Bought from Juventus for £4.5m, Roy Hodgson has tracked the progress of 30-year-old Christian Poulsen ever since he helped him win the Danish domestic title with Copenhagen 10 years ago.

A hard-working and combative midfield player, Poulsen's stock has risen considerably as his career has progressed – although his spell at Turin side Juventus has seen his reputation slightly tinted. The Dane has also never been shy of controversy with his aggressive streak landing him in trouble on a number of occasions.

Poulsen began his life as a footballer with Danish amateur side Holbæk. After a three-year spell with the club and becoming the team captain, Poulsen was offered a trial by Hodgson's Copenhagen.

Hodgson was so impressed that after just a couple of days he demanded the board secure Poulsen's signature immediately. Aiding the club to the 2000/01 league title, Poulsen's impact was soon recognised on the international stage, receiving his first call-up in November 2001.

Poulsen would spend one more season in his homeland before generating interest from some of Europe's most prestigious clubs. The midfielder left Copenhagen with an impressive goal tally of 10 from 45 appearances, but it was his tough tackling that was to catch the eye at his next club, Schalke04.

Off the back of the 2002 World Cup, Poulsen arrived in Germany for €7m, a record sale for a Danish club. Despite initially starting off as a right-back for his new side, Poulsen impressed sufficiently to work his way to the centre of the pitch. It was during his four-year stint at Schalke04 where Poulsen collected the Danish Player of the Year Award in 2005 and 2006 – the only player in history to receive the prize in consecutive years.

During his last season with Die Knappen, Poulsen found himself in hot water with Italian Carlo Ancelotti following a Champions League tie with AC Milan. Poulsen was instructed to man-mark Brazilian playmaker Kaka but Ancelotti was upset at the handling of his star man, insisting the midfield destroyer was a "coward".

"He plays his game when the referee is not watching," said the former Milan boss."He starts swinging kicks, pushing his rivals when the official's back is turned.

"He is a coward and he shouldn't be playing football."



After finishing a four-year deal in Germany, Poulsen signed for Sevilla. His impact was immediate as Spanish newspaper Marca claimed he was the signing of the summer. The 2006/07 was a successful one for Poulsen, helping the Spaniards to a European and domestic cup double. Although it wasn't long before Poulsen was making headlines for the wrong reasons.

In June 2007 during a match between Denmark and Sweden, Poulsen punched opposition striker Marcus Rosenborg in the stomach. The offence was spotted by the assistant referee, resulting in a penalty for Sweden and a sending off for Poulsen. However, when a Danish fan entered the field of play to contest the decision, the referee abandoned the game and awarded a 3-0 win to Sweden.



Poulsen's playing ability wasn't too derided though and a year later he moved to Italian giants Juventus. The club's initial plan was to sign Xabi Alonso from Liverpool but when Rafa Benitez failed to land Aston Villa's Gareth Barry the move broke down. Claudio Ranieri, then manager of Juve, claimed he had landed a much "quicker" player than Alonso and was happy with his acquisition.

After failing to settle in Italy, the manager who had brought Poulsen to Serie A, Ranieri, was sacked and his successor, Ciro Ferrara, made it clear there wasn't room for the experienced international.

A year of failure for the Old Lady in 2009/10, which saw a seventh place finish in Serie A and a humiliation at the hands of Fulham in the Europa League, brought the call for changes.

New Liverpool manager Hodgson was interested and identified the 30-year-old as a possible replacement for Javier Mascherano (although the new boss insists he is purely a useful addition and not an alternative to the Argentinean).

A spectator at Anfield for Liverpool's opener against Arsenal, Poulsen will now be looking to make his mark on the English Premier League - hopefully for the right reasons.

A new season and a fresh start. Under new management, a change of ownership could soon follow suit. The 2010/11 campaign certainly has a different flavour to it.

Somewhat apprehensive before Sunday's opening Premier League game with Arsenal, I wasn't too sure what to expect. I came away cautiously optimistic that this season could yet prove to be a decent one.

Arsenal, a team 12 points better off last season, were contained with relative ease for the majority of the game despite the sending off of Joe Cole in the first half.

There is certainly a freshness about Roy Hodgson's Liverpool. It's difficult to describe, but perhaps the impact of any new manager will always have that initial hallmark. As for the team sheet, Hodgson's first surprise selection of the season was the inclusion of want-away midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Certain Liverpool supporters will have contrasting views on Mascherano's situation. But one thing is for sure – he will always give his best for the red shirt. Sunday was no different. Whether it be his first or last appearance for the club, you felt the performance was always going to feature the exact same intensity the Argentine has trademarked throughout his career.

