The Rafalution is well under way

The season is finally under way after a busy summer of transfer activity and speculation. Liverpool Football Club, under the new ownership of George Gillett and Tom Hicks have been true to their promise and invested heavily in the squad. Red’s manager, Rafa Benitez has looked to strengthen the team, particularly in attack. Liverpool’s defence has been amongst the best in the Premiership since the Spaniards arrival, but criticism has been frequent about his attacking options. These investments will look to change that as Liverpool will hope to mount a realistic title challenge.

The clubs transfer record was smashed as Fernando ‘El Niño’ Torres was signed from Atletico Madrid for ₤27 million. A highly rated young striker, who has been carrying one of Spain’s most famous clubs on his shoulders, yet enjoyed little success. The greater support and lesser responsibility could see Torres develop into one of Europe’s best centre forwards.

Further millions have been spent on the likes of Ryan Babel, a star for Ajax and Holland’s European under 21 champions, Andrei Voronin of the Ukraine and Yosi Benayoun, West Ham’s Israeli international. These players will look to replace out going forwards Craig Bellamy, Robbie Fowler and Luis Garcia. With Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch well established now, Liverpool are certainly not lacking options in the final third of the field.



The midfield was Liverpool’s strongest area last year with captain Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Momo Sissoko being joined by Javier Mascherano half way through the season. Once again Gerrard is looking in commanding form, and his hunger seems to grow every year. They will now be joined by another midfield all-rounder, Brazil U-21 captain Lucas Leiva.

The early signs are encouraging. Champions League qualification was secured after a two legged victory over Toulouse, and two wins out of three in the premiership give Liverpool their best start in recent years. It could have been three from three but for a hotly disputed penalty allowing Chelsea to share the points at Anfield. The greatest encouragement from this game was Torres’ first goal, and the manner in which Liverpool dominated Chelsea, something not achieved since Jose Mourinho had taken over at the blues.

The fans will not be getting carried away just yet, but for the first time in years, there is a genuine belief that Liverpool could finally consider themselves real title contenders.