Jamie Carragher Injury Strikes Fear In Heart Of Kopites

The sight of Jamie Carragher limping off the Anfield turf after just 10 minutes of the Reds’ final pre-season friendly on Saturday struck fear into the hearts of Kopites dreaming of ending the club’s 20-year wait for the championship.

With Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger both also racing against time to prove their availability ahead of the big kick-off this weekend, losing the heart of the Reds defence could have disastrous consequences.

Carragher and Rafa Benitez were both quick to allay fears about the seriousness of his injury, but the true damage to his twisted left ankle is unlikely to be diagnosed until he returns to training.

“Jamie’s injury is not serious, just a twisted ankle,” offered Benitez after the final whistle. “But with our injury problems which include Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, we felt we needed to take him off as a precaution, just in case.

“We will keep an eye on him for two or three days to see how he reacts, but I feel he will be OK. Hopefully, Agger or Skrtel will be fit too.

“Agger has a back problem, and that should be OK in a couple of days. Skrtel is nearly over his hamstring injury, he’s nearly there.

“He is training again and I believe that at the end of this week both of them will be fit to play.”

Privately everyone at the club will be praying those words ring true as the alternatives were handed a tough lesson here.

Danny Ayala looked assured and confident alongside Carragher early on but once the vice captain was replaced by Mikel San Jose the pace and power of the visiting forward line exposed the two young Reds.

Uruguay’s Diego Forlan and Argentina hitman Sergio Aguero would be a handful for any defence in the world – never mind a partnership with a combined age of 38 – and helped themselves to a goal apiece inside the opening 45 minutes.

Lucas Leiva restored a little parity with his late, albeit much deserved, clinical finish but Carragher’s early bath took the shine off an entertaining friendly in front of a packed Anfield, that featured plenty of positives.

Both sides enjoyed a glut of chances and this one could easily have finished 6-6.

Especially if portly Premier League referee Phil Dowd had given even one of the four legitimate penalties on offer, three of which were deserving of the home side.

In Glen Johnson and Emiliano Insua, Rafa Benitez has two of the most talented full-backs in the Premier League at his disposal. Both were up and down the flanks all afternoon while their deliveries into the box were often an embarrassment of riches.

Fernando Torres came close on more than a handful of occasions, hitting the inside of the post and dropping no less than four headers into the relieved hands of visiting keeper Sergio Asenjo.

And marksman Lucas continued his summer of progress with another eye-catching display, which was just as well as Javier Mascherano was stuck in third gear.

The young Brazilian clearly views Xabi Alonso’s departure as his opportunity to secure a regular starting place and he was full of energy and desire once again, breaking late into the box and working simple but effective one-twos all over the park.

With the colourful 44,000 crowd still debating the consequences of Carragher limping from the touchline, Atletico took the lead.

One-time Anfield target Simao broke down the left flank and whipped in a testing ball behind Ayala and stand-in centre-half Mascherano which Aguero snapped up, deflecting a diving header inside Pepe Reina’s left hand post.

And Forlan doubled the tally when Lucas was caught napping on the edge of his own box, allowing the former Manchester United striker to pick his spot in the top left hand corner after ghosting onto a return back-heel from Simao.

Lucas made up for his error with his own super finish in front of the Kop in the second half with 10 minutes left on the clock.

But that was only after Andriy Voronin’s arrival led to Steven Gerrard dropping into a more traditional centre midfield role alongside Jay Spearing.

The Reds skipper seemed to revel in the extra space afforded further back and for the final 10 minutes orchestrated a bombardment of forays forward which resulted in chance after chance.

Lucas, who beat the offside trap by slipping in under the nose of Atletico centre-half Tomas Ujfalusi, found himself all alone with the ball at his feet, bearing down on the Kop goal.

But he showed an impressive level of maturity to calmly stroke the ball home under Asenjo’s and inside his right hand post.

Lucas’ form at least allays initial concerns that new Italian playmaker Alberto Aquilani will not be available for at least six weeks.

But it is the injury-ravaged Reds backline which will ensure Benitez suffers from a bout of insomnia over the next six days.

The question now is whether he can get two of his starting three centre-halves fit enough to start at White Hart Lane or whether it is the cheque book or the fragile Academy kids who shoulder responsibility in the Reds’ first game of the season.

Benitez Challenge To Up-And-Coming Liverpool FC Stars

Rafa Benitez has urged his young generation at Liverpool FC to start realising their potential this season.

The Anfield manager has given an opportunity to many of his reserve and fringe players throughout the summer warm-up campaign.

Teenage centre-back Danny Ayala started Saturday’s 2-1 home friendly defeat against Atletico Madrid and was joined by young substitutes Mikel San Jose, Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing.

Now Benitez wants such fledglings, along with more established youngsters David Ngog, Ryan Babel and Lucas, to step up their career progress.

“I think we have some young players who need to improve,” said the Liverpool manager yesterday.

“Players like San Jose and Ayala, but also Ngog, El Zhar, Babel and Lucas. These are young players with quality.

“If the young players want more experience they have to be here, play and train with the senior players.

“The priority over the summer was to extend the contracts of the senior players to make sure we kept the spine of the team.

“Andriy Voronin has come back and he has game intelligence and he was very good last year with Hertha Berlin.

“Maybe we will miss Sami Hyypia in terms of his aerial threat but we are working with the younger players on this.

“To sign better players than we have now is not easy. If you analyse it, you have to spend big, big money to sign these players.

“We have to manage with the players we have and I am pleased with them and hopefully with the experience of last season they will be better.”

Alberto Aquilani completed his £20m transfer from Roma over the weekend, but is expected to be sidelined for the next two months as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle operation in May.

Despite Aquilani’s lack of fitness and concerns over his recent injury record, Benitez does not accept he has taken a gamble in signing the 25-year-old Italy international.

“We couldn't change the situation of Alonso,” he said. “He decided to go, we had to progress. You have to manage in the best way you can.

“If Aquilani was in a normal market he could cost £25-30m but because of the operation he was a bit cheaper. We have to wait but he is a player we are signing for five years not for five matches.

“He had a bad tackle and an operation and that's normal he missed matches. It would be the same with Torres or Gerrard. I was talking with a lot of people in Italy and people are saying it is a fantastic signing.

“He is now under the control of our medical staff because he had been going to different people. I think it will be easier and he has the quality to settle down.”

Adam Hammill Swaps Liverpool For Barnsley In 'Significant Six-Figure Deal' For Oakwell

Barnsley have completed the permanent signing of winger Adam Hammill after agreeing 'a significant six-figure deal' with Liverpool.

Hammill became a firm favourite at Oakwell after spending the final three months on loan last season and Tykes manager Simon Davey was keen to bring the 21-year-old back to South Yorkshire.

Davey said: 'Adam is a fantastic prospect and one we're delighted to bring to Oakwell on a permanent basis.

'There was a lot of competition for his signature but Adam loved his time working with us last season and believes this is the right place for him to develop as a player. He is young, talented and enthusiastic and a great addition to our squad.

'He was loved by our supporters during his spell with the club last season and I'm sure they will be delighted to see him back in a Barnsley shirt on a permanent basis. It's a great coup to bring him to Oakwell.'

Liverpool-born Hammill has progressed through the ranks at Anfield and has spent loan spells at Dunfermline, Southampton and Blackpool before arriving at Oakwell last February where he made 14 appearances.

Lack Of Summer Signings Dents Liverpool's Title Dream

It was only a friendly, and in the great scheme of things this match means less than zero.

Yet the look in Rafael Benitez's eye afterwards, as he cautiously fielded questions about his summer transfer spending, suggested that more significant issues were raised at Anfield on Saturday than mere defeat to middling Spanish opposition.

The Liverpool boss watched in horror as Jamie Carragher, his only fit senior defender, inevitably limped out of the game after just 14 minutes, with a twisted ankle that required a scan yesterday afternoon.

The prognosis is not serious, but still the Reds will have to wait until at least Wednesday for the swelling to go down to get a clear idea of whether their stalwart will be fit for the opening day of the season.

But with Benitez's two other centre-halves Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger both in a race against time to shake off injuries - and with both clearly far from match fit after missing big chunks of pre-season - it raises the immediate question of resources at Anfield.

It is clear the Merseyside club require a fourth centre-half after the departure of Sami Hyypia in the summer, and yet it is equally clear that there is no money to buy one.

That is a painful situation for Benitez, because he has made a profit in the transfer market this summer, and rightly would expect to reinvest that money generated.

Indeed, when renegotiating his new contract last April, one of the key elements before the Spaniard put pen to paper on a five-year deal was the availability of funds to make the significant signings this summer he felt were required to finally bring the title to Anfield after a wait of 20 years.

At the time, the club's American owners let it be known there was £40million to spend, plus anything Benitez raised in sales. Instead, he has not even been able to spend everything he raised, and the £40m has gone to the banks to reduce debt and secure a refinancing deal.

It is a difficult situation for the manager because he knows he is so close to a title-winning side, perhaps on two or three quality players away.