In fact Mascherano's determination was matched throughout the team as Liverpool battled on with 10 players (at one stage nine). The shape and stability of the defending was pleasing but you probably have to credit Rafa Benitez on that one. The reds did a very similar kind of job on Everton last year when reduced to 10 men after the seeing Soto Kyrgiakos sent off.

Given time Hodgson's influence should grow on the team and will ultimately determine whether this present side can prosper this season.

Disappointing it may have been to lose a goal late on, it's hard to lay any blame with Pepe Reina. The outstanding performer of 2009/10, Reina reminded everyone for 89 minutes what a good goalkeeper he is. Unfortunately the goal was a mistake but you could argue that he was almost 'due' one. Even the top keepers very rarely go through seasons without one or two dodgy moments.

One major plus from the game was the continued form of David Ngog. The French striker seems to be really growing into the lone forward role after a progressive term last time out. Four goals in three games is a great start and a goal in a big game will do wonders for the confidence.

While Liverpool go to Manchester City next (following a Europa League tie) without the suspended Cole, there is reason to be satisfied with the opening day showing and enthused that there could be a ray of light at the end of the tunnel.

One game doesn't make a season but after the doom and gloom of last season with events both on and off the pitch, it felt good to see the team back in 'proper' action.

Roy Hodgson began his first competitive game as Liverpool manager without many of his star names. A gamble, that ultimately paid off as the Reds ran out 2-0 winners against Macedonian side Rabotnicki.



Here are some of the key points I picked up from the game;

1. Keeping the faith in Lucas

Previous manager Rafa Benitez was often vilified for sticking by Lucas Leiva. Hodgson has gone one step further and made the 23-year-old his first captain. Despite the lows of 09/10, the development of Lucas' game was one of the rare highlights.

With a bid from Palermo also rejected in the summer, it's clear Hodgson sees Lucas as a big part of his plans. The armband certainly didn't seem to phase Lucas either with a fine performance in the heart of midfield.

2. Playing with one striker: David Ngog

With a lack of first team strikers available, David Ngog was given his chance and he didn't disappoint. Often deployed as a lone striker when utilised throughout 09/10, it was evident that such experience has paid off.

Seemingly a little bulkier, Ngog's hold-up play was often very good. Hodgson clearly gave the French striker instructions to look for the space in behind the defence and he certainly took advantage of that for his first goal with a cleverly timed run.

3. The pace of David Amoo

It's clear that Hodgson has certainly seen something in David Amoo. The winger has started all three games so far and certainly looks a raw talent. His pace, which comes from his schoolboy days as a sprinter, is without doubt his best attribute. Although a little careless in possession, there were genuine glimpses of quality against Robotnicki.

4. 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1?

Under Rafa Benitez, Liverpool often played a 4-2-3-1 formation with two clearly defined holding players. While Amoo and Milan Jovanovic were pushed on at times to give the team added width, the midfield was more of a straight line of four - leaving Alberto Aquilani in the hole.

In a match that on paper looked potentially tricky with such an inexperienced line-up, Hodgson's tactical setup worked well and Liverpool produced a professional performance. Of course, tougher challenges lie ahead and only then will we see how Hodgson plans to formulate his side.

As Roy Hodgson prepares to sign a two-year contract at Anfield, is the former Fulham boss the right man to steer the ‘sinking ship’ in the right direction?

Firstly, it’s important to analyse the 62-year-old’s managerial career, why did Christian Purslow and Kenny Dalglish make Hodgson their number one choice?



Career

Upon signing with Liverpool, Hodgson will be taking over his 17th role as a manager in a profession spanning 34 years since his retirement from playing in the 1970s. A two-year contract doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that he will be here for the long-term either. Speculation has it that should Fabio Capello be relieved of his post as England manager, the FA will set their eyes on Hodgson. In 2012, the end of Hodgson’s Anfield contract, England will either be ready for another international tournament or building for the 2014 World Cup.

In 1976, Hodgson took up his first job as a manager, taking charge of Halmstads in Sweden. Later, in 2009, Hodgson would admit his time at Halmstads brought his “greatest ever” achievement. In four years at the club, Hodgson won two league titles (1976 and 1979). Prior to his arrival the club, the team were generally thought of as relegation candidates. But the Englishman’s impact brought about the kind of success the small Swedish club could never have imagined was possible.

