Rodgers' Reds: Class is Permanent

The turn of the New Year marked an opportunity for Liverpool to demonstrate their superiority, as they progressed to their fifth consecutive Capital One Cup Final after downing Manchester City in spectacular fashion. They also recorded a one hundred percent win rate in the Premier League, and advanced to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup after a 9-0 thrashing of Championship side Charlton.

Liverpool January Player of the Month

There is absolutely no question who this month's award belongs to. Mario Balotelli comes through once again after hitting 10 goals in 8 games played. The Italian's form does not appear to be fading any time soon and he is monstrously tearing defence after defence apart.

Injury Report

Richairo Zivkovic - 2 weeks (twisted knee)
Eder Alvarez Balanta - 4 weeks (fractured ribs)
Ryan Joseph - 3 weeks (twisted ankle)

Reds danger man Zivkovic will be out for at least 2 weeks nursing a twisted knee, while Balanta could also be on the sidelines for a month with fractured ribs. Young full-back Joseph, who has been terrific when called upon this season, adds on to the injury casualties this month after twisting his ankle against Norwich.

Manager's Thoughts

The lads did well. One more cup final, we're top of the Premier League with one game in hand, and that 9-0 beating down of Charlton was simply majestic. We're doing well on all fronts and I couldn't ask for more. The injuries are starting to become worrying and it's going to be a major problem for us if they pile up but unfortunately I can't do much to control that. Anyway, it's been an excellent month and hopefully the team can keep it up.

Despite rumors predicting a busy transfer window for Liverpool, it was in actuality a rather uneventful January, with two permanent departures being the only piece of business done. Jordon Ibe completed a £7.5 million move to Sevilla, ending a seven year association with Liverpool where he made 28 league appearances, while academy product Dominic Long was also offloaded to Scottish side Dundee United.

In the Youth Spotlight LFCTV series, we bring to you reports of Liverpool's most promising youngsters. After last time's profiling on central midfielder Conor Skinner, today's Youth Spotlight will focus on 18-year-old left-back Yusuf Turan.

The German-born teenager is fairly versatile and although is most comfortable at left-back, can also play at right-back, or even further up as a left winger.

Some of his strengths include his great pace, work rate, and mature personality. At just 18, he can already be considered as a leading player for most Premier League clubs, although the presence of David Alaba at Liverpool is restricting him at the moment.


Turan started out in the youth academy of Frankfurt, and was highly rated by the coaches at the club. Clearly a star in the making, he made his senior debut for his boyhood team at the tender age of 16, breaking Frankfurt's record and becoming the youngest ever player to appear for them in a professional league game.

He went on to make 9 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga for Frankfurt that season, and his emergence alerted various clubs around Europe, although Liverpool were the first to secure his signature for a rather extensive fee of £7 million.

Joining Liverpool in January 2018, Turan immediately returned to Germany on loan to FC Koln. This did not work out unfortunately, as he failed to break into the first team, playing only 5 Bundesliga games and spending the majority of his time at the club with the Under-21s.

The departure of Jon Flanagan to Roma opened up a spot in the senior team at Liverpool and upon his return to Merseyside in the summer, Turan was registered in the squad for the upcoming 2018/19 season, taking the number 27 shirt.


And that has proved to be a fantastic decision by Brendan Rodgers. Turan has not failed to impress at all, so far making 21 appearances in all competitions.

Additionally, he has also made the step-up to international stardom after being convinced by Turkey to switch allegiances from Germany, leading to him winning his first cap in November against Cyprus.

Turan's first trophy came soon after in December, as he traveled to South Africa with Liverpool for the Club World Cup, and helped the Reds to a crushing 7-0 victory over Boca Juniors in the Final.

Just a month later, he also scored his first goal in Liverpool colors, an 82nd minute strike to seal the deal in a 2-0 win against Cardiff City.

Currently one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe, Turan is enjoying himself at Liverpool and the Premier League title hopefuls have one extremely talented player on their hands. But Alaba, who arrived from Bayern for a massive £50 million in 2016, will not be easy to displace.

