Q&A with Matt Law

Last week, I took the time to interview correspondent of the Daily Telegraph newspaper, Matt Law.

He kindly shared some of his opinions on Liverpool’s season in a 5 question Q&A, and helped identify weaknesses in the Liverpool squad and the major things that they need to do to turn this season around, before it really is too late.

If Liverpool are to have any chance of qualifying for top 4, what sort of players must they be looking to sign and why?

“They must buy a new goalkeeper. Simon Mignolet is not top class and very few teams win anything without a top class keeper. Petr Cech would be the dream signing, but I doubt whether Chelsea would sell him to Liverpool. Joe Hart could be an interesting option at the end of the season, as suspicions remain that Manuel Pellegrini wants Willy Caballero as his number one.”

Is Brendan Rodgers the right man to take Liverpool forward or his temptation to sign ‘young’ talent becoming too predictable and useless?

“Brendan Rodgers has already taken Liverpool forward, so he should be given time to try to make up for the loss of Luis Suarez. As for the club’s transfer strategy, Liverpool have a ‘transfer committee’ that Rodgers is part of so he may not be solely to blame for some of the signings.”

What formation should Liverpool look to use and what would your starting eleven be based on the players we have fit (especially focusing on our attack)?

“I think Liverpool are generally at their best in a 4-3-3 formation. When all the forward players are fit, I would start with Sterling on the right, Sturridge in the middle and Lallana on the left.”

Is Steven Gerrard being optimised properly or should he be played further up the pitch to help add to the assist and goals tally that he currently has?

“My personal opinion is that time is finally catching up with Gerrard and, for the club to move forward, he should be used from the substitutes’ bench rather than starting. Trying to find a new position for him only confirms that he should no longer be an automatic starter. I would like to add, though, that I believe Gerrard has been a wonderful, wonderful player and servant to Liverpool.”

And the final question, Is Mario Balotelli getting the wrong type of attention for a reason or does he deserve it based on how he has played so far?

“Regardless of the attention, which I believe he seeks, Balotelli was never the right signing for Liverpool. Their biggest problem now is going to be trying to get rid of him.”

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Overall it is clear that Liverpool need to strengthen their squad in the coming transfer window and signing a new ‘keeper would be a prime example of where to start.

Thanks to Matt for answering these questions. If you don’t already follow Matt on Twitter, do so here: @Matt_Law_DT