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With Liverpool preparing for life without Luis Suarez, Henry Jackson takes a look at some potential replacements for the Uruguayan and assesses their strengths and weaknesses. Today’s man under the spotlight is Real Madrid and France star Karim Benzema.
A number of sources, including the Daily Star have reported that Karim Benzema is wanted by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers as a direct replacement for Luis Suarez, but is the Frenchman an adequate replacement for the brilliant 27-year-old?
Strengths
Benzema enjoyed an impressive 2014 World Cup in Brazil, scoring three times as France reached the quarter-finals.
The 26-year-old Real Madrid star is an aesthetically pleasing player on the eye, gliding gracefully across the pitch with an elegance not dissimilar to former Liverpool striker Nicolas Anelka.
He is a strong finisher, has underrated pace and can link up very well in a front three which would appeal to Rodgers. His form at the end of the campaign alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as Los Blancos won the Champions League was terrific.
17 goals in 35 La Liga appearances for the Spanish giants is a good, if not spectacular, return, and while he may lack the genius of Suarez, he is a hugely talented footballer in his own right. 192 goals in 403 career games is very impressive.
Weaknesses
There have been slight question marks over Benzema’s attitude at times, with a lack of work-rate often labelled at the Frenchman.
Whereas Suarez’s work ethic and constant pressing were exactly what Rodgers looks for in his forwards, this is not a part of Benzema’s game that comes naturally to him. An ability to drift into offside positions can also be hugely frustrating at times.
The former Lyon star can also lack consistency in front of goal, often scoring in bursts rather than solidly throughout the course of a season.
Comparisons
The below table shows a comparison between Benzema, Suarez and Daniel Sturridge last season (stats via Squawka):
2013/14 League Stats | Benzema | Suarez | Sturridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 35 | 33 | 26 |
| Goals | 17 | 31 | 21 |
| Assists | 9 | 12 | 7 |
| Chances Created | 63 | 87 | 29 |
| Pass Completion (%) | 82 | 75 | 79 |
What the table does show, not that us Liverpool fans needed reminding, is just how sensational Suarez was last season, and what a tough job it will be to replace him.
Not only were his goalscoring exploits phenomenal, but he also created 12 goals and many others chances for teammates too.
Benzema, like Sturridge, is clearly more of a finisher of moves rather than a creater. With an abundance of inventive attacking players in the Reds’ squad — Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and the incoming Lazar Markovic spring to mind — that is no real issue.
Although his impressive pass completion statistics indicate how technically sound he is, you would have to question why Benzema hasn’t scored more goals in a side brimming with the talent of Ronaldo, Bale, Xabi Alonso, Angel Di Maria and Luka Modric.
Conclusion
Karim Benzema is undoubtedly a world-class striker on his day, and if Liverpool were to sign him it would be a big statement of intent by the club.
At 26, he is at a good age where his peak should just be around the corner, and the quality service he would be provided with at Anfield would see him flourish.
He’s not in the same league as Suarez, but then who is?
Would you like to see Benzema at Liverpool next season? Let us know in the comments section below.
With Liverpool preparing for life without Luis Suarez, Henry Jackson takes a look at some potential replacements for the Uruguayan and assesses their strengths and weaknesses. Today’s man under the spotlight is Real Madrid and France star Karim Benzema.
A number of sources, including the Daily Star have reported that Karim Benzema is wanted by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers as a direct replacement for Luis Suarez, but is the Frenchman an adequate replacement for the brilliant 27-year-old?
Strengths
Benzema enjoyed an impressive 2014 World Cup in Brazil, scoring three times as France reached the quarter-finals.
The 26-year-old Real Madrid star is an aesthetically pleasing player on the eye, gliding gracefully across the pitch with an elegance not dissimilar to former Liverpool striker Nicolas Anelka.
He is a strong finisher, has underrated pace and can link up very well in a front three which would appeal to Rodgers. His form at the end of the campaign alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as Los Blancos won the Champions League was terrific.