I do love your update styles, especially the youth spotlight! Balotelli = magic?!?!?!?

2015-05-29 06:25#213920 Justice : I do love your update styles, especially the youth spotlight! Balotelli = magic?!?!?!?

Thanks Justice! Magic Mario, yes, if only he could do the same in real life, huh?

Aside from a freak 4-0 loss to Arsenal, Liverpool had a great February, scoring 29 goals in 8 games. The Merseyside powerhouse still look well at the front of the title race despite their defeat against the Gunners, but any further slip-ups will probably change that. In Europe, the Reds battled to a 3-3 draw away to Bayer Leverkusen in the First Round of the Champions League and will hope to finish their German opponents when they visit Anfield for the second leg.

Liverpool February Player of the Month

Raheem Sterling has been outstanding and is currently in the form of his life. He has played nearly everywhere on the pitch this month, with injuries to Balotelli and Zivkovic seeing him being thrown into an unfamiliar role as a lone forward. Sterling scored 2 important away goals in the Champions League against Leverkusen and also contributed to the sinking of Tyne and Wear with goals against Newcastle and Sunderland.

Injury Report

Mario Balotelli - 8 days (gashed leg)
Richairo Zivkovic - 2 months (dislocated shoulder)
Yusuf Turan - 6 weeks (strained knee ligaments)

Reds superstar Balotelli will sit out a game or two but what is most concerning is the dislocated shoulder of Zivkovic, and the Premier League 21-goal machine will only return to the lineup in April. Young left-back Yusuf Turan is also set to sit out for a month after straining his knee ligaments

Manager's Thoughts

A fairly good month except for the loss to Arsenal, I'm not going to even bother talking about that one. We've put ourselves in a great position for the next leg of the Champions League. I have no doubt that we can finish the tie in front of our own fans. To score 29 goals in 8 games is also a fantastic achievement, and if we don't count the 4 goals Arsenal shipped in, we've only conceded 4 goals this month in those 8 games. Some brilliant records there. We mark the start of next month with a Capital One Cup Final against Manchester United - that's something to look forward to.

This year at Wembley Stadium, we have one of the most classic match-ups in English football, as Liverpool go up against Manchester United in a much-anticipated Capital One Cup Final.

Liverpool have played in the Final of this competition for five consecutive years, this being their fifth. In the past four years, they have won the cup three times, and will look to extend that number to four.

Manchester United, on the other hand, suffered an early knockout blow last season against Chelsea in the Third Round, but this time around, they will be gunning for their fourth trophy under Joachim Low, who has already gotten his hands on the UEFA Super Cup, Community Shield, and the Club World Cup with the Red Devils.


Manchester United experienced little difficulty in getting to the Final, as they got matched up against Championship sides like Wolves and Bournemouth. Aston Villa were wiped out in the Quarter Final, and despite Norwich taking a game off them in the Semi Finals, United still managed to cruise through the uninspiring Canaries with a 4-0 first leg win.


Starting 11: De Gea; Jones, Caulker, Zouma, Shaw; McCarthy, Kolasinac, van Ginkel, Mata; Murphy; Volland
Subs: Milinkovic-Savic, Rafael, Jenkinson, Redmond, Chamberlain, Lamela, Falcao


Low has pulled some major surprises in his lineup, with in-form Adnan Januzaj and experienced midfielder Angel Di Maria not even making the bench. Instead, Marco van Ginkel and summer signing Sead Kolasinac are paired together in central midfield - despite the duo sharing only 24 Premier League appearances for United so far. 16-goal Falcao is also relegated to the subs as Kevin Volland is preferred to start in attack, another somewhat surprising decision from Low.


Liverpool faced a tough test immediately after entering the competition as last year's title winners Chelsea stood in their way. However, the Blues were downed 1-0 and Liverpool went on to collect wins against Ipswich and Nottingham Forest. Manchester City in the Semi Finals proved a tougher challenge, but were eventually tossed aside with a 6-3 scoreline.