But his dealings this week will be revealing. It is clear the Anfield boss will try to sign a centre-half, and he revealed at the weekend that he has already been in talks with Phil Brown over Hull's Michael Turner.

Yet he also indicated almost as clearly that he simply doesn't have the funds to meet the £11m asking price, and will instead have to shop in the bargain basement, represented by the £3m rated Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.

Benitez tried to make light of the situation after the defeat by Atletico Madrid, but it is clear that the financial crisis at Anfield is a huge problem for him...and the club's prospects.

"We were supposed to have some money but I will not talk about figures. On the record or off the record when you talk about figures I think it is clear. I will not say anything. I don't have the answer," Benitez explained.

"We just have to manage with the players we have, and we will try to be ready just in case we can sign someone, but you never know. It depends on the prices."

Despite his caution, Benitez there was clearly revealing his frustration at the lack of funds available, and he even admitted that he is in talks with the owners over simply getting the money to spend he has raised through selling players this summer.

So far, he has no indication that the money will be made available, hence his talk about making do with the players he already has.

It is a desperate situation for Liverpool, who were in their best position for 20 years as genuine title contenders, and yet face going into the season with a smaller, less well-equipped squad than last season when they finished second.

Liverpool's poor pre-season results have illustrated the problems Benitez faces, and not least here, with Atletico's top class strike duo Kun Aguero and Diego Forlan getting a goal apiece as they exploited the inexperience of teenage centre-half pairing Danny Ayala and Mikel San Jose.

But at least there were some positives. Fernando Torres appeared to pull up in the second half with a hamstring problem, but afterwards Benitez insisted it was not serious, and probably just a minor ankle problem.

He also stated that he was 80 per cent confident that two of Carragher, Agger and Skrtel will be available for the opening day game against Spurs and the peculiar threat Peter Crouch will pose.

Torres looked far from match fit in this game, but he still could have scored three or four, and as he gets into the swing of the season will surely again be a devastating threat for Liverpool.

Lucas too, showed that he can fill the gap left by Xabi Alonso's departure and the two-month injury lay-off for new signing Alberto Aquliani, with a good late goal and an energetic attacking display from midfield.

But perhaps the most important indicator of how Liverpool will fare this season - and perhaps over the next few years - will come in the transfer market this week. If Benitez has no funds to make the signings he needs, then it could be a long, hard season.

Stoke's Ryan Shawcross Is A Target For Liverpool

Rafa Benitez has switched his search for defensive reinforcements to Ryan Shawcross and is considering a £5million bid for the 21-year old Stoke centre-back.

Already linked with Hull central defender Michael Turner and Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin, the Liverpool manager's need for cover at the back became more urgent after Jamie Carragher limped off with an ankle injury against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

He joined Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger as doubts for next weekend's Barclays Premier League launch.

Shawcross is 6ft 5in and was snapped up from Manchester United 18 months ago, quickly proving his worth in Stoke's first Premier League campaign last season.

Carragher, meanwhile, will have a scan today and Benitez's assessment that there was an 80 per cent chance of at least two of his three injured central defenders being fit to face Tottenham at White Hart Line on Sunday.

Spanish youngsters Danny Ayala and Mikel San Jose, who went on for Carragher in the 16th minute, were pitched in against Atletico Madrid, but Liverpool need proven Premier League pedigree if they are to go one better than last season and finally carry off the title after a 20-year wait.

Benitez conceded he is working on a limited budget and defended last week's £20million outlay on injury-prone Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, out for up to two months after ankle surgery.

'I know how easy it is to lose players to injury, and we do need cover,' he said, after seeing Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan fire Atletico two goals up before the industrious Lucas pulled one back. 'I have some ideas and will discuss them with the club, but it depends on prices. If we need something, we will talk to the owners.

'Aquilani would have cost up to £30million normally, but we got him cheaper because of his operation. I have no worries about his fitness record. He was on the wrong end of a bad tackle, and that can happen to any player.

'The point is we have signed him for five years, not five games, and everyone I spoke to in Italy said he would be a fantastic player for us.'

Club-By-Club Preview: Liverpool

2008-09 Record

Premier League 2, FA Cup rnd4, Carling Cup rnd4, Champions League QF

Manager:

Rafael Benitez His eccentric behaviour — silly spats with Sir Alex Ferguson he could never win; his inexhaustible internal politicking and some rum selections — distracted from what was Liverpool’s best season of the century. Still, what he’s building may yet be special.

Artists or artisans?

There is no more thrilling Premier League combination than OJ Gerrard and Fernando Torres. Doubts remain over Liverpool’s defensive prowess but since Dirk Kuyt turned provider they look more balanced and more potent than ever.

Crowd puller:

Fernando Torres Had Torres not suffered two hamstring injuries last season, Liverpool might have overhauled Manchester United. In the end he had to settle for 14 goals from 20 starts to confirm he is one of the most fearsome strikers in Premier League history.

Feuding with:

Sir Alex Ferguson Silly old grudges die hard. For reasons still unclear, Benitez chose to play mind games with the man with a degree in mind games (University of Ochaye, 1986). ‘Do I think he is nervous?’ asked Benitez in January. ‘Clearly.’ Yes, clearly.

Squad analysis:

Goalkeepers 1 Diego Cavalieri, 25 Pepe Reina

Defenders 2 Glen Johnson, 5 Daniel Agger, 12 Fabio Aurelio, 22 Emiliano Insua, 23 Jamie Carragher, 27 Philipp Degen, 32 Stephen Darby, 34 Martin Kelly, 36 Steven Irwin, 37 Martin Skrtel, 38 Andrea Dossena

Midfielders 8 Steven Gerrard, 11 Albert Riera, 15 Yossi Benayoun, 19 Ryan Babel, 20 Javier Mascherano, 21 Lucas Leiva, 26 Jay Spearing, 28 Damien Plessis, 31 Nabil El Zhar, Alberto Aquilani

Forwards 9 Fernando Torres, 10 Andriy Voronin, 18 Dirk Kuyt, 24 David Ngog, 29 Krisztian Nemeth

Players in: Alberto Aquilani (AS Roma) £20m, Glen Johnson (Portsmouth) £17m, Chris Mavinga (PSG) undisclosed, Stephen Sama (Borussia Dortmund) free

Players out: Xabi Alonso (R Madrid) £30m, Alvaro Arbeloa (R Madrid) £3.5m, Sebastian Leto (Panathinaikos) £3m, Jack Hobbs (Leicester) undisclosed, Sami Hyypia (B Leverkusen) free, Jermaine Pennant (R Zaragoza) free

Steven Gerrard And Fernando Torres Key To Liverpool Title Challenge, Admits Rafa Benitez

If the title race is decided by individual brilliance, Rafa Benitez has no doubt that Liverpool’s two-decade wait for the championship will end next May.

It has taken the Spaniard five seasons to construct a squad capable of slugging it out with Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the Premier League for the whole nine months.

Yet it is the understanding between Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres that really gives Benitez the belief that 2010 will be the Year of the Kop.

The Reds manager is a keen student of the Anfield history against which every Liverpool team is measured.

And he feels Gerrard and Torres will walk in the footsteps of the great Liverpool forwards of the past.

Benitez said: “If you look at the Liverpool teams who consistently won the title they always had very strong players with a winning mentality.

“But what they also had were players who could make the difference when it mattered.

“I remember the Liverpool of Toshack and Keegan. Then there was Dalglish and Rush. The last time the title was at Anfield it was Barnes and Beardsley.

“Gerrard and Torres can be like those players.

“For me, our strength will always be our team. But while it is true that teams win titles, sometimes matches are won by individual players – and great players can win big matches.”

Cristiano Ronaldo is the current World Footballer of the Year, but Benitez feels both Gerrard and Torres are in a group of players who could be recognised as the No.1 player on the planet.

Gerrard, still recognised as a world-class midfielder at international level, has reinvented himself as a second striker behind Torres for Liverpool – providing ammunition for the Spanish marksman as well as proving himself to be a finisher of some quality.

Benitez added: “Ronaldo is a good player, clearly, but I would not say he is the best in the world.

“Kaka is up there, so are Messi and Rooney, and I believe Liverpool have two who could be the best in the world in Gerrard and Torres.

“If you analyse the goals they have scored when they have played together over the past two years I think you would say it’s amazing.

“Gerrard, playing as a midfielder, was scoring around 11 goals a season and then he moved wide on the right and scored maybe 21. Last season, playing as a second striker, he scored 24.

“Clearly he is much more dangerous playing just behind Torres – and I think Torres is also a better player when he has Gerrard behind him

“Thirty-three goals came from Torres in his first season and last year, despite injuries, he still managed 17.

“That gives me a lot of confidence and the understanding between them will be even better this time.”

The gloves came off when Benitez clashed with Sir Alex Ferguson as Liverpool challenged United all the way to the wire last season.

But the Liverpool boss has still identified United as the team to beat – despite the loss of Ronaldo.