17 goals in 35 La Liga appearances for the Spanish giants is a good, if not spectacular, return, and while he may lack the genius of Suarez, he is a hugely talented footballer in his own right. 192 goals in 403 career games is very impressive.
Weaknesses
There have been slight question marks over Benzema’s attitude at times, with a lack of work-rate often labelled at the Frenchman.
Whereas Suarez’s work ethic and constant pressing were exactly what Rodgers looks for in his forwards, this is not a part of Benzema’s game that comes naturally to him. An ability to drift into offside positions can also be hugely frustrating at times.
The former Lyon star can also lack consistency in front of goal, often scoring in bursts rather than solidly throughout the course of a season.
Comparisons
The below table shows a comparison between Benzema, Suarez and Daniel Sturridge last season (stats via Squawka):
2013/14 League Stats | Benzema | Suarez | Sturridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 35 | 33 | 26 |
| Goals | 17 | 31 | 21 |
| Assists | 9 | 12 | 7 |
| Chances Created | 63 | 87 | 29 |
| Pass Completion (%) | 82 | 75 | 79 |
What the table does show, not that us Liverpool fans needed reminding, is just how sensational Suarez was last season, and what a tough job it will be to replace him.
Not only were his goalscoring exploits phenomenal, but he also created 12 goals and many others chances for teammates too.
Benzema, like Sturridge, is clearly more of a finisher of moves rather than a creater. With an abundance of inventive attacking players in the Reds’ squad — Steven Gerrard, Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and the incoming Lazar Markovic spring to mind — that is no real issue.
Although his impressive pass completion statistics indicate how technically sound he is, you would have to question why Benzema hasn’t scored more goals in a side brimming with the talent of Ronaldo, Bale, Xabi Alonso, Angel Di Maria and Luka Modric.
Conclusion
Karim Benzema is undoubtedly a world-class striker on his day, and if Liverpool were to sign him it would be a big statement of intent by the club.
At 26, he is at a good age where his peak should just be around the corner, and the quality service he would be provided with at Anfield would see him flourish.
He’s not in the same league as Suarez, but then who is?
Would you like to see Benzema at Liverpool next season? Let us know in the comments section below.
Uruguay international striker Luis Suarez is in Barcelona to complete his transfer from Liverpool.
Suarez will finalise his switch to the Nou Camp for a fee believed to be in the region of £70m.
The 27-year-old will link-up with Argentina skipper Lionel Messi and Brazil talisman Neymar in the Barcelona forward line when he is available for selection.
But Suarez will not even be allowed to train with his new club until the last week in October, after he was banned from all football activity for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in a recent World Cup match.
Suarez has previously served bans for biting Otman Bakkal of PSV Eindhoven in November 2010 while he was at Ajax, and Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a match for Liverpool in April 2013.
He also received a lengthy suspension in October 2011 for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during a Premier League match at Anfield.
Uruguay international striker Luis Suarez is in Barcelona to complete his transfer from Liverpool.
Suarez will finalise his switch to the Nou Camp for a fee believed to be in the region of £70m.
The 27-year-old will link-up with Argentina skipper Lionel Messi and Brazil talisman Neymar in the Barcelona forward line when he is available for selection.
But Suarez will not even be allowed to train with his new club until the last week in October, after he was banned from all football activity for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in a recent World Cup match.
Suarez has previously served bans for biting Otman Bakkal of PSV Eindhoven in November 2010 while he was at Ajax, and Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a match for Liverpool in April 2013.
He also received a lengthy suspension in October 2011 for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during a Premier League match at Anfield.
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A year after joining the club from Celta Vigo, forward Iago Aspas is returning to Spain after agreeing a loan move to Sevilla.
The news has been confirmed by the La Liga side, pending a medical, which will allow Sevilla to make the deal permanent next summer.
A statement from the Spanish side reads:
Sevilla FC and Liverpool FC have reached today on a tentative agreement for the loan, with an option to purchase the player Iago, who will wear the shirt of Sevilla FC season 14/15.
Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre has been in talks with Sevilla over the deal for Aspas and also the transfer of left-back Alberto Moreno in the opposite direction.
Some reports had suggested Aspas would be part of the deal for Moreno but the two deals now look to be done separately.
Aspas was signed for £7 million last summer. He made just 15 appearances, scoring once – against Oldham in the FA Cup.
Aspas’ departure leaves the number 9 and number 7 shirts vacant at Anfield.
A year after joining the club from Celta Vigo, forward Iago Aspas is returning to Spain after agreeing a loan move to Sevilla.
The news has been confirmed by the La Liga side, pending a medical, which will allow Sevilla to make the deal permanent next summer.
A statement from the Spanish side reads:
Sevilla FC and Liverpool FC have reached today on a tentative agreement for the loan, with an option to purchase the player Iago, who will wear the shirt of Sevilla FC season 14/15.
Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre has been in talks with Sevilla over the deal for Aspas and also the transfer of left-back Alberto Moreno in the opposite direction.
Some reports had suggested Aspas would be part of the deal for Moreno but the two deals now look to be done separately.
Aspas was signed for £7 million last summer. He made just 15 appearances, scoring once – against Oldham in the FA Cup.
Aspas’ departure leaves the number 9 and number 7 shirts vacant at Anfield.
Liverpool forward Iago Aspas has returned to La Liga after joining Sevilla on a season-long loan.
The 26-year-old arrived at Anfield from Celta Viga in June 2013 for £7.2million but is heading back to Spain after just one season in the Premier League.
Aspas started just six matches for Liverpool last season and scored his only competitive goal for the team in the 2-0 victory over Oldham in the FA Cup.
Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre travelled to Spain to conduct negotiations with Sevilla and agree the loan switch.
During his previous spell in Spain with Celta Vigo, Aspas scored 46 goals in 136 appearances for the club.
Liverpool forward Iago Aspas has returned to La Liga after joining Sevilla on a season-long loan.
The 26-year-old arrived at Anfield from Celta Viga in June 2013 for £7.2million but is heading back to Spain after just one season in the Premier League.
Aspas started just six matches for Liverpool last season and scored his only competitive goal for the team in the 2-0 victory over Oldham in the FA Cup.
Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre travelled to Spain to conduct negotiations with Sevilla and agree the loan switch.
During his previous spell in Spain with Celta Vigo, Aspas scored 46 goals in 136 appearances for the club.
With Luis Suarez now officially a Barcelona player, Liverpool have the unenviable task of replacing one of the world’s greatest players this summer. Henry Jackson assesses whether QPR striker Loic Remy would be a good signing for the club.
A number of sources, including the Independent , have tipped Liverpool to make a move for Remy this summer.
Strengths
The 27-year-old QPR man, who has won 24 caps for Les Bleus to date, spent the 2013/14 season on loan at Newcastle following the West London club’s relegation to the Championship in 2012/13. He flourished at St James’ Park.
The former Marseille star found the next 14 times in just 24 Premier League appearances, displaying his main attributes of speed and ruthless finishing.
Although not in the same league at the moment, many have compared Remy’s style of play to that of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
There are definite similarities, in particular his ability to drift in from an inside left position onto his dangerous right foot and finish neatly.
He has an eye for the spectacular like Henry did in his prime, with a dangerous shot from range and quick feet in and around the penalty area.
Much of Liverpool’s brilliance last season was based on their ability to destroy teams on the counter-attack, Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham would all vouch for that, and Remy would be perfect in that respect. His impressive pace strikes real fear into full-backs in a similar manner to Raheem Sterling.
Weaknesses
One of the biggest downsides to Remy’s game is his work-rate. The Frenchman is generally seen as a lazy forward and one who fails to do his defensive duties.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers loves his attacking players to press, track back and generally work their socks off, and Remy would have to change his ways drastically in that respect if he were to become a success story at Anfield.
His final ball can also be a little erratic, and while that can be used as an excuse when a player is in his early 20s, at 27 he should now be a more complete, reliable footballer.
