5 Reina replacements

Victor Valdes' decision not to renew his contract with Barcelona has led to an almighty amount of speculation that the Catalan side will once again seek to bring a former player back 'home' from the Premier League. Like Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique before him, Pepe Reina is now apparently on Barca's list to replace Valdes between the sticks and return to the club he left a decade ago. While the 30 year old's form has been questioned somewhat over the past year or so, he is a big presence in the Liverpool dressing room and would be sorely missed if and when he eventually moves on. Below are five candidates that Liverpool may be looking to line up should the Spanish stopper up sticks to Catalonia.

Jack Butland 

Birmingham keeper Butland shot into the public's conscious in 2012 when he became Team GB's number 1 at the Olympics and also earned his first England cap against Italy. The 6ft 5in keeper is currently plying his trade in the Championship with Blues but has been linked to numerous Premier League outfits, Liverpool amongst them. He is just 19 years old and lacking in experience but his potential is obvious. He is a calming presence, especially for one so young and would likely command a large transfer fee. Whether he would be ready for the pressures of being a number one keeper at a huge club like Liverpool so early in his career is up for debate. Of course, Liverpool have signed talented young English goalkeepers in the past who were said to be destined for great things who failed to fulfil their potential such as David James and Chris Kirkland. Birmingham chairman Peter Pannu said early this January that Liverpool had been in contact with his club regarding Butland and should Reina depart, Pannu should probably expect another phone call or two from Ian Ayre.

Victor Valdes 

Barcelona's outgoing keeper Valdes grew up with Pepe Reina at La Masia and after a shaky period early in his career he eventually became the first choice keeper for arguably the greatest club side ever to grace a football pitch. Born and bred in Catalonia and now in his prime aged 31, it seems strange that Valdes has decided to leave Barcelona, but his decision suggests that a move abroad is uppermost in his thoughts. Valdes continues to divide opinion as he has for much of his career but whoever he signs for after leaving Barca will be getting a goalkeeper with a huge wealth of experience, unfathomable amounts of medals in his collection and a goal keeper who, like Reina, is extremely adept at using his feet. As Valdes has matured at Barca he has become far more vocal and a much more confident figure than the young boy who often looked like a rabbit caught in the Camp Nou headlights. He has won the Zamora award in Spain (given to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals to game ratio) on five separate occasions and would be a major coup for whichever club eventually take him from Barca. Reina and Valdes' careers have been linked since they were children and a straight swap of goalkeepers between Liverpool and Barcelona would offer a symmetry in-keeping with their careers to date.

Asmir Begovic 

Not much about Asmir Begovic stands out and perhaps that is what makes a top class goal keeper. Until recently the Bosnian international had gone under the radar in the Premier League but given Stoke City's impressive early season defensive record it is understandable that he has been linked with clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal this season. Begovic has been remarkably dependable for the Potters since he took their number one spot from Thomas Sorensen and his consistency recently saw him selected in Gary Neville's Premier League team of 2012 ahead of Joe Hart. He has Premier League experience and aged just 25 has his best years ahead of him. Any Premier League side in need of a goal keeper will be keeping tabs on the 6ft 5in stopper and while Stoke would demand a large fee for his services, it appears that he will be moving on to a bigger club soon should he maintain his impressive run of form.

Michel Vorm 

Vorm has flourished since joining Swansea City from Eredivisie outfit Utrecht in 2011. The Dutchman was outstanding last season for the Welsh side under Brendan Rodgers and would obviously fit into the now Liverpool manager's style of play easily. He has nine caps for Holland and given Rodgers' previous links with the Dutchman it is only logical that he would be on any short list drawn up by Liverpool in the event of Reina's departure.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen 

Often compared in his homeland with the great Oliver Khan and seen as one of Germany's outstanding young players, Ter Stegen has made waves in the Bundesliga already and become Borussia Monchengladbach's first choice goal keeper at the age of just 20. Extremely vocal and confident for one so young, he has already made two appearances for the German national team and is a huge talent. Ter Stegen has recently been linked with Real Madrid such is his potential and looks like being one of the top goalkeepers in the world over the next decade. The young keeper has distanced himself from a move from Monchengladbach recently but the lure of the Premier League could force a rethink.