He said: “Clearly United have lost something because Ronaldo and Tevez have both left the club, but they still have a lot of quality.

“Maybe Berbatov will be fantastic this season and they still have Rooney, who will become even more important to them now.

“Ferguson also has some money to spend and maybe if things are not going so well then he will make a big signing.

“Our team progressed well last season and it was good that we were part of the title race until the very end.

“It has been a long time since Liverpool were champions – too long for a club like this.

“What I am looking for is an even bigger improvement so we can take that final step.”

Benitez Shrugs Off Defensive Worries

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is convinced that his defensive injury problems will clear up before next weekend's opening league game of the season at Spurs.

Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres picked up ankle problems in the Reds' 2-1 friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid, and will be carefully monitored this week ahead of Sunday's trip to north London. Benitez, who has lost Sami Hyypia and Alvaro Arbeloa this summer, also has injury problems over defenders Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio with which to contend.

"We will keep an eye on him (Carragher) for two or three days to see how he reacts, but I feel he will be OK. Hopefully, Agger or Skrtel will be fit too," said Benitez.

"Jamie's injury is not serious, just a twisted ankle. But with our injury problems which include Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, we felt we needed to take him off as a precaution, just in case."

And the Anfield chief insists that he knew full well that new signing Alberto Aquilani would miss the opening weeks of the campaign, and is equally certain he will become an instant hero with the fans.

Aquilani, who was able to convince Liverpool after a stringent medical, that his ankle injury is not a long-term worry, will miss the first four to eight weeks of the campaign.

Benitez said: "When we were talking (to Roma) about Aquilani we knew he was recovering from an operation and would not be able to play for the first weeks of the season.

"But we can wait for him. We have enough midfield and offensive players to cope, and when he does start to play everyone will see what a clever player he is.

"Aquilani has great quality.

"We had to think about players who could make a difference for us. He is a very good player on the ball, and hopefully he can produce the sort of passes that we missed last season.

Certainly at home against packed defences when we could only draw important matches."

Lucas Focused On Reds Future

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva insists he is focused on earning a first-team place at Anfield, despite previously admitting he is considering his future.

The Brazil international confessed on Friday that he could be interested in a return to his homeland after receiving interest from Corinthians.

Former Gremio ace Lucas has started only 25 Premier League games since his £6million move to Merseyside in 2007.

But the 22-year-old scored in Saturday's 2-1 pre-season defeat to Atletico Madrid at Anfield and he now says that, in the wake of Xabi Alosno's move to Real Madrid, he is determined to help Liverpool achieve success.

"Of course I was happy to score against Atletico, although I would rather the team have won the game instead of me getting the goal," he told the club's official website.

"But it was good for me to start and end the pre-season well.

"Sometimes I hear things said about me, but to be honest I don't care too much. I only care about the team and the squad.

"Now I have to focus on the forthcoming season and continue to work hard and improve.

"I will try to prove I have the quality to be in the team and hopefully help Liverpool win the title."

Aquilani Is Just Fab, Says CapelloI

England boss Fabio Capello last night hailed Alberto Aquilani as the perfect replacement at Liverpool for Xabi Alonso.

And Capello should know, having given midfielder Aquilani his debut when he was in charge at Roma.

The England manager said: “I know Aquilani very well as I gave him his first game at Roma.

“He’s a really interesting player and, at 25, this is a good moment for him to move from Italy to England. His style of play is the same as Alonso’s.”

Italian international Aquilani is joining Liverpool for £20million to take over from Alonso, who finally moved to Real Madrid last week in a £30m deal.

Aquilani has passed his medical with Liverpool and agreed a five-year contract at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Alonso – who spent five brilliant years at Liverpool – has revealed he ended his illustrious reign in just two hours.

That’s how long it took the Madrid-bound Spanish star to thrash out an exit strategy with boss Rafa Benitez.

Alonso said: “Yes, my departure was very hasty. It all happened so fast I didn’t have time to say goodbye properly.

“But I will return to bid farewell as soon as I have the chance.”

Rafa Tracks Simon Church

Reading striker Simon Church during the season - with a view to signing him next year.

Former Liverpool boss Roy Evans has spoken to Rafa Benitez about the talented captain of Wales Under-21s.

Evans, who is the Wales assistant boss, rates Church, 20, highly and has told Benitez to keep an eye out for him in the Championship.

Meanwhile, disgraced keeper Charles Itandje is leaving Anfield to join Greek side Panionios on a free transfer.

Liverpool have been looking to move Itandje on since he angered fans by laughing and behaving in an inappropriate way during the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

The Frenchman, 26, had already dropped to third in the pecking order at Anfield following last summer's capture of Diego Cavalieri.

Rafa: My Top Target

Rafa Benitez has revealed Glen Johnson was always a target for Liverpool - because he is English.

England star Johnson was Liverpool's first summer signing, an £18million capture from Portsmouth.

But the Kop boss, who usually recruits from abroad, has revealed it was vital to snap up the former Chelsea star because he is a homegrown player.

Quality Benitez said: "We tried to find an offensive defender who could improve us and help us in our home games.

"We have talked about the number of draws we had last year and a lot of teams come to Anfield and play very deep.

"Johnson has quality, he has power and we were trying to find a player with these kind of attributes who was English as well.

''We need eight British and local players for the Champions League list so it was important for us to get Johnson."

Liverpool's Latest Addition Aquilani Sidelined For Two Months

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will have to wait to see his latest recruit Alberto Aquilani in action, as the Italian international is continuing his recuperation from surgery he had in May.

Aquilani joined from Roma this week for a fee believed to be in the region of £20m. The 25-year-old passed a medical and signed a 5-year deal with the Reds and is believed to be earning around £80,000-a-week, but the midfielder will have to spend a considerable amount of time with the physio before he can don the famous Liverpool shirt.

Recovering from his ankle surgery, Aquilani is said to be out "four to eight weeks," leaving Benitez to rely on the likes of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva to deputise in midfield.

Aquilani has an infamous reputation for injuries, and at Roma he was cruelly labelled by fans as 'Swarovski' due to his constant physical problems. In the last three seasons Aquilani has made just 13, 21 and 14 league appearances respectively due mainly to injuries.

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 2 Atletico Madrid

Liverpool's patchy pre-season form continued with another defeat, despite a late flurry and a rare Lucas Leiva strike.

Atletico Madrid were two ahead at the break and deserved their win, as Liverpool's injury worries worsened.

Their preparations for the new season were not helped by the sight of Jamie Carragher limping out of this sell-out friendly.

Anfield's most experienced defender lasted just 12 minutes against the Spanish club as he suffered an ankle injury. A touchline conversation with club doctor Mark Waller was followed by the 31 year-old disappearing down the tunnel for treatment.

Considering boss Rafael Benitez's injury crisis in defence, losing the vice-captain and defensive leader was the last thing he wanted.

Initial diagnosis was a "turned" ankle, and his departure was precautionary. Certainly in the current situation, his recovery for next week will be a priority as he will be needed at Tottenham for the Premier League opener next weekend.

Benitez has seen Sami Hyypia depart, while Martin Skrtel (hamstring) and Daniel Agger (back) are major doubts for the trip to White Hart Lane.

Alvaro Arbeloa has also gone, while Fabio Aurelio will not play until nearer Christmas with a knee injury, leaving Liverpool's defensive numbers diminished.

Liverpool spent the rest of the match with untried Spanish youngsters Danny Ayala and Mikel San Jose, fresh faced from the reserves, confronting the outstanding Argentina star Sergio Aguero, one of the best strikers in Europe.

Aguero soon started to take advantage. He dived to head home a cross from Simao, and then produced the back-heel that set-up former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan for a second before the break.

Lucas was given the unenviable job of replacing Xabi Alonso, £30million worth of midfield artistry now at Real Madrid, while England full-back Glen Johnson made his home debut.

While all this disruption was going on behind them, Fernando Torres, against his old club, and Steven Gerrard started where they finished last term.

The pair were in full flow and Torres could have had a couple before hitting the post from 20-yards as he played against his former club.

Referee Phil Dowd refused Liverpool three penalties, one when Torres looked to be tripped and then when Juanito handled as Gerrard charged through, before Lucas was knocked over.

Atletico were certainly taking this seriously. Paulo Assuncao and Johnny Heitinga were both booked for fouls on Yossi Benayoun and Gerrard. Liverpool, too, picked up a booking when Johnson was cautioned for cutting down Simao.

Ryan Babel replaced Dirk Kuyt and another young defender, Martin Kelly, took over from Johnson, but Liverpool could not fashion much of a comeback.

Fourth in La Liga last term, and facing a Champions League play-off tie with Panathinaikos for a chance to join Liverpool in the group stages, Atletico looked more than a decent outfit.

They introduced former Liverpool forward Florent Sinama-Pongolle with 15 minutes left to a rousing reception from the Kop.

Liverpool responded with Jay Spearing and Andriy Voronin coming on for Javier Mascherano and Benayoun, with David Ngog replacing Torres soon after.

