His goal against Tottenham got fans reminiscing about John Arne Riise, Andrew Cussen hopes Alberto Moreno is the long-term solution to Liverpool’s perennial problem area at left-back.
He made a mistake under pressure away to the Premier League champions and slipped on some astroturf that is dangerously close to the pitch, but the consensus was that Alberto Moreno looked a decent enough player after his Liverpool debut against Manchester City last week.
Then on Sunday afternoon against Tottenham he took that view and smashed it to pieces — he’s not decent, he’s much better than that.
As Simon Collings pointed in his article shortly before Moreno signed for the Reds, Liverpool have been short of a first class left back since the departure of John Arne Riise in 2008. Moreno could be the man to fill that void. Like any 22-year-old he has flaws in his game that need work but the Spaniard brings pace, energy and good delivery from the flank. Plus he can hit a football really hard.
He might not be in Riise’s league when it comes to thumping the leather off a ball but he showed on Sunday that he’s not afraid to take a shot on. He didn’t shy away last season either as he scored a goal each vs Real Vallodolid, Athletic Club and Barcelona, all with thumping left foot drives.
Moreno’s tackling is an area where he will need to improve but don’t forget that his fantastic solo goal against Tottenham came from his dispossessing Andros Townsend one-on-one.
The Spaniard has signed a five-year contract with the club and Brendan Rodgers’ plan is for Moreno to become a key part of his high intensity Liverpool lin-up. Moreno’s suitability to the philosophy of Rodgers is there for all to see — he has electric pace and the skill to utilise the ball at speed, key ingredients in any potential Liverpool player.
Moreno left his hometown at the relatively young age of 22 to move to a foreign land and he appears to have settled well. His goal celebration at White Hart Lane certainly indicated that he already has an affinity with the Liverpool fans, who have taken to the Spaniard not least because of his remarkable resemblance to a Steven Gerrard – Xabi Alonso love child.
Moreno’s ability to deliver mouth watering crosses will present an even greater threat to opposing defences with the much heralded arrival of Mario Balotelli. The Italian international is 6”2 and with Daniel Sturridge standing 6”0 Moreno will have two fantastic targets to aim for when swinging in balls from the left flank, if Rodgers plays the two strikers together as he did against Spurs.
Liverpool have options at left back with Jose Enrique, Jon Flanagan and even Glen Johnson all capable of playing there, meaning that Moreno is under pressure to keep his performances at a high level. But judging by his showing for the Reds so far, it’s Moreno’s spot to lose.
It’s still early in his career but it looks as though Moreno could be the answer to Liverpool’s long standing problem at left back.
His goal against Tottenham got fans reminiscing about John Arne Riise, Andrew Cussen hopes Alberto Moreno is the long-term solution to Liverpool’s perennial problem area at left-back.
He made a mistake under pressure away to the Premier League champions and slipped on some astroturf that is dangerously close to the pitch, but the consensus was that Alberto Moreno looked a decent enough player after his Liverpool debut against Manchester City last week.
Then on Sunday afternoon against Tottenham he took that view and smashed it to pieces — he’s not decent, he’s much better than that.
As Simon Collings pointed in his article shortly before Moreno signed for the Reds, Liverpool have been short of a first class left back since the departure of John Arne Riise in 2008. Moreno could be the man to fill that void. Like any 22-year-old he has flaws in his game that need work but the Spaniard brings pace, energy and good delivery from the flank. Plus he can hit a football really hard.
He might not be in Riise’s league when it comes to thumping the leather off a ball but he showed on Sunday that he’s not afraid to take a shot on. He didn’t shy away last season either as he scored a goal each vs Real Vallodolid, Athletic Club and Barcelona, all with thumping left foot drives.
Moreno’s tackling is an area where he will need to improve but don’t forget that his fantastic solo goal against Tottenham came from his dispossessing Andros Townsend one-on-one.
The Spaniard has signed a five-year contract with the club and Brendan Rodgers’ plan is for Moreno to become a key part of his high intensity Liverpool lin-up. Moreno’s suitability to the philosophy of Rodgers is there for all to see — he has electric pace and the skill to utilise the ball at speed, key ingredients in any potential Liverpool player.
