The PROS and CONS of Signing Craig Bellamy

PROS

Adaptable – Bellamy can play right across the forward line. Although he was invariably used as a striker in his Newcastle days, while playing under Mark Hughes at Manchester City, Bellamy was most often utilised from the left hand side, and he used his pace very well on the flanks to trouble opponents. He would also be able to play wide right or as a striker. Something which would be handy in Liverpool’s 4-3-3 formation.

Fast – Although he is now 32, Bellamy has always had a fair bit of pace. As I have said in multiple blog posts, pace in the modern game is one of the hardest things for teams to defend against. Bellamy can be blistering on the counter attack and would be an ideal impact substitute when the team need a goal late in the game or when a game is stretched. Bellamy can use his pace to find space.

Goal Threat – Although David Ngog will turn into a good footballer, he is currently an inconsistent finisher. Bellamy however, is very much a natural finisher and has the ability to score from all areas of the pitch. He has scored some fantastic long range goals in his career but also has the ability to pop up in the box to finish off a team move.

CONS

Behaviour – Everyone knows that Bellamy has a difficult personality. He has clashed with many managers including Roberto Mancini and Graeme Souness. Still, he has also had a fair share of managers he has got on with such as Sir Bobby Robson and Mark Hughes, both of which were good man managers. King Kenny is also a good man manager and if Bellamy does misbehave, Dalglish should be able to put him back in line. If the Welshman does get into Kenny’s bad books though, there will be only one winner and it won’t be the striker

Age – Bellamy is now 32 years of age, and there is no doubt he is getting towards the end of his career. The striker does rely on his pace to be effective and it will be interesting to see how quick he will be if he puts on a Reds shirt. If he is on a short term contract though, there shouldn’t be that much to worry about.

Fitness – Bellamy has suffered with knee injuries in recent years and it would be a concern if the striker is not able to play the majority of matches. Still, he will most often be used as a substitute meaning the strain on his knees will be less due to playing fewer matches.

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