His first stint in charge of an English club beckoned and after becoming assistant manager of Bristol City in 1980, he was promoted to the hot seat two years later. However, after trouble with the funds of the club (ring any bells?) Hodgson was forced to leave. He retreated back to Sweden and found even more success, this time at one of Sweden’s bigger clubs, Malmo. His two league championships and two cup victories saw his stock rise in Scandinavia.

After sighting that he wasn’t prepared to be taxed 65 per cent of his wage from the Swedish government, Hodgson moved to Switzerland with Neuchâtel Xamax. Credited for his impressive victories in Europe, with wins against both Real Madrid and Celtic, he was given the job of Swiss national coach.

His time as the Swiss manager is perhaps why the FA are reportedly so interested in him. Hodgson unexpectedly guided Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup, qualifying from a group that contained Italy and Portugal, losing only one game. At the finals, the Swiss progressed out of the group but were stopped in their tracks after losing 3-0 to a talented Spanish side in the last 16.

Hodgson’s impressive qualifying record was maintained as he led his side to the 1996 European Championships. However, Inter Milan were interested and Hodgson stepped down before the tournament to take over at the San Siro.



While Inter Milan presented Hodgson with his first “major” management role, there was one small problem – he didn’t speak Italian. After sighting that his original translator was too “shy” for the position, it got to the stage were an English girlfriend of one of the players had to intervene – not exactly ideal. Inter finished seventh in Hodgson’s first season in charge. After grasping some of the language, his second season was better, finishing in third place and reaching the UEFA Cup final.

In 1997 Hodgson was tempted back to England by Jack Walker and joined Blackburn Rovers, two years previously they had won the title. Although in 1996/97 they had struggled to stay in the division.

His first season was promising, restoring belief back in to the Ewood Park faithful after masterminding a 6th place finish and subsequent UEFA Cup place. However, the 1998/99 saw Hodgson’s reputation in his homeland tarnished, and one that he’d only win back following his decision to join Fulham in 2007. After spending £20m in the summer of 1998, including a £7.5m outlay for Southampton’s Kevin Davies, Hodgson was sacked in November of the same year when his team found themselves rock bottom of the Premier League.

In the two years that followed, Hodgson took in a further four managerial posts, spending time at Inter (caretaker), Grasshopper, Copenhagen and Udinese. His only real success came in Denmark, winning the title in his only season with Copenhagen.

After joining the United Arab Emirates national team in 2002, Hodgson was sacked just two years later after a disappointing spell in charge. Speaking of his time with the UAE, Hodgson has recently admitted: “That was a period where I didn't know where my career was going.”

His career took him back to Scandinavia, this time Norway and Viking FC. Once more, he was to have a positive impact, turning a relegation threatened team into UEFA Cup contenders. In European competition, Hodgson re-connected with his ability to overcome much bigger sides, beating more established names in the form of Monaco and Austria Wien.

His penultimate management role to date took him the Finnish national team in 2006. While his team didn’t manage to qualify for Euro 2008, the side collected 24 points, just three short of a qualification spot and were only beaten twice in a group containing Portugal, Poland, Serbia and Belgium.

Hodgson’s Scandinavian triumphs brought interest from England once more and Fulham called upon Roy to save them from relegation in 2007/08. Against the odds, Fulham survived on the final day and in 2008/09 Fulham finished seventh and qualified for the Europa League. Last season was the biggest in Fulham’s history as they reached the Europa League final, only to be beaten by Liverpool’s semi-final conquerors – Atletico Madrid.

Hodgson's Fulham side beat Shaktar Donetsk, Juventus, Wolfsburg and Hamburg as they marched on to the final. Following similar European giant killings with Neuchâtel Xamax and Viking, Hodgson’s forte, it appears, is playing the underdog.



His spell at Fulham has been characterised by his ability to work wonders on a small budget – bringing the best out of Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora, Simon Davies and Zoltan Gera. Perhaps that is why ultimately, Purslow and Dalglish made their decision.

Zonal marking

One of Hodgson’s traits throughout his managerial career has been his supportiveness of zonal marking. In fact, Lars Lagerback, the ex-Sweden coach says that Hodgson was the first person to introduce zonal marking to Scandinavian football.