Moreno left his hometown at the relatively young age of 22 to move to a foreign land and he appears to have settled well. His goal celebration at White Hart Lane certainly indicated that he already has an affinity with the Liverpool fans, who have taken to the Spaniard not least because of his remarkable resemblance to a Steven Gerrard – Xabi Alonso love child.
Moreno’s ability to deliver mouth watering crosses will present an even greater threat to opposing defences with the much heralded arrival of Mario Balotelli. The Italian international is 6”2 and with Daniel Sturridge standing 6”0 Moreno will have two fantastic targets to aim for when swinging in balls from the left flank, if Rodgers plays the two strikers together as he did against Spurs.
Liverpool have options at left back with Jose Enrique, Jon Flanagan and even Glen Johnson all capable of playing there, meaning that Moreno is under pressure to keep his performances at a high level. But judging by his showing for the Reds so far, it’s Moreno’s spot to lose.
It’s still early in his career but it looks as though Moreno could be the answer to Liverpool’s long standing problem at left back.
The agent of Fabio Borini claims 'very important clubs' expressed an interest in his client on transfer deadline day but Liverpool decided against loan discussions.
The Italian forward spent the 2013/14 campaign with Sunderland after being deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield.
He impressed while at the Stadium of Light, helping Gus Poyet’s side to preserve their Premier League status, and returned to Merseyside over the summer determined to prove his worth.
That remains the case now that the window has closed, with Borini set to remain with Liverpool until at least January.
The 23-year-old claims to be happy with that situation, despite having missed out on a switch to a club where regular first team football may have been easier to come by.
Borini’s representative says Inter Milan were among those looking to reach a loan agreement on Monday, but were knocked back.
Marco De Marchi has also claimed that the offer snubbed from Queens Park Rangers was not suitable for ‘an important player’.
He told fcinternews.it: “The player still has two years on his contract with Liverpool and they decided not to consider offers for a loan.
“Inter Milan and other very important clubs in Europe wanted him on loan.
“Liverpool didn’t accept and then QPR made an offer to buy him immediately. But the proposal for the player was not a proposal for an important player.
“Now Fabio will stay with Liverpool and try to convince the coach to give him a chance. He is used to fighting for things.
“I don’t know what will happen in the January market.”
The agent of Fabio Borini claims 'very important clubs' expressed an interest in his client on transfer deadline day but Liverpool decided against loan discussions.
The Italian forward spent the 2013/14 campaign with Sunderland after being deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield.
He impressed while at the Stadium of Light, helping Gus Poyet’s side to preserve their Premier League status, and returned to Merseyside over the summer determined to prove his worth.
That remains the case now that the window has closed, with Borini set to remain with Liverpool until at least January.
The 23-year-old claims to be happy with that situation, despite having missed out on a switch to a club where regular first team football may have been easier to come by.
Borini’s representative says Inter Milan were among those looking to reach a loan agreement on Monday, but were knocked back.
Marco De Marchi has also claimed that the offer snubbed from Queens Park Rangers was not suitable for ‘an important player’.
He told fcinternews.it: “The player still has two years on his contract with Liverpool and they decided not to consider offers for a loan.
“Inter Milan and other very important clubs in Europe wanted him on loan.
“Liverpool didn’t accept and then QPR made an offer to buy him immediately. But the proposal for the player was not a proposal for an important player.
“Now Fabio will stay with Liverpool and try to convince the coach to give him a chance. He is used to fighting for things.
“I don’t know what will happen in the January market.”
New Liverpool signing Mario Balotelli made his hotly anticipated debut in Sunday’s 3-0 victory away to Spurs, with Jack Lusby analysing his performance.
Since Mario Balotelli’s £16 million move from AC Milan late last month, the name on everyone’s lips amongst the Liverpool faithful has been that of the Italian maverick.
The striker joins with a notorious reputation, and it has been debated persistently as to whether the 24-year-old will be a success or a failure at Anfield.
