Premier League Preview: Liverpool

Last year was largely a season of transition for Liverpool. With the introduction of Brendan Rodgers at the start of the year, the season had few objectives other than a solid first season. This was achieved and, although Liverpool did not qualify for European football, a solid 7th place will provide a strong platform going into this season.

Off the back of the extremely successful January signing of Philipe Coutinho, Rodgers has again delved successfully into the depths of the transfer market, signing two attacking Spaniards, Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas. He also signed Kolo Toure, a player with a wealth of experience, on a free transfer and perhaps most impressively, Simon Mignolet, one of the League's best up-and-coming goalkeepers. The one bizarre transfer was the loan signing of loyal Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina to Napoli. With the signing of Mignolet it is understandable but it still seems an odd choice to alienate one of the more loyal Liverpool players.

After a largely successful pre-season, Rodgers will be looking to press on and target a spot in Europe next season. It will be tough but I think Liverpool will certainly be much closer to a European spot than they have been the last few seasons. The rest of Liverpool's summer will obviously revolve around the Luis Suarez transfer saga but I think Liverpool will improve regardless of whether he stays or goes, as they have enough quality in the squad.

Key Man: Steven Gerrard - The Liverpool veteran, despite being past his peak, is still pivotal to the Liverpool set-up. His leadership and influence as a Captain cannot be understated and he still has a wicked right foot. Moving into his sixteenth year at Liverpool he will be looking to win a trophy this season, after not winning one (League Cup in 2012 aside) for seven years.

One to Watch: Philippe Coutinho - The young playmaker was exceptional when bought by Rodgers in January and, at only 21, the Brazilian can only get better. He is a traditional Brazilian, with exceptional technique as well as supreme vision and an eye for goal. He has continued his form into pre-season and will certainly be one of the players of the season if he can keep it up.

Best Summer Signing: Iago Aspas - Although Mignolet is a fantastic signing it is the intriguing signing of Aspas that caught my attention. After scoring four goals in pre-season and with wantaway striker Luis Suarez half way out of the door at Liverpool, could the Spaniard be the man to replace him?

Last Season: 7th

Pre-Season Prediction: 6th - Liverpool to triumph over Everton but narrowly lose out to Tottenham and Arsenal.