LESS than a month after the end of the 2012-2013 season Liverpool FC manager Brendan Rodgers has already ‘done’ deals for two players: former Man City and Arsenal defender Kolo Toure and Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas.
This is a sign of intent from the Liverpool gaffer who needs keep on improving his squad and try to close the gap between Liverpool and the Manchester sides. Over the past two transfer windows Rodgers has done his business well before the transfer deadline passed (bar the failed attempt to purchase Clint Dempsey on deadline day from Fulham FC); the question is whether the signings he has already made are good enough to don the Liverpool crest on their chest?
Kolo Toure is a player who needs no introduction to most Liverpool fans. He is a tried and tested player who is a two time Premiere League winner, was an integral part of the Arsenal’s 2003-2004 ‘Invincibles’ side and was the mainstay of a rock solid defence which kept 10 clean sheets on its way to the UEFA Champions League final in 2006.
Despite being limited to only 19 appearances last season Toure performed well whenever he was called upon particularly during Vincent Kompany’s absence. The reason Rodgers has brought in Kolo is to try and fill the void left by Jamie Carragher who retired in the last season after more than 15 years of service to Liverpool and over 700 senior appearances. This move makes sense in many regards and it will prove to be a good piece of business by Rodgers.
The purchase of the 25 year old Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo has been received with mixed feelings among the Anfield faithful; not many fans are exactly sure of whether he will be a good signing or not. What exactly does Iago Aspas bring to Liverpool FC?
At 25 years of age most players will have moved past the early development stages of their career and will be approaching their peak. Aspas is somewhat of a late bloomer at 25 years old, he has not represented Spain at any level and has only played one season in La Liga – most of his appearances for Celta Vigo have been in the Segunda Division which is England’s equivalent of the Championship. This is Aspas’ first major move – most Liverpool fans will hope that he will establish his name at Anfield and turn out to be a great signing.
Aspas is a skilful, fast player who can operate on the wings, off the main striker and in the centre-forward role. In the few times I have seen of him, just like most Spanish players, he is technically gifted and has the qualities that Brendan Rodgers requires. In Celta Vigo’s last season in the Segunda Division, Iago scored 22 goals and in his first season in La Liga he recorded 12 goals and 7 assists – these are good statistics and show that only can he score but he can also create goals.
Liverpool fans will be hoping that he will follow in the footsteps of his former Celta Vigo teammate Michu who is also a late bloomer, having made his La Liga debut at the age of 24. Michu was one of the bargains of the year in the Premier League last season, he was brought for a fee of £2million and scored 18 goals in his first season with Swansea City.
If Aspas can get any close to the form Michu showed in his first season in England then Liverpool fans may be in for a treat.
Aspas also has his flaws, in a match against Depotivo La Coruna back in March he headbutted Spanish veteran defender Carlos Marchena and was given a red card and subsequently banned for four matches. If he is to survive in the Premiership he must control his temper and not produce any similar incidents.
Barring any late complications in the deal, Aspas will be wearing the red of Liverpool FC next season, he may be inexperienced and not yet proven, but Liverpool fans will hope that his years of maturity and development will aid him to adapt to the Premier League quickly. Only time will tell whether he will deliver or not.
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Aspa move is a MESS – AYRE AGAIN
Ayre is a smug *,knows *all bout football,I’d sack him b4 rodgers
I luv this guy, he ll be far beta than borini and downing as he can operate perfectly in the front three. I wish him a gud luck to revive lfc once more as alonso and co did. YWNWA..
Yeah right . How many games have you seen aspas play ? Zero , so shut up
All i want is Epl..
Aspas is d ideal bargain i ve been hopin 4…….. Cum on Red men….. Lets kick some ass nxt season.
*IT YOU GUYS SHOULD GO SIGN hakhtar Donetsk’s playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan. THAT THE GUY WE NEED…
I see Aspas doing well in EPL its time we go for center back and a finisher again. Ride on weak up and fight RODGERS its time to kick some ass goodluck!! (YNWA)!!
I knw ur are 1 of d pple dat did critises d sign of coutinho. Ur nt a liverpool fan xo mind ur busines 2 ur club
sorry sir,i have never criticised the signing of Coutinho,i hope that Aspas has a good season similar to that of Michu if not better
Different opinions does not make any one person “more of an LFC fan” than a the other person., Maybe you should grow up.
We will wait and see after 5 games.
sorry sir,i have never criticised the signing of Coutinho,i hope that Aspas has a good season similar to that of Michu if not better
Aspas, u’re highly welcm @ Lfc, i wish u all d best in Lfc Jersey
apas will make it in liverpool d way michu made it in swansea
reina johnson toure agger enrique gerrad lucas mkhiratran aspa sturridge coutinho subs jones kelly illori coates robinson suso henderson shelvey downing borini sterling
He is not LFC standard.
Brendan pinching swans targets again