Liverpool can't play without the ball

Liverpool have not drawn a blank in their last 11 outings in all competitions. The Reds have scored 21 goals in that time and with Daniel Sturridge signing on from Chelsea and Fabio Borini back from injury, finally the problematic profligacy that has blighted Liverpool for 18 months now seems to be in decline. Unfortunately, while Liverpool's attacking play has improved recently, there is another more pressing issue right now: Liverpool aren't very good without the ball.

Throughout the season, the Reds have been far too open to counter attacks, they have been too slow to close down their opponents and physically they have been over matched, especially in recent games against West Ham (until Diame left the pitch), Stoke and Manchester United. The major deficiencies that are holding Liverpool back are apparent when Brendan Rodgers' team don't have the ball. When you are trying to implement a passing style as Rodgers is, it isn't just about retaining possession. The regaining of the ball and the ability to hinder opponents when they have it is equally important. Pressing high and intelligently is imperative if you wish to play a possession based game, but Liverpool are not close to mastering this yet.

Liverpool's weakness in this area was cruelly exposed in Manchester last Sunday. The midfield three of Gerrard, Lucas and Allen that Rodgers selected is theoretically fine when Liverpool have the ball (although this wasn't the case last week as Allen and Lucas were badly under par when they had the ball at their feet) but United dominated the first half of the game because, when they were in possession, it was so easy for them to play around their rivals. Liverpool didn't get close enough to them, they didn't press them well and they barely offered a tackle for 45 minutes. It was men against tentative boys in a one sided first half. Liverpool's lack of mobility and physical presence in the middle of the park was all too obvious as United passed the ball around them with consummate ease. You need only look back at Robin Van Persie's goal to see that the move that led to the Dutchman's finish should have been interrupted several times before he swept home to open the scoring. Joe Allen and Stewart Downing both chose not to attempt interceptions that were available and a couple of seconds later United had the lead.

Skillful players who win you matches with flashes of brilliance or play amazing cross field passes that take the breath away are always in demand and highlighted, but pragmatism is needed at times and Liverpool and Rodgers have too often been found wanting in that area this season. Liverpool played against United last Sunday as they have against too many opponents this season: naively. The game plan was seemingly weighted heavily on what they could do with the ball rather than what would happen when they were without it. It was a risky strategy to implement and when your players are having an off day as they did at Old Trafford in the first half, the game can become tortuous. Liverpool could barely get over the halfway line in the opening 45 minutes as collectively their passing was off and also because United were closing them down relentlessly. That can happen in games, but what cannot continue is the opposite problem that has been evident too often this season already: opposing sides have it far too easy when they are in possession, especially in midfield.

Jordan Henderson may not be everyone's cup of tea but can anyone suggest that he shouldn't be on the team sheet these days given his form and the attributes that he has in comparison to an out of sorts Joe Allen or a clearly unfit Lucas Leiva? While Lucas, Allen and Gerrard stood and watched United pass around them as if they were training cones on Sunday, Henderson sat on the bench probably wondering why he wasn't on the pitch closing the spaces that United were finding and exploiting so easily. Henderson is no Steven Gerrard on the ball but he has a key component that any functional midfield, especially Liverpool's, requires in regards to his athleticism.

Henderson has been under utilised by Brendan Rodgers

Joe Allen may keep the ball better than him, Lucas may be more adept at playing from deep than him and Steven Gerrard may have more footballing ability in his big toe than him, but Henderson can help Liverpool to develop their new approach by offering what those three players can't at this stage: Dynamism. His omission last weekend was hard to fathom as it left Liverpool's midfield devoid of any running power on that large Old Trafford pitch and ultimately, the Reds paid the price. Henderson is not the sexy choice in midfield for Rodgers, but the team must come first and the talents that he does posses make him the pragmatist's choice right now.