Comparisons
The table below compares Remy’s impact last season compared with that of Suarez, Sturridge and another reported target, Wilfried Bony (stats via Squawka):
2013/14 Premier League | Remy | Suarez | Sturridge | Bony |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 24 | 33 | 26 | 34 |
| Goals | 14 | 31 | 21 | 16 |
| Assists | 3 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Chances Created | 30 | 87 | 29 | 25 |
| Pass Completion (%) | 81 | 75 | 79 | 74 |
Considering Remy was playing in a side whose form nosedived in the second-half of the campaign, his statistics are relatively impressive.
He scored at a ratio of better than a goal every two games, and although Suarez and Sturridge were both more prolific, it must be stressed that they were playing in a top side brimming with confidence – they were the league’s top two goalscorers. Only 10 players scored more than Remy – one of those being Bony.
Only three assists is a disappointing statistic, however, and possibly points towards Remy being a selfish player. Rather than find a teammate in a better position, he is definitely guilty of attempting the difficult at times.
His statistics are similar to those of Bony, and perhaps shows more how impressive the form of Suarez and Sturridge was last season. The chances created for Sturridge, Bony and Remy are all very similar – and shows how good Suarez was in this area, it’s that chance creation that perhaps Liverpool will miss more than his goals.
Conclusion
Remy is a dangerous player and someone who has potential to be a shrewd signing.
The 27-year-old does blow hot and cold, however, and it would be down to Rodgers to fine-tune Remy’s game and turn him into the top class, consistently excellent player his talent threatens.
In many ways it would be a risky signing, but so was Sturridge at the time and look how he’s flourished under the Northern Irishman over the last 18 months.
Perhaps if Remy were five years younger a move would make sense, but at 27 and given his reported wages at QPR, it’s unlikely he fits the type of player FSG would like to sign at Anfield.
Would you like to see Loic Remy at Anfield next season? Would he help fill the void left by Suarez? Let us know in the comments below.
With Luis Suarez now officially a Barcelona player, Liverpool have the unenviable task of replacing one of the world’s greatest players this summer. Henry Jackson assesses whether QPR striker Loic Remy would be a good signing for the club.
A number of sources, including the Independent , have tipped Liverpool to make a move for Remy this summer.
Strengths
The 27-year-old QPR man, who has won 24 caps for Les Bleus to date, spent the 2013/14 season on loan at Newcastle following the West London club’s relegation to the Championship in 2012/13. He flourished at St James’ Park.
The former Marseille star found the next 14 times in just 24 Premier League appearances, displaying his main attributes of speed and ruthless finishing.
Although not in the same league at the moment, many have compared Remy’s style of play to that of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
There are definite similarities, in particular his ability to drift in from an inside left position onto his dangerous right foot and finish neatly.
He has an eye for the spectacular like Henry did in his prime, with a dangerous shot from range and quick feet in and around the penalty area.
Much of Liverpool’s brilliance last season was based on their ability to destroy teams on the counter-attack, Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham would all vouch for that, and Remy would be perfect in that respect. His impressive pace strikes real fear into full-backs in a similar manner to Raheem Sterling.
Weaknesses
One of the biggest downsides to Remy’s game is his work-rate. The Frenchman is generally seen as a lazy forward and one who fails to do his defensive duties.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers loves his attacking players to press, track back and generally work their socks off, and Remy would have to change his ways drastically in that respect if he were to become a success story at Anfield.
His final ball can also be a little erratic, and while that can be used as an excuse when a player is in his early 20s, at 27 he should now be a more complete, reliable footballer.
Comparisons
The table below compares Remy’s impact last season compared with that of Suarez, Sturridge and another reported target, Wilfried Bony (stats via Squawka):
2013/14 Premier League | Remy | Suarez | Sturridge | Bony |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 24 | 33 | 26 | 34 |
| Goals | 14 | 31 | 21 | 16 |
| Assists | 3 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Chances Created | 30 | 87 | 29 | 25 |
| Pass Completion (%) | 81 | 75 | 79 | 74 |
Considering Remy was playing in a side whose form nosedived in the second-half of the campaign, his statistics are relatively impressive.