The former Manchester City man didn’t have to wait long to make his debut for the Reds, starting in the first game since his signing, in Sunday’s 3-0 away victory over Spurs at White Hart Lane.
For most, this was the ‘marquee’ signing that Liverpool needed following the loss of Luis Suarez this summer, and as such the excitement surrounding Balotelli’s debut was palpable.
Making his way on to the field—late—all eyes were on the Italian.
Following a miserable loss away to City the previous weekend, Liverpool needed the lift that this victory conjured—in a mixed display, Balotelli was the catalyst to this.
(Video courtesy of MrBoywunder)
Signed, naturally, to help ease the burden on English forward Daniel Sturridge in terms of goal scoring, Balotelli will be expected to return at least 10 goals this season.
The striker almost opened his account immediately.
On the end of a fantastic Sturridge cross, Balotelli should have scored from close-range with his header thumped towards the sprawling Hugo Lloris on three minutes.
Just 10 minutes later, Balotelli could have had another, latching onto a Steven Gerrard free-kick only to head wide of the post.
Unfortunately, this continued with the ball at his feet, too.
A well-worked corner routine, again courtesy of set-piece king Gerrard, could have ended in a fine curled finish from a sharper Balotelli; however, the Italian managed to send his effort high and wide of the target from near the edge of the box.
This profligacy would be worrying if this wasn’t Balotelli’s debut but, lacking match fitness and growing into the aesthetic of Brendan Rodgers’ side, this aspect of the striker’s game will return in time.
By half time Balotelli had registered five shots, with just one of those landing on target; based on this, perhaps this debut would be considered a failure.
However, there were other, more surprising areas to the Italian’s game that were hugely commendable against Spurs.
This, namely, was the 24-year-old’s uncharacteristic work-rate and determination on and off the ball—traits synonymous with Rodgers’ Liverpool, but not previously with Balotelli.
For example, Balotelli proved a surprising defensive outlet here, winning a header in his own half—in the left-back position no less.
With the Italian seen operating often in the wide areas, this inclination to track back and provide defensive cover will be crucial within Rodgers’ system.
Balotelli’s closing down was matched by his ability to hold up the ball, and provide for his teammates equally.
Receiving the ball in the Liverpool half, Balotelli adeptly held off the hulking Younes Kaboul—demonstrating great strength—before intelligently thwarting the Frenchman with a swift turn and run.
This, and the striker’s lofted pass through to Sterling immediately after, forced Lloris into a drastic sweeping save—unfortunately, receiving the rebound, Balotelli once more scooped his long-range attempt off target.
Furthermore, a deft back-heeled pass to strike partner Sturridge a minute earlier displayed Balotelli’s more ostentatious creative qualities.
If this were to fail, this would be beyond risible.
However, the Italian possesses a canny ability to produce the magical consistently and, without meaning to cast aspersions, moments such as this back-heel evoked the telepathic partnership Sturridge enjoyed with Suarez.
Work on this together, and the pair can become a formidable attacking prospect in tandem.
As well as this blossoming partnership, one of the most admirable qualities that Balotelli brought to Rodgers’ side against Spurs was of a less tangible, box-office persuasion.
The introduction of the Italian to this Liverpool side seems to draw attention away from his teammates.
Balotelli acts as a vacuum for defensive focus, and as such in this encounter this allowed the likes of Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson to run riot.
This was lacking against both Southampton and City in the Reds’ previous Premier League encounters this season—the most outward example of this being the demolition job Victor Wanyama performed on Philippe Coutinho in the former.
Marked out of the game completely, Liverpool’s No. 10 could not provide the nuanced, creative play that he was employed to provide, and as such the side struggled.
However, Balotelli is a player that, whilst demanding similar attention, seems to thrive on it; rather than shrinking away like Coutinho, Balotelli absorbs this pressure and Liverpool flourished due to this.
Replaced on 61 minutes, this was a mixed debut by Balotelli.
However, it was a hugely surprising one in areas, and this aspect in particular is hugely encouraging as Rodgers’ side forge on.
