A Liverpool lad through and through, it's difficult to criticise Jay Spearing, a young, enthusiastic and committed defensive midfielder who puts everything into his tackles. However, he was exposed last season as a player below the quality that Liverpool desire, particularly in the big games, where he was culpable for goals for Manchester United and Chelsea, the latter in the FA Cup Final. While his effort is commendable, his passing often leaves a lot to be desired. Spearing often tries to play more ambitious through balls than his ability allows for, and ends up giving the ball away far too often. His over-exuberant style of play also leads to holes in the side as he goes chasing after the ball, and he has been known to give away fouls in dangerous places a little too often.