He scored at a ratio of better than a goal every two games, and although Suarez and Sturridge were both more prolific, it must be stressed that they were playing in a top side brimming with confidence – they were the league’s top two goalscorers. Only 10 players scored more than Remy – one of those being Bony.
Only three assists is a disappointing statistic, however, and possibly points towards Remy being a selfish player. Rather than find a teammate in a better position, he is definitely guilty of attempting the difficult at times.
His statistics are similar to those of Bony, and perhaps shows more how impressive the form of Suarez and Sturridge was last season. The chances created for Sturridge, Bony and Remy are all very similar – and shows how good Suarez was in this area, it’s that chance creation that perhaps Liverpool will miss more than his goals.
Conclusion
Remy is a dangerous player and someone who has potential to be a shrewd signing.
The 27-year-old does blow hot and cold, however, and it would be down to Rodgers to fine-tune Remy’s game and turn him into the top class, consistently excellent player his talent threatens.
In many ways it would be a risky signing, but so was Sturridge at the time and look how he’s flourished under the Northern Irishman over the last 18 months.
Perhaps if Remy were five years younger a move would make sense, but at 27 and given his reported wages at QPR, it’s unlikely he fits the type of player FSG would like to sign at Anfield.
Would you like to see Loic Remy at Anfield next season? Would he help fill the void left by Suarez? Let us know in the comments below.
Liverpool’s first six Premier League games have been chosen for live TV coverage by Sky Sports or BT Sports.
The Reds’ opening game against Southampton will now be played on Sunday, 17th August (1.30pm kick off). The next five games against Man City, Tottenham, Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton will all be live.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side don’t have a game not on live TV until October, at West Brom.
Further games against QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace have also been picked up by Sky or BT before December.
In total, 10 of the Reds’ opening 13 Premier League matches will be shown live.
Liverpool’s first six Premier League games have been chosen for live TV coverage by Sky Sports or BT Sports.
The Reds’ opening game against Southampton will now be played on Sunday, 17th August (1.30pm kick off). The next five games against Man City, Tottenham, Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton will all be live.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side don’t have a game not on live TV until October, at West Brom.
Further games against QPR, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace have also been picked up by Sky or BT before December.
In total, 10 of the Reds’ opening 13 Premier League matches will be shown live.
With Liverpool increasingly linked with a move for Swansea City’s Ben Davies, Jack Lusby believes the 21-year-old would be a great long-term left-back solution for the Reds.
As Brendan Rodgers continues his search for a new left-back as part of an ever-evolving squad, reports have perhaps unsurprisingly linked the former Swansea City boss with another former player.
This time it’s Welsh defender Ben Davies.
The Telegraph writes that “Rodgers is weighing up a raid on his old club to solve what has proved a problematic position. Both Liverpool and Spurs are prepared to meet the £10 million valuation for the Wales international.”
The Daily Mirror even suggests that a renewed move for Sevilla’s Spanish full-back Alberto Moreno will have no effect on a move for the Welshman, claiming the club “may take both.”
The signing of Davies would represent a long-term solution for what has proved a problem area for some time, dating back to the days of Paul Konchesky.
The last truly great natural left-back to grace Anfield for the Reds was Brazilian Fabio Aurelio, a player dogged by persistent injuries.
Swansea’s 21-year-old star could finally stop the gap for Rodgers.
2013/14 Form Guide
It is safe to say that many of Swansea’s hugely impressive performers from Michael Laudrup’s successful first season in charge suffered a sophomore slump in 2013/14.
Regular performers such as Spaniards Michu and Chico Flores failed to live up to the reputations built in the previous season, and the Swans finished 12th, nine points from the relegation zone.
Along with another reported Liverpool target, Wilfried Bony, Davies was one of the players under Laudrup, and later Garry Monk, who impressed on the Welsh coast.