Overall Analysis
Whilst Balotelli remains no angel—a theatrical reaction to an excellent, whole-hearted challenge by Eric Dier a testimony to this—the performance of the Italian striker against Spurs provided Rodgers with a lot to think about, most of which would have surprised most.
Previously Balotelli has been branded lazy and troublesome, but it couldn’t have been further from the truth at White Hart Lane, where work-rate and build-up play became the Italian’s main focus.
The striker will, naturally, need to work on his return in front of goal, but the foundations can be seen clearly—on his first showing, it seems like Balotelli will slot perfectly into Rodgers’ high-tempo, high-pressing system.
Who knew the striker had this in his locker?
Balotelli Statistics
Minutes Played – 61
Shots – 5
Shots on Target – 1
Take Ons – 1
Passes – 16
Passing Accuracy – 50%
Overall performance rating: 6 out of 10.
Do you agree with Jack’s analysis? Let us know in the comments below.
New Liverpool signing Mario Balotelli made his hotly anticipated debut in Sunday’s 3-0 victory away to Spurs, with Jack Lusby analysing his performance.
Since Mario Balotelli’s £16 million move from AC Milan late last month, the name on everyone’s lips amongst the Liverpool faithful has been that of the Italian maverick.
The striker joins with a notorious reputation, and it has been debated persistently as to whether the 24-year-old will be a success or a failure at Anfield.
The former Manchester City man didn’t have to wait long to make his debut for the Reds, starting in the first game since his signing, in Sunday’s 3-0 away victory over Spurs at White Hart Lane.
For most, this was the ‘marquee’ signing that Liverpool needed following the loss of Luis Suarez this summer, and as such the excitement surrounding Balotelli’s debut was palpable.
Making his way on to the field—late—all eyes were on the Italian.
Following a miserable loss away to City the previous weekend, Liverpool needed the lift that this victory conjured—in a mixed display, Balotelli was the catalyst to this.
(Video courtesy of MrBoywunder)
Signed, naturally, to help ease the burden on English forward Daniel Sturridge in terms of goal scoring, Balotelli will be expected to return at least 10 goals this season.
The striker almost opened his account immediately.
On the end of a fantastic Sturridge cross, Balotelli should have scored from close-range with his header thumped towards the sprawling Hugo Lloris on three minutes.
Just 10 minutes later, Balotelli could have had another, latching onto a Steven Gerrard free-kick only to head wide of the post.
Unfortunately, this continued with the ball at his feet, too.
A well-worked corner routine, again courtesy of set-piece king Gerrard, could have ended in a fine curled finish from a sharper Balotelli; however, the Italian managed to send his effort high and wide of the target from near the edge of the box.
This profligacy would be worrying if this wasn’t Balotelli’s debut but, lacking match fitness and growing into the aesthetic of Brendan Rodgers’ side, this aspect of the striker’s game will return in time.
By half time Balotelli had registered five shots, with just one of those landing on target; based on this, perhaps this debut would be considered a failure.
However, there were other, more surprising areas to the Italian’s game that were hugely commendable against Spurs.
This, namely, was the 24-year-old’s uncharacteristic work-rate and determination on and off the ball—traits synonymous with Rodgers’ Liverpool, but not previously with Balotelli.
For example, Balotelli proved a surprising defensive outlet here, winning a header in his own half—in the left-back position no less.
With the Italian seen operating often in the wide areas, this inclination to track back and provide defensive cover will be crucial within Rodgers’ system.
Balotelli’s closing down was matched by his ability to hold up the ball, and provide for his teammates equally.
Receiving the ball in the Liverpool half, Balotelli adeptly held off the hulking Younes Kaboul—demonstrating great strength—before intelligently thwarting the Frenchman with a swift turn and run.
This, and the striker’s lofted pass through to Sterling immediately after, forced Lloris into a drastic sweeping save—unfortunately, receiving the rebound, Balotelli once more scooped his long-range attempt off target.
Furthermore, a deft back-heeled pass to strike partner Sturridge a minute earlier displayed Balotelli’s more ostentatious creative qualities.
If this were to fail, this would be beyond risible.
