by stmichael » Thu May 12, 2011 11:55 am
Best signing of the season:
Kenny Dalglish as caretaker manager. Although notable mention goes out to Luis Suarez aswell who has been fantastic.
Worst signing of the season
Poulsen, Konchesky, Jovanovic, Cole. Take your pick. I'll give it to Konchesky on the basis that he's been loaned out to Forest and my Forest supporting mate claims he's not even good enough for them. The fact we swapped two promising youth players for this muppet beggars belief.
Most Underrated Player of the Season
Lucas Leiva. STILL. The fact that some people still don't rate this kid and see what he's developing into beggars belief, especially as he's been our most consistent performer all season. It honestly cheeses me off when people look at what players can't do rather than what they can. He may not be rated as highly as Mascherano was, but under the current setup and style of play, he's far more important to us than Mascherano would ever have been.
Most Improved Player
Has to be Jay Spearing. Been a revelation since Kenny came in and has consequently earned himself a new contract. I'm sure most fans would be delighted with that news even though six months ago most would have happily got rid saying he's not good enough. Notable mentions to Maxi and Mereiles in the last few months aswell, along with Dirk Kuyt, who is now scoring on a more regular basis.
Best Individual Performance
As a team it would have to be last Monday against Fulham. I haven't seen us play pass and move football like that for years and it was a joy to watch. Individually it would have to be Suarez on Monday who gave the best all round striking display I've seen since Torres destroyed Vidic at Old Trafford in 2009. Lucas against Chelsea home and away also gets a notable mention as does Dirk for his hatrick against Manchester United.
Best Substitute Performance
Easy one. Steven Gerrard against Bolton at home on New Years Day. Had to come on after 15 minutes even though he wasn't fully fit and ran the show. The half volleyed chip over the defence for Torres to volley in the equaliser was truly World Class. I don't know any other player who could have pulled that off. His hatrick against Napoli off the bench wasn't bad either.
Breakthrough of the Season
The most exciting category for me because for the first time in ages we are actually spoilt for choice. For me it would have to be Martin Kelly because until his injury he had established himself as a first team regular. I've not been so excited about a young academy product for a long time. Spearing has also been excellent but in respect to the lad I don't necessarily see him being a first team regular in years to come whereas with Kelly I can. Respect to Flanagan and Robinson aswell for looking like they have been playing first team football for years when called upon. One of the highlights of the season for me was them marking Nasri and Walcott out the game when we played Arsenal away.
Goal of the Season
Individual: Mereiles vs Wolves away or Torres' 2nd vs Chelsea home.
Team: Torres' 2nd vs Wolves away. Just count the number of passes. If that was Barcelona or Arsenal we wouldn't hear the end of it.