by JC_81 » Tue May 30, 2006 9:14 am
I don't think we've discussed anything new on this thread really (not criticising you s@int, I know you've not been on the forum long). We know that there are comparisons between this summer and the summer Houllier bought the infamous trio instead of Anelka and Duff, who would have put us right in the framwe for a title challenge.
We also know that probably 2 strikers of good quality are essential next season (and I would guess at least one of proven premiership quality) as well as a right sided midfielder. The final few pieces of the jigsaw, if we get the right ones, will surely see us push Chelsea all the way next season.
Personally I don't doubt Benitez's eye for talent in the market, he's more than proven himself by finding more quality players in 2 seasons than his predecessor found in 5. Morientes his only costly flop, but what side didn't want Morientes at the time we got him? He looked a class act for Madrid and Monaco. Alonso is a top class player and Sissoko an excellent prospect, with the likes of Reina and Crouch undoubtedly an improvement on what we had. Garcia may not be consistent, but he has given us some of the finest goals seen at Anfield in recent years and surely opposing sides must hate playing against him.
One thing I will say is that Benitez will not be rushed. My only slight worry is that if the right players are not available this summer, then Benitez will wait. He will not over-spend on players and we saw that in spectacular fashion last summer with Owen. I have said it's a slight worry, but I also recognise it's for the long-term good of the club. While some of us might be disappointed if big names, or only 1 or 2 players are signed instead of the 3 we need this summer, we must remember that Benitez is no mug. We will eventually get the players we need, but it might not all be in one go this summer. While I would love to go out and blow Chelsea away next season, let's be realistic. World class strikers don't come around that often and the chances of us finding 2 within our budget plus a right midfielder are slim.
So what does this mean? I expect Benitez to make one fairly expensive signing on the striker front. But the other 2 may also be stop-gaps or relatively inexpensive gambles, ie Pennant for the right and a fairly unknown foreign striker or unfancied Premiership striker (eg Bellamy) up front. Again this would represent steady improvement in the squad, and I think we should prepare ourselves for something like this to happen, rather than be disappointed when we haven't signed Joaquin, Kuyt and Owen come September.