During his time at Inter Milan, Hodgson’s insistence on zonal marking brought him some unwanted criticism from his players. “I'd been afraid, for example, Beppe Bergomi wouldn't take to my coaching,” explained Hodgson. “He'd won the World Cup and all his life been a man-to-man marker. I wanted him to mark zonally - and play at right-back. But he was very receptive.”

With a number of Liverpool players used to the system employed by Rafa Benitez it’s likely Hodgson could carry on the methods installed by the Spaniard.

Destination Anfield

Of course his first task at Anfield will be keeping hold of Liverpool’s most prized assets. Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano will all attract interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. Hodgson must promise them almost instant success. Torres especially, will be eager to sort out his future. Sighting that he came to Liverpool to win trophies, Hodgson must express his credentials can help turn things around.

The budget (if there is one) for Hodgson to strengthen the current playing squad is likely to be around £5m, although that could increase if Yossi Benayoun’s expected move to Chelsea goes through. While one of Hodgson’s key attributes in attaining the Liverpool post was the ability to deal with a limited source of funds, his Fulham side never had the expectation of a fourth place finish. And that surely must be the expectation of the Liverpool board? Otherwise Rafa Benitez would still be manager.

But is fourth a realistic ambition for Liverpool under Roy Hodgson? Probably not. The growing spending power of Aston Villa, Man City and Spurs (highlighted in detail here), means that while Liverpool could compete for the European places (relying on Torres and Gerrard stay) they shouldn’t be expected to finish in a Champions League place. A realistic fact that won’t exactly put Fernando Torres’ mind at ease.

The right man?

This piece set out to discover whether Roy Hodgson is right for Liverpool FC. In short, it’s difficult to say.

The big problems at the club remain the owners that have plunged the club in to millions of debt. In addition, Christian Purslow and Martin Broughton – two men who were brought (no pun intended) in to sell the club aren’t exactly making any friends. Both have claimed investment was forthcoming and yet the club remains £350m in the red and still under the stewardship of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

With the future of the club uncertain off the pitch, matters on the pitch will inevitably be affected. The decision to cull Benitez for £6m and compensate Fulham £2.5m for the services of Hodgson remains baffling considering the debt hanging over the club.

While many supporters remain angry over the way the club is being run, one thing Hodgson will get though, like Benitez, and any other Liverpool manager before him, is 100 per cent backing from the Kop.

Good luck, Roy.

So Rafa Benitez has departed and Liverpool begin their search for a new manager.

Firstly I’d like to say that the current state of the club worries me immensely. If there was one person fighting on behalf of the fans in the Liverpool hierarchy it was Benitez, he clearly wasn’t happy at the way the club was being run and ultimately it probably cost him his job.

While the performances last season clearly weren’t up to scratch, and Benitez must take his share of the blame for that, the state of the boardroom inevitably caught up with events on the pitch.

Despite critics in the media that say Benitez was afforded the luxury of a war chest at Anfield, people often forget the Spaniard had to sell in order to buy, and by the time of Benitez’s final season in charge it was clear that Liverpool were looking at the bargain basement for their signings (Kryiakgos and Maxi prime examples).

For a team who supposedly wanted to challenge for the Premier League title it became impossible to compete with not only Chelsea and Manchester United, but also Tottenham and Manchester City, who had both invested heavily in the summer.

Nevertheless, Benitez’s legacy at Liverpool should always be remembered fondly. Rafa helped bring back the good times and made the supporters happy, even if last season somewhat tainted his reign.

People should remember the epic Champions League run of 2005, the FA Cup in 2006, defeating Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in three semi-finals, the European Cup final of 2007, the victories in the Nou Camp, the San Siro, the Bernabeu, the demolition of Manchester United at Old Trafford and Liverpool’s greatest ever Premier League finish.

Not to mention bringing some of the World’s finest talents to Anfield. People often focus on the Dossenas and Voronins of Benitez’s time in charge but the 50-year-old also added genuine quality to the Liverpool squad. Pepe Reina, Daniel Agger, Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres are players of the highest standard, and all were never guaranteed successes, people even doubted the scoring ability of Torres when Rafa signed him.

Of course Rafa always did things his way, he was never afraid of making big decisions. Perhaps two of the most notable in his time were bringing off Steven Gerrard in the Merseyside Derby and subbing Torres against Birmingham City just a few months back. Of course only one of the above paid off but it is a measure of Benitez that he doesn’t care for star name reputations. While it didn’t always go down particularly well with sections of the Liverpool support, Benitez has to be credited for being his own man, he had his methods and stuck to them.