Starting 11: Rulli; Clyne, Umtiti, Balanta, Alaba; Aubry, Henderson, Ward-Prowse; Sterling, Coutinho; Balotelli
Subs: Steele, Joseph, Papadopoulos, Romero, Gerrard, Cuello, Moreyra


World XI goalkeeper Jeronimo Rulli, a big money signing from Real Sociedad this summer, could be in line to win his first domestic competition with Liverpool, as well as Arsenal loanee Kyriakos Papadopoulos, who has impressed for the Reds this season. Lucas Romero is left on the bench, a surprising but perhaps justified choice considering his drop in form in recent months. His place in the starting eleven instead goes to Yannis Aubry. Leading the charge is Mario Balotelli, who has been forced to relocate from his favored right wing position to a striking role after Richairo Zivkovic's 2-month injury.

0' - After a coin toss, Liverpool are the ones who kick off. Let the English El Clasico begin!

16' - OWN GOAL! Disaster for Manchester United! David De Gea attempts to get to a James Ward-Prowse cross, but fumbles the ball and it rolls straight into the net instead! What an uncharacteristically horrendous mistake!


21' - United come rushing forward determined to make up for their blunder from earlier, as Kevin Volland plays the ball to an enthusiastic Luke Shaw. The left-back gets in close but fires his shot over the bar.

45' - HT: Man Utd 0-1 Liverpool. Liverpool are leading through De Gea's own goal so far, but United are vigorously pressing for an equalizer and it may just happen soon enough.

45' - The teams get ready for the second half, as United kick off the next 45 minutes.

55' - GOAL! Some superb passing play from Liverpool results in Sterling dribbling past and completely leaving Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the dust. The winger easily skips past a last-ditch challenge from his England teammate before making a great pass to Philippe Coutinho for the flamboyant number 10 to extend their side's lead!


82' - GOAL! 3-0! Surely that's it! Nathaniel Clyne from the right swings in a cross, and substitute Alejandro Moreyra gets his head to it, powering a brilliant header past De Gea! What a goal!

90' - FT: Man Utd 0-3 Liverpool. And United's fightback never came, as Liverpool cruises past their bitter rivals with 3 great goals. And that makes it four Capital One Cup victories in five consecutive Finals! Top drawer stuff from Rodgers' boys.

It is almost customary for Liverpool to drop points every month now and this time it was in a bore 0-0 draw with Premier League strugglers Watford. In happier news, the Reds collected their third trophy of the season after defeating Manchester United in the Capital One Cup Final, and also progressed to the next rounds of both the FA Cup and the Champions League.

Liverpool March Player of the Month

James Ward-Prowse is the Player of the Month for March after turning in masterful performances for every single one of the six fixtures he has played in this month. The Reds' second vice-captain was his side's best player as he fought valiantly for a goal against Watford, and he also managed to get on the scoring charts in the Sixth Round of the FA Cup away to Nottingham Forest.

Injury Report

Mario Balotelli - 3 weeks (twisted ankle)

Liverpool talisman Mario Balotelli will be out for 3 weeks after twisting his ankle in the Capital One Cup Final, adding on to the club's growing list of injuries.

Manager's Thoughts

A really, really bad draw against Watford. They are 20th place in the league and looking set for relegation, so that's definitely a side we should have scored at least 3 or 4 goals against. On the contrary, we managed to put 7 goals past 13th-placed Hull. League matters aside, we will be playing in the Semi Finals of the FA Cup and the Quarter Finals of the Champions League. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a clean sweep this season.

Looks like you're set to win the league at a canter here, the downloaded tactics are making it really hard to enjoy though cause it pretty much guarentees success, would love to see your own tactics used .

But otherwise well done

League title all wrapped up, Capital One Cup secured, FA Cup semi-finals AND Champions League quarter-finals to come.... Is there anything the mighty Glenn can't do?!?!

2015-05-30 13:52#213955 The Motivated One : Looks like you're set to win the league at a canter here, the downloaded tactics are making it really hard to enjoy though cause it pretty much guarentees success, would love to see your own tactics used .

