Liverpool: Transfer Window Verdict (Players In)

Liverpool FC were hugely active in the recent transfer window with numerous comings and goings. Here we look at the main acquisitions one by one

Liverpool FC were hugely active in the recent transfer window with numerous comings and goings. New players started arriving at Anfield early in the close season with the purchase of Jordan Henderson back in June and continued right up until the last few minutes as Craig Bellamy made a return to the club after being frozen out at Manchester City. The new look squad has had a notable start to the season so far and here we look at the main acquisitions one by one.

Jordan Henderson
Age: 21 | From: Sunderland | Fee: £16m-£20m
England international Henderson became Kenny Dalglish`s first signing of the summer, joining the Reds despite rumored interested from other parties. The energetic midfielder can play both centrally and on the right and has played in every game since joining Liverpool. Despite a goal and an improved performance against Bolton recently I`m still yet to be convinced the player is good enough for a first team place at this time. Although the cost was very high, he does have talent and can certainly improve going forward. Conversely the amount of game time he will see is almost guaranteed to be extensive now given the departures of Raul Meireles, Joe Cole, Alberto Aquilani and Christian Poulsen and this should help him settle and progress. Touch and awareness need improvement.

Signing quality (out of 5): 3

For my in-depth thoughts on Jordan Henderson see the article
Nothing glamorous about Jordan

Charlie Adam
Age: 25 | From: Blackpool | Fee: £6m-£8m
Having initially been interested in the Scottish midfielder in January, Liverpool returned to finally get their man in July despite some financial wrangling over the fee. Adam`s impressive range of passing and his set-piece ability have already been well received and he looks a quality player when given time on the ball. Seemingly firmly established in Dalglish`s first eleven he is helping the team cope impressively without inspirational captain Steven Gerrard.

Signing quality (out of 5): 4

For my in-depth thoughts on Charlie Adam see the article
Adam good footballer

Stewart Downing
Age: 27 | From: Aston Villa | Fee: £16m-£20m
The club attempted to rectify its longstanding lack of pace and guile down the flanks by purchasing England international Downing shortly after the capture of Adam. Having reportedly beaten Arsenal to the ex Middlesbrough man, many doubters initially questioned the size of fee but his performances so far have been brilliant and the natural balance and flair he brings is invaluable. As well as supplying numerous assists it is only a matter of time before he begins to contribute some goals of his own.

Signing quality (out of 5): 5

For my in-depth thoughts on Stewart Downing see the article
Downing`s a true wide boy

Alexander Doni
Age: 31 | From: Roma | Fee: Free
After seemingly turning down Liverpool`s initial advances the experienced Brazilian international eventually signed up to provide established cover for undisputed number one Pepe Reina. Hopefully he will prove a better understudy than some of the other recent reserve custodians such as Pegguy Arphexad and Charles Itandje. The transfer is a slight shame for young Hungarian keeper Peter Gulacsi who seems a talented player and has now been sent out on loan. Doni is likely only to feature when injury permits or possibly in the odd cup game.

Signing quality (out of 5): 3

Jose Enrique
Age: 25 | From: Newcastle United | Fee: £6m
The pacey Spanish left-back has impressed over the last couple of seasons for the Geordies after struggling to adapt when first coming to English football. As well as being good going forward Enrique is deceptively strong and tall for a modern full-back. Unlike other recent Liverpool players in his position such as Djimi Traoré and Andrea Dossena he looks dependable defensively and is quickly becoming a fan favorite following his energetic early displays for the club. Left-back was a key area that needed improving given Fabio Aurelio`s awful injury record and the club previously missing out on Arsenal`s Gaël Clichy.

Signing quality (out of 5): 4

Sebastian Coates
Age: 21 | From: Nacional | Fee: £7m
The relatively unknown Uruguayan was one of the later additions of the transfer window and joined the club following Sotirios Kyrgiakos transfer to Wolfsburg. His connection with current Liverpool star Luis Suarez helped convince the 6ft 6in center-back to choose Merseyside over transfers to Manchester City and Atlético Madrid. One for the future no doubt but he has already captained his former club and was voted young player of the tournament when helping Uruguay to their recent Copa America success. A promising player who physically at least should be able to adapt to European football quickly.

Signing quality (out of 5): 3

Craig Bellamy
Age: 32 | From: Manchester City | Fee: Free
During the last few moments of the transfer window, Bellamy made arguably the most surprising move of all by returning to Liverpool. Previously signed from Blackburn by Rafa Benitez in 2006 for £6m, the Welshman was discarded a year later having scored 9 goals in 42 appearances. During his long career the player`s quality has never been in doubt but his temperament has often been called into question. That said he could well prove to be a valuable member of Kenny Dalglish`s new-look squad, providing both additional experience and a further option up front following David Ngog`s move to Bolton. His pace aligned to that of the likes of Suarez and Downing makes Liverpool now look a completely different attacking proposition from recent seasons.

Signing quality (out of 5): 4

Overall
A very successful period of transfer activity by Liverpool. The club has done well to plug some of the problem positions such as the left side of both the defense and midfield. There is now a better balance to the squad and with the players at our disposal we can now adopt various formations and tactics. We were severely lacking in the pace required to get behind teams previous to the signing of Suarez in January but now, with the additional signings of Downing and Bellamy, this is no longer a course for concern. The squad also now has a good looking balance in terms of youth and experience, thanks largely to the mix of players brought in by Dalglish. The only position that I would have liked to see further enhanced is the right side of midfield. Dirk Kuyt has done a great job over the past couple of seasons but a right footed player of Downing`s ilk would have rounded off the squad perfectly. Henderson can also play here of course but neither he nor Kuyt have the pace and tricks of a traditional winger. Overall though, things are looking very positive at this moment in time.

To see my views on the players who have left the club click here