Lucas finally pulled one back for Liverpool after 81 minutes, side-footing home from a Gerrard through ball.

Rafa Plays Down Carra Concern

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is hopeful Jamie Carragher will be fit for next week's Premier League opener at Tottenham after suffering an injury scare.

Carragher was forced to limp off after just 15 minutes of Saturday's pre-season defeat to Atletico Madrid with an ankle problem.

However, Benitez has played down the extent of the injury and revealed Carragher was only withdrawn as a precaution.

"He's okay," said Benitez when asked about Carragher's fitness.

"He twisted his ankle and it was just a precaution to bring him off because we have had problems with the other centre-backs and we wanted to protect him."

Carragher's defensive colleagues Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger are both facing a race to be fit for the trip to White Hart Lane, but Benitez is confident all three could be available for the big kick-off, live on Sky Sports 1.

"We will have to wait now, the three players are injured, but improving so I think they will be fit for the next game," added Benitez.

Rafa Reveals Turner Interest

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed his interest in signing Hull defender Michael Turner.

Benitez is in the market for a new central defender following the departure of Sami Hyypia and he has targeted a move for Turner.

Turner enjoyed a fine season with Hull last term and Benitez is believed to have been impressed by the former Brentford man.

Reports have suggested Hull have rejected a bid from Liverpool as they hold out for £12million for the towering defender.

Benitez has admitted he has talked with Tigers counterpart Phil Brown about Turner, but refused to divulge any more information on a possible transfer.

"I was talking with (Hull manager) Phil Brown, but I will not talk about figures. But maybe I was just talking to Phil about the weather," said Benitez.

Benitez may step up his interest in Turner after Jamie Carragher joined Daniel Agger (back) and Martin Skrtel (hamstring) as injury concerns for next weekend's season opener at Tottenham with an ankle knock picked up against Atletico Madrid.

"We have two options. One is to bring in someone at the back and the other option is to keep working with the young players we have," added Benitez.

"We have three centre-backs to get fit and will need one more as a fourth. We have to decide what to do, but the one solution we can achieve is to work with the youngsters."

Brown Stands Firm On Turner

Phil Brown has insisted he will only part with Michael Turner for a fair price after receiving a verbal offer from a Premier League club.

Hull City centre-back Turner has attracted attention after an impressive first season in the Premier League last term.

Liverpool are understood to be interested in the 25-year-old as Rafa Benitez seeks to bolster his defensive options.

However, Brown maintains there have been no official bids and the only club to have made contact is a long way from reaching their valuation.

"We've had a verbal offer from a club in the Premier League but there's been no firm offer through communications at boardroom level. That was nowhere near our expectations," Brown said in the Daily Mail.

Liverpool are reported to have made an enquiry that amounted to £6million, while Brown is holding out for about £12million.

"I'm still adamant that it would take a big offer to prise Michael away, no matter who the club is," explained the Tigers manager.

"We've got a prized asset there and I will guarantee that no player will leave the club on the cheap."

Martin Kelly Has The Potential To Be Glen Johnson’s Understudy At Liverpool FC

With Philipp Degen continuing to challenge Istvan Kozma and Sean Dundee for the dubious honour of being Liverpool’s worst ever foreign signing the position of back-up to Glen Johnson is certainly up for grabs.

The one player who has staked the most impressive claim for this understudy’s role is teenage defender Martin Kelly who has been one of the Reds stand out performers during pre-season.

Big, strong, mobile and clearly keen to do well, the 19-year-old could not have done any more to put his name in the frame for membership of Rafa Benitez’s squad when the real action gets under way.

Like Steven Gerrard, Kelly was born in Whiston and also like the Liverpool skipper he has that muscular, long-legged ability to win tackles he really has no right to.

His progress will undoubtedly have been noted by the coaching staff and should he continue to improve at his current rate then the Reds may just have stumbled upon a valuable addition to their ranks.

Liverpool FC And Xabi Alonso Parting Of Ways Was On Good Terms

IT was quite apt that Xabi Alonso sat right next to the emergency exit on flight 7208 from Barcelona to Liverpool on Monday night.

It was, after all, that very door which he had been searching for at Anfield for some time previous.

Given the way the relationship between Alonso had Rafa Benitez had deteriorated many had expected a few barbed comments to be fired back and forth from Madrid and Merseyside once the midfielder’s much-longed for moved to Real was completed a couple of days later.

Alonso, though, chose to be professional and passed up the chance to engage in what would have been an unnecessary and unseemly bout of blood letting, choosing to say all the right things about his former club and even talking of the respect he has for his former manager.

For his part, Benitez simply turned his attentions to the future by extolling the virtues of Alberto Aquilani in a football style “the king is dead, long live the king” speech.

With such decency being maintained – in public at least – it is hard to imagine that the pair have been as remote from one another over the past 12 months as it is possible for a manager and player to be.

So it is to their great credit that they have kept their problems with one another in house because at a club where there has been so much in-fighting it is a wonder the staff aren’t issued with gum shields it would have been disastrous if the fall-out between two of its most important employees had extended beyond the Melwood walls.

The low point in their relationship came in Belgium last summer when Alonso’s anger at Benitez’s decision to put him up for sale almost led to him refusing to play in the Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege.

Alonso told his manager that he should pick either Jay Spearing or Damien Plessis so that if he did leave and sign for another club he would not be cup tied in that competition.

When you consider the fright Liege gave Liverpool – who were already without Javier Mascherano – that night then it hardly bears thinking about what might have happened had Alonso also not played.

From that point on though there was to be no way back.

Even though Alonso regained his composure and went on to play a crucial role as Liverpool enjoyed their best league season for almost two decades, the relationship between player and manager was broken and it would not be repaired.

Which is why when it came a parting of the ways was in the best interests of everyone.

Alonso got to return to his native Spain with his young family and what’s more he got a move to a club whose ambition can be smelled in the hundreds of millions of Euros they have splashed out this summer.

At a club where the cash does not flow anything like as freely, Benitez was able to boost his transfer fund to the kind of level which will allow him to bring in the targets he feels will allow Liverpool to make that all important last step from challengers to champions.

It remains to be seen who has got the better end of the deal though.

Benitez will know that unless he spends the money wisely then the joust he had with Real to squeeze every remaining cent out of the Bernabeu coffers will have provided him with nothing more than a pyrrhic victory.

While Alonso must have a nagging doubt at the back of his mind that his new role will be as ring master to the ongoing circus that is Real Madrid.

The midfield stylist may finally have located the emergency exit but whether he will find the professional contentment he so craved is open to question.

Lucas Keen To Prove Worth To Liverpool FC Following Xabi Alonso's Move To Real Madrid

The departure of Xabi Alonso may be tough to take but for one man the Spaniard’s exit represents the ideal opportunity to finally prove he’s good enough to make the grade at Anfield.

Lucas has struggled to endear himself to supporters since he arrived from Gremio two years ago.

Limited first team chances and indifferent form meant many wrote him off as a £6million mistake.

He was booed by his own fans at Anfield last season and a dismissal in the FA Cup defeat at Goodison left him at rock bottom.

But Rafa Benitez never lost faith in the 22-year-old and after finishing last season strongly Lucas has carried on where he left off.

Liverpool have hardly set the world alight during their pre-season travels.

In half their six matches they’ve failed to find the net and only Singapore and Norwegian whipping boys FC Lyn have been defeated.

However, a feature of their build up has been Lucas’ consistent and commanding midfield performances.

Benitez may have lined up £20million man Alberto Aquilani as Alonso’s replacement but the Italian is some way off full fitness.

The manager needs someone to star alongside Javier Mascherano when their Premier League campaign starts at Spurs next Sunday and Lucas is up for the challenge.

“I am always ready and now Xabi is gone I hope there will be more opportunities for me,” he said.

“I am just working hard in training to try to earn a position in the team.

“I’ve played a lot of minutes in pre-season and that has given me more confidence.

“I’m feeling better and hopefully it will be a good season for me.

“I want to play every week but I know Liverpool have a strong squad.

“I just have to wait and respect whatever decisions Rafa makes.”

Lucas admits the loss of Alonso to Real Madrid after five years at Anfield has affected the squad but he insists the Reds can still mount a title challenge without the classy midfielder.

“Everyone was really sad to see Xabi go because he had been here a long time,” Lucas said.

“Last season he was one of the club’s best players but he has a plan for himself and his career. We have to respect that.

“We will continue to support him because he is a friend of ours. I hope he does well at Real and I’m sure he hopes we continue to do well here.

“We will miss him of course but I think we can cope without him.

“We didn’t play all the games last season with Xabi.

“He’s a really good player but we also have a lot of other quality players here.”

Lucas, who has scored four goals in 71 appearances for the Reds, believes he has reaped the rewards of his first full pre-season.

When he joined the Reds in 2007 he didn’t arrive until late July because of Gremio’s Copa Libertadores commitments.

