Star Wars Episode VII answered a lot of questions for fans. We learned what has happened to our heroes Leia, Han and Luke (for the most part). We also learned the identity of Kylo Ren and about the fate of the Rebellion and Empire. Despite all the questions the latest installment answered, even more were raised. Questions include: who exactly is Rey (is she the daughter of Luke, Leia, or no one in particular), who is Snoke, what has happened to the Republic and the First Order (after losing so much at Starkiller), the list goes on.
It will be a couple years before we learn the answers to these questions, but I am going to make some predictions on what will be revealed in Episode VIII.
1. It was Kylo Ren who put Rey on Jakku.
It seems weird that parents would abandon a little girl on Jakku with a stranger who treats her like crap, unless it wasn't her parents who did it. Rey says that she is waiting for her "family" not her parents, which could mean that Kylo is her older brother. My theory is that Rey was shipped off to receive Jedi training like her brother. Ben struggled in his training and when it came easy to his little sister he became enraged and willing to do anything for more power. Snoke reached out to him and promised more power, if he followed him. Snoke's first order was to kill all of the jedi in training, which included his sister. Just as it shows in Rey's vision, Kylo and the Knights of Ren killed the padawans with Rey looking on. My theory is that Kylo couldn't bring himself to kill his sister, but couldn't go back to Snoke leaving her alive, so he took her and dropped her off on a random planet instead. Kylo becomes enraged when he learns that a girl from Jakku is with BB-8, very much more than the news that they got away. Kylo becomes just as angry when he learns that Rey has escaped her constraints on Starkiller. He also seems to know a bit about her power, saying that she will get stronger and stronger as she feels out her power. Kylo wants to train her, not kill her in their battle, which is another suggestion that there is a connection between the two. So why doesn't Rey seem to know him? This is hard to answer but it could have been that she has blocked out those painful memories from her mind, and she was quite young when she was dropped on Jakku.
2. Finn will not be trained as a Jedi, but as a pilot under Poe Dameron.
We want to see Luke rebuild the Jedi Order, but I don't think that is happening anytime soon, at least not in many numbers. I think Rey will be taught one on one with Luke. It is still uncertain if Finn is force sensitive at all, and even capable of becoming a Jedi. All Finn seems to want is to make up for what the First Order has done and so I'm sure he will continue to fight with the Resistance and his budding friendship with Poe will help him climb the ranks and acquire skills.
3. Poe Dameron will be killed, and Finn will step into his shoes.
I think that Poe is too perfect to keep around for the full trilogy and will probably be the next big character to bite the dust.
4. Kylo Ren will be much more powerful and dangerous.
Kylo is heading back to his master, Snoke to complete his training. Now that Kylo has killed his father he has given himself almost fully to the Dark Side and able to acquire more power because of it, like when Vader killed the younglings.
5. Snoke's identity will be revealed.
I believe there will be two big reveals in the next episode, first of Rey's Skywalker lineage and then that Snoke is indeed Darth Plagueis. In Episode III we learn about Darth Plagueis. We learn that he learned how to create life and prevent death, and then it is very heavily implied that Sidious is his apprentice. It is also said that his apprentice killed him in his sleep. Later Sidious tries to persuade Anakin to join him in order to save Padme saying that there has only been one that has cheated death but that they can figure it out together. This implies that Sidious knows that Plagueis is still alive, though obviously not revealing himself. My theory is that Plagueis knew that Sidious would kill him and so he created a life form powerful in the Force that could avenge him, that was Anakin. Anakin's mother said that she doesn't know how she became pregnant that she couldn't explain it. Anakin eventually killed Sidious, thus allowing Plagueis to come forth from the shadows and reclaim what was left of the Empire he helped Sidious create. Obviously Plagueis would be weak from nearly being killed by Sidious and carry scars from the attack. Snoke carries a large scar on his head that looks like a lightsaber cut. Even if this theory is incorrect I believe that Snoke's true identity will be revealed.
6. There will be less battles than in Episode VIII
Now that The Force Awakens has appeased fans by replicating much of the content from the original Star Wars they has created enough hype to get away with more dialogue and less action. Fans will be dying for answers that this movie didn't answer and I think most of them will be answered. I think this movie will include a lot of jedi training on both sides of the Force, Snoke and Kylo and Luke with Rey. Much like in Empire Strikes Back I think the training will halt when a new threat arises, this time probably between the First Order and the Republic directly.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Star Wars The Force Awakens: What I Believe Will Happen
My Microsoft Word is being stupid so I am writing this on my blog! I have done extensive research on this movie and I think I have a pretty good idea about what is going to be shown when the movie opens December 18. This is just speculation though and I could be totally wrong.