However, the Italian possesses a canny ability to produce the magical consistently and, without meaning to cast aspersions, moments such as this back-heel evoked the telepathic partnership Sturridge enjoyed with Suarez.
Work on this together, and the pair can become a formidable attacking prospect in tandem.
As well as this blossoming partnership, one of the most admirable qualities that Balotelli brought to Rodgers’ side against Spurs was of a less tangible, box-office persuasion.
The introduction of the Italian to this Liverpool side seems to draw attention away from his teammates.
Balotelli acts as a vacuum for defensive focus, and as such in this encounter this allowed the likes of Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson to run riot.
This was lacking against both Southampton and City in the Reds’ previous Premier League encounters this season—the most outward example of this being the demolition job Victor Wanyama performed on Philippe Coutinho in the former.
Marked out of the game completely, Liverpool’s No. 10 could not provide the nuanced, creative play that he was employed to provide, and as such the side struggled.
However, Balotelli is a player that, whilst demanding similar attention, seems to thrive on it; rather than shrinking away like Coutinho, Balotelli absorbs this pressure and Liverpool flourished due to this.
Replaced on 61 minutes, this was a mixed debut by Balotelli.
However, it was a hugely surprising one in areas, and this aspect in particular is hugely encouraging as Rodgers’ side forge on.
Overall Analysis
Whilst Balotelli remains no angel—a theatrical reaction to an excellent, whole-hearted challenge by Eric Dier a testimony to this—the performance of the Italian striker against Spurs provided Rodgers with a lot to think about, most of which would have surprised most.
Previously Balotelli has been branded lazy and troublesome, but it couldn’t have been further from the truth at White Hart Lane, where work-rate and build-up play became the Italian’s main focus.
The striker will, naturally, need to work on his return in front of goal, but the foundations can be seen clearly—on his first showing, it seems like Balotelli will slot perfectly into Rodgers’ high-tempo, high-pressing system.
Who knew the striker had this in his locker?
Balotelli Statistics
Minutes Played – 61
Shots – 5
Shots on Target – 1
Take Ons – 1
Passes – 16
Passing Accuracy – 50%
Overall performance rating: 6 out of 10.
Do you agree with Jack’s analysis? Let us know in the comments below.
Sunderland have completed the signing of defender Sebastian Coates on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool.
The 23-year-old Uruguay international becomes the Black Cats’ eighth summer signing after passing a medical on Wearside.
Coates joined Liverpool from Uruguayan-side Nacional in 2011 and has made 24 appearances for the Reds, scoring twice.
The centre-back has been capped 15 times by Uruguay and featured as a substitute in their 2-1 victory over England at the World Cup in Brazil this summer.
Sunderland are also waiting to complete the signing of Inter Milan attacking midfielder Ricky Alvarez, again on a one-year loan deal.
Alvarez, who completed his medical on Sunday, has flown to Argentina for international duties while the deal is being finalised.
Two players appear to be making way for the new arrivals, with French centre-back Valentin Roberge on the verge of completing a one-year loan deal to Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims.
This comes after Sunderland confirmed on Monday that fellow French defender Modibo Diakite had left the club by mutual consent.
Sunderland have completed the signing of defender Sebastian Coates on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool.
The 23-year-old Uruguay international becomes the Black Cats’ eighth summer signing after passing a medical on Wearside.
Coates joined Liverpool from Uruguayan-side Nacional in 2011 and has made 24 appearances for the Reds, scoring twice.
The centre-back has been capped 15 times by Uruguay and featured as a substitute in their 2-1 victory over England at the World Cup in Brazil this summer.
Sunderland are also waiting to complete the signing of Inter Milan attacking midfielder Ricky Alvarez, again on a one-year loan deal.
Alvarez, who completed his medical on Sunday, has flown to Argentina for international duties while the deal is being finalised.
Two players appear to be making way for the new arrivals, with French centre-back Valentin Roberge on the verge of completing a one-year loan deal to Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims.
This comes after Sunderland confirmed on Monday that fellow French defender Modibo Diakite had left the club by mutual consent.
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