With the addition of Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson the Liverpool midfield has been revamped and has a lot more weapons than they had previously. What's Worth Watching: Liverpool Midfielders While he only recorded four goals for Sunderland in his career he is still a young talent and still has room to develop. However, he was an asset to the Sunderland midfield and will be greatly missed. Sunderland got terrific value for Henderson as they landed £16 million from Liverpool.
Sunderland's Biggest Loss: Jordan Henderson He is poised to be the new captain for Sunderland and will provide solid veteran leadership both on and off the field. O'Shea will make the biggest impact this year as he comes over from Manchester United. Wickham is young and may not make too much of an impact in his first year but he is a player that could develop into a star in the years to come. Sunderland's Key Addition: Connor Wickham and John O'Shea He was a solid emergency option, but Liverpool will not be adversely affected by his loss. Konchesky is a solid bench player but was not in the long term plans of the club at 30 years of age. Liverpool did not lose anyone of significant value this offseason. He should fit in nicely in the midfield for Liverpool and will help provide services in the box for Luis Suarez. Downing started in all 38 game for Aston Villa last season and provided a point every two matches to the squad. Liverpool desperately needed a midfielder that could stretch the field and the experienced Downing certainly fits the bill. Liverpool's Key Addition: Stewart Downing
Sunderland has also been bitten by the injury bug as former Manchester United defender John O'Shea will not be traveling with the team on their trip to Anfield. However, the bigger loss for Liverpool will be the absence of Martin Skrtel in the backline.
Liverpool will be without their captain Steven Gerrard for the first couple months of the season as he is sidelined with a groin infection.