Following a terrific campaign last year that saw them narrowly miss out on their first Premier League title, this season has been disappointing to the say the least for Liverpool and their fans.
A dismal showing in the Champions League saw them exit at the group stages, and after failing to make it into the top four; the Europa League beckons for the Reds next term.
A seven point gap to rivals Manchester United in fourth, highlights the direction the team have fallen over the past 12 months; a backward step that in big part has been caused by their failure to replace star striker Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan formed a formidable partnership with Daniel Sturridge that saw them annihilate opposition teams last season, but one they have struggled to replicate since his departure to Barcelona last summer.
Along with Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert was brought in to help fill the void left the sale of Suarez, and it’s fair to say both have struggled since their arrival.
Despite impressing with Southampton, Liverpool’s decision to splash out £4m on Lambert was seen as a strange one at the time, and a decision that hasn’t worked out for either club or player with the 33-year-old netting just twice in 24 Premier League appearances.
Nobody could blame the striker for accepting a dream move to his boyhood club, but after limited first-team opportunities and having been used predominately as a substitute, it’s been a year to forget for the England forward.
It’s widely expected that Lambert will be sold this summer, and with reports this week linking him with a move to Bournemouth; a return to the South Coast could be just what’s needed to help rekindle his career as a Premier League striker.
The Cherries capped an impressive season by securing the Championship title with a win at Charlton on the final day, after sealing an unlikely promotion just days earlier.
There’s no doubt they face a huge task in order to avoid relegation, but have already begun their planning for next season with Lambert one of their transfer targets.
The striker will bring some much needed top-flight experience to the Bournemouth dressing room, and most importantly for the man himself will surely become a regular in the side allowing him to find his form once more.
Lambert showed during his time at Southampton what a handful he can be, and an impressive goal record with the Saints highlighted just how clinical he was in front of goal when given the chance.
Bournemouth would certainly give him the platform to show this once more, and Eddie Howe is sure to provide him with the injection of confidence needed to get back scoring goals on a regular basis.
With next summer’s European Championships sure to be in his mind, Lambert has to get away from Liverpool in order to boost his chances at making the squad, and becoming a focal part of Bournemouth’s strike force will help him do just that. It ultimately may not be enough for the ageing striker, but at least he won’t be left wondering “what if?” if he’s not called up next year.
He’s clearly not been given the chance to prove himself at Anfield, which in fairness could have proved a step too far for Lambert and his career aspirations.
But he definitely has more to offer in the division, and if Bournemouth can convince him to return to the South Coast he may well prove the difference between relegation and survival as they prepare for their debut in the Premier League.
[n5lbanner type="generic"]