And then last summer he missed the start of the Premier League campaign due to the Olympic Games in Beijing. He returned to Anfield with a bronze medal but looked jaded and struggled to impress.

Now he is refreshed and ready to showcase the kind of talent which in 2006 earned him the Bola de Ouro (Golden Ball), which is given to the best player in the Brazilian league.

Lucas was the youngest player to ever receive the award and it was an honour previously won by the likes of Zico, Romario, Kaka and Tevez.

“I have really enjoyed pre-season,” he said.

“It’s the first full one I’ve had since I signed for Liverpool and it has been great for me.

“Now I am feeling much more confident and fitter.

“I think I am a better player than I was last season.

“I’m looking to impress and we must see what happens.”

Six Involved In Steven Gerrard Brawl Given Suspended Sentences

Six men involved in a bar room brawl with England footballer Steven Gerrard walked free from court today after being given suspended prison sentences.

Five of the men admitted affray and one admitted threatening behaviour in a fight with businessman Marcus McGee, 34, at the Lounge Inn in Southport last year.

Today, at Liverpool crown court, Recorder of Liverpool Henry Globe QC handed down sentences of 18 weeks' imprisonment but suspended them for 12 months. The defendants were also ordered to perform 150 hours of unpaid work.

The fight broke out in the early hours of 29 December as the Liverpool captain and his friends were celebrating the club's 5-1 destruction of Newcastle United.

The six initially denied the offence but changed their pleas on the first day of the trial in which Gerrard, 29, was acquitted.

McGee, who lost a front crown and suffered facial cuts in the fight, "unwisely" refused to let Gerrard pick a song on the stereo he was controlling, said the judge. "Equally unwisely" Gerrard returned to argue with Mr McGee.

It was at this point that the player's friend, John Doran, 30, of Huyton, appeared behind Gerrard and elbowed McGee in the face. A skirmish followed, with the midfielder punching McGee three times in self-defence.

He left the fight spot and returned to his friends, who later punched and kicked McGee, of Southport, on the dance floor.

Judge Globe told the men: "I am satisfied, from the evidence in the trial and movements of arms and legs on CCTV, that more violence occurred off-camera.

"It is the conduct of you taken together and the consequences which have followed the fighting which are important.

"It was unnecessary, unruly, ugly and unlawful group violence in public which caused injury to the victim, was a disturbing and frightening experience for onlookers and caused embarrassment and unwanted attention to the occupiers of the premises."

Doran's barrister, Nigel Power, said he displayed "poor judgment in drink and misguided loyalty which was wholly out of character".

Accrington Stanley footballer Robert Grant, 19, of Litherland, admitted punching the victim in the head from behind. His barrister, Trevor Parry-Jones, said he acted angrily, perceiving a threat to Gerrard who was "as much his hero as his friend".

Ian Smith, 19, of Huyton, kicked McGee on the floor "in a momentary loss of temper".

Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Southport, threw two punches at the victim, for which he expressed "remorse and shame", said his barrister Keith Sutton.

Paul McGrattan, 31, of Huyton, admitted affray on the grounds of pushing over a table and chair, throwing a punch and smashing a glass door when he left. He was shown on CCTV shouting and gesticulating as the manager tried to calm him down. The judge said there was an argument to be made that he was the most aggressive.

His barrister, Simon Killeen, said: "He has known Steven Gerrard since they were young teenagers and always shown an unswerving loyalty to him, which has been demonstrated on many occasions in the past. But on this occasion his behaviour was wholly inappropriate."

McGrattan's brother John, 34, of Huyton, denied affray but admitted threatening behaviour. He ran over to the trouble on the dance floor and threw a number of punches. His involvement was the same as the others, said the judge.

OFFICIAL: Liverpool Sign Alberto Aquilani From Roma On Five-Year Deal

Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani has passed a medical and agreed a five-year contract with Liverpool.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez identified Italy international Aquilani as his preferred replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid for around £30million earlier this week.

Liverpool had a bid of around £20million for Aquilani accepted by Roma on Wednesday before the player headed to Merseyside for a medical and contract talks.

The now former Roma man is expected to be at Anfield on Saturday to witness his new team-mates take on Atletico Madrid in the club's final pre-season friendly before next weekend's big kick-off.

Aquilani dispelled fears over the ankle injury that needed surgery this summer and restricted his appearances for the Serie A club last season.

But he will not be fit to face Tottenham next Sunday in the Premier League season opener at White Hart Lane.

Announcing the deal on the club website, a Liverpool statement read: "Liverpool FC confirmed this evening that Alberto Aquilani has successfully completed a medical and agreed a 5-year contract with the club.

"The player will now continue his rehabilitation from an ankle operation under the guidance of Liverpool's medical team and is expected to be fully fit in approximately 4-8 weeks time."

Aquilani is believed to be earning around £80,000 a week.

Liverpool On Cattermole Alert After Wigan Swoop For Spanish Duo

Wigan are closing on a double signing that gives clear indication they may be losing Lee Cattermole.

Manager Roberto Martinez moved to agree a £3.5million deal for highly-rated Rayo Vallecano midfielder Mohamed Diame and his teammate centre half Antonio Amaya.

It follows Wigan also striking an agreement with Chelsea to loan Scott Sinclair for the season but shows concern that prized asset Cattermole could leave before the window closes.

Sunderland have made two bids already while Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton are all monitoring his situation with Wigan reluctant to sell.

The England U21 midfielder, though, wants to press his claims for a place in Fabio Capello's full squad and bids of around £10million could prove successful.

French-born Diame, 22, has been watched by Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid but Wigan have moved quickly to pull off a real coup.

Amaya is a 6ft 4ins centre half and will give Martinez cover for Titus Bramble.

Alberto Aquilani Is A Player With Quality – Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt

Dirk Kuyt believes that Liverpool will have a quality player in Alberto Aquilani - should the player’s proposed move from Roma go through successfully - and has urged his team-mates to concentrate on mounting a serious Premier League challenge, despite losing Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

Kuyt spoke right after the game against Lyn Oslo, and was unaware that the Reds had agreed upon a fee for the transfer of Aquilani from his Eternal City employers.

"I was just focused on the game, but if it’s correct that he is signing and the deal happens, then it’s good because we will be signing a new player with a lot of quality," Kuyt is quoted in The Liverpool Echo as saying.

When asked if the departure of Alonso to Real Madrid will harm the club in any way, the 29-year-old attacker responded by saying that the Reds will have to move on, irrespective of the consequences.

“Xabi is a very good player but this kind of thing happens in football," he reflected.

“Teams are changing all the time. Xabi played very well for Liverpool but that’s all history now and we have to move on.

"We have to look forward. That’s what Xabi is doing with Real Madrid and we have to do the same.

"We have a lot of good players still here and we are all determined to go one better in the league after coming so close to winning the title last season."

Aquilani, who is reportedly the replacement that Rafael Benitez had in mind when Alonso first asked to leave the club, has arrived in the UK and will be subject to a stringent medical by the Merseyside club.

Why Roma Players Are Happy For Alberto Aquilani To Move To Liverpool FC

Who is Alberto Aquilani? That is the question many Liverpool supporters have been asking during the past week after it emerged the Roma midfielder was being lined up as a replacement for Xabi Alonso.

Only true Serie A aficionados would claim to possess anything more than just a sketchy knowledge of the 25-year-old Italy international who is poised to complete a £20million move to Anfield.

But it’s not the first time Rafael Benitez has tested the faith of Liverpool fans by spending big on a creative midfielder largely unheralded on these shores.

Five years ago, it was the arrival of Alonso that had the Anfield faithful scratching their heads. However, the Spaniard left for Real Madrid earlier this week having cemented his place in club folklore, not least for his efforts in helping Benitez’s side claim the European Cup in 2005.

Aquilani has some act to follow. But, according to his Roma team-mates, Liverpool are gaining a genuine talent.

I am sorry about Alberto, who, as well as being a friend, is a great player and a Roman. He will be missed,” says Francesco Totti, Roma’s talismanic playmaker.

Another Roma midfielder, Daniele De Rossi, was equally salutary.

“We will lose a great player,” says the Italy international. “He’s a footballer with exceptional skill and above all he grew up in Roma’s academy and has a love for this shirt that you cannot buy. But if you think about his career I think it would be a good opportunity, he would grow a lot by being close to the best midfielder in the world – Steven Gerrard.”

“Aquilani will do well at Liverpool,” says Giuseppe Giannini, a key presence in Roma’s midfield during the 1980s and 90s.

“He would not have any problems adapting to the Premier League. English football is perfect for Aquilani. He has all the right characteristics to do well there. He will show Liverpool what he is all about.

“I have no doubts that Liverpool will sign a great player in Aquilani.”

But for all the plaudits, there remains a question mark hanging over Aquilani. The midfielder has only recently returned from an ankle operation, and his fitness concerns mean he made only 14 league appearances last season and 21 the campaign before that.