It isn't that long since Liverpool were criticised for focussing on their opponents too much using too many pragmatic players over those with more ability, of course. Under Rafa Benitez, Liverpool supporters often bemoaned a lack of flair in their side, particularly in wide areas. However, for four straight seasons, no matter what his form was like, Dirk Kuyt was selected time and again by the Spaniard. He offered no little threat when the Reds had the ball in terms of goals and assists (though people at the time were often crying out for a more creative and exciting winger to replace him) but crucially, he offered even more when Liverpool didn't have the ball. He chased, harassed, and ground down plenty of opposing sides from the front with his intelligent and ceaseless pressing. He won the ball back high up the pitch for Benitez's side and even if he wasn't always reliable with the ball at his feet, Benitez kept him in the team because he knew how fundamental Kuyt was when Liverpool weren't in possession.

Benitez's most celebrated signings were technical wizards like Alonso, Luis Garcia and Fernando Torres but after one season of Premier League football, the Spaniard recognised that Liverpool required more steel to their game. They were a soft touch too often, not unlike their present day incarnation. Momo Sissoko was a perfect example of how Benitez solved this problem. He didn't posses high levels of skill and sometimes his touch was almost comical, but until an eye injury derailed his career somewhat, he, like Kuyt, was a huge part in Liverpool's resurgence under Benitez. He had boundless stamina, real physical presence and recycled the ball exceptionally well from midfield. His role was simple: seek the ball, win it and give it to someone like Xabi Alonso or Steven Gerrard to affect the game in an attacking sense.

Sissoko's presence would aid Liverpool right now

For every Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso or Fernando Torres that Benitez brought to Liverpool, he also signed a Momo Sissoko, Javier Mascherano or Dirk Kuyt. Benitez knew the importance of combining talented individuals with players who could push the opposition back and be effective without the ball. Rodgers' Liverpool are yet to find that same equilibrium.  

United v Liverpool Preview

When Manchester United and Liverpool face off on Sunday there are many fascinating battles that will be played out in front of millions of viewers worldwide. Here is a look at a few key areas that may prove decisive over the 90 minutes.

Liverpool's mental block 

Manchester United's record at Old Trafford against Liverpool has been formidable since Gerard Houllier departed from Anfield. Rafa Benitez's Liverpool won 4-1 back in 2009 but remains is the only success that the Reds have accrued in their last nine visits to the home of their biggest rivals. Too often in this fixture the visiting side have sought to cancel United out and play conservatively. Perhaps United's irresistible attacking form and shaky defensive performances this season will force Brendan Rodgers try something a little different this time around.

United's defensive vulnerability is no secret and Liverpool do posses enough pace and guile going forward to cause the league leaders problems. Invariably at Old Trafford, Liverpool have sat deep and unsuccessfully attempted to soak up pressure and counter United. The results would suggest that a new formula is required and while Liverpool attempting to go for the jugular is unlikely, more ambition must on display than on the Reds recent visits to Manchester. Liverpool need only look at Spurs' and Newcastle's approaches when they faced up to United this season to see how to exploit their opponents weaknesses. Both clubs scored three times at Old Trafford and showed how genuine attacking intent must be present when you face off against Ferguson's side. Liverpool's Old Trafford inferiority complex must be banished if they are to attack with conviction and ultimately prevail. 

The unheralded England midfielders

As always in these high profile games, midfield is a key area. If you had said in the summer that Jordan Henderson and Michael Carrick would be a key battle in this game you'd likely have been laughed at, but such is the ever evolving nature of the Premier League that the much maligned pair are likely to face off against each other on Sunday in an important duel.

Expecting someone else?

Henderson's recent form allied with his incredible energy levels makes him a likely starter for Brendan Rodgers' side this weekend. Deploying him ahead of Gerrard and Lucas in midfield would allow the former Sunderland man to put Michael Carrick, United's play-maker, under sustained pressure. While he may not offer the goal threat that Jonjo Shelvey or Steven Gerrard would for Liverpool from that position, Henderson's work without the ball in that area could be vital if Liverpool are to disrupt United's passing game.

