Liverpool 2009/10 Season preview
Last season it was a case of the ultimate prize remaining tantalisingly close but ultimately so far away for Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and his squad as the Premier League title once again proved out of reach.
The top flight's Big Four - Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool - are often criticised by outsiders for lacking dignity and taking winning for granted. There is undoubtedly a case for the prosecution but, as the only member of the quartet not to land a Premier League title, the latter have experienced league suffering and 2008/09 was arguably the most painful.
It has now been two decades since the trophy for England's top division was paraded at Anfield, however, for many months in the last campaign it appeared that drought was about to be hosed down. Manchester United, though, turned off the tap as Liverpool, thanks largely and notoriously to 11 draws, choked and their bitter North West rivals grabbed the silverware by four points.
The men from Merseyside had led United by 10 points last December, having played three games more, but they surrendered that advantage around the time when Benitez, who missed part of the season following operations on kidney stones, launched a much-publicised and bizarre verbal attack on Old Trafford boss Sir Alex 'the master of mind games' Ferguson, while persistent and niggling injuries to captain Steven Gerrard and star striker Fernando Torres further damaged the cause.
There was a resurgence after United were memorably dismantled 4-1 in their own backyard in March, but that necessary zip in cutting edge, especially at Anfield, and an exceptionally strong finish to the season came too late as a thrilling 4-4 draw with Arsenal proved wounding.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the title, the start of this summer sparked, 'maybe this season is the season' whispers for Liverpool as Cristiano Ronaldo moved from United to Real Madrid in a world-record deal, while on-loan striker Carlos Tevez snubbed Ferguson to eventually join Manchester City.
Comedown
But again there has been a comedown for those in Scouse red. A disappointing pre-season has included a distracting court appearance for skipper Gerrard and that has been followed by the sales of Spain duo Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso to the 'Galacticos' of Real.
Kop idol Alonso's £30million exit is the greatest blow to Benitez as the influential midfielder - who, despite claims to the contrary, appears to have been forced out by a breakdown in his relationship with his manager that stemmed from Liverpool's apparent willingness to sell in 2008's unsuccessful pursuit of Gareth Barry - had just produced his best season in five years since joining from Real Sociedad.
Speak to any Liverpool supporter and they will feel a little sorry for Arbeloa as his future was decided by the arrival of Glen Johnson. Barring a bust-up with team-mate Jamie Carragher at West Brom in May, the full-back had enjoyed a positive season and would probably have been prepared to extend the remaining 12 months on his contract.
Johnson, though, is a different breed. Arbeloa had his merits defensively, but England's right-back brings alternative qualities. The £18m paid to Portsmouth has been spent with a view to versatility, capturing a British player - crucial for balancing the books in the UEFA Champions League - who can also operate in midfield and has an eye for a spectacular goal. Defending was not a problem for Liverpool in 2008/09, breaking down stubborn opponents was.
An Alonso replacement has been secured in the shape of Alberto Aquilani, with a £20m fee being paid to Roma. The Italy international possesses similar, but more attacking, talents to Alonso. There will, though, be concerns that it will take the 25-year-old time to settle while he also has a reputation in his homeland for being susceptible to injury. He may not be available for up to eight weeks as he recovers from an ankle surgery. Left-back Fabio Aurelio is also out injured.
If Alonso had stayed, Liverpool would have had a settled backbone to their side, as it appears Barcelona-target Javier Mascherano is prepared to put up with reported homesickness for one more season at least. The problem for Benitez is that Aquilani may need time to adapt to the hectic conditions in England.
One to watch
Alonso struggled to acclimatise when he first arrived in 2004/05 as the Reds were wretched in a disappointing league season, with the less physical Champions League being the competition where success was gloriously achieved. Aquilani may require a similar domestic bedding-in period, which could see the opportunity to take advantage of a possible transition period for United go begging.
Elsewhere, Aaron King has been brought in from Rushden & Diamonds for a nominal amount and Chris Mavinga has arrived from Paris St Germain for an undisclosed fee as Benitez - who still has £10m burning a hole in his back pocket from the sale of Alonso, a part of which could be used on Hull City's Michael Turner - looks to the future. Astrit Ajdarevic, Paul Anderson, Godwin Antwi, Jack Hobbs, Sebastien Leto, Shane O'Connor, Jermaine Pennant and, sadly after a glittering career in England, Sami Hyypia have moved on.
An intriguing player to keep an eye on will be Andriy Voronin. The Ukraine international was a major disappointment when he first arrived and was promptly sent out on loan to Hertha Berlin to regain confidence. The 30-year-old was a revelation in Germany, scoring 11 goals, and if he can find his form in the Premier League he could provide much-needed backup to Torres. Youngsters Dani Pacheco, Krisztian Nemeth and Jay Spearing will also be ones to watch.
A bonus for Liverpool is that the fixture list has been relatively kind. A first game at Tottenham will be a challenge, but not an insurmountable one, while Aston Villa at Anfield in late August will also cause sweat before three points. But then it is only a trip to Chelsea in early October that looks testing in the opening nine games. A flying start should create confidence and a platform as Benitez's troops bid to avoid a repeat of the sticky mid-campaigns that have undermined previous efforts.
With United in transition, Chelsea starting the Carlo Ancelotti era, Arsenal in confusion and Manchester City emerging, this looks set to be one of the most intriguing and evenly contested seasons to date. Liverpool will know that the title is up for grabs and that they might not get a better chance. If they take advantage, the wait could be over.