Aquilani hasn’t played since Roma’s Champions League defeat by Arsenal, and De Rossi admits: “His many injuries have maybe meant that he's been forgotten about a bit, but I am sure that if he leaves we will regret it.”

Lucas Considers Liverpool Exit

Lucas Leiva is the latest Liverpool player to consider an Anfield exit this summer.

Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa have already left for Real Madrid and now Lucas is weighing up his options with Corinthians interested in taking him back to Brazil.

The 22-year-old midfielder has started only 25 league games since arriving from Gremio for £6million in 2007 and had hoped to become a regular following Alonso's departure.

But the Reds have moved quickly for Roma's Alberto Aquilani and Lucas admits he wants to leave if he remains a fringe player for the Reds this season.

"You have to see what Benitez plans but the president of Corinthians already knows I am interested and what I want," he told the Sun.

Lucas is believed to have held talks with Corinthians chief Andre Sanches, who claims the negotiations "are progressing well."

Liverpool Target A Centre Half But Silva Lining Unlikely

Respected authority on Spanish football Guillem Balague has revealed that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez could make one more signing in the transfer window, and it could be a centre half. However, Balague also predicts that it is unlikely Liverpool can afford Valencia wideman David Silva.

Writing on GuillemBalague.com, the Spaniard relayed:

"Rafa Benitez may make just one further significant signing this summer, and that could well be a centre back. Once the purchase of Aquilani has been completed, Liverpool do not have the funds available to sign David Silva.

"It would take at least €28 million to prize Silva away from the Mestalla, and that fee is beyond what Liverpool are able to spend on one player at the moment.

"David Silva is a player he [Benitez] likes very much, but there is a limit to what will be paid and, now that Benayoun has proven his worth, the Spanish international is not an absolute priority for Benitez.

"At the start of the summer, when it became clear that Silva was going to cost upwards of €20 million, Rafa dropped his interest, and now that Benayoun has been given an improved contract, the Liverpool boss is not going to change his mind and, even if he did, he does not have the funds."

Liverpool Set To Net £15m Shirt Sponsor

Liverpool, despite the serious financial difficulties facing American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, are confident of quickly finding a big-money shirt sponsor to replace Carlsberg.

The lager brand are not expected to renew their 17-year association with the club when their £8million-a-year deal expires at the end of the season, especially with Liverpool looking to almost double the price to £15m a year and Carlsberg's exclusive negotiating period having finished.

London-based international banking giants Standard Chartered, who just lost out to insurance broker Aon for Manchester United's shirt deal, are already the leading candidates for the Liverpool kit.

The fact that they were competing strongly with Aon, who are paying £20m a year for the United sponsorship for four years from 2010-11, also suggests the bank would meet the steep Liverpool asking price, even in a recession.

A £15m annual contract with Standard Chartered, whose sponsorships include the Bangkok marathon, would put Liverpool level with Chelsea, who have recently extended their deal with Samsung at that rate until 2013.

Liverpool Midfielder Javier Mascherano Will Be Ready For Start Of Season

Argentinian Javier Mascherano was granted extra time off in the post-season following the birth of his second daughter, and is now playing catch-up with the rest of the squad.

“Maybe I need a little bit more work because I arrived back when my team-mates had already been back 10 days,” he told Liverpoolfc.tv. “But I will be in a good position by the start of the new season."

Reflecting on Liverpool's 2-0 victory against FC Lyn in Oslo, Mascherano felt it was significant to get a result.

“We didn't do well against Espanyol so it was important to win,” he said. “It's pre-season but we knew we had to improve because in 10 days we start the Premier League.

“There are a lot of positive things to take from this game, like a clean sheet. We know we still have to improve but we are happy and now we have one more game to improve even more.” he continued.

“After Saturday's game against Atletico we'll have seven days to get in top condition for the Premier League.” he concluded.

Liverpool Will Be Title Favorites, No Matter What Sir Alex Says

Somewhat unbelievably, the most cantankerous old man in football, Sir Alex Ferguson, has already dismissed Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League. Yet if the Overlord of English football feels it necessary to lay into Rafa Benitez’s side without a ball of the new season being kicked, it surely only means one thing: Liverpool are a major threat to Manchester United’s hegemony.

Ferguson’s critical assessment - “Liverpool have just had probably their best season for 20 years, finished up with 86 points and still finished four adrift. It will be hard for them to match that, let alone improve. Other teams will read Liverpool better” - is borne out of fear. For while the Anfield club have just lost a key figure in Xabi Alonso, it does not come close to the impact United will feel without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Liverpool fans have been ridiculed in the past for their regular pre-season refrain of ‘This is our season’, but 2009-10 really could, and should be. Never will they have a better chance of ending their league title drought, never will they be better prepared.

Benitez has improved his already formidable defence with the signing of Glen Johnson, and if he replaces Alonso with the exciting Alberto Aquilani and then uses the rest of his transfer budget to sign a striker and/or an out-and-out winger, then I believe Liverpool will win the Premier League by five or six points.

United, going for a record fourth consecutive title, will badly miss Ronaldo, no matter much they protest otherwise. You cannot take the Portuguese’s goals, assists and general aura out of a team and not weaken it. Replacing Ronaldo with Luis Antonio Valencia is akin to trading in a Ferrari for a BMW. Valencia is very good, but he will not score 20+ goals this season and that will put extra pressure on Ferguson’s strike force.

While United fans are now pretending they were never that bothered about Carlos Tevez, the departure of the Argentine has weakened their front line. An awful lot is resting on Dimitar Berbatov, one of last season’s most underwhelming signings, and Michael Owen, one of last season’s most underwhelming footballers.

United simply do not look the force that Liverpool do, no matter how much Ferguson tries to talk himself, and anyone who’ll listen, into it.

Chelsea will be the team to push Benitez’s men closest, and with a strong, settled side rejuvenated under the command of the now departed Guus Hiddink, they will start the new campaign infused with confidence. But the priority at Stamford Bridge is to win the Champions League, and while Carlo Ancelotti has the squad to compete on all fronts, I feel they will fall short of Liverpool.

Arsenal’s fate is reliant upon their next moves in the transfer market. If Arsene Wenger adds the commanding centre-half and defensive midfielder his team needs, they could launch a sustained title bid. However, with injury concerns over the returning Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo, and major upheaval at boardroom level, the environment at the Emirates does not seem conducive to success at present.

Will Manchester City break up the Big Four cartel? The potential is certainly there, and with their summer outlay, that should be the very least of their ambitions. However, I still feel it is unlikely. Mark Hughes has a massive job on his hands moulding his new-look squad into a cohesive unit, and whether he can handle the rampant egos in his dressing room, coupled with the elevated expectation levels foisted upon him, is highly debatable. I expect Hughes to be gone before Christmas, and replaced by Jose Mourinho.

Match Report: Lyn Oslo 0 - 2 Liverpool

Liverpool triumphed 2-0 today in Oslo over Norwegian outfit FC Lyn, with Rafa Benitez's men enjoying their second win of pre-season in comfortable fashion.

Andrey Voronin headed the Reds into the lead just before the interval, with David Ngog doubling their advantage on the hour mark. The Reds, resplendent in their new all-white European away kit, strolled through the Scandinavian sunshine with their only concern being an injury to Albert Riera, the extent of which is not yet clear.

However, it was the hosts who threatened early on, with Liverpool keeper Diego Cavalieri being called into action early on to tip an effort from striker Davy Angan round the post.

The keeper was forced to make a couple more saves before the Reds began to assert themselves, with efforts from Jay Spearing and Lucas Leiva going close. However, the hosts remained competitive and both teams had opportunities to take the lead before Voronin's effort opened the scoring.

Dutch winger Ryan Babel created the goal, with a powerful run down the left flank capped with a cross to the far post that the Ukrainian nodded home.

Five changes for the Reds followed at half-time, but the disruption was minimal, and Andrea Dossena sparked a well-worked move to allow Ngog to double the visitor's advantage.

The Italian was picked out by a superb ball from Javier Mascherano, before surging into the area and cutting the ball back for Ngog to finish clinically.

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard came off the Liverpool bench late on, but there was no further scoring. The Merseysiders did go close with a couple of late efforts, as Martin Kelly had one shot which shaved the post, and the game was completed in relative comfort by Rafa Benitez's men.

Liverpool Play Down Injury Scare To Albert Riera

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez does not believe the ankle injury sustained by Albert Riera against FC Lyn last night is serious.

Riera had to be stretchered off after falling awkwardly during Liverpool's 2-0 win in Oslo.

It was the last thing Benitez needed on the day Xabi Alonso was unveiled as a Real Madrid player.

However, with nine days to go before the start of the new season, Benitez is confident 27-year-old Riera will be fit to face Tottenham on Aug 16.

Benitez said: "He twisted his ankle but I don't think it is serious. We had to take him off but it is always better to be careful about these things."

Meanwhile, midfielder Alberto Aquilani's medical today could prove to be a pivotal point in his career and Liverpool's future.

