Quantcast
View from the Kop

Should Sebastian Be Given A Chance, Or Get His Coat?

|
Image for Should Sebastian Be Given A Chance, Or Get His Coat?

URUGUAYAN international Sebastián Coates was brought to Liverpool during August of 2011 by then-manager Kenny Dalglish. The 6ft 5″ centre-back arrived from Nacional, a team competing in his home country and came with a glowing reputation of being a no-nonsense, tough defender.

Signed at just 20 years of age, Coates was clearly a transfer that had the future written all over it but with the potential to stake a claim in the first-team should his performances merit one.

Coates made only twelve appearances throughout the whole of last season, with just seven of them coming in the Premier League.

His season highlight was easily the unforgettable goal he scored against QPR in what turned out to be a forgettable match for the Reds, however, the Uruguayan spent the season as fourth choice behind Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher.

As of this season, Coates has seemingly ousted our legendary number 23 as Liverpool’s third-choice central defender. Nevertheless, with Agger and Skrtel comfortably cementing their place as the number one partnership, chances have been few and far between for the South American.

In 2012/2013, the towering defender has, in half a season, played just nine times for Liverpool with his appearances being spread out across all four competitions – further backing up the claim that he is indeed seen as a squad player as opposed to a first-team player. After only three Premier League appearances there has been talk of a potential move away from Anfield for the Uruguayan with some reports suggesting the notion that it could potentially be permanent or simply a loan deal to allow him the chance to gain some valuable first-team experience.

There have even been whispers that Liverpool have started negotiations with possible replacements for Coates with names such as Modibo Diakite and Davide Astori being linked with the Reds.
[ad_pod id=”liverpool-tees” align=”center”]
For me, Coates has been criminally overlooked this season by Brendan Rodgers and should definitely have been given more chances to shine. For example, the disgraceful Boxing Day defeat away to Stoke was perfect for Coates to showcase his talents. The game nestled comfortably into the bracket of Coates’ comfort zone and he would have excelled in battle against Kenwyne Jones – who gave Agger and Skrtel a torrid time.

Agger and Skrtel have played 43 times between them so far this season and could do with a breather after a busy Christmas period to keep them fresh. Agger is certainly not used to a prolonged run of games after suffering with several long-term injuries in his career so far and Rodgers is running the risk of the Dane suffering another setback by playing him in every game. Coates would relish a few games in the first-team and the big man deserves a chance to show the fans what he is capable of.

I think talk of selling Coates permanently is absurd and, at worst, the Uruguayan should be loaned out to give him a chance of getting first-team football – but not without a replacement being brought in as relying too much on the aging legs of Jamie Carragher would be too much of a risk. The trust is with Rodgers to do the right thing and if he does allow Coates to leave on loan expect a centre-back to be brought in during January.

Follow me on Twitter – @ElliottTunstall
[ad_pod id=’DFP-MPU’ align=’right’]
Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at live4liverpool@snack-media.com

Follow us on Twitter here: @live4Liverpool and ‘Like’ us on Facebook

Share this article

14 comments

  • pw says:

    His centre of gravity it too high and he is too slow. Name 1 game when he looked like a quality defender- you can, because he isnt.

    • pw says:

      * you can’t

      • Tim Williams says:

        As Souey says, the City game he was immense!

        A threat at both ends of the pitch too with the ability to do what he did against QPR!!

    • Souey's 'tache says:

      Erm, he was solid against the Premier League champs earlier in the season when called upon as Dagger was injured. Almost man of the match.
      Defo needs to be given more of a chance now, ahead of Carra!

      • deane fitzpatrick says:

        100% agree,stil only a kid its times d club gave carra a coaching roll,can’t keep him in d squad jus for sentiment.in doing so Coates’ development is being thwarted.he is quality,maybe he doesn’t look gud given dat he plays a game here and Der but he has my support no disrespect to carra but his time is up.anybody remember wen carra came to d front line,Jesus he was bad an turned out to be 1 of best ever defenders,Coates has it all Der to be d same

  • Tim Williams says:

    Completely agree with you there Elliott, I am a big fan Coates, I have watched for Uruguay and Liverpool quite a number of times and am very impressed with his tackling and his presence, and he is a threat at both ends. My criticisms of him in the past has been an occasional lackadaiscal approach when on the ball which can be very dangerous against high pressing teams, but this can be sorted with regular football. I thought in the City game he was immense and agree with you that the Stoke game was perfect for him. I can see why at the moment Carra is above him as with Agger and Skrtel fit and in form the introduction of Carra brings experience and calm.

    We would be moronic to let him go permanently but a loan would suit him and us down to the ground. Get him playing regularly and iron out those kinks. Lets not forget Skrtel when he first arrived was prone to the odd boo-boo!

    Personally I think WBA would be a decent move for him, it looks like they are losing Olssen so he could slot straight in and with Clarke in charge he would be working with a familiar face and playing decent football in a team doing well

  • Patrick says:

    I think this kid is class and has a massive future. To those who says he looks slow, it’s only because he’s such a big lad he looks slow but those long strides go a long way. No doubt he needs more time as he has look sped shaky at times but remember he is only 20. Name me 3 twenty year olds that are plying their trade in the premier league as central defenders? Not even Man U would play their kids in the back line unless someone is injured. Give him time and or loan him out for the rest of the season. He was sensational in the Copa America. If he can handle playing in that tournament, you’ve got something to offer .

  • Mikkyslim says:

    I think dis kid wud’ve if BR had trusted into a few games even if it were 20min subtitute appearance. Besides, he hasnt done xcpt in d last dat showed his games. We are abt loose a quality-to-be like in d case of Ince. Send him on loan 2 a premier or championship club.

  • Nick says:

    I think it is absurd to buy a young talent like Coates just to keep him on the bench and expect him to proof himself! Skrtel should have been rested after that silly back pass against Man. City. Agger and Skrtel are making mistakes that have cost us the games against Villa and Stoke! Rodgers should give Coates some game time!

  • simon says:

    Coates looks like he will be top class , needs more games

  • Ozred says:

    Clearly on the wrong side of Rogers. That carra is playing ahead if him each time round is wrong. Carra is a liability. I’d rather the 21 year old liabilitywith upside every day if the week.

    Disappointing br!

  • armchairlfcfan says:

    Coates needs more playing time and has much to contribute. In addition, when Carra decides to hang up his boots, LFC will need a suitable and, more importantly, an immediate replacement.

  • Erin says:

    The boy hasn’t had a chance. Simple as, carragher played 20 games too many this season .
    YNWA

  • Dave says:

    Another case of bad management by Rodgers – Coates has ability to become great defender

Comments are closed.