The movie will start as all Star Wars movies do, with a spaceship traveling towards a planet. The ship is a First Order shuttle travelling towards the desert planet Jakku along with some carriers. The ships lands outside of a settlement and a battle commences when Resistance fighters show up. The First Order is there looking for something under the leadership of Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma. The First Order wins the battle, torching the settlement and taking Resistance leader Poe Dameron captive for questioning. Poe's astromech droid, takes Luke's lightsaber and escapes into the desert in search of the person the First Order is looking for. The First Order leave the planet to their Star Destroyer above the planet. (Another possibility is that Luke is there at this battle and the First Order is unable to defeat them, so they decide to find his hidden daughter to convince him to join them).
Now we go to a different part of Jakku where Rey, Luke's secret daughter, is scavenging an old fallen Star Destroyer for parts. After a hard days work she begins heading for home when she encounters another scavenger who has just captured BB8. Rey threatens him until he gives her BB8, who says that he has come for her. The scavenger is part of a gang and says that she is going to pay for this. Rey and BB8 talk on their way home.
Back to the bad guys on the Star Destroyer and Kylo Ren is interrogating Poe to discover the location of the hidden thing. He tortures him until he tells him the location. Finn, the Stormtrooper escorting Poe back to his quarters, decides that he has seen enough evil and decides to quit the First Order and plots to save Poe. During this time General Hux, Kylo and Phasma discuss their next actions. Finn and Poe hijack ships and they get away but Finn's TIE fighter is shot down on Jakku. Finn ejects from the fighter in time to survive and walks a ways to the settlement that Rey lives in.
Rey is at the settlement trading some parts, probably for water and supplies when gang members show up and want to beat her up for taking BB8. Finn has just arrived at the settlement and is watching. Rey fights them and Finn helps her and they get away from them. Finn tells her that he is there to help her get away from the First Order, who are looking for her. Then the First Order show up, first with TIE fighters that try to shoot them up and they try to get to a speeder but that is blown up. Rey says she knows where to find a ship and pilot and they run and get Han and Chewie to help and then in the confusion of Stormtroopers attacking the settlement they escape in the Falcon, which was taken by the gang. Once again the Falcon's hyperdrive is damaged so Chewie and Han work on it while Rey flies and Finn mans the guns. They fly through the battle ruins and shoot down the TIE fighters and go into lightspeed.
While travelling through space the good guys have a chance to talk about things. Han says that all the stories in the original trilogy are all true. This is significant because those events are now not much more than myth or legend.
The good guys arrive at the forest planet of Takodana, at the hidden pirate castle owned by pirate queen Maz Kanata, a small alien that is good friends with Han. They are going there for refuge as well as answers about the location of the Resistance and more importantly Luke. It is here that Rey learns that Luke is her father. She is shocked and upset about hearing this and goes off into the woods to be alone with her thoughts. During this time the First Order shows up and attacks them. Maz has a traitor in her midst who leaked their location to them. The First Order destroys the castle and takes the good guys captive. When all seems lost Poe shows up with a squadron of X-wings and a big battle ensues. Finn uses Luke's lightsaber in the battle. Kylo Ren learns that Rey has fled to the forest and he goes after her. Rey fires a blaster at him but it is no use and he captures her and they flee the planet.
Poe leads Han and Finn to the planet D'Qar where the Resistance base is hidden, here Han and Leia reunite. During the battle the heroes learned about the First Orders' superweapon, the Starkiller Base. The discuss battle plans to attack the base and rescue Rey.
Kylo takes Rey to the base and they talk about their pasts. Kylo tries to convince Rey to join him and the Knights of Ren. She is taken to Supreme Leader Snoke. She resists them for now, but is confused about which path to take.
The Resistance leaves D'Qar for Starkiller to attack. The First Order hold a Nazi style rally to prepare for battle. Han and Finn land on the planet and go on the ground to get to where Rey is being held.
A huge battle ensues. The Resistance blows up the superweapon as they are preparing to use it against them.