Benitez has identified the Italy international as the ideal replacement for Alonso, who completed his £30m move to Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Liverpool and Roma have already agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £20m, but the 25-year-old must now pass the physical examination.

That will not be as straightforward as it might as the player, who made only 14 league appearances last season, has not played since Roma crashed out of the Champions League against Arsenal on March 11.

He underwent surgery on his right ankle in May but must prove he is over the injury if Liverpool are to justify spending two-thirds of their income from the Alonso deal.

Everything You Want To Know About Alberto Aquilani

Is He Worthy?

Potentially, Aquilani is the ideal player to replace Xabi Alonso. He has refined feet, an excellent positional sense and he also has a good shot on goal. The only doubt: his physical condition. Too often he has been out injured. In any case, he has the personality to play for a club like Liverpool, even though he will have to learn to be more consistent.

On The Pitch

Alberto Aquilani is a central midfielder with offensive tendencies, with good feet (he can use both, even though the right foot is his favourite). He has also been employed as a classical, between-the-lines playmaker, but he has shown his best form when given full control of the midfield.

He's a very dynamic player, he has a good long-range shot (many of his greatest goals have been efforts from outside the area) but he’s also good at getting into the area untracked. He makes his presence felt on the pitch, he has a good temperament, despite his injuries, he doesn’t exactly fear the physical battle and he has, like all Italians, a strong positional sense.

He almost never loses his head (even under pressure); this is demonstrated by relatively low yellow-card count (nine in the league since playing for Roma) and he has never been sent off.

Off The Pitch

Aquilani has always been described as a calm and reserved lad. Hailing from the Roman quarter of Montesacro (where he’s considered an idol), he doesn’t like to be in the spotlight, he’s a pretty simple person, very tied to his family (he has a tattoo with the initials of his closest family members). Then there is his girlfriend, actress Michela Quattrociocche, who has recently tattooed the player’s initials on her neck to show her love for Alberto.

He won’t have problems adjusting to England, even though certainly Rome was his home. He’s not the type who talks a lot in the dressing room or on the pitch. In the Eternal City he was very well liked. Being an intelligent person, he’ll manage to find his space also in Liverpool…

The Man & The Fans

Despite being just one year younger than Daniele De Rossi, Aquilani is still considered the boy in the group at Roma. The fans have always liked him, especially for being a Roman 100 per cent.

Obviously, compared to the likes Totti and De Rossi, the Roman people’s love for him is different. Aquilani was not considered to be on their level, but he was still very well seen by the Roma fans. The phrase most often said to describe him was: “He’s good, but too often injured…”

Potential

Roma needed to get some money. Few people thought it would be up to him to pack his bags, especially because he was considered a 'son of Rome'.

Nevertheless, Liverpool could certainly represent the ideal place for Aquilani to make a jump in quality. A new environment, a new coach, and a team that seems to suit his qualities. In Rome, each time he came on the pitch, he was called on to make the difference; in Liverpool, he’ll have more time.

Value For Money

The price paid by Liverpool for Aquilani (about £18 million) is good value, because the boy has much room for improvement and, above all else, was born in 1984.

Roma certainly have done a great deal economically, but if the player will do well on the pitch, Liverpool will also say that they have not spent too much.

The boy, on paper, is worth the money spent to bring him to Anfield.

Expert Opinions

Ubaldo Righetti (former AS Roma player, 1980-1987 and voice of Roma Channel): “Aquilani has not betrayed Roma, absolutely not. It was a painful choice, both for the club and the lad. He is from Rome, he loves Rome and he never would have left, but in life you have to make choices. Roma need money and the lad needs to have new experiences. The club has always taken care of him but they had reached a point where they had to make some decisions.

"I think Aquilani will do great things at Liverpool. English football is different to Italian football but Aquilani has characteristics that will allow him to adapt himself well. He just needs to find the consistency he lacked in Rome. Certainly he will need to adapt but, knowing him, I know he will do his best. If he finds continuity, he will do exceptional things at Liverpool.

"He’s going to a team of a very high level, one of the best clubs in the world, for him it’s a great new opportunity which he has to take with both hands.”

Attilio Tesser (Aquilani’s coach at Triestina, 2003-04): “He immediately showed he was not only able to play as a central midfielder but also in one of the vertices of a diamond formation, and he immediately showed great temperament. I’d also like to underline his very positive family environment. His parents are exceptional people.”

ONE MORE THING...

It’s said that, in the past, Aquilani almost became a Lazio player.

Here’s what he said in an exclusive interview to Calcio2000 – November 2007:

“I want to clear up this story about Lazio because it’s been talked about a lot. As a child I played with Spas Montesacro, my local team. One day I accompanied a friend of mine to the training, without even knowing that that team was a satellite club of Lazio.

"A Lazio observer asked me to train, I did it and, at the end of the training, they said they wanted to get me. But I did not sign anything with Lazio, I simply went to training with a friend.

"After refusing to join the Biancocelesti, I waited for a month, and then Roma proposed me to join their youth ranks. It should be clear to everyone: I don’t and never will support Lazio in any way.”

Benitez Hails Aquilani Addition

Liverpool closed in on the signing of Roma's Alberto Aquilani on Thursday with boss Rafael Benitez insisting the midfielder will "excite" the fans.

The 25-year-old Italy international also received the backing of former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise, a team-mate with the Rome club.

Aquilani is due on Merseyside for a medical and to complete a £20million deal that will give him a four-year contract.

Benitez, who has completed the sale of midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, said: "Roma have allowed us to talk with him, so that's good and positive. He is a player with the quality we are looking for.

"He can play a little bit higher (further forward) than Javier Mascherano - maybe between him and Steven Gerrard.

"He is a good passer, the final ball is good, and he also works. If he can settle down properly in England he can be a very good addition.

"I think the signing should excite the fans. He won the under-19 European Championship with his country, and the under-21 too. He has some trophies, including the Italian Cup.

"I always remember one game - England versus Italy Under-21s at Wembley, and he was man of the match in a 3-0 win."

Aquilani's departure from Roma comes with the club captain Francesco Totti claiming: "Alberto will be missed very much by everyone here."

Liverpool-Bound Alberto Aquilani Is ‘More Dangerous’ Than Xabi Alonso – Riise

John Arne Riise, a former Liverpool player now plying his trade at Roma, believes team-mate Alberto Aquilani has what it takes to be a success in the Premier League.

The Norwegian international, who has a thunderous left-footed shot, admitted to The Daily Express that upon his own move from Liverpool to Roma, he had little idea who Aquilani was, but it did not take long for him to learn of the Italian's ability.

Riise, 28, opined that Aquilani is the greater threat than Xabi Alonso, as he "runs more than Xabi" and gets into the box more.

“When I first came to Roma, I didn’t know a thing about Aquilani," Riise stated. "I knew all about Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Philippe Mexes, of course, but Aquilani was the player who surprised me the most in my first months with what he could do.”

On the specific capabilities that make Aquilani stand out, Riise said, “He’s really good on the ball, with good passing, good movement, he works hard and is a good professional. He likes to have the ball at his feet but not because he likes to dribble, he just wants to keep the team moving. He never stands still, he’s always on the run.

“He certainly runs more than Xabi and is probably more dangerous in terms of getting in the box and trying to score goals.

“When I came to Rome he was my neighbour and helped me out a lot. He’s a good friend. Liverpool will be getting a very good player.”

Riise also believes it will not take long for Aquilani to adapt to a league that focuses more on pace, power and physicality than Serie A.

“There is an obvious difference between the Italian and English leagues. Here it is more tactical whereas in England you’re playing 90 minutes up and down, up and down, and there is more emphasis on power and physical force," the Norwegian explained.

“But Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t all about physique, and he has been the best player in the Premier League in recent seasons. Everyone can adapt. It just takes time. The key is how long it takes. I was lucky. I fitted in quite quickly when I joined from Monaco. Alberto is someone who wants to make the most of his talent and wants to prove himself, so if Liverpool come in for you, it is very hard to say no.”

Kuyt Promises Reds Will Fight On

Dirk Kuyt insists Liverpool will "fight on" following Xabi Alonso's £30million move to Real Madrid.

Spain international Alonso completed his move to the Bernabeu on Wednesday as he signed a five-year contract with the Primera Liga giants.

The departure of the influential midfielder has led some to question the Premier League title credentials of Liverpool, who are set to sign Roma's Alberto Aquilani as a replacement.

But while Kuyt recognises Alonso played an important role for the Reds, he insists the club can cope without his former team-mate.

The Dutch forward told Nettavisen after Wednesday's 2-0 friendly win over FC Lyn in Oslo: "Alonso has been great for Liverpool, but we will fight on."

Liverpool have suffered a disappointing pre-season and Kuyt recognises it was important to react to a recent 3-0 setback to Espanyol by defeating Lyn.

Rafa Benitez's team begin their league campaign at Tottenham on August 16 and Kuyt is confident last season's runners-up will be in good shape.

"We are happy with the result after the defeat against Espanyol," he told Liverpool's official website. "It's always good to have another game come up quickly and we won 2-0.