If Carrick is allowed time and space, he will undoubtedly get United ticking and make Liverpool suffer. He may not be Xavi or Andrea Pirlo, but Carrick is in arguably the best run of form in his United career and has the ability to hurt Liverpool with his long range passing. His vision and technique mean that he is a constant supply line for United's wingers and Robin van Persie. He is an under-appreciated member of this United team and his contributions, while often ignored, are vital. If Liverpool are to get a grip on the game, they must get a grip of Carrick first and Jordan Henderson represents their best shot as doing so. 

United's flying wingers and Liverpool's 'second' full back

With Jose Enrique ruled out of the game with a hamstring injury, United will have one definite area of Liverpool's defence to target. Whoever slots into the back four alongside Agger, Skrtel and Johnson for Liverpool will be in for a testing afternoon. Stewart Downing may return at left back, in which case he will likely be up against the pace and power of Antonio Valencia who essentially won United all three points at Anfield earlier in the season with his lung busting 50 yard sprint to win the decisive penalty kick. Valencia is as uncomplicated as he is effective. He hugs the touchline, keeps the width for his team and looks to beat his marker on the outside and deliver at every opportunity. He's not been at the top of his game this season but he remains a huge threat and Downing's lack of natural defensive instincts could mean that Brendan Rodgers selects Andre Wisdom instead.

Valencia is a threat, as Liverpool know all too well

If that is the case then Glen Johnson will play at left back and have to deal with Valencia but on the opposite flank United will surely look to exploit the inexperience of Wisdom. Ashley Young will probably start wide on the left for United and his trickery and speed will be something United will look to utilise against the teenager. Isolating the young full back, who is a natural centre half, will undoubtedly in Alex Ferguson's thoughts. It is of the utmost importance then, that Liverpool guard against this. Lucas and Steven Gerrard will likely be screening the back four and they must play with discipline and intelligence if they are to support Wisdom or Downing sufficiently. For decades now United have had dangerous, direct wingers with excellent delivery and this year is no different. The Manchester club have quality in the wide areas again and Liverpool's ability to withstand the tests from the flanks will be crucial. United's primary supply-line is so often crosses from wide areas and given Jose Enrique's absence it is likely to be the same again on Sunday.

The Aces in the Packs

When you talk about potential match winners for either Manchester United or Liverpool then two men stand alone. They are the best two players in the Premier League currently. Robin van Persie and Luis Suarez are contrasting players in style but both have had the burden of carrying their teams for long periods of this season. With 31 league goals between them, they are the two players that the spotlight will rightly shine brightest on come kick off time.

The main men 

Van Persie comes into the game amid a sea of tranquillity. The Dutchman's form has been outstanding, he has taken to his new club like a duck to water and his confidence is as high as it possibly could be, as demonstrated by his exquisite goal in the F.A Cup against West Ham last weekend. Suarez on the other hand will be under huge scrutiny after 'hanballgate' and the whole Patrice Evra affair being in the public eye again this week. It is a good job for Liverpool that the Uruguayan seems to thrive on the media circus that constantly surrounds around him.

If Liverpool are to come away from Old Trafford with three points then it is difficult to look past Suarez as their match winner. The Reds will have to ensure that he is provided adequate support though, as sometimes even he can't do it all on his own. On occasion, especially against the top teams Suarez has ploughed a lone furrow and become isolated, frustrated and ultimately less effective for Liverpool, and whoever is alongside him in Liverpool's attack at Old Trafford must help share the creative responsibilities. Conversely, van Persie can not only win games for United with his individual brilliance, he can rely on a higher and more consistent quality of service from his team mates and that is the main difference between the two sides right now. So will it be van Persie's serenity and lethal touch in front of goal that wins the day, or can Suarez's perpetual motion and beguiling skills damage United's title challenge? It should be fun finding out.

