Lallana, Lambert, Lovren, Markovic and Can: What do Liverpool's signings bring to the team?

With the season just two days away, 18 Yard Box takes a look at the Kop's new signings and what they bring to the Liverpool side.

“Our criteria that we look for is players with strong technique and football intelligence. They need to mentally have the attitude and the capacity to learn and they have to be so hungry to fight for every ball on every day in training and in the game”, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was quoted as saying after his side beat Shamrock Rovers 4-0 in a low-key end-of-season friendly in May. 

“You'll get some players who are specialists and who need to play in particular positions, but if we can get players in who are multi-functional, and can play in different roles and are multi-dimensional in their work, it sets us up and gives me more options as a coach.”

True to his word, Liverpool have added highly versatile players who ooze pace and power and are equally comfortable playing in different positions with different roles.

Having already made seven signings this season, five of them have hogged the limelight. We take a look at these five players who will be turning out for the Anfield outfit next season and how they could have an effect on the Reds’ title challenge.

1. Dejan Lovren

Lovren adds the necessary stability to the Kop's defence

Rodgers’ team plays a high line which involves energetic closing down of the opposition as they hunt in packs. The fullbacks push forward and the defenders have to be quick as they are susceptible to counters and there are a lot of open spaces to be covered. Their role is expected to be that of ball playing defenders who are quick in 1 on 1 situations. In Lovren, they have found a player who is not only comfortable playing in both the centreback positions, but also is good on the ball and has a calm, dominating, vocal presence at the back, something that Liverpool have been missing since the days of Sami Hyypia who could organise the entire defense being a leader on the pitch.

Many eyebrows have been raised on the price tag of the former Saints man, however, Liverpool’s downfall last season had been their defence. With Lovren in their side, Liverpool have taken a giant stride to plug that hole.

2. Rickie Lambert

Lambert provides a plan B to Liverpool

At just £4m, Lambert is a shrewd signing and with his height and strength, he gives Liverpool the perfect Plan B which they sorely lacked last season. Despite being a capable targetman, he is perhaps more comfortable with the ball at his feet as he looks to drop deep to receive passes in between the lines and pick out the runs of wide players with his brilliant first touch and remarkable vision. His chemistry with Adam Lallana at Southampton should also bode well for the pair’s future in Merseyside.

His 10 assists with the 13 goals he bagged in the League are testament to the fact that he is as much of a provider as a goal threat and will no doubt improve the Anfield club's poor output of just seven goals scored by substitutes in the League.

Various permutation and combinations at Rodgers' disposal

3. Adam Lallana

Lallana's Premier League experience will come in handy

Lallana is Liverpool’s costliest signing this summer with a reported fee of £23.6million but is tailor-made for Rodger’s short-passing, high pressing game and is equally adept at playing centrally in the number 10 role or out wide on either flank from where he is very dangerous drifting infield.

He has brilliant dribbling skills and good close control of the ball, as demonstrated by his brilliant goal against Hull City, and along with his ability to work hard off the ball, he looks set to justify his price tag.

4. Lazar Markovic

Markovic's turn of pace could bamboozle opposition defences

The Serbian wonderkid is another player who is comfortable playing on either flank as well operating in the number 10 role as he adds to Brendan Rodgers’ fluid attacking system.

The pacey winger has a wonderful composure and likes to receive the ball in space before proceeding to run at opposing defenders with his mazy dribbling ability. He also has a remarkable workrate and looks to help out his fullback when not in possession.

He is expected to be used as a supersub during the initial few weeks and with his skill on the ball, combined with his pace and athleticism, he will be another play that looks a perfect fit for last season’s runner-ups.

5. Emre Can

He could be the midfield powerhouse that Liverpool have lacked 

Having only featured in a few games in the pre-season so far, Can has already established himself as the physical presence that Liverpool have lacked in midfield for far too long. He is a versatile player who is at his best playing the box to box midfielder role but is also a tough tackling defensive midfielder and can play left back with ease. 

He has immense energy and desire to make lung busting runs as well as stopping opposition attacks. He reads the game well and is therefore able to make interceptions and is capable of playing long balls to switch play. With outstanding composure for a 20-year-old, he could prove to be bargain buy amongst all other Liverpool signings.

Conclusion

Liverpool have spent a significant part of their transfer kitty on these men. However, the loss of Suarez and the responsibility of Champions League football could see the Reds going for one big signing this summer. Rodgers has shown that he can work wonders with hungry and talented players. With some exciting deals already concluded, keeping in mind that three of the five players came from Southampton, and a further few additions still on the way (in the likes of Javi Manquillo on loan from Atletico Madrid and rumoured arrival of Alberto Moreno), Liverpool fans have every reason to expect a good season. However, with the rivals strengthening considerably, Liverpool's reluctance to buying a big proven name in the market could cost them the top 4. Whether that happens or not remains to be see though as Rodgers has an uncanny knack of getting the best out of his team. 

Written By,
Raunaq Salat

Raunaq is a contributor to 18 Yard Box. 

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