"Maybe it could have been a little bit more but at the end of the day it was a clean sheet and a good performance.

"Sometimes you lose to a team like Espanyol and you just have to get over it. There's still a week and a half to go until we play Spurs and that's the most important game for us.

"If we win against them then we've had a good pre-season - if we lose, we've had a bad pre-season."

Kuyt has captained Liverpool a couple of times in pre-season but, while he feels privileged, he acknowledges he is behind Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher in rank of command.

"It means a lot to be captain of Liverpool," he said. "Obviously I know that Stevie is No.1 and we have Jamie as well.

"With so many changes in pre-season everyone needs to play and I've had the armband a couple of times - it's a great honour."

Anas Sharbini & Mario Mandzukic: Rafa Eyes Free-Scoring Croatian Duo For Liverpool

Reports in Croatia suggest Liverpool are closing in on Croatian duo Anas Sharbini and Mario Mandzukic in the wake of the sale of Xabi Alonso.

The latest Croat star to be linked with a move to the Premier League is 22-year-old NK Rijeka midfield star Anas Sharbini. Celtic reportedly made a tentative enquiry in January but Liverpool are being strongly linked in the Croatian press after the sale of Xabi Alonso. The player should also be available at a knock-down £3m as his contract expires at the end of the 2009/10 season.

Sharbini’s talent was brought to public attention in the 2007/08 season after a superb campaign in which the attacking midfielder scored 11 goals in 28 League appearances (27 starts). This superb form led to a call up to the Croatian national squad as a reserve in case of injuries for Euro 2008. He’s yet to play for his country at full international level but recently earned a call-up after impressing in the U21 side.

The young star enjoyed another excellent season in 2008/09 with 14 League goals in 27 League appearances but is reported to be desperate to leave the club. Sharbini’s goal tally was only bettered by two other players last season. The talented star has started the 2009/10 season in sensational style with a hat-trick in the club’s opening league match and a further strike in their Europa League qualifying defeat to Ukrainian outfit Metalist. Dinamo Zagreb are said to be keen but potential suitors include Liverpool, Ajax, West Ham, Salzburg, Hamburg, Aston Villa and Trabzonspor.

Sharbini is a technically gifted, quick, two-footed playmaker and could prove a bargain buy for a number of clubs needing to add creativity to their ranks for a knock-down price. Rafa Benitez is looking to strengthen his midfield options with bargain buys and the fact the youngster can also play in Steven Gerrard’s 2nd striker position is an added bonus.

The Croatian star’s father was born in Damascus but moved to Rijeka in the 1980’s, therefore Sharbini could have opted for Syria at international level but instead chose the country of his and his mother’s birth. At 5 ft 11 he is not as lightweight as compatriot Luka Modric so may settle quicker in terms of the physical nature of British football. He is also renowned for his set-piece capabilities and has been tagged the ‘new Boban’ by the Croatian press which is high praise indeed.

Interest is growing in one of Croatia’s brightest young talents Mario Mandzukic this summer. The Dinamo Zagreb striker was expected to move to Werder Bremen but reports in the German and Croatian media suggest the deal has fallen through due to the player’s price-tag thought to be £12.8m.

The player’s agent Ivan Cvjetkovic has confirmed that the player wants out. He told German newspaper Bild, “We have told Dinamo that Mario wants to leave the club.”

A stumbling block may be the players recent appearance in the Champions League qualifiers although the club’s exit at the hands of Austrian champions Salzburg means the club are more likely to sell.

Interest in England has been growing and the player revealed his ambition when he declared, “My goal is to join a strong club where I will continue to progress.”

Mandzukic finished as top goal scorer in the Croatian league following 16 goals in 28 league appearances (27 starts). This haul didn’t include any penalties and explains why he is so highly-rated in his homeland and now Europe. He has started this season in the same vein with 2 goals in his first two league appearances and a strike one goal in Europe. The 23-year-old joined Dinamo in the summer of 2007 as a replacement for Arsenal bound Eduardo da Silva and has been a big success after scoring 29 goals in 59 league appearances for the current Croatian champions.

The 6 ft 1 striker was born in Slavonski Brod but started his career with German outfit Ditzingen before returning to his homeland to join NK Marsonia. Mandzukic did not feature in the first team before leaving to join NK Zagreb. In two seasons with the club, the tall striker scored 14 league goals in 51 appearances before Dinamo made their 1.3 million Euro move.

Mandzukic finished last season in excellent form with 8 goals in his last 10 league appearances and has proven to be a huge success as Dinamo have won back to back league and cup doubles since he joined. He’s renowned as an excellent finisher who is sharp in the box and is now a regular member of the Croatian international squad.

The 23-year-old has scored once in 5 international appearances and that goal came against England in the 4-1 home qualifying defeat back in September 2008. He’d been on the pitch just 6 minutes when he scored.

Man City were linked with the striker when Sven Goran Eriksson was in charge. Portsmouth and Tottenham have also had the exciting new striking talent scouted on numerous occasions. He would be an excellent alternative to Fernando Torres at Liverpool as he is capable of playing the lone striker role and is an excellent link-up man.

Why Liverpool Had To Sell Xabi Alonso To Catch Manchester United

Allowing a player of the quality of Xabi Alonso to leave is never done lightly.

But his departure may not be the disaster many Liverpool supporters believe it to be.

Rafa Benitez has already re-invested £15million of the Alonso cash in Roma’s Alberto Aquilani, who the Liverpool boss hopes could be the key to the Premier League title.

Benitez could yet live to regret the decision to sell to Real Madrid, even given the admirably inflated price-tag of more than £30million, but beyond the inevitable disappointment of losing such a popular player, the Anfield boss has compelling reasons to cash in.

When he looked at last season’s failed title challenge Benitez will have identified three areas that needed surgery. Two were obvious, at full back and wide midfield.

But the third will surprise many fans, who assume that the club’s midfield was their strength last term. On the surface, the Alonso-Javier Mascherano partnership was one of the strongest in the Premier League, but a closer look at the statistics from last season suggest otherwise, given the importance of the two base midfielders in the diamond formation all top teams now employ.

Between them, the pair scored just THREE league goals all season. Compare that to Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher at United who managed seven in a side who got goals from all over the field.

What Fletcher and Carrick also provided was an ability to get forward into the penalty area unmarked, and beyond the opposition back line into space, which created numerous chances for United.

For Liverpool, who beat Lyn Oslo 2-0 last night, neither Alonso nor Mascherano could do that, because their style in sitting deep is so similar.

But it is crucial when Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are always so heavily marked to exploit the space afforded to other players deeper in the midfield.

It seems the Liverpool boss decided that Mascherano has the edge because of his mobility and aggression in fulfilling the covering role both must do.

The Anfield manager has been left casting around for a midfielder who can pass and defend, and still get forward beyond the opposition back line.

Aquilani appears to have those qualities, but Italians have not always been successful in the Premier League, and his injury record is a cause for concern.

There is one other part of the equation though, that does suggest it is a disastrous time for Liverpool.

So far, the Spanish coach has raised in excess of £40m by selling players this summer, and that could exceed £50m if he sells Ryan Babel or Andrea Dossena.

If Aquilani passes a medical, at a fee of £15m it will only take the manager’s spending to just over £30m.

Depressingly, that suggests Liverpool’s finances are not going on the players required for the push to get beyond United, but on the club’s mounting debts.

Xabi Alonso Hails Liverpool FC Fans For Five Years Of Support

Xabi Alonso bade Liverpool a fond farewell after completing his move to Real Madrid last night – admitting it will be “really difficult” for the Bernabeu fans to match his reception at Anfield.

Alonso was presented as a Real player last night after signing a five-year contract after Madrid finally met Liverpool’s valuation of around £30million.

And after completing his medical at the Bernabeu, 27-year-old Spanish international said: “I am very grateful to Liverpool fans, they were very warm during my five years. It will be really difficult to match their appreciation.

“I really enjoyed those five years, but a few months ago I took that decision as I thought it was the right moment to find a fresh challenge, to look for a new club.

“That’s when Real Madrid came along. Luckily a deal has been done and I’m very happy.

“It is a personal challenge I felt is necessary for my football career.”

Alonso was unveiled at the club’s training ground yesterday evening, then joined dup with his new team-mates for their evening session.

“It’s a very happy day for me,” Alonso added. “It’s an important step in my career to come to a club like Real Madrid.

“I’m very happy to be part of this club and I was very excited for this day to arrive.”

Reports suggest Alonso’s relationship with Rafa Benitez disintegrated after he professed his desire to leave.

However, Alonso insists he has nothing but respect for his former boss.

“I have repeated over and over again that the relationship was a professional one, of mutual respect, a normal one between coach and player,” he said.

“I respect him and thank him for the opportunity he gave me.

“The goodbyes were quite brief, everything happened very quickly and I didn’t have time to say goodbye properly. I want to return to say goodbye to my team-mates and Rafa.”