Although some reports jumped the gun a bit by claiming Yossi Benayoun’s transfer to Chelsea was pretty much done, one thing that does seem certain is that the Israeli will be leaving Anfield this summer. Hearing that he was looking to leave left me with mixed emotions. Naturally, at first I was disappointed and even felt a bit betrayed by the fact that leaving us seemed like such an easy decision for him. But then upon reflection I no longer saw his upcoming transfer to one of our rivals as a disaster. He is the wrong side of 30 and although he’s proven himself to be an important player for us on occasions, he is still just a squad player after all and regularly suffers with inconsistent form.
His first season with Liverpool gave us an insight into what Yossi offers and what we would become used to seeing from him. It was a mixture of brilliant performances where he looked like a potential world-beater and then other less inspiring performances where he was largely ineffective. His second season started off badly, with him starting most games on the bench right up until just after mid-season where he really began to flaunt the talent he possessed. He was without doubt one of our best players during the second half of that 2008-2009 season where we had our best ever premier league campaign.
It was crucial that he kept up that momentum heading into the beginning of last season and he duly delivered, starting off the campaign in blistering form which included a hat-trick against Burnley. It was at this point where he really began to earn the admiration of every Liverpool fan, especially when he proved he could came good in big games, a highlight being his wonderful assist for Fernando Torres against Manchester United. However, in almost a reverse of the season before, Yossi’s form began to suffer mid way through the league campaign and he finished the season being in and out of the team.
I understand that he maybe didn’t have the best relationship with Rafa Benitez, but the fact that he still wants to leave now that Rafa’s gone indicates that he’s been looking to leave Liverpool for a while, regardless of who he likes and dislikes at the club. To be honest I can’t really begrudge him his move to Chelsea (if it goes through), they are the current champions after all. It’s a deal that works well for both parties I think; Chelsea pay a few million for a squad player who’s now in his 30’s, while we get to put the money towards a younger replacement. Selling him is also beneficial to the club as it means one less player in the squad with a desire to leave. We’re at a point now where the only way to go forward is by separating the non-committed players from the loyal ones, then building on from there.
One way Yossi Benayoun will be remembered by fans is that of a frustrating figure. He will also be remembered for the good times, like his winning header against Real Madrid and his three hat-tricks in three different competitions. Whatever your opinion on this red who apparently wants to turn blue, you can’t deny that he’s given us a good service and on the whole I would have to say that he’s been a relative success here at Liverpool. He is definitely replaceable though, (admittedly the player looking to replace him has a lot of work on their hands). I’m just hopeful that in 12 months time we don’t end up looking back at the sale of Yossi Benayoun in a regretful manner, because this club simply cannot afford to take any more steps backwards.
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Football FanCast writer Oscar Pye-Jeary documents his time in South Africa following England in the 2010 World Cup. (England v USA).
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Hit for his football, miss for his loyalty
definately a hit need more like him!!!!!!!!
his final pass was never goog enough but he did score some important goals for us . As with any one that leaves liverpool football club we wish them well in there move and they will never walk alone .
Hit or Miss? Or “mistress” if you are looking for a bit of mischief. On aggregate he was more of a Miss than a Hit despite some imprtant goals but he always went missing against top sides.
Miss! %months does not make you a hit!!!
A resounding hit in a team that doesn’t suit him and with a very negative manager. Will blossom under a new coach.