38 Observations From Liverpool’s 2013-14 Season

After 38 league games, Liverpool came up just short of their first title in the Premier League Era.

So in the spirit of balance, here’s 38 observations from the season.

 

1) This season was a complete and utter success. Back in August, not one person would’ve predicted a second place finish via one of the most prolific teams in English football history.

2) It was still agonizing to watch the title “slip” away though.

3) Luis Suarez was the best player in the world for the 2013-14 club season.

4) This was the closest Steven Gerrard will ever come to winning a title. He’s only got 2-3 season left in him and I’m not convinced Liverpool can get over the hump in that short window.

5) Brendan Rodgers was NOT the best manager this season.

6) Luis Suarez was the biggest factor in the team’s success this season, not Rodgers.

7) Martin Skrtel should’ve been sold to Napoli last summer. Hindsight is 20-20, but he’s always been less reliable than Agger.

8) We didn’t see enough of Agger/Sakho paired together in defense this season.

9) Speaking of defense, left back is the team’s greatest need this summer.

10) Another center back is the second greatest need.

11) Liverpool do NOT need another “attacker” this season. Fabio Borini should provide more than enough depth at forward.

12) Another “box to box midfielder” couldn’t hurt though.

13) Philippe Coutinho is too small for the Premier League.

14) But he is still worth keeping this summer.

15) Even after 38 games, the jury is still out on Simon Mignolet.

16) Pepe Reina should be sold. He doesn’t have the footwork to play under Rodgers.

17) Raheem Sterling was the most improved player this season.

18) Daniel Sturridge needs to be playing next to Suarez to be successful.

19) If Suarez leaves this summer, Liverpool won’t get out of their UEFA Champions League group.

20) If Suarez leaves this summer, I do NOT have faith in Rodgers to spend it effectively.

21) The best result this season was the 5-1 win against Arsenal.

22) The worst result this season was the 3-1 loss against Hull City.

23) The most entertaining result was the 3-3 draw against Everton.

24) Iago Aspas was the worst summer signing.

25) Mamadou Sakho was the best summer signing; even if we didn’t get to see him as much as we’d have liked.

26) Daniel Agger is the most under-appreciated player currently on the roster.

27) Glen Johnson is the most over-rated player currently on the roster.

28) The renderings of the “new” Anfield look excellent.

29) I don’t like how the seats extend away from the pitch as they go up.

30) I do love the brick.

31) Warrior is the worst kit provider.

32) Warrior got next season’s home kit all wrong.

33) Joe Allen can help this team next season.

34) Lucas is my favorite player currently on the roster.

35) Lucas should be sold this summer.

36) Brad Smith is the most intriguing youth prospect.

37) Next year Liverpool will advance to the quarterfinals in Europe.

38) Next year Liverpool will finish second in the league. Again.