It has been more than three years since Liverpool last won a trophy. It was February 26, 2012 when the Reds beat Cardiff City on penalties to lift the Carling Cup. They could have added the FA Cup to their trophy cabinet that same season but they were edged out by Chelsea. Since then, things have changed at Anfield: new manager, red nets, players leaving, players arriving, stadium expansion and many more things.
In this piece, I decided to take a look back at those players from that afternoon at Wembley and see where they are now.
Pepe Reina
The goalkeeper stayed at Liverpool and was new manager Brendan Rodgers’ number one in his first season in charge. The following season, he was sent out on loan to Napoli where he played under former manager Rafael Benitez.
Upon his return, Liverpool announced that Reina has agreed a deal to join German giants Bayern Munich. He spent a season there before returning to Napoli.
Glen Johnson
The 30-year-old was released by Liverpool this summer after joining the club in 2009.
Martin Skrtel
Skrtel has established himself as a starter in the team and was thought to have signed a new deal the club, though he later denied that.
Daniel Agger
The left-footed centre-back stayed at the club for two more seasons after the Carling Cup win and was awarded the role of vice-captain after Jamie Carragher’s retirement.
In August 2014, Agger joined his former club Brondby.
Jose Enrique
The left-back is still at the club but a series of injuries, the emergence of Jon Flanagan and the arrival of Alberto Moreno has seen his playing time limited. He is said to be on the move this summer.
Steven Gerrard
The captain also continued playing under Rodgers but did not sign a contract extension as the manager could not guarantee him first-team football. After 17 years playing for the Reds, Gerrard has moved to Los Angeles Galaxy.
Jordan Henderson
The midfielder has progressed under Rodgers’ tutelage and was made vice-captain after Agger’s departure. He is widely tipped to become the new captain of Liverpool.
Stewart Downing
Downing’s spell at Liverpool was a short one; he played in Rodgers’ first season before being sold to West Ham United.
Charlie Adam
The Scotsman’s time at Anfield was even shorter. He joined Stoke City in 2012 in order to attain more first team football.
Luis Suarez
Suarez progressed rapidly under Rodgers and contributed heavily to Liverpool’s title charge in the 2013-14 season. His goal scoring form attracted interest from Barcelona and he left for a reported £75 million in 2014.
Andy Carroll
Carroll still holds the title of being Liverpool’s record signing but his Anfield career never really took off. He cost £35m when Liverpool swooped for him from Newcastle. He was sent out on loan to West Ham in August 2012 before making the move a permanent one. Liverpool were reported to have lost around £20 million in that deal.
Substitutes:
Doni
Joined Botafogo in January 2013.
Jamie Carragher
Retired following the end of the 2012-13 season.
Martin Kelly
Moved to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2014.
Maxi Rodriguez
Returned to his former club Newell’s Old Boys in July 2012.
Jay Spearing
Joined Bolton Wanderers in a permanent deal after a loan spell in 2013.
Dirk Kuyt
Moved to Fenerbahce in 2012 after six seasons with the Reds.
Craig Bellamy
Moved on a free transfer to Cardiff City in August 2012.
