Another Premiership season draws to a close, and whilst some managers will be content to have achieved the targets set at the beginning of the campaign, many more will be looking to make additions to their squads this summer following disappointing performances in the League.

Many believed Liverpool would have faired better this term than last, and although they now seem to be heading in the right direction, 2010/2011 will be a season to forget at Anfield. That said, there are several positives the club can carry in to next season as they bid to return towards the summit of the League, and here is a list of ten…

Raul Miereles:

The Portuguese midfielder joined the Reds after the World Cup as an instant replacement for the departing Javier Mascherano. The mostly tattooed Miereles was brave to join Liverpool at the time he did considering the less than warm and positive atmosphere surrounding Anfield and the prospect of living up to the heights of Mascherano. However, he has been one of the club’s best players this year, featuring in all but four of Liverpool’s League games and has scored 5.

Andy Carroll:

Although injuries meant he missed a significant number of games following his £35million move from Newcastle, Carroll will probably prove to be an important signing for Liverpool, and his two goals against Manchester City at Anfield last week have given Reds fans a glimpse of more to come form the pony-tailed giant.

Luis Suarez:

Arguably made more of an immediate impact than his new strike partner having been available for more games, Luis Suarez has already demonstrated some exciting attributes which should see him flourish in the Premier League. Of a similar build to Carlos Tevez, the Uruguayan adopts a similar style to Manchester City’s captain, underlined by a tireless work ethic, quick feet, endless skills and a sharp finish.

Martin Kelly:

Although the youngster made his debut under Rafa Benitez back in December 2008, Martin Kelly came to everyone’s attention during Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat of Chelsea at Anfield last November. Called up as a last minute replacement for Sotorios Kyrgiakos, Kelly completed the full 90 minutes and has since made another 26 appearances for the Reds this term.

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Kenny Dalglish:

Possibly the most important addition to the club this season and will be their most significant signing this summer if he signs permanent terms, Kenny Dalglish has transformed the Anfield gloom in to far-reaching optimism in just a few short months. The results have been erratic but Dalglish retains an exceptional tactical knowledge and a considerable familiarity with the club’s youth set-up, which should induce a steady stream of young talent in to the first team over the next 12 months. If he manages to guide Liverpool in to the Europa League next season, his recent tenure will be considered a remarkable success.

The removal of George Gillett and Tom Hicks:

In the two years before the Americans became Liverpool’s owners, the club had won a Champions’ League and an FA Cup. They achieved nothing during the next three years under the Gillett and Hicks authority and the feuding pair left Anfield with the team languishing in the Premier League relegation zone. The club’s new owners, Fenway Sports Group, invested heavily in the playing staff at the first opportunity last January and can be credited for appointing Dalglish as temporary manager, so for the time being at least, they are held in high regard by the Anfield faithful.

Beating Manchester United 3-1:

Not only was this victory significant in terms of Liverpool’s European qualification hopes, but a victory in any game against the club’s most aggressive adversary is always welcomed. Dirk Kuyt’s hat-trick was met with as an emphatic reaction as Javier Hernandez’s consolation was applauded sarcastically. Although this result has had little effect on United’s title challenge, it was an encouraging sign that the Reds can take in to next season.

Alberto Aquilani:

Although his first season in England was generally considered disastrous, the Italian has blossomed on loan at Juventus this campaign and several Liverpool insiders believe he will have something to offer the club next season. Aquilani has also forced his way back in to contention within the Italian national set-up having played 28 times for the Old Lady this season.

The Academy:

Liverpool are considered to have one of the most developed and promising youth systems in the Premier League. Academy scholars have been tutored by the experienced Pep Segura, who was previously the technical director at Barcelona’s academy, and of course current manager, Kenny Dalglish, whose influence on the club’s youngsters has been invaluable over the last two years.

Its Nearly Over:

Well, it is.

Follow Josh Sheridan on Twitter

 

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