During this time the heroes meet with Kylo and maybe Snoke. They break in and retrieve Rey and they use speeders to get away but Kylo chases them down. Kylo shoots down Han and Chewie and corners Rey and Finn. Finn fights Kylo and just as he is about to be defeated Luke shows up and uses the Force like a wizard to send Kylo fleeing for his life and they escape.
The movie will start as all Star Wars movies do, with a spaceship traveling towards a planet. The ship is a First Order shuttle travelling towards the desert planet Jakku along with some carriers. The ships lands outside of a settlement and a battle commences when Resistance fighters show up. The First Order is there looking for something under the leadership of Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma. The First Order wins the battle, torching the settlement and taking Resistance leader Poe Dameron captive for questioning. Poe's astromech droid, takes Luke's lightsaber and escapes into the desert in search of the person the First Order is looking for. The First Order leave the planet to their Star Destroyer above the planet. (Another possibility is that Luke is there at this battle and the First Order is unable to defeat them, so they decide to find his hidden daughter to convince him to join them).
Now we go to a different part of Jakku where Rey, Luke's secret daughter, is scavenging an old fallen Star Destroyer for parts. After a hard days work she begins heading for home when she encounters another scavenger who has just captured BB8. Rey threatens him until he gives her BB8, who says that he has come for her. The scavenger is part of a gang and says that she is going to pay for this. Rey and BB8 talk on their way home.
Back to the bad guys on the Star Destroyer and Kylo Ren is interrogating Poe to discover the location of the hidden thing. He tortures him until he tells him the location. Finn, the Stormtrooper escorting Poe back to his quarters, decides that he has seen enough evil and decides to quit the First Order and plots to save Poe. During this time General Hux, Kylo and Phasma discuss their next actions. Finn and Poe hijack ships and they get away but Finn's TIE fighter is shot down on Jakku. Finn ejects from the fighter in time to survive and walks a ways to the settlement that Rey lives in.
Rey is at the settlement trading some parts, probably for water and supplies when gang members show up and want to beat her up for taking BB8. Finn has just arrived at the settlement and is watching. Rey fights them and Finn helps her and they get away from them. Finn tells her that he is there to help her get away from the First Order, who are looking for her. Then the First Order show up, first with TIE fighters that try to shoot them up and they try to get to a speeder but that is blown up. Rey says she knows where to find a ship and pilot and they run and get Han and Chewie to help and then in the confusion of Stormtroopers attacking the settlement they escape in the Falcon, which was taken by the gang. Once again the Falcon's hyperdrive is damaged so Chewie and Han work on it while Rey flies and Finn mans the guns. They fly through the battle ruins and shoot down the TIE fighters and go into lightspeed.
While travelling through space the good guys have a chance to talk about things. Han says that all the stories in the original trilogy are all true. This is significant because those events are now not much more than myth or legend.
The good guys arrive at the forest planet of Takodana, at the hidden pirate castle owned by pirate queen Maz Kanata, a small alien that is good friends with Han. They are going there for refuge as well as answers about the location of the Resistance and more importantly Luke. It is here that Rey learns that Luke is her father. She is shocked and upset about hearing this and goes off into the woods to be alone with her thoughts. During this time the First Order shows up and attacks them. Maz has a traitor in her midst who leaked their location to them. The First Order destroys the castle and takes the good guys captive. When all seems lost Poe shows up with a squadron of X-wings and a big battle ensues. Finn uses Luke's lightsaber in the battle. Kylo Ren learns that Rey has fled to the forest and he goes after her. Rey fires a blaster at him but it is no use and he captures her and they flee the planet.
Poe leads Han and Finn to the planet D'Qar where the Resistance base is hidden, here Han and Leia reunite. During the battle the heroes learned about the First Orders' superweapon, the Starkiller Base. The discuss battle plans to attack the base and rescue Rey.
Kylo takes Rey to the base and they talk about their pasts. Kylo tries to convince Rey to join him and the Knights of Ren. She is taken to Supreme Leader Snoke. She resists them for now, but is confused about which path to take.
The Resistance leaves D'Qar for Starkiller to attack. The First Order hold a Nazi style rally to prepare for battle. Han and Finn land on the planet and go on the ground to get to where Rey is being held.
A huge battle ensues. The Resistance blows up the superweapon as they are preparing to use it against them.
