Liverpool into EPL 2012-13

The summer break is a long one for one Reds fan. Yes, agreed that Euro 2012 is a great relief and some Team GB actions in the Olympics is as good as it gets.

One summer's gone and we have a Brand-new (pun intended) Liverpool team. So how new is it? Time will tell, starting from the clash with West Brom (with due respect to FC Gomel, which IMO, not a significant indicator of the new management's philosophy.

A summer overhaul of management saw Brendan Rodgers, formerly of the EPL-Barcelona (Swansea) taking the throne from the King. And one summer is all you need to get people excited. As always, alot of positive things are expected. Liverpool fans expects, and they always expect high. 

We will have a team, as BR will be implementing from his 180-page plan (hopefully), which plays the passing game. Tiki-taka. It will take time for the players to adapt, as was always Liverpool's pre-season mantra. How much time can BR has is another matter needed to be evaluated at the end of this season.

In regards to the signings, it has been an interesting transfer window. One full of optimism and youth. Fabio Borini is a familiar name to Rodgers. And that is our first signing. Aged 21 but have experiences of English football with Chelsea and Swansea previously. That would have cut short the adaptation part for him to gel with the others. Scored in his home debut (albeit against FC Gomel) is actually a good start, and fans will be expecting alot from the Italian. In my context, he is a Dirk Kuyt, with a better technique and ability to score goals.

Borini with his trademark knife in mouth celebration

Next up, we have Joe Allen. The English, Welsh 22-year-old bought from Swansea FC. For GBP15 mil, fans will be reminded of a certain Jordan Henderson. Bright prospect but failure to adapt could ruin his career. But with his Opta Stats being highlighted of his passing rate and a unheralded performance in the Olympics, it should be a good sign that he is of a different mould from our previous British talents.

Allen whilst in Swansea

And out of the Blue, the Reds signed a largely unknown player. Oussama Assaidi was signed to terrorise the defenders with his superb dribbling skills. This is a good sign, as such low-profile signings will not weigh up the expectation and stress on the player. It is an advantage for both player and club. A surprise package that can take the EPL by storm.

Transfer targets are being bandied around. Nuri Sahin, Tello, Gaston Ramirez and Quaresma etc. Players that excites and will probably suit into Rodger's style of play. Good news is there will not be uncontrolled desperate big-money spending on players. On the contrary, loaning players are considered. Once again, this is a brilliant move as FFP will be coming into action (tentatively) and we do not one to do a, no offence, Portsmouth or Leeds. Budgeting is essential and the fans can definitely trust that BR will do as such and maintain his philosophy of working on a budget.

The show starts today and a footballing treat is expected from LFC and BR.

Being A 'Keeper

Being a goalie is not easy. It is a position that needs bravery, dedication, mental strength and most importantly, a lot of focus.

Here in Malaysia, I have noticed that whenever there is a match, everybody wants to be the outfield player. The Messis, Henries and Ronaldos. Certain people will reluctantly be the Skrtels or Nestas. No ones to be Joe Hart or Buffon. Normally it will be at least 5 minutes before someone is extremely reluctant to be chosen and just go stand between the post. Afterall, all you need to do is just stretch your hand and the opposition will not score. And all teams are definitely have a good back line. Right?

Wrong.

Gigi Buffon's shot stopping moment

The 'keeper is an important player of the team. Cliche. Afterall, he is IN the team. Apart from preventing the ball going into the net (a.k.a Shot Stopping), he is the one who breaks up attacks, cut-off through ball, interrupts crosses and most importantly organises the defending players. Ability to take command of his area,  timing in rushing out or making decisions, and communicating with the outfield players are essential as well. In addition, especially in the modern game, having a ball-playing and tad attacking creativity goalkeeper is a bonus. Take Pepe Reina for example.

Pepe Reina's distribution and back line organising are his plus points

Hence, not everybody can be just shoved to the back and stand between the posts.After all, they are the ones who is going to take the blame/responsibility when a goal was conceded. The sense of responsibility and pressure on GKs are the heaviest. They are the last defense of the team. Therefore, one has to be ultimately focused, brave, composed, determined and influential to be a good GK.

Joe Hart, one of the new generation 'keepers worth modelling after