Lionel Messi; the walking PR machine, an advertising board that runs, a brand that talks. And Steven Gerrard is the latest to be used in further heightening Lionel’s already God-like reputation.
Six things that show it is Liverpool’s title to lose
Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp is a god among men, and that's just a fact. The German saviour has transformed this Liverpool side into a team capable of going all the way, and his charisma that goes alongside it has brought joy to the masses at Anfield. This man is the catalyst. Period. Source: Twitter
Philippe Coutinho
Yes he's small, yes he has his off moments - but when Coutinho is on form he makes everyone else look like Homer Simpson on a treadmill. So, he's small, who gives a flying fuck. His agility, finishing and all-round contribution makes the Brazilian vital to this title push. Source: Twitter
No Pressure
This is not supposed to be Liverpool's year at all; Manchester City and Chelsea appeared to be well on track to smash through the rest of the league like bulls in a china shop, but that's not how things work in the most competitive league in the world. Relax, have a cup of tea, then storm this thing. Source: Twitter
Confidence
Liverpool Football Club have suddenly grown Godzilla-sized bollocks in the last few weeks, with a series of morale boosting results giving them that aura of self belief and confidence. They just need to keep riding that glorious wave of momentum all the way through to May. Easier said than done, but still. Source: Twitter
Strength in Depth
Couts, Firmino, Mane and Lallana - what more could you want you greedy bastards. Oh yeah, the likes of Sturridge, Origi and Wijnaldum on the bench and more. There's no end to the talent on this squad and it's not going away any time soon. Anfield is stocked up to the brim, folks. Source: Twitter
No Europe
No midweek trips to the middle of nowhere in mainland Russia, no long journeys back from some shit hole in Bulgaria - nothing. There is no European competition for Liverpool to fail in spectacularly this year, so logically speaking they have one up on the rest of their competitors. Well, shit, apart from Chelsea. Source: Twitter
Barcelona’s superstar had the following to say after Liverpool legend, Gerrard, announced he was hanging up his boots before anymore slip-ups:
“Personally, I think Gerrard is England’s greatest player ever”
Lionel Messi
This happens all the time. All. The. Bloody. Time. Prepped statements, propaganda, self-rewarding comments and insincere platitudes are thrown about when a high profile icon retires.
At least players like Anderson and El Hadji Diouf have the courage of their convictions and stand by their opinions (no matter how deluded they’re; yeah, Anderson, we’re looking at you).
If it were Frank Lampard, and not Gerrard, who had announced his retirement first, then Lionel Messi would’ve trotted out a similar comment on the Manchester City legend and former Chelsea player. However, if the Argentine international were to say such comments, they’d at least have a bit more weight to them, given how much more Messi saw of Lampard.
Gerrard, no doubt, will down the line, probably during a drab BT Sport punditry appearance, throw out lines such as:
“I saw what Lionel said. Obviously that’s a great honour, for me; to be mentioned like that, by the best ever footballer.”
Stevie Me
It’s all a bit uncomfortable for Gerrard; he doesn’t need Messi’s insincere comments to justify his career. And Messi doesn’t need to churn out the ‘required’ sentiments.
Can’t wait for Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments when Gareth Barry, a player with 100+ more Premier League appearances than Gerrard, retires.
14 of the most pathetic Premier League debut seasons
Afonso Alves
Ugh. We were all so excited to see a fella come over to the Prem who was billed as the next van Nistelrooy, especially after he smashed in 45 goals for Heerenveen in just 39 games. But no; just no. Afonso Alves was absolutely shocking and the less said about him, the better. Get in the bin. Image Source: Twitter
Mario Balotelli
Whilst Mario did a relatively solid job during his turbulent time at Manchester City, his tenure at Liverpool was nothing short of abysmal. He resembled a drunk version of Emile Heskey during his time at Anfield. Image Source: Twitter
Andy Carroll
Andy Carroll went from untouchable to useless donkey in the space of a few months, and that is quite the impressive feat. Image Source: Twitter
Memphis Depay
Newsflash to Memphis - the odd good game in the Europa League against part-timers and builders doesn't make you a superstar. Image Source: Twitter
Angel Di Maria
Angel started his United career how everyone thought he would - on fire. Unfortunately that dwindled out quicker than you could say 'flop', and he couldn't get away from Old Trafford quick enough. Image Source: Twitter
Radamel Falcao
This fella came to England as one of the most feared strikers across Europe. There was nothing he couldn't do, however, we soon learned what he could do was fail miserably in the best league in the world. His hefty wages were not justified and he waddled away from his debut season a shell of his former self. Shame. Image Source: Twitter
Diego Forlan
What an absolute car crash. Diego Forlan was seen as a saviour for Manchester United but that couldn't have been further from the case. His first of two years at Old Trafford was painfully bad, and Fergie will forever be wondering just what it was that led to him not creating the form he eventually did in Spain. Image Source: Twitter
Gervinho
What a forehead. Now, with that out of the way, Gervinho was poor. The Ivory Coast forward gained alot of critics in his short stay at the Emirates, with many continually lambasting him for poor performances week in and week out. So much was expected, and so very little was actually delivered. Image Source: Twitter
Patrick Kluivert
Some may have forgotten that the great Patrick Kluivert once performed on the grand stage of the Premier League, and it's pretty understandable. The former Barca star's one-year at St James' Park ended with six goals, before he tucked his tail between his legs and went running away from the England as fast as he could. Image Source: Twitter
Claudio Pizarro
Pitiful is the only real word that can be used to describe Claudio Pizarro. The Peruvian netted just twice for the Blues after so much was expected of him in England. The bloke was potentially one of the biggest disappointments in Premier League history, and that's saying something considering the vast competition in that department. Image Source: Twitter
Bryan Ruiz
Bryan Ruiz had that Samaras feel about him, in the sense that he seemed forever destined to fail. The Costa Rican just seemed lost during his time at Fulham and for whatever reason, everything he did outside of the Premier League was not replicated in the English top flight. A shame considering his actual talent. Image Source: Twitter
Mohamed Salah
Some how, some way, Chelsea made a profit on this bloke. Image Source: Twitter
Roque Santa Cruz
Four goals in 24 appearances for Manchester City after a 20-goal season for Blackburn is, to be honest, quite funny. Image Source: Twitter
Juan Sebastian Veron
The man who United fans love to despise - Juan Sebastian Veron. There were very high expectations for the midfielder upon his arrival at Old Trafford, and to say he didn't live up to them would be a drastic understatement. He looked more like a bald Dr Cortex than an actual professional footballer. Image Source: Twitter
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