The New Boys

Liverpool's signings this year have been nothing but a success in pre-season matches so far. The goals are pouring in and it looks to end the goal drought we seem to experience every year that keeps us out of title contention. But this year something feels different.

Lets look at the signings of the summer.

First and formost we sealed deals for the cornerstones of the club. Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, Steve Finnan and Pepe Reina have all signed extensions to their contracts. The financial strength of the new owners has allowed for these contracts to be done.

The biggest signing of the summer has been Fernando Torres, for Liverpool, and in Europe in general. This kid has it all, strength on the ball and on the marker, great pace, and great anticipation. He can make great runs and is a clinical finisher. A great addition that promises more goals over the year.

The next signing on the list would be Ryan Babel, the Dutch Under 21 international that shined throughout Hollands Under-21 conquest earlier this summer. This kid is a prodigy, a product of Ajax he has great pace and is another great finisher.

The sleeper signing of the summer has to be Andriy Voronin. A great pickup by Benitez. Strong, physically imposing, this Ukrainian has a hunger for the goal, and is a great finisher both on his feet and in the air. Has already made his mark this pre-season scoring a few goals. Also he cost nothing to buy, as it was a free transfer. Great move by Liverpool.

The "iffy" signing this year goes to Israeli international Yossi Benayoun. The former West Ham man is a good midfielder, but where he exactly fits in an already start studded midfield I do not know. He has great vision and is decent on the ball, I'm sure Benitez has some sort of plan for him, we will just have to wait and see.

As for potential targets to come, Gabriel Heinze's name has come up. A great defender that would bolster the Liverpool rearguard. The Argentinean International would improve an already solid back four and would offer a great offensive presence.

This year seems to be a little different, the addition of high class names and the retention of the core of the team has illustrated the American owners will to win and will to succeed against the likes of Manchester United. We are very close and I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't have the title next spring. If not this year, then next.