Just how bad was Liverpool’s transfer activity this summer? And how good was Everton’s?

On the field it has been a contrasting season thus far for the two teams on Merseyside. Everton boast an all but unblemished record with wins against Manchester United, Aston Villa and Leyton Orient, whereas Liverpool, despite an impressive draw against Manchester City, stuttered past Hearts in the Europa League and have been well beaten by West Brom and Arsenal. This apparent contrast in fortunes has also been evident the transfer market with Everton boss David Moyes receiving plenty plaudits for some shrewd deals whereas Brendan Rodgers, has come in for criticism from the press and fans alike. However, to polarise the two teams success (or lack of) in the transfer window like this is somewhat simplifying the issue.

First of all there can be absolutely no doubt that Brendan Rogers has come in to Liverpool with a determination to stamp his own style on the football club. In order to do this he has bravely pulled no punches in getting rid of players who do not fit the Roger’s bill. For instance, he made no secret that Andy Carroll would be allowed to leave, which he did by joining West Ham and players like Charlie Adam, Maxi Rodriquez, Craig Bellamy and Jay Spearing followed suit. Combined, these players averaged around 25 league appearances last season, a figure that would have been more had Maxi not been sidelined with injury quite so much.

If these departures don’t scream ‘transition period’ then I don’t no what does. However, getting rid of these first team players is only half the job, in order to fully make his mark Rogers of course had to find adequate replacements. Joe Allen and Fabio Borini, represented the tried and tested for Rogers and where thus no brainers, indeed Allen has proved a success putting in a string of top class performances. The only other major signing for the Anfield faithful to get excited about was Nuhri Sahin, who looks likley to add to add some well needed grit in the heart of the Liverpool midfield.

All in all, the main criticism that can be levelled at Rogers is that he simply did not bring enough players in, leaving him a player or two light in certain positions, especially upfront. Yet he has shown intent to do things his own way and thus should be allowed at least two or three more transfer windows to finish the job off. Whether he will be allowed this in a success hungry club and a modern game that permanently demands a ‘quick fix’ is far from given.

Unlike Rodgers, David Moyes had no need to prove himself this summer after working wonders in the transfer market  for all of ten years. If the truth be told this summer was about consolidation for Everton as they made several key signings in January; most notably the loaning of Steven Pienaar and the permanent transfers of Daron Gibson and Nikicia Jelavic. This consolidation came in the form of Belgian ace Kevin Mirallas, Jelavics’ old striking partner Steven Naismith and highly rated Costa Rican Brian Oviedo. Everton currently have as strong a squad as they have ever had under Moyes and critics of Rodgers may wish to realise that this has a taken TWO good transfer windows!

Arguably more important than the players bought has been the players sold. It is no secret that Everton had to sell in order to buy and in reality only three players: Baines, Fellaini and Rodwell, could have been sold for decent money. Allowing Rodwell to leave was a tactically astute since not only are the other two all but irreplacable (without breaking the bank) Rodwell has been injury prone and inconsistent for the last two seasons. The other major departure, Tim Cahill, has also proven to be a blessing in disguise, because Fellaini has now been give a more attacking role, which he has thoroughly enjoyed running rout against United and Villa.

Everton have bought well and sold well, yet Moyes is now faced with a new problem of making sure all his players remain happy, despite fierce competition for places. This is already evident in the centre back area where Johnny Heitinga, a world cup runner up no less, has fallen behind Jagielka and Distin in the pecking order. Brian Ovideo also faces a tough challenge to make the first team, with Baines and Pienaar occupying the left back and left wing spots and new boys Naismith and Mirallas may be wondering just how they are going to compete with Jelavic for a place upfront.

As the old saying goes, ”the proof is in the pudding.’ Lets just wait and see how the next 6 – 12 months pan out before we make any judgements on this transfer window!

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