The 2009/10 season started all so well for Liverpool striker Nathan Eccleston. After being promoted to Melwood by Rafa Benitez last season, Eccleston proceeded to score two goals on his first start of the campaign for the reserves in a 3-2 loss against Blackburn Rovers on the opening day of the season. He had a flying start to his first season at Melwood and scored 5 goals in nine games for John McMahon’s side. His excellent form for the reserves was quickly rewarded with first team action and he came on as a late substitute for Philipp Degen as the Reds sought to rescue a fourth round Carling Cup tie at the Emirates. He came on to play on the right hand side of midfield but failed to make an impact during his short time on the pitch. He was again used as a sub three days later when he was given his Premier League debut against Fulham in a 3-1 defeat at Craven Cottage.
A promising young career looked to be flourishing as he placed his first tentative steps into first team action and he signed a two year contract extension in January to ward off potential suitors. Eccleston’s primary attributes are his pace and finishing ability. He loves to run at defenders and can play well when leading the line, offloading the ball when holding up play and taking on a ball and striking well-struck shots at goal. He was still a raw talent though and was not ready for regular first team action. To gain first team experience then he was sent out on a month’s loan to Huddersfield Town in League One.
He initially impressed during his loan spell at the club and scored the only goal of the game on his debut for the club against Yeovil away from home. His month’s loan was subsequently extended for the rest of the season and all seemed to be going well. However, on his third start for the Terriers against Gillingham he was sent off for a rash, nasty challenge and was banned for three matches. It wasn’t a malicious tackle but it was naïve and reckless one; something that could be attributed to inexperience. The problem was though, he was banned from some crucial matches which he would have played a vital part in as other strikers were also absent.
He never quite recovered the energy and style from his debut performance after his ban and this can be attributed to a number of reasons. One of the things that maybe of concern is that despite his excellent turn of speed and good finishing ability, his link up play is not always what it should be for a striker. Despite some neat touches around the box, his passing can leave a lot to be desired and his work rate was also questioned when he was on the pitch. Of course this sort of thing can be attributed to the fact he played out of a position for most of his spell at Huddersfield playing on either the left or right wing. He also rarely started in the eleven games he featured and was used as a 10/20 minute impact substitute. It is very difficult to develop an understanding with team-mates and get settled into a rhythm when you are only given a few minutes here and there.
One of the primary reasons why Eccleston did not start regularly after his ban was the form of fellow strikers Jordan Rhodes, Theo Robinson and Lee Novak. Rhodes scored 23, Robinson, 16 and