Liverpool Club Focus - Dalglish decides to stick with what he has as quiet transfer window closes
Tuesday night must have felt strange for Liverpool supporters. While things on the field were going as planned - the Reds recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over struggling Wolves at Molineux - it was the lack of transfer activity on deadline day which will have come as a surprise to the fans. The Merseyside club had previously spent more than £50m on new players in each of the first two windows under new owners the Fenway Sports Group, but they failed to make any additions to the senior squad in January. The Reds will now have to see out the season with the same players that they placed faith in back in August.
But the question is, will Kenny Dalglish come to regret his decision not to freshen up the squad last month? While the answer to that will only become clear over the next few weeks, as things stand, the Scot could well argue that he already has a team capable of meeting their targets for the season. Prior to the start of this campaign, Liverpool were aiming to finish in the top four and go on a good cup run. Following the win at Molineux, the Reds are just four points away from fourth-placed Chelsea, while they have also reached the League Cup final. Therefore, the current players are not far off meeting expectations.
Some supporters will argue that Dalglish could have strengthened the squad by adding a lively striker. After all, the Merseyside outfit have scored just 28 goals in 23 league games so far this term. But with crafty Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez set to return to action following a lengthy ban, Craig Bellamy scoring regularly and both Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt finally hitting form, the Reds may well just get away with the decision not to sign the likes of Darrent Bent or Jermain Defoe - players they have been linked with lately.
Others will suggest that another midfielder would have helped. This proposal is understandable given that influential holding player Lucas Leiva has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. But with the hungry Jay Spearing and skipper Steven Gerrard back in action and both Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam playing regularly, the Reds have a reasonable number of options in midfield. Youngster Jonjo Shelvey is also available.
On the whole, it is understandable why some fans may be disappointed with a lack of action in the recent transfer window, particularly given that Liverpool have an average record in front of goal and are still a few points away from climbing back into the Champions League places. However, the Reds have already reached one cup final and could soon reach another. That Dalglish has decided to stick with the same players who have helped the team progress in these competitions is a brave move. Only time will tell if it was a sensible one.
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