Suarez the Nefarious

Remember when Fonzie jumped the shark? Neither do I, I wasn't born either, but you know where I'm going. Anyway, a great many members of the British press did the equivalent of the Happy Days star yesterday. It started mere seconds after an incompetent refereeing decision allowed a goal to stand for Liverpool. Only, it wasn't a goal for Liverpool, it was a goal for him. He'd been too quiet for too long. All these goals, nutmegs, tricks and excitement that he had been serving up just wasn't cutting it. Who wants consistent effusive praise of his talent when you can denigrate his character, question his morality and ponder whether he is the most despicable person on the planet?

ESPN commentator Jon Champion got things moving. He actually went as far as to call a player a 'cheat' on national television. He then started the ball rolling on the ridiculous notion that Suarez had kissed his right wrist to gleefully rub in the fact that he had screwed minnows Mansfield. Champion even used the the word 'nefarious' for God's sake! NEFARIOUS! Twitter predictably went in to meltdown. Alex Ferguson probably found that his glass of red tasted that bit sweeter as he plotted his next bout of 'mind games' which will no doubt centre around Luis Suarez again this week. Outrage, vitriol and indignation seeped from the pores of that woman who married the Mansfield chairmen that ESPN gave actually gave a live interview to. Everyone regretted the fact that the little cheat from Uruguay had sullied the F.A Cup's good name and denied a deserving non-league team a lucrative replay at Anfield. Suarez was the bad guy again. Equilibrium was restored.

Then, late last night, the perverse levels of bullshit and spin found their nadir. I ventured over the the Independent's website to read James Lawton's take on the events that had unfolded and found quite possibly, the most ridiculous sentence that I've ever seen in a football article. Lawton, a man working for a national newspaper and being paid for it, actually wrote the following words:

'He looked sheepish enough not to repeat the claim of his fellow South American Diego Maradona that it was the work of God but you didn't have to be a supporter of Mansfield to believe that he had come off the bench with diabolical intent.'

Suddenly, John Champion's use of the word 'nefarious' was less impressive. Lawton tells us that Luis Suarez sat for an hour on the substitutes bench at Field Mill yesterday and then entered the pitch determined to commit a 'diabolical' act. He had this planned all along! He probably hit that first shot straight at the goalkeeper on purpose just so that he could handle the ball on the rebound! He probably even wielded a psychic power on the game that made Daniel Sturridge miss that great chance in the first half just so that his handled goal would be decisive. THAT'S HOW GOOD LUIS SUAREZ IS AT BEING BAD!

The infamous handball by Luis Suarez at Field Mill 

Fortunately, in the cold light of day, a great many people have put this whole charade into perspective. Mansfield's manager Paul Cox and his players refused condemn Suarez, they correctly bemoaned the incompetent officiating instead. People like Alan Hansen and Gordon Strachan and a great number of journalists who have not sought to follow the lazy path of their peers have also defended the actions of the Liverpool forward, and rightly so.

Yesterday was, as football often is, very cruel. Mansfield as a club did themselves proud on every level. Their gesture of leaving 96 seats with the names of those Liverpool fans lost at Hillsborough was touching. The atmosphere whipped up by their fans was enthralling. The class of their manager after the game was admirable and the performance of their players was fantastic. They deserved a replay yesterday and they didn't get one because professional referee Andre Marriner and his assistants made a shocking error. That should have been the narrative from the masses. A bad refereeing call cost a non league side their chance to play at Anfield and put Liverpool out of the F.A Cup.

As we know though, examining the real flaws in football only goes so far in this land. Why bemoan yet more incompetent officiating when a pantomime villain was at the eye of the storm? The ball hit his hand. He kicked it into the net. He didn't reverse the referee's decision. He kissed his daughter's name that he has tattooed on his wrist as he does after every goal. Actually, scratch that last one and replace it with this: He kissed the hand that he used to put Mansfield out of the F.A Cup just to irk Mansfield fans. He was a cheat and remains a cheat. He is a blight on our national game. He is Suarez the Nefarious.