Liverpool's 2014 Squad: Where Are They Now?

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Ah, the 2013-2014 Liverpool squad! A team that came so close to ending the Premier League title drought, a team filled with exhilarating attacking football and some unforgettable moments. It feels like ages ago, doesn't it? So, what happened to those players who almost etched their names into Anfield folklore? Let's take a trip down memory lane and see where the key members of that thrilling squad are now.

The Stars of the Season

Luis Suarez

Let's start with Luis Suarez, the talisman. I mean, what a season he had! Suarez was an absolute force of nature, scoring goals for fun and terrifying defenders week in and week out. After almost firing Liverpool to the title, he made the move to Barcelona in the summer of 2014. At Barcelona, he formed the famous 'MSN' trio with Lionel Messi and Neymar, winning numerous trophies, including the Champions League. After his successful stint in Barcelona, Suarez played for Atletico Madrid and then returned to his boyhood club Nacional in Uruguay. Currently, he's showcasing his talents for Inter Miami in the MLS, continuing to find the net and proving that age is just a number. The guy's still got it!

Steven Gerrard

Then there's Steven Gerrard, the legendary captain. Stevie G was the heart and soul of Liverpool for so many years, and that season was no different. His leadership, passion, and those crucial goals from midfield were vital to Liverpool's title challenge. After leaving Liverpool in 2015, Gerrard spent a season with LA Galaxy in the MLS before hanging up his boots. He quickly transitioned into coaching, starting at the Liverpool Academy before taking the managerial role at Rangers. He led Rangers to an undefeated Scottish Premiership title in 2021, ending Celtic's dominance. After Rangers, he had a spell at Aston Villa and is now managing Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. Truly a Liverpool legend through and through!

Daniel Sturridge

Let's not forget Daniel Sturridge. When fit, Sturridge was a lethal striker, and his partnership with Suarez was a joy to watch. His goals were often spectacular, and his dance moves were, well, unique! Injuries hampered his time at Liverpool, and he eventually moved on in 2019. Since leaving Anfield, Sturridge has played for Trabzonspor in Turkey and Perth Glory in Australia. He's currently a free agent, but hopefully, we'll see him back on the pitch soon. He had so much talent!

The Supporting Cast

Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling was a young, exciting winger back then, full of pace and trickery. He played a significant role in Liverpool's attacking prowess that season. After a controversial move to Manchester City in 2015, Sterling developed into one of the Premier League's top players. He won multiple titles with City before joining Chelsea in 2022. He continues to be a key player for both club and country, with his best years possibly still ahead.

Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho, the 'Little Magician,' brought creativity and flair to the midfield. His long-range goals were a thing of beauty. He left Liverpool for Barcelona in 2018, but his time at the Camp Nou didn't quite live up to expectations. After loan spells at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, he made a permanent move to Aston Villa. Now, he's playing for Al-Duhail in Qatar on loan. We all remember those curlers into the top corner!

Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson, now a seasoned pro, was a key part of Liverpool's midfield. His energy and work rate were vital to the team's balance. After Gerrard's departure, Henderson took over the captaincy and led Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League glory under Jurgen Klopp. He recently moved to Al-Ettifaq, joining his former teammate Steven Gerrard. A true leader and a fantastic servant to Liverpool.

Simon Mignolet

In goal, Simon Mignolet was the man between the sticks. While he had his critics, he was a reliable presence in the Liverpool goal. After losing his place to Alisson Becker, Mignolet returned to his native Belgium, joining Club Brugge. He's been a consistent performer for Brugge, winning league titles and continuing to showcase his shot-stopping abilities.

Martin Skrtel

At the back, Martin Skrtel was a no-nonsense defender. He was tough, aggressive, and gave his all for the team. After leaving Liverpool in 2016, Skrtel played for Fenerbahce, Atalanta, and İstanbul Başakşehir. He retired from professional football in 2022 after a short spell with Spartak Trnava. A true warrior on the pitch!

Other Notable Players

  • Glen Johnson: The right-back continued his career with Stoke City before retiring. He's now a pundit and often shares his insights on the game.
  • Mamadou Sakho: The French defender had a controversial time at Liverpool before moving to Crystal Palace. He's currently playing for Montpellier in France.
  • Joe Allen: The Welsh midfielder, known for his passing and composure, played for Stoke City and Swansea City. He's now back at his boyhood club, Swansea.
  • Lucas Leiva: A true cult hero at Anfield, Lucas provided defensive stability in midfield. After leaving Liverpool, he played for Lazio before returning to Gremio in Brazil. He retired from football in 2023 due to a heart condition, a sad end to a great career.
  • Aly Cissokho: The left-back had a brief loan spell at Liverpool. He continued his career with various clubs, including Aston Villa and Olympiacos.
  • Victor Moses: The winger, on loan from Chelsea, provided width and pace. He went on to have a successful career, including a spell at Inter Milan.
  • Iago Aspas: The Spanish striker, while not a success at Liverpool, rediscovered his form at Celta Vigo, becoming a club legend.

The Manager: Brendan Rodgers

Let's not forget the man who brought them all together: Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers' attacking philosophy transformed Liverpool into one of the most exciting teams in Europe. After being sacked by Liverpool in 2015, he joined Celtic, where he won numerous trophies. He then returned to the Premier League with Leicester City, leading them to their first-ever FA Cup triumph. Currently, he is back managing Celtic, aiming to continue his success in Scotland.

What Could Have Been?

The 2013-2014 Liverpool squad was a special one. They played with passion, flair, and a never-say-die attitude. While they ultimately fell short of winning the title, they provided fans with memories that will last a lifetime. It's fascinating to see where these players are now, and it's a reminder of just how quickly time flies in football. Who knows what could have happened if they had just held on that season? It remains one of football's great 'what ifs.'

So, there you have it, guys! A look back at Liverpool's 2014 squad and where they are now. It's always fun to reminisce about those thrilling days at Anfield. Until next time!