The 21-year-old made 34 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals and making one assist.
The Welshman also collected just three yellow cards—in comparison, his right-back counterpart, Angel Rangel, was cautioned on eight occasions.
Davies had an impressive game, in particular, in the side’s 2-1 loss at home to Arsenal in September, capping his performance with a well-taken volleyed goal.
Elsewhere, the Welsh international made five Europa League appearances, gaining vital experience against sides such as Rafa Benitez’s Napoli.
If Swansea’s season can be considered one to forget for many reasons, Davies’ second season as a member of the first team was an encouraging one.
Strengths
Davies, at such a young age, is a remarkably well-rounded defender.
According to WhoScored, the Swansea man made 2.2 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game on average last season, displaying abilities of both defensive solidity and perceptive reading of the situations.
Furthermore, within the intrinsic, passing-based systems of the Welsh club, Davies has developed a canny ability to retain possession, with an average passing accuracy of 84.3 per cent impressive for a full-back.
These strengths are reminiscent of the Reds’ regular left-back last season, local lad Jon Flanagan.
These statistics, comparing the pair with another recently reported target, Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand, show Davies to be a well-rounded option for Rodgers at left-back.
Making a tackle or interception every 20 minutes on average leaves the 21-year-old as defensively similar to his Liverpool counterpart, whilst an average of 114 minutes per foul shows a discipline in the Welshman that is yet to feature in Flanagan’s game.
Furthermore, Davies is both more effective both in terms of creating chances and finishing them, and is also comfortable taking the ball up the flanks.
At just 21 years old, the Welshman’s strengths are many.
Weaknesses
As such, it is difficult to find a genuine weakness in Davies’ game.
However, in the context of a short-term fix for the Reds, the Welshman still as a long way to go in his development before any claims to top quality can be made.
Like Flanagan, the Swansea man is a solid performer, and has proved himself over the last two seasons with the Premier League side, but these talents still require nurturing.
That this is the 21 year old’s main weakness—if it can be labelled such—should provide Liverpool fans with great assurance for the future.
Where Davies Would Fit in at Liverpool
If the Reds were to sign Davies this summer, the Welshman could slot into the side immediately, and performances since his 2012 debut have proven his Premier League credentials.
Davies, and potentially also Moreno, would allow Rodgers to shift Flanagan into his more natural right-back role, where the Englishman could contend with Glen Johnson.
This would provide the Liverpool manager with a plethora of assured full-back options, allowed for rotation and providing for inevitable injuries, suspensions and tired legs.
The Swansea man would flourish under his former manager’s guidance, with all the right tools at present, and his abilities both in defence and in moving forward into the attack would suit the Reds’ system adeptly.
Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan celebrates scoring the third goal against Tottenham Hotspur during the Premiership match at White Hart Lane. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As Flanagan showed last season, youth is no marker for ability and confidence within this side, and there is no reason why the pair of 21-year-olds couldn’t be lining up on opposite flanks for the Reds next season.
Both proven Premier League performers, both with experience of European competition, Davies and Flanagan would complement the defensive solidity of players such as Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel perfectly.
Signing Ben Davies could see Liverpool tie down their full-back positions for the next decade.
Would Ben Davies be a good signing for Liverpool? Let us know in the comments below.
With Liverpool increasingly linked with a move for Swansea City’s Ben Davies, Jack Lusby believes the 21-year-old would be a great long-term left-back solution for the Reds.
As Brendan Rodgers continues his search for a new left-back as part of an ever-evolving squad, reports have perhaps unsurprisingly linked the former Swansea City boss with another former player.
This time it’s Welsh defender Ben Davies.
The Telegraph writes that “Rodgers is weighing up a raid on his old club to solve what has proved a problematic position. Both Liverpool and Spurs are prepared to meet the £10 million valuation for the Wales international.”
The Daily Mirror even suggests that a renewed move for Sevilla’s Spanish full-back Alberto Moreno will have no effect on a move for the Welshman, claiming the club “may take both.”
