren Bent
Prediction: 9th

Tottenham
Harry Redknapp steered Spurs away from the relegation rocks but this time will be expected to be knocking on the Europa League door. Should have the goals to make a mark.
Key player: Wilson Palacios
Prediction: 7th

West Ham
Gianfranco Zola played to his principles and made a difference but expectations of new faces have not come to pass and the Sardinian?s smile may lose some of its sparkle.
Key player: Mark Noble
Prediction: 10th

Wigan
Dave Whelan has sold off all the family silver, meaning Roberto Martinez will have to transport his Swansea style on players who have become used to a more basic approach.
Key player: Jason Scotland
Prediction: 16th

Wolves
The Molineux fans are not the easiest to please but Mick McCarthy has spent wisely in bolstering his squad and should keep them off his back by surviving with relative comfort.
Key player: Kevin Doyle
Prediction: 13th

How do you think your team will do this term? Sign-in and leave a comment below to let us know

Aquilani proud to play alongside Gerrard

LFCGlobe.com — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:18:12 EST

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani is excited about playing alongside Reds captain Steven Gerrard.

Aquilani, who completed his move to Liverpool last week, insisted he was ‘proud’ to play alongside the Englishman.

However, the Italian will be out of action for another 7 weeks after suffering an ankle injury in March.

“Even before coming to Liverpool, I thought Steven Gerrard was the strongest midfielder in the world,” Aquilani said.

“I will be very proud to play alongside him and hope I can learn from his game.

“I am looking forward to playing in the same team with players of that kind.

“Liverpool have had good players for a number of years and I have always liked their system of play.”

He added: “I cannot wait to be involved as it is a different type of league to the one in Italy and a difficult level to play in. I am very excited about what lies ahead.

“This is a very important occasion for me as I am joining a big club with a rich history.

“While this is one of the best leagues in the world, Liverpool have to be one of the main candidates for winning the title.”

“At Roma my worries were linked with injury. But when I came to Liverpool, the doctor highlighted exactly the problem I have,” Aquilani continued.

“We now have a very good picture and I hope it will be solved so that I will not be absent again.

“It is a shame I cannot play straight away but it is important to get better, then play well. I am focusing on that.”