During this time the heroes meet with Kylo and maybe Snoke. They break in and retrieve Rey and they use speeders to get away but Kylo chases them down. Kylo shoots down Han and Chewie and corners Rey and Finn. Finn fights Kylo and just as he is about to be defeated Luke shows up and uses the Force like a wizard to send Kylo fleeing for his life and they escape.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Friday, May 29, 2015
A Good Summer
It is pretty clear that Liverpool are not going to be spending the kind of money that they did last summer. Even if they don't break the bank there are plenty of good business that can be done. Here is a look at what I hope the squad will look like at the beginning of next season after they bring in a few signings. The most expensive signing would be a top striker, but Liverpool might decide against such a big investment and go with someone like Ings instead, which still wouldn't be the end of the world.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Clear out trouble
It is well known that Liverpool are looking to offload quite a large number of players during the summer due to too many poor performances this season. It looked as though Liverpool were looking to get rid of Brendan Rodgers and as many as a dozen players including: Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto, Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard, Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini, Sebastian Coates, Brad Jones, Jose Enrique, Kolo Toure, Raheem Sterling, Lazar Markovic, Joao Teixera, and maybe Lucas Leiva and Tiago Ilori. It appears that as the dust is beginning to settle that the owners are having a change of heart and are willing to give many of these players another chance. The most surprising that FSG are supposedly willing to give Rodgers another season despite an embarrassing campaign and having quality managers like Klopp and Ancelotti available to replace him. Another shock were contract renewals for Kolo Toure and Andre Wisdom. Rodgers has also made it clear that Liverpool don't plan on selling Raheem Sterling and expect him to see out his remaining 2 years of his contract. The last to mention was reported today when Balotelli's agent reiterated that his client will not be moving this summer.
The news that Balo will be staying (supposedly) another season is the most shocking since Liverpool are is such dire need of a proper replacement for Suarez and it is hard to see the owners sanctioning signing another expensive striker with big wage demands. It hasn't even been a week since the season ended and already it appears that it will be much harder for Liverpool to move unwanted players away. Players like Enrique, Alberto, Coates and Jones will likely find it hard to find permanent transfer suitors due to their lack of playing time recently. Most Liverpool fans were looking forget this season ever happened but now it appears as though fans will have to relive it as most of the under performers will be returning next season. This is not all bad though, it will definitely save a bit of face for the transfer committee by not getting rid of half of last summer's signings.
So how will the summer transfer plans be different now that we know that major changes in personnel won't be happening? For one don't expect a top striker to be signed. I expect Liverpool to get rid of Iago Aspas, Fabio Borini and/or Rickie Lambert. If they get rid of all of them then I could see them signing another striker of a similar caliber such as Danny Ings. The renewing of Andre Wisdom's contract and the fact that Javier Manquillo's 2 year loan spell hasn't been canceled is leading us to believe that Liverpool will not be signing a new right back as well. This is almost as worrying as not signing a new striker. Manquillo is average and Wisdom is not any better, though he might end up playing center back in a back three which might suit Wisdom better. With Gerrard leaving it is expected that Emre Can will be moving to his preferred position as a defending midfielder instead of center or right back. Despite this Gerrard leaves the midfield a bit shorthanded, especially in terms of top level experience. Lucas would be the one with the most experience but I think Can will edge him out for a place in the starting lineup which means that Henderson will have the most experience, which is a bit of a worry. Hopefully Liverpool end up signing James Milner on a free transfer to give the midfield some needed experience. Milner has mostly been employed as a winger but he has stated that he would prefer to play in a more central role like he did in his last year with Villa. The last thing worth mentioning is the potential departure of our top scorer and most promising young player Raheem Sterling. If Sterling is sold then I believe Liverpool will use most of the profits from his sale to get a replacement. I believe that this will be the area that Liverpool will improve on this summer. There are so many top wingers/attacking midfielders available that it will be easy to get another great one. My hope is a Sterling/Walcott swap but there are plenty others like Javier Pastore, Eduardo Salvio. James Milner, Alexandre Lacazette (yeah I know he is primarily a striker but he is fine in any attacking role), Denis Cheryshev, Andre Ayew, Arda Turan, Jeremy Menez, Pedro, Yannick Bolasie. That is not to mention all of the promising young wingers currently at the club including Adam Lallana, Jordan Ibe, Lazar Markovic, Jerome Sinclair, and Sheyi Ojo.