But otherwise well done

I use premade tactics precisely because I'm terrible at anything to do with tactics, and I apologize if it's spoiled your enjoyment of the story.

Thanks!

2015-05-30 18:11#213961 Justice : League title all wrapped up, Capital One Cup secured, FA Cup semi-finals AND Champions League quarter-finals to come.... Is there anything the mighty Glenn can't do?!?!

I can't make my own tactics!

With the First Knockout Round done and dusted, Europe's biggest competition is left with it's last eight. It is a year for the Germans to forget, as Bayern Munich failed to get past Manchester City, and Borussia Dortmund, who have been struggling for form ever since their Bundesliga title win last season, were knocked out on a disastrous 8-2 aggregate by Manchester United. In other surprising results, Russian side Zenit also made it through, defeating Portugal's Benfica.

Teams

Barcelona
Chelsea
Real Madrid
Manchester United
AS Monaco
Liverpool
Zenit
Manchester City


Zenit have experienced continental success, with two Europa League wins in 2008 and 2018. However, this is the first time the Russian champions have progressed so far into the Champions League. Under the guidance of former Southampton boss Ronald Koeman, Zenit topped a group consisting of Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven, before knocking out Benfica 5-2 in the First Round. It's been a fairytale journey in Europe so far for Zenit, but Real Madrid will prove to be a huge challenge. Leading the push for a place in the Semi Finals are longstanding servants Hulk and Domenico Criscito, both of whom are going to have to play vital roles to ensure any form of success for their side.

Key Player: Hulk

Since the completion of La Decima in 2014, the most successful club in Champions League history have not managed to get their hands on an eleventh European Cup. In a period of English domination, only Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea have made it to the Champions League Finals of 2016, 2017, and 2018. But Real Madrid are looking to change that, and with the brilliant form of Belarusian winger Pavel Savitsky, Gareth Bale, and of course 34-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo, they just might be able to.

Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo


Monaco have masterminded a rise to the top of French football, and are also on their way to becoming a force in Europe. The arrival of Gerardo Martino in 2016 proved to be the catalyst for change as Monaco went from finishing 6th in 2015/16 to knocking Paris Saint-Germain off their perch, finishing as Ligue 1 champions the season after. If that wasn't enough, they did it again in 2017/18. In the same year, they were knocked out by Barcelona in the First Round of the Champions League, but now Monaco is back with a hunger for European success to follow after their domestic accolades. Holding midfielder Sergi Samper has been the playmaker for his side this season and is definitely the one most likely to make something happen for Monaco, but other dangerous men like Juan Iturbe and Joao Moutinho should not be forgotten.

Key Player: Sergi Samper

The current European Cup holders are searching for their third Champions League victory in a row, and considering their current form, it might just be possible. Liverpool are second only to Real Madrid in terms of Champions League success, with seven European Cups to their name, but they're very much in sight of first place with just three more wins to go. The Reds have already secured three trophies this season, and will be keen to build on their success. Powered forward by the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, James Ward-Prowse, and of course, the world-class Mario Balotelli, opponents have plenty to look out for when facing the Merseyside giants.

Key Player: Raheem Sterling


Manchester City have endured a rough couple of seasons. They have not played Champions League football since 2014, due to mediocre league finishes, but just barely edged it last season after a hard-fought 4th placing, and are clearly determined to make the most out of their opportunity. The Citizens are not doing well domestically, having been left in the shadow of clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United, but they will be hoping to turn the tide in Europe. A place in the Semi Finals would no doubt prove to be a sweet reward for City fans, who have gone under much suffering in recent years, and to beat United for that place would be even sweeter. An all-rounded side, City have quality in every area, with Victor Wanyama manning the midfield and Niklas Sule at the back. And of course, last but not least, Domenico Berardi, who has been inspiring since joining the club in the summer, leads the attack.

