Four challengers to the throne of Enrique

SINCE arriving from Newcastle in the summer of 2011, Jose Enrique has certainly improved the left-back slot which he has made his own since his arrival.

It had been a problematic plague for Liverpool for many years, with the talented, but injury-prone Fabio Aurelio and the comedic, but hapless Andrea Dossena being just a couple who have temporarily filled the gap since John Arne Riise left the club in 2008 for Roma (don’t even get me started on Paul Konchesky).

However, despite the improvement that Enrique has provided, there are areas in his game that can be exploited. His touch, for instance, is inconsistent, and I believe he takes it for granted, having watched his performance personally at Steven Gerrard’s testimonial just recently.

He is physically strong, fast and has very good technical ability, shown for instance in his only scoring appearances for the club – against Swansea and Wigan last season. Nevertheless, he does make mistakes, with some baffling decision making at times with regards to his passing and crossing.

All of these weaknesses could stem from a lack of focus at times which might be because of the lack of proper competition at left-back. Jack Robinson is the only other recognised left-back in the squad and he hasn’t really made the grade yet at Liverpool. Furthermore, he has just gone out on loan again, this time to Blackpool, leaving Enrique as the only left-back.

Whilst the likes of Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly can deputise in the position in Enrique’s absence, some proper competition would be welcomed, if only to motivate Enrique into increasing the consistency of his performances and ironing out his mistakes with higher levels of concentration.

With that in mind, here are four potential players who could come in and offer some stern resistance to Enrique for the left back slot at Liverpool:

1. Aly Cissokho

Currently at Valencia, Cissokho has many talents that are comparable to our current left-back, which could lead to a direct fight over the better type of player for the position, something which would really give Enrique something to consider.

Available at a cheap price due to Valencia’s ongoing financial problems, the Reds have been linked with a season-long loan move with an option to buy, which may be the best option so that funds can be maximized elsewhere this year.

If the 25 year old arrived, he would be looking for regular first team football and the chance to resurrect a career which has stalled slightly at Valencia and would represent a good, solid signing for Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool.
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2. Lorenzo Melgarejo

The Benfica man who last season was converted into a left-back from a left winger has also been linked with a season-long loan move to Liverpool. He played in the Europa League Final against Chelsea, and his pace and impressive forward play would help Liverpool stretch the pitch, helping with their possession play.

In addition, he would compliment players like Coutinho or Luis Alberto if they started on the left flank, due to their tendency to cut inside, leaving space open for Melgarejo. However, there are concerns over his ability to defend, which are similar for both Johnson and Enrique.

3. Guilherme Siqueira

Also linked with Everton, the 27 year old has been watched by the likes of Real Madrid and Galatasaray, with a fee of around £7-8m needed to tempt Granada to sell one of their best players.

Last season he made 35 appearances for Granada, scoring six times, in their fight against relegation from La Liga, where they eventually finished 15th. He can play in a traditional back four, or as a wing-back and has an attacking mindset. Furthermore, he is deadly at set pieces, whether it’s free-kicks or penalties.

Siqueira may be a one season wonder, or a bargain that has to be seized – the risk he represents like so many others.

4. Davide Santon

A player yet to make his mark and realise his full potential, Santon nevertheless is a player who, at 22, should be about to enter his prime years. Again he is a fullback with attacking tendencies, but sometimes questionable defending.

Furthermore, Newcastle bought this player in a sort of coup from Inter Milan in 2011 when he was linked with bigger clubs at the time and are unlikely to want to let him go. Therefore a fee between £10-15m is probably likely, and that is a lot for a player who still has a lot to prove.

That aside, he is already an Italian international and can play at right-back as well as left. Crucially however, he has an awful amount of ability that could see him develop into a world class player – either for Newcastle, or for another club.

Liverpool have already allegedly been turned down by Tottenham and Chelsea in their pursuits of Danny Rose and Ryan Bertrand respectively, and so are turning their attentions elsewhere. These five would present a serious threat to the comfortable hold Jose Enrique currently has on the left back position, but there are a myriad of talented full backs available for Liverpool to choose from.

Who would you like to see arrive at Anfield to compete at left back with Enrique?

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