Liverpool, Premier League

Liverpool’s excellent start to the season has ignited the Kop’s belief that the Premier League title could be arriving at Anfield for the first time in the clubs’ exalted history. Manager Rafael Benítez has assembled arguably the strongest squad in the country from all corners of Europe and beyond, and boasts a surfeit of options in all positions. Well, almost all positions.

The sad farewell of Liverpool legend Jerzy Dudek at the end of the season was accompanied by the release of England under-21 goalkeeper Scott Carson on a season-long loan to Aston Villa. This surprised many people close to the Merseyside club because Carson was seen as the natural successor to Dudek as back up for Pepe Reina, particularly after a string of fine performances for the under-21’s in the summer.

This could be a decision that the Liverpool manager may yet rue as the reserve ‘keeper department now looks threadbare at best. With the youngster David Martin, brought in from MK Dons, already loaned out to gain further first team experience, the reserve goalkeeping slot has been taken up by little known Frenchman Charles Itandje. The former French under-21 stopper is, like Reina, a penalty specialist, although how competent the summer signing from Lens proves to be against the best players in the world remains to be seen.

Chelsea’s title campaign was effectively ended with injuries to Cech and Cudicini - so Reina must keep fit if Liverpool are to challenge

Craig Gordon of Sunderland has started the season well with his new club but has stated how difficult it has been for him adjusting to the difference in quality after coming from an inferior league, as Itandje has. The notable difference being that Gordon cost the Mackems a reported £9m and has international first team experience, whereas Itandje has very little yet could be expected to step in and perform adeptly at a moment’s notice for a side battling for the Premier League title, not against relegation.

Although all is well with Liverpool’s first choice goalkeeper at present, it is a long, and always hard, season where knocks and niggles are picked up sporadically. Despite proving how well they can cope without their talismanic duo of Gerrard and Carragher in scoring ten goals and conceding none during their last two games, it will be a huge concern for Liverpool supporters should they lose Reina for any length of time.

Chelsea found similar difficulties last season and it could be said that untimely injuries to Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini cost them the title when third choice Enrique Hilario took over goalkeeping responsibilities and looked out of his depth. The same misfortune was experienced by Manchester United after Van Der Sar was involved in a clash of heads and broke his nose. The Dutch stopper appeared to suffer from a crisis of confidence thereafter, especially when coming for crosses, and it unsettled United’s defence, resulting in a poor run of results and elimination from the Champions League.

If Liverpool are to avoid a similar fate to Chelsea in their quest for the Holy Grail of a first Premier League title, they must hope that Reina enjoys an injury-free season and continues to perform to the high standards he has set over the last two seasons. Otherwise, a lack of cover between the posts could irreversibly damage their grand ambition.

Is Itandje adequate cover should Reina get injured? Share your views by leaving a comment below.

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