Key Player: Domenico Berardi

Manchester United are a club on the hunt for that elusive fifth European Cup. They came extremely close last season, only to be beaten by none other than Liverpool in the Champions League Final, a topic that will cause heartache for United fans when mentioned in their presence. Naturally, Joachim Low's Red Devils will be hungrier than ever before and are ready to put the 'noisy neighbors' back in their place. Angel Di Maria and Juan Mata are just two of United's game-winning players, but attacking midfielder Adnan Januzaj, United's top goalscorer in all competitions so far, is the real menace.

Key Player: Adnan Januzaj


Despite the brilliance of Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, Barcelona are stuttering this season after a great 2017/18. Real Madrid have a sizeable lead in the La Liga title race, and are not experiencing much of a challenge from the 2nd-placed Catalans. In the Champions League though, nothing is assured, and Barca are desperate to get one over their rivals to make up for their domestic failures thus far. The trio of Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar is not a partnership to be underestimated, but another name worth talking about is center-back Marc-Oliver Kempf, who has been arguably one of the best defenders in the league since signing for Los Cules last August.

Key Player: Lionel Messi

Chelsea, like Barca, are faltering in their domestic league. Liverpool are looking comfortable at the Premier League's summit, leaving the title holders to battle it out with Manchester United for 2nd place. Their priority though, is Champions League success, having not won a second European Cup since their maiden victory in 2012, although they have a knack for being defeated in the Final, having fell at the last stage on three separate occasions in 2008, 2016, and 2017. The Blues' European dreams will be left up to the hands of lethal duo Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, as well as reliable wing-back Cesar Azpilicueta and experienced winger Juan Cuadrado.

Key Player: Eden Hazard

Manchester derby! From experience, Samper is an absolute gem of a deep playmaker so have him pinned down and you triple your chance of winning!

2015-05-31 00:43#213968 Justice : Manchester derby! From experience, Samper is an absolute gem of a deep playmaker so have him pinned down and you triple your chance of winning!

Yeah he looks brilliant if I do say so myself, I'll definitely look to put the shackles on him.

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On a cold, wet, windy afternoon at Wembley, Liverpool failed to get past title rivals Chelsea in the Semi Final of the FA Cup.

Mario Balotelli gave his side an early lead with a sublime finish but Chelsea equalized just three minutes later through veteran center-back Gary Cahill, who powered a header past the helpless Jeronimo Rulli.

Salomon Rondon, filling in for the injured Diego Costa, made it 2-1 in the 73rd minute, before Emre Can sealed his former club's fate with yet another header in injury time.

Liverpool were completely run over by Portuguese winger Bruma, who was responsible for 2 of Chelsea's goals. The 24-year-old had one of the games of his life as he devastated the opposition defense, frequently making a nuisance of himself with his pinpoint crosses.


Chelsea have been disappointing in the Premier League this season, and have been left behind by Liverpool to fight for a 2nd place finish. Brendan Rodgers' men hold an 8-point lead at the summit of the league table with just 5 games left to play, and could mathematically secure the title within their next two to three matches.

However, in the FA Cup, it is Chelsea who have gotten the last laugh, and they will return to Wembley next month to contest Aston Villa in the Final.

Liverpool have already won three trophies this season, and are also in the Quarter Finals of the Champions League. Despite that, their unsuccessful FA Cup campaign will be regarded as a failure by Rodgers, who has set high expectations for his star-studded squad.


The Reds were without attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho and playmaker James Ward-Prowse for the fixture - with Coutinho twisting his knee and Ward-Prowse pulling his hamstring prior to the occasion, and the two players' absences were harshly felt as Liverpool lacked creativity in their play.

"It was a disappointing performance and things will have to change," said Rodgers, in the post-match press conference. "Kudos to Chelsea, they played well, but we certainly made it easy for them.

"It's not a good result at all because I genuinely believe that this team has the quality needed to win every trophy, but they didn't show that today."

Liverpool will have the chance to make amends though, as they entertain French side Monaco at Anfield in just three days for the second leg of the Champions League Quarter Finals.

The first leg took place at Stade Louis II, Monaco's home, and ended in a 1-1 draw with Stefan de Vrij and Lucas Romero scoring for their respective sides.