We've been a midtable team for a few years now, and during that time we've had a load of players come and go but the following bunch have been the core of the squad during the time:
Reina - Without being inside his head, he has seem like his motivation to perform at the highest standard has dropped slightly. I had a look at this being Liverpool stuff, and I got this sneaky feeling he is to occupied with being a good dad. Nothing wrong with that, but babies keeping you awake at night doesnt fit well with being the best goalie in the world. Unfortunately for him, if he had kept on his toes, this would be the stage were he actually pipped Canizares for that Spain number one spot. Still, if he find back his form we have 5-8 good years left in him and he can be a monster. We need something to motivate him with though, and CL and trophies is the only thing. Whoever top team get him will be happy.
Carragher- Has shown profesionalism and matureness during his period out of the team. If he bring that to training (which I suspect he does) he is a role model both for the club legacy and the standards required. Pay back in being a leader. Club Legend.
Johnson- For some reason he gets lot of stick. I agree that his posisioning defensivcely is not the best allways, but I am happy with his contribution. He is good on the ball and versitaille. He takes on defenders like wingers dream about, and he seem fit and physical well. I think we get at least 5 good years out of him.
Agger- Get tons of stick, but for me it is just stupid. he has played most of games all season, and is never mentioned when we do well. We defend as a team, and this season we have been shit at it. In a good team, he is a star and if we sell him we will be left with worse. As an international Captain he brings experience to the team, and as a person he brings something local. I cant imagine we finding a better man to play in his position in the current setup. Maybe his head has dropped alittle. But I rate the big man.
Skrtel- Same as for Agger he is a victim of a team that cant defend. He is let down by a poor midfield which the opponent walk trhough like a knife in melted butter. often exposed facing to men, and is victimised. He brings international standards to the team, and we would struggle to find a better man to fit that position.
Gerrard- Seemed to struggle to shrug off the tiredness from the summer in early season. Was not close to his standards. This can also be down to a new system tying his creativity down to passing the ball 4 yards instead of changing the play with a 40 yard pass. has taken more responsibility and is now dictating the game. Not as sharp as he used to be, but is a rolemodel, a club legend and should possibly replace Rodgers in the not to distant future.
Lucas- Been out for a year, and is still looking to find his freshness. Seem fit enough to cover a few meters, but has a long way to go till the standard he was the quarter fo a season before his injury. Now he reminds me more about what he was for all those seasons prior to that. Still the best option we have, and rumoured to be a true proffesional both on and off the pitch. Rolemodel, but not nessecarily one I would cry for if he left.
They've all variously been described as our best players at some point during the last few years and have all been handsomely rewarded for it. But is it time to really examine them? What good has this core been?