All of this is to say that the owners will probably not be making wholesale changes this summer. Its probably not the best thing to do, but this is the Liverpool we have to live with. Let's just hope that there are enough improvements made to the squad to make a difference, if only ever so slightly, so that we don't have to endure any painful season. #Klopp for Kop
The news that Balo will be staying (supposedly) another season is the most shocking since Liverpool are is such dire need of a proper replacement for Suarez and it is hard to see the owners sanctioning signing another expensive striker with big wage demands. It hasn't even been a week since the season ended and already it appears that it will be much harder for Liverpool to move unwanted players away. Players like Enrique, Alberto, Coates and Jones will likely find it hard to find permanent transfer suitors due to their lack of playing time recently. Most Liverpool fans were looking forget this season ever happened but now it appears as though fans will have to relive it as most of the under performers will be returning next season. This is not all bad though, it will definitely save a bit of face for the transfer committee by not getting rid of half of last summer's signings.
So how will the summer transfer plans be different now that we know that major changes in personnel won't be happening? For one don't expect a top striker to be signed. I expect Liverpool to get rid of Iago Aspas, Fabio Borini and/or Rickie Lambert. If they get rid of all of them then I could see them signing another striker of a similar caliber such as Danny Ings. The renewing of Andre Wisdom's contract and the fact that Javier Manquillo's 2 year loan spell hasn't been canceled is leading us to believe that Liverpool will not be signing a new right back as well. This is almost as worrying as not signing a new striker. Manquillo is average and Wisdom is not any better, though he might end up playing center back in a back three which might suit Wisdom better. With Gerrard leaving it is expected that Emre Can will be moving to his preferred position as a defending midfielder instead of center or right back. Despite this Gerrard leaves the midfield a bit shorthanded, especially in terms of top level experience. Lucas would be the one with the most experience but I think Can will edge him out for a place in the starting lineup which means that Henderson will have the most experience, which is a bit of a worry. Hopefully Liverpool end up signing James Milner on a free transfer to give the midfield some needed experience. Milner has mostly been employed as a winger but he has stated that he would prefer to play in a more central role like he did in his last year with Villa. The last thing worth mentioning is the potential departure of our top scorer and most promising young player Raheem Sterling. If Sterling is sold then I believe Liverpool will use most of the profits from his sale to get a replacement. I believe that this will be the area that Liverpool will improve on this summer. There are so many top wingers/attacking midfielders available that it will be easy to get another great one. My hope is a Sterling/Walcott swap but there are plenty others like Javier Pastore, Eduardo Salvio. James Milner, Alexandre Lacazette (yeah I know he is primarily a striker but he is fine in any attacking role), Denis Cheryshev, Andre Ayew, Arda Turan, Jeremy Menez, Pedro, Yannick Bolasie. That is not to mention all of the promising young wingers currently at the club including Adam Lallana, Jordan Ibe, Lazar Markovic, Jerome Sinclair, and Sheyi Ojo.
All of this is to say that the owners will probably not be making wholesale changes this summer. Its probably not the best thing to do, but this is the Liverpool we have to live with. Let's just hope that there are enough improvements made to the squad to make a difference, if only ever so slightly, so that we don't have to endure any painful season. #Klopp for Kop
Monday, May 18, 2015
Sterling silver
We were all hoping that Raheem Sterling would listen to the rest of the entire human population and accept a new contract at Liverpool. If recent reports are to be believed then we are all going to be disappointed because he is supposedly going to meet with Rodgers to ask to be sold this summer. Like many fans I would be sad to see Sterling leave but let's be honest, he hasn't exactly endeared himself to fans recently with things he's said in the media. Sterling leaving would be a blow to Liverpool's ego more than anything because I believe we have good cover in his position, and the fee for his transfer would be more than sufficient to bring in someone who could be ever better for us.
If Sterling is sold this summer he will command a fee probably between 30m-40m pounds. The owners would have undoubtedly put aside a considerable amount already as they need a new, top striker and strengthening in other areas, and they are going to be selling plenty of fringe players like Borini and Aspas as well. This money, added to Sterling's fee, will provide plenty of cash to sign some serious talent. So with this serious cash, who should Liverpool be looking to sign?
Sterling's replacement
Liverpool have quite a few wingers in their ranks already: Lallana, Markovic, Ibe, Sinclair and even Coutinho who can take Sterling's place in the starting lineup. That said I think Liverpool need to do better and there have been plenty of wingers linked with a move. Here are a few players that have been linked.
