The Liverpool FC Women have quite a bit of momentum heading into the summer. The squad capped off an impressive run to finish fourth in the WSL, beating out a Manchester United side with European aspirations. To top it all off, the club announced that the LFC Women will be moving to a more modern stadium next season on a 10 year deal to go along with moving into a permanent top-flight training facility last summer.
The training facility and stadium should make for great recruitment tools as Matt Beard and Co turn their attention now to building the squad for next season. At lot of work was done last year to revamp the squad with a younger core. While there may still be a few wrinkles, the club has announced that only four players would not be returning next year to this point. Of those players, only Emma Koivisto was a regular starter over the past year. Let’s take a look at the squad as it stands and what the big needs are for next season.
Goalkeeper
Currently on the roster (3): Rachael Laws, Teagan Micah, Faye Kirby
Analysis: Teagan Micah was one of the signings last year many fans were most excited about. The Australian was expected to take over the starting gloves from incumbent Rachael Laws. While Micah did have some bright moments, she never fully nailed down the spot due to performance and injury. Laws, for her part, continued to be a steady presence in net. The third keeper on the roster is Faye Kirby. The young shot stopper tore her ACL last fall while on loan.
Needs: Unless Kirby is headed on loan again, don’t expect any incoming players in net.
Defense
Currently on the roster (7): Grace Fisk, Niamh Fahey, Jasmine Matthews, Taylor Hinds, Jenna Clark, Gemma Bonner, Lucy Parry
Analysis: With Emma Koivisto leaving the club, Liverpool will certainly be in the market for a dynamic right back/right wing back. Lucy Parry currently serves as depth at the position, but the young Scouser may not have the speed to be a long term solution and would not be an immediate impact player. The center of defense seems to be set with Grace Fisk, Jenna Clark, and Gemma Bonner as the core. Bonner, Niamh Fahey, and Jasmine Matthews are all over 30, with Fahey turning 37 in October. Local product Hannah Silco*ck impressed on loan last season and could be included as a younger rotational player in central defense. Taylor Hinds has been a mainstay for several seasons now, though she did miss a chunk of time with an injury last season.
Needs: Expect a dynamic right back to be signed to provide service to Sophie Roman Haug. A young versatile depth player is not out of the question, but not an immediate need.
Midfield
Currently on roster (5): Missy Bo Kearns, f*cka Nagano, Marie Höbinger, Sofie Lundgaard, Ceri Holland
Analysis: Matt Beard has a tried and true starting three of f*cka Nagano, Marie Höbinger, and Ceri Holland. Missy Bo Kearns is a very strong player off the bench. With Miri Taylor moving on and Sofie Lungaard returning from injury, there is a question of depth at the holding midfield role. Zara Shaw is an exciting young talent who made her debut in the last match of the season after returning from an ACL injury and could be a rotational player next season.
Needs: No big needs, likely one or two depth signings.
Attack
Currently on roster (4): Leanne Kiernan, Sophie Roman Haug, Mia Enderby, Yana Daniels
Analysis: Sophie Roman Haug was the big signing last summer, and the Norwegian striker proved to be a threat in front of goal. Leanne Kiernan missed significant time through injury for the second season in a row, but proved how much of a game changer she can be as she got healthy at the end of the season. Mia Enderby is young but is an electric talent. She earned significant minutes to close out the season, and is a player to build around for the future. Yana Daniels is grouped with the forwards, but the veteran player is used as a utility player all over the pitch and is not known for her ability to put the ball in the net. With Shanice van de Sanden and Melissa Lawley departing, the attack is definitely light on depth.
Needs: Likely two players are needed this summer to fill out the roster. Liverpool could use a more dynamic playmaker with the ability to take on players and provide service, especially from a wider position. A physical box player as depth for Sophie Roman Haug would be another likely signing.
Final Assessment
Liverpool have put themselves in a good spot where they can focus on one or two necessities, and be opportunistic strengthening as the opportunities arise. Right back and striker are the two areas that will likely be the areas of focus this summer, with 3-5 incoming players likely over all.
Now that we’ve had our say, what are your thoughts on the current roster? Let us know in the comments the areas you’d like to see strengthened.
