da betsson： A calamitous transfer deadline day at Liverpool left the club with only two recognised strikers.
da bet7： Earlier in the transfer window Rodgers pleaded his need for a minimum of three strikers claiming he would have to “be a nutcase to even consider at this moment to let Andy Carroll go out, unless there are other solutions”. Carroll left Liverpool to be reunited with Kevin Nolan at West Ham and was the third striker to leave Anfield this season after both Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy left the club.
A deadline day loan move for Daniel Sturridge failed to materialise, but missing out on number one target Clint Dempsey was particularly telling. Dempsey had publically declared his wish to play for Liverpool, but a fee of £6m was deemed too much for a 29 year old, who had scored 17 goals in the Premier League last season. Dempsey chose instead to move to Tottenham after rejecting earlier advances from Aston Villa as the management at Anfield headed home hours before the transfer window slammed shut with no striker in sight.
Since then the rumour mill has gone into overdrive with free agents and former players Michael Owen (now at Stoke), Emile Heskey and Florent Sinama-Pongolle all linked with moves back to the club. The possible releases of Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba from the Chinese Super League may be more suitable but big money moves to the US, Middle East and even Juventus appear far more likely destinations.
Rodgers and Liverpool are almost certain to shun these options and choose instead to look from within the club.
In John W Henry’s open letter, the American owner revealed the club is focused on developing its own talent and the likes of Morgan and Sterling may see their chances at Liverpool noticeably increase following Carroll’s departure.
Eighteen year old striker Adam Morgan is favoured by Rodgers and the out-and-out striker has impressed his manager with his work-rate and desire to learn. Morgan has been at Anfield since he was 10 years old and started against Hearts in the Europa League at Anfield last week.
Seventeen year old midfielder Raheem Sterling has started against both Manchester City and Arsenal in the league and the Jamaican-born winger has impressed in the red of Liverpool with his pace and exuberance exciting the Kop. Sterling has been capped at England U16, U17 and U19 level and could feature further forward for Liverpool as his blossoming reputation grows.
Last season Harry Redknapp chose to blood youth in the Europa League for Tottenham with the likes of Rose, Livermore and Kane all featuring. Liverpool will similarly not rank the competition too highly and Morgan, Sterling and Shelvey are all expected to see game time in the competition this season.
The signing of Samed Yesil may be unknown to many but the German striker has represented his country at Under-16, 17 and 18 level scoring 19 times in 20 appearances, including six goals at the U17 World Cup last year. Yesil has yet to be given a squad number and like Dani Pacheco should spend most of his time in the reserves, although the German is one to watch.
After a tumultuous week, Rodgers will have to quickly develop and progress his youngsters ahead of schedule to negate the failings of the board as Liverpool look to cope without the cover of Andy Carroll.
Jonathan Day is a football betting expert who specialises in European and Premier League football. Jonathan writes for Sportingly Better a football betting blog providing free football tips, predictions and fantasy football picks.