James Milner
The Manchester City midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool. Reports say that a lack of Champions League may be a hindrance for a move but I don't think it will effect his decision too much. Milner does not set the world alight but he still has been one of the most consistent players in the EPL over the past few years. He is hardworking and a true jack of all trades, able to play winger, center midfielder, fullback, wingback and has even played as striker occasionally for Manchester City. Liverpool have a very young squad, especially in the wing area, and so to have a seasoned veteran like Milner playing for us would be a huge positive. Add the fact that that he wouldn't cost a thing to sign and it seems like a no brainer.
Javier Pastore
The 25 year old Argentinian has enjoyed a good season at PSG after a somewhat indifferent first couple years in Paris. I have said this before but I believe that Pastore is one of the best players in the world, on his good days as he can be somewhat inconsistent but at others unplayable. I saw him play during a preseason friendly versus Chelsea almost three years ago and I thought he was the best on the pitch and probably the best I've ever seen play. He sets up his teammates in ways others would never envision and his ball control is unbelievable. The downside to his play is he is not the best at tracking back on defense. PSG are also not short in the wing area and so Pastore leaving wouldn't be the end of the world for them. He probably wouldn't be too expensive, probably between 15m-25m.
Andre Ayew
The young Ghanaian winger is out of contract at Marseilles at the end of the season and has said that he will probably be moving. Ayew has said that he is a big fan of the English Premier League and specifically Liverpool. Ayew has done a decent job for Marseilles and Ghana, having a good showing for his country at the World Cup. He would be an upgrade maybe for Sinclair, Ibe and maybe Markovic but to be honest, he's not a whole lot better than them. His signing would be free so it wouldn't be much of a risk to sign him. I think Ayew would be a good signing, but Liverpool can do better and is probably a plan B.
Denis Cheryshev
It has been a while since reports came out linking the young Russian with a move to Anfield. He has enjoyed a fruitful spell on loan at Villareal from Real Madrid but probably still has some developing to do before he can be considered a top player. I doubt that Real Madrid will be too worried about the Russian's possible transfer as they have so many top wingers like Ronaldo and Bale. He wouldn't cost too much, probably around the 15m pound range and would probably be another plan B, but it seems like Liverpool have had to sign all their plan B's recently.
Yannick Bolasie
It is probably just typical transfer speculation from the media that has linked the pacy Congonese winger with a move to Anfield. In recent years Liverpool have made a habit of signing players that have played exceptionally well against them like Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, and others. If that trend continues then it is likely that Liverpool will sign Bolasie as he tore them apart during Crystal Palace's game against Liverpool last weekend. His pace is electrifying and his play is anything but predictable, as the commentators said in the last match, even he doesn't know what he's going to do next. I expect Bolasie to sign a new deal with Palace this summer but you never know. He wouldn't be cheap either, probably in the 20m pound range. Liverpool fans definitely wouldn't be very excited about the signing of Bolasie, but he might be good at Liverpool, but we probably won't ever find out.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Steven's Farewell
I just watched Steven Gerrard's farewell speech following his last home game for Liverpool again and it really hit me. The reason I became a Liverpool fan was because of the 2005 Champions League Final, because Gerrard and co. showed heart as they fought their way back for the victory. As I became more familiar with Liverpool I realized how fortunate the club was to have a player like Steven Gerrard. He was a local lad who came through the ranks and now captained the team by example.
I've had some good influences in my life but to me Steven Gerrard was my true idol. I tried to play like him, live like him, even look like him. One of the best compliments I ever received was when I was in London in a JD Sports and my friends little brother said I looked just like Steven Gerrard, who was on a poster. Side note, I was told I look like Adam Lallana by my sister in law last week, another player I style after, another great compliment.
I am a Liverpool fan because of Steven Gerrard. I can't believe that he is leaving. I do not argue that he is making a mistake by leaving, I believe he has made the right decision, but it is still hard to accept. The era of the local lads, Gerrard and Carragher, has come to an end. Liverpool are now headed into uncharted territory and everyone will be asking, how will Liverpool cope?
There will only be one local lad in the first team squad next season, Jon Flanagan, who, due to injury has found himself on the periphery and may never feature heavily for the club. There are a few promising youngsters in the youth ranks from Liverpool like Jordan Rossiter but it will be a while before we may see any of them in the starting lineup. So the question is, will Liverpool be the same without a local heart in the dressing room? I certainly believe that it can, Liverpool just need to bring in the right kind of players.
