Just 12 months ago Emiliano Insua was nothing more than a useful squad player for manager Rafa Benitez to have at his disposal, as back-up for the likes of Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena. With the former currently out injured and the latter shipped off to Napoli in the last transfer window, the young Argentinean has started all but two of Liverpool’s 32 premier league games this season but it’s obvious that fatigue is starting to catch-up with the youngster.
Insua joined the reds from Boca Juniors in 2007 and initially struggled to settle in the Liverpool side and for a prolonged amount of time he was used in Gary Ablett’s reserve side including the one which won the Premier reserve league in 2008. Insua’s performances this season have been impressive especially for a man whose experience in the premier league is severely limited. As the season has worn on however it’s become obvious that the full-back has suffered as a result of being Benitez’s only natural left-back option and he has begun to look a yard short of pace.
That being said Insua’s performances should not be too harshly criticised especially when you take into account that he has already provided seven assists for goals this season, more than any other full-back this campaign.
Insua has himself stated that being part of a side that already contains fellow Argentineans Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez has helped him adjust to being part of the Liverpool side at such an early stage in his career.
‘’The Argentine people are really together for each other and it is such a different culture in England. In my first year here I couldn’t speak much English so to have Javier and Maxi here means it is very special for all three of us.’’
Insua has impressed many pundits of the game after a season in which before started, very little were known about the full-back. As well as impressing in defence Insua has shown against Arsenal this season that when given the opportunity he can hit an incredible left-footed strike. This was proven in the third-round of the league cup at the Emirates stadium back in October when he scored with an incredible left-footed volley which gave Fabianski in the Arsenal goal little chance.
With Fabio Aurelio well on his way back from injury, Insua may have support in his position in the run-up to Liverpool’s final six games of the season. Although he has already made a strong case for being Liverpool’s first choice left-back, Insua may be grateful for a rest after what has been a draining season.
One thing is for certain though and that is if Insua continues to play as he has been doing this season, he could certainly prove to be one of Liverpool’s more important first-team players.
For a player of his age i think he has done very well, it will be good to see him next season a bit older and wiser, and with a player who can provide regular support, he will be even better. I think we will be congratulating ourselves on a lot of money saved next year.
gonna b a great player
He isn’t good enough and neither is Aurelio….. any fan can see that!
Uh Hello … anyone who has watched more than the Sunderland Game this season will know he is nowhere near good enough to wear that shirt. His lack of Pace and positional sense have cost us more than enough this season.. Arsenal Away the cross from which they scored … came from a bad judgement from Insua … Utd away … Both goals came from his ineptitude.. the guy is useless and Rafas first order of transfer business this summer HAS to be to replace the muppet …
Rant over
Insua is nowhere near Liverpool class and will never be. Terrible at defending, slow and too one footed. Aurelio is way better than Insua. We desperately need a quality left back next season.
ha ha – you “fans” are great…
too bad for you “Chris” and “SBP (what a travesty!)” that Rafa thinks he’s good enough to start all but 2 of 32 Premier League matches… but then what does Rafa know compared to such fonts of boundleess football knowledge as you guys???
oh and did you read that he has MORE ASSISTS THAN ANY FULL BACK IN THE PREMIERSHIP??? nah, you’re right – he’s crap, get rid… (of sad cases like you!)
Your attitudes are why it’s so difficult for young players to make their mark at teams like Liverpool. You expect everyone to be born playing like King Kenny. Reality check! (“testing testing 1-2-3??? Anybody there?”)
well said koparoma….some of these fans sometimes make me wonder why they even bother supporting/watching footie coz they know absolutely f*** all about the sport.
Insua is having his 1st full season at Anfield and has done better than all full backs in the PL thus far in terms of assists and he’s the youngest if you exclude the ManUre’s brazilian kid, but still some idiots moan about his abilities which are improving pretty much every game.
so instead of being all “bring in this guy or that guy to cover”, just support the lad in his development which in my eyes has been outstanding to say the least. Also, remember how ‘rich and giving’ our owners are and stop all this rubbish talk about buying super players because it won’t happen.
YNWA Insua and keep up the good work!!!
Insua should be used as a back up at this stage of his career. May never become the true first line back. He was forced into becoming a regular by lack of options. As far as his assists are concerned, if you add assists on goal scored from his side, he will be even more impressive.
He’s complete rubbish, no pace,gets drawn out of position too easily and nutmegged all the time, poor crosser.He’s been the weak link in the team this season and other teams have figured this out. We need a solid left back!!!!
Who wrote this ,his mother?!!!
For me Insua doing a good job, but I must admitted that sometimes he’s too offensive and forget to track back. I think he’s not good enough to be labeled first team player until he raise his defensive game, squad players is more appropriate though.
Taiwo anybody ??
koparoma
Rafa has got everything right this season hasn’t he?? struggling to get 4th out of the CL at the group stage knocked out of the FA cup by a then struggling championship side…….. yeah we can all trust Rafa! get a grip lad
Thank You for the post. I was quite confused about this particular issue, however your post has cleared it up 🙂