Liverpool: Who should Dalglish axe at Anfield?
Kenny Dalglish was spitting feathers after Liverpool slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday and the Scot issued a stern warning to his troops that those who continue to put in that type of abject display won't be at the club long.
Liverpool were widely expected to beat Owen Coyle's men and close the gap on fourth placed Chelsea following their goalless draw at Carrow Road, but Bolton didn't read the script. Now the Reds face an uphill battle to clinch Champions League football.
Dalglish has spent a vast sum of money in a bid to muscle in on the top four but so far it hasn't worked. Andy Carroll has failed to cement his place in the first team and his displays have been severely lacklustre. The former Newcastle number nine has struggled with injuries but he hasn't looked interested even when he does get a game. There have been claims that he hasn't settled in at Liverpool and is homesick for Newcastle, but no-one in their right mind would pay anything near the £35 million Liverpool paid for him. Would you take a huge loss on Carroll?
Another one of Kenny's big money signings has also come in for criticism. Former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson cost the club £18 million but, like Carroll, he has failed to look like an £18 million player. Many felt it was a move too soon for the England under-21 star and they are being proved right.
Charlie Adam was a diamond in the rough with Blackpool and it was obvious that he was too good to return to the Championship. He was linked with a move to Spurs but you can't blame the lad for joining Liverpool - only a fool would turn down that chance. However, he may have a sweet left foot, but his lack of pace has been evident at Anfield.
Stewart Downing is another one of Kenny's signings who have failed to repay the manager's faith in him. Downing is one of those players you either love or hate and at Villa he was winning over the critics with some great displays and goals. Unfortunately he is still looking to open his Anfield account. He has looked lively in games I've seen him and is always whipping wicked balls into the box. However, he needs to start scoring to justify his huge price tag.
And not all of Dalglish's signings have struggled. Jose Enrique has been one of the most consistent left-backs in the Premier League and Craig Bellamy's pace is always a threat in front of goal.
But apart from those who he has brought in, who else could Kenny get rid of? Is it time to end Jamie Carragher's Liverpool career? What about Jonjo Shelvey?
Liverpool should be up there challenging for honours and Kenny Dalglish wants the Reds to dominate the game like they did in the 70s and 80s. That goal looks very remote given the squad he currently has, but the Scot is surely not that stubborn to preserve with players who are under performing.
The Reds have a few world class players at Anfield. Pepe Reina, Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard could walk into any side in the world. Daniel Agger, Craig Bellamy and Maxi Rodriguez are also top class internationals. Liverpool don't need a new team, just a few tweaks here and there. It's unlikely that the owners will give Dalglish any more money to waste unless he gets rid of the deadwood, but who do you think should be fearing for their Liverpool career?
Liverpool do have one foot in the final of the Carling Cup and winning some silverware would buy Dalglish some time to turn things around, but their main priority must be the Premier League. He may be the King but he could well be dethroned if the players don't up their game.
Calling all Liverpool fans. If you were in Kenny's boots who would you be willing to sell and for how much? Would you take a huge loss on some of those signings to improve the squad or do you think they deserve more time? Whatever your views, we'd love to hear from you.