Liverpool FC may not be as good as they once were but the passion is still there, especially in the fans. Rodgers and the owners need to ensure that the passion is not diminished by Gerrard's departure by signing players that realize how lucky they are to play in front of the Kop. A lack of Champions League will make things more difficult but it is certainly possible. I look at players like Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Martin Skrtel as players that love the club and will fight to the end for it. They were all signed when Liverpool could not offer Champions League football.
There are way too many players rumored with a move to Liverpool and it will only get crazier after the season ends and football reporters will have little else to write about other than transfer speculation. There are only a few positions that really need true strengthening during the off season, a right back would be nice but a top striker is a must as it appears that Sturridge may never be fit. A center midfielder may also be added with Gerrard departing but I do not believe that Liverpool need an out and out replacement as Emre Can can step into that role if a center back is signed (or a loaned player like Coates, Ilori or Wisdom is promoted). Brad Jones has said his goodbyes to fans and so it appears that Liverpool are in the market for a new goalkeeper, although probably an understudy to Mignolet due to the Beligan's much improved form this year.
I will waste may hours myself going on and on about transfer rumors this summer and praying to God that Liverpool will sign top players. One thing that I hope most of all is that these players are fans of Liverpool, that they would choose us over others (screw Depay), and that they realize that they have big shoes to fill next season. One thing is for sure, it will be different next season, and I can't wait to see what happens. In the meantime I will be catching a few MLS games with my local team Real Salt Lake, who will be entertaining Gerrard's new team, LA Galaxy, in July. I saw Gerrard play only once before in a friendly against Tottenham in Baltimore, and I can't wait to see him again.
I've had some good influences in my life but to me Steven Gerrard was my true idol. I tried to play like him, live like him, even look like him. One of the best compliments I ever received was when I was in London in a JD Sports and my friends little brother said I looked just like Steven Gerrard, who was on a poster. Side note, I was told I look like Adam Lallana by my sister in law last week, another player I style after, another great compliment.
I am a Liverpool fan because of Steven Gerrard. I can't believe that he is leaving. I do not argue that he is making a mistake by leaving, I believe he has made the right decision, but it is still hard to accept. The era of the local lads, Gerrard and Carragher, has come to an end. Liverpool are now headed into uncharted territory and everyone will be asking, how will Liverpool cope?
There will only be one local lad in the first team squad next season, Jon Flanagan, who, due to injury has found himself on the periphery and may never feature heavily for the club. There are a few promising youngsters in the youth ranks from Liverpool like Jordan Rossiter but it will be a while before we may see any of them in the starting lineup. So the question is, will Liverpool be the same without a local heart in the dressing room? I certainly believe that it can, Liverpool just need to bring in the right kind of players.
Liverpool FC may not be as good as they once were but the passion is still there, especially in the fans. Rodgers and the owners need to ensure that the passion is not diminished by Gerrard's departure by signing players that realize how lucky they are to play in front of the Kop. A lack of Champions League will make things more difficult but it is certainly possible. I look at players like Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Martin Skrtel as players that love the club and will fight to the end for it. They were all signed when Liverpool could not offer Champions League football.
There are way too many players rumored with a move to Liverpool and it will only get crazier after the season ends and football reporters will have little else to write about other than transfer speculation. There are only a few positions that really need true strengthening during the off season, a right back would be nice but a top striker is a must as it appears that Sturridge may never be fit. A center midfielder may also be added with Gerrard departing but I do not believe that Liverpool need an out and out replacement as Emre Can can step into that role if a center back is signed (or a loaned player like Coates, Ilori or Wisdom is promoted). Brad Jones has said his goodbyes to fans and so it appears that Liverpool are in the market for a new goalkeeper, although probably an understudy to Mignolet due to the Beligan's much improved form this year.
I will waste may hours myself going on and on about transfer rumors this summer and praying to God that Liverpool will sign top players. One thing that I hope most of all is that these players are fans of Liverpool, that they would choose us over others (screw Depay), and that they realize that they have big shoes to fill next season. One thing is for sure, it will be different next season, and I can't wait to see what happens. In the meantime I will be catching a few MLS games with my local team Real Salt Lake, who will be entertaining Gerrard's new team, LA Galaxy, in July. I saw Gerrard play only once before in a friendly against Tottenham in Baltimore, and I can't wait to see him again.
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