Are Liverpool Back?

The Turnaround

It's been a tale of two halves for Liverpool this season.

Just two months ago, the side was an embarrassment to the kit, looking uninspired and suffering through a slew of terrible and often humiliating results (being swept by Wolves for the first time in 50 years comes to mind).

The EPL title was out of reach by mid-October, a top four spot looked unlikely at the New Year, and it was clear that this was a team in need of a major shakeup. They would get that shakeup. And now things are finally looking up for the proud club thanks to the coming of age from several players, and the purchase of a potential star.

In the mean time, they appear ready to make a late push at the top four, and could enter next season with legitimate aspirations of a title run should they make the right moves this summer.

What Changed?

Many point to the hiring of former Liverpool Legend Kenny Dalglish as the turning point for the Reds. To his credit, the interim man did take over under rough times before the team had a revival of sorts under his control. But for me, the real cause of 'Pool's resurgence was the arrival of Luis Suarez. The 24-year old striker/winger/center forward looks as if he's about to take the world by storm.

I've been a fan of his for some time, and I'll let you read about my man love for him here in a blog from last month. If you want to be inundated with a compilation of all things Suarez (for my fellow soccer junkies who may not have been reading back then), read that story (it will save us both some time). Otherwise, check out this play (start video at 2:45) from Suarez against Manchester United yesterday. Also realize that he would have scored on his own had Kuyt not been present, as the ball is clearly curling into the far corner.

The turn in form has also been aided by the emergence of summer signing Raul Miereles. Miereles got off to a slow start as 'Pool languished through their early season malaise. But then the goals started coming for the crafty center midfielder, as he scored five goals over six matches while the Reds came into their current form.

The play of Suarez and Miereles has paid great dividends for other players as well.

Against United, Suarez sat just behind Dirk Kuyt in a center forward role. After 90 minutes, two of the Dutchman's scores had come off of great plays from the Uruguayan. Kuyt is a workhorse that you can count on for effort, but he's a guy that needs service to be at his most effective and now he's getting it.

Before the emergence of Miereles, and the addition of Suarez, Steven Gerrard had to do it all. Among the copious list of things he had to do were to provide goal scoring from midfield, give service to Fernando Torres (who wasn't doing him any favors), and provide his often unnoticed defensive duties. Now he has Suarez to feed the strikers further up the pitch, and Miereles pairing with him effectively in the middle, and he's looked much more comfortable on the pitch. I'd still like to see a few more goals from the English Captain, but you've got to assume they'll come at some point.

The Future

Liverpool fans are thinking Champions League. And if they play as they did on Sunday it's a possibility. But they're still nine points adrift of fourth. I'd say they've already dug themselves too deep a hole to get back into the top four.

Should 'Pool find themselves in the Europe League for the second straight year, all is not lost as they have a chance to get even better this summer.

Look, I still feel the Andy Carroll buy was a mistake, as it took away the funds from the Torres sale. But the owners say there is more money to spend, so that's got to be good news. This team still needs some help on the back four, and I think they could make a pretty penny by selling Glen Johnson, who continues to give them very little defense at right back.

There are other issues that must be addressed. Keeping Pepe Reina is an absolute must for me, as he provides a vital lifeline defensively. The Reds could also do with a true striker to put in front of or pair with Suarez, among other things. But the retention of Reina, and two or three worthwhile additions could see them close to the top of the league a year from now.

What do you think? Are Liverpool Back?