The signing of Davies would represent a long-term solution for what has proved a problem area for some time, dating back to the days of Paul Konchesky.
The last truly great natural left-back to grace Anfield for the Reds was Brazilian Fabio Aurelio, a player dogged by persistent injuries.
Swansea’s 21-year-old star could finally stop the gap for Rodgers.
2013/14 Form Guide
It is safe to say that many of Swansea’s hugely impressive performers from Michael Laudrup’s successful first season in charge suffered a sophomore slump in 2013/14.
Regular performers such as Spaniards Michu and Chico Flores failed to live up to the reputations built in the previous season, and the Swans finished 12th, nine points from the relegation zone.
Along with another reported Liverpool target, Wilfried Bony, Davies was one of the players under Laudrup, and later Garry Monk, who impressed on the Welsh coast.
The 21-year-old made 34 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals and making one assist.
The Welshman also collected just three yellow cards—in comparison, his right-back counterpart, Angel Rangel, was cautioned on eight occasions.
Davies had an impressive game, in particular, in the side’s 2-1 loss at home to Arsenal in September, capping his performance with a well-taken volleyed goal.
Elsewhere, the Welsh international made five Europa League appearances, gaining vital experience against sides such as Rafa Benitez’s Napoli.
If Swansea’s season can be considered one to forget for many reasons, Davies’ second season as a member of the first team was an encouraging one.
Strengths
Davies, at such a young age, is a remarkably well-rounded defender.
According to WhoScored, the Swansea man made 2.2 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game on average last season, displaying abilities of both defensive solidity and perceptive reading of the situations.
Furthermore, within the intrinsic, passing-based systems of the Welsh club, Davies has developed a canny ability to retain possession, with an average passing accuracy of 84.3 per cent impressive for a full-back.
These strengths are reminiscent of the Reds’ regular left-back last season, local lad Jon Flanagan.
These statistics, comparing the pair with another recently reported target, Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand, show Davies to be a well-rounded option for Rodgers at left-back.
Making a tackle or interception every 20 minutes on average leaves the 21-year-old as defensively similar to his Liverpool counterpart, whilst an average of 114 minutes per foul shows a discipline in the Welshman that is yet to feature in Flanagan’s game.
Furthermore, Davies is both more effective both in terms of creating chances and finishing them, and is also comfortable taking the ball up the flanks.
At just 21 years old, the Welshman’s strengths are many.
Weaknesses
As such, it is difficult to find a genuine weakness in Davies’ game.
However, in the context of a short-term fix for the Reds, the Welshman still as a long way to go in his development before any claims to top quality can be made.
Like Flanagan, the Swansea man is a solid performer, and has proved himself over the last two seasons with the Premier League side, but these talents still require nurturing.
That this is the 21 year old’s main weakness—if it can be labelled such—should provide Liverpool fans with great assurance for the future.
Where Davies Would Fit in at Liverpool
If the Reds were to sign Davies this summer, the Welshman could slot into the side immediately, and performances since his 2012 debut have proven his Premier League credentials.
Davies, and potentially also Moreno, would allow Rodgers to shift Flanagan into his more natural right-back role, where the Englishman could contend with Glen Johnson.
This would provide the Liverpool manager with a plethora of assured full-back options, allowed for rotation and providing for inevitable injuries, suspensions and tired legs.
The Swansea man would flourish under his former manager’s guidance, with all the right tools at present, and his abilities both in defence and in moving forward into the attack would suit the Reds’ system adeptly.
Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan celebrates scoring the third goal against Tottenham Hotspur during the Premiership match at White Hart Lane. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As Flanagan showed last season, youth is no marker for ability and confidence within this side, and there is no reason why the pair of 21-year-olds couldn’t be lining up on opposite flanks for the Reds next season.
Both proven Premier League performers, both with experience of European competition, Davies and Flanagan would complement the defensive solidity of players such as Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel perfectly.
Signing Ben Davies could see Liverpool tie down their full-back positions for the next decade.
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