Where Liverpool go from here is not clear, Christian Purslow and Kenny Dalglish lead the search for a new manager, with the latter apparently in the frame.

What is certainly paramount, in my view, is the swiftness Liverpool must now show to appoint a new man. A manager must be given time to portray his own ideas and methods to the players, and while the budget is limited (rumoured to be £5m), he must also be given the chance to bring in fresh faces.

For these reasons alone it’s important to introduce someone relatively quickly, the club can’t afford many more backward steps. Hesitation will only add to the angst in the dressing room and star players won’t be sticking around and frankly, who would blame them?

Rumour has it that Jamie Carragher has made a sensational return to international football.

Despite the major broadcasters seemingly unwilling to accept the inevitable (Sky and BBC yet to report), Carragher seems set to make Fabio Capello's 30-man preliminary squad that will be announced on Tuesday.

So, just why has the 32-year-old decided to come out of his self-imposed international exodus to play in South Africa?

The decisive factor seems certainly to be the England head coach, Fabio Capello. After rejecting calls for a comeback on two previous occasions (one with McClaren, one with Capello), Carra seems finally have to given into the charms of the Italian.

An Italian with a decorated CV, including several domestic titles with AC Milan, AS Roma, Juventus and Real Madrid. Of course you won't need to tell Carragher that, a true student of the game, you can bet he's done his homework.

In fact Carragher has never been shy in his praise for Capello, "I'd love to work with Capello," he admitted in a recent interview with FourFourTwo.

Capello, likewise, seems an admirer of Carragher's work. While previous England managers have rarely regarded Carragher as a solution to their problems (most notably Sven Goran Eriksson), Capello appears determined to pick Liverpool's vice-captain despite an unspectacular campaign.

Perhaps Capello sees the art of a true Italian defender in Carragher, especially in the manner of how the stalwart reads the game. A defensive game that was developed with the aid of tapes, given to him by Reds boss Rafa Benitez, showing the defensive leadership of Franco Baresi at AC Milan.

For Carragher though, the lure of playing at the pinnacle of world football, for one of the outstanding managers in Europe, was just too great.

Afterall, the defender won't be playing Champions League football again next season and who knows when Liverpool will get back there? At the age of 32 and reaching the twilight of his career, Jamie must certainly realise there won't be many more opportunites like this on offer.

They've done it. Spurs have officially managed to dislodge one of the 'big four' from the their cosy spec at the top of the Premier League tree.

But was it really that inconceivable that Tottenham and Manchester City would finish ahead of Liverpool?

Harry Redknapp will recieve all the plaudits for guiding his Spurs side into Europe's premier competition (pending a play-off), but if you put the numbers together it becomes slightly less of an achievement.

Instead, it's an eventuality of what was always bound to happen considering the financial muscle that both Manchester City and Tottenham can now exert.

Let's take a look at the facts...

• The Manchester City starting XI that took to the field against Spurs (replacing Fulop with Given) cost £147m.
• The City subs bench cost a total of £26.5m

Overall cost: £173.5m

• The Tottenham Hotspur starting XI that took to the field against Man City cost £84m.
• The Spurs subs bench cost a total of £57m

Overall cost: £141m

Now let's take a look at the valuation of the current Liverpool team...

• A first XI including Reina,Johnson,Carragher,Agger,Insua,Mascherano,Lucas,Gerrard,Kuyt,Benayoun and Torres costs a total of £79m
• A subs bench consisting of Cavalieri, Degen, Kyriakgos, Maxi, Babel, Riera and Ngog costs a total of £26m

Overall cost: £105m

Now considering that Fernando Torres has been absent for long spells this season (taking the value of the first XI to £60.5m by replacing with Ngog), it probably isn't too much of a surprise that the likes of City, Spurs et al. have to an extent, caught up, and now overtaken Liverpool.

It says quite something that the cost of the strongest possible Liverpool bench (including idiot Reira) cost less than the purchase of Manchester City's Carlos Tevez. Moreover, it emphasises the competition that Liverpool now face to finish in the top four.

Of course this is merely an observation, but it does demonstrate that people shouldn't be too shocked that Spurs are competing in the higher regions of the Premier League table.

With both Manchester City and Tottenham likely to add to their squads in the summer it's a scary thought for Liverpool supporters that the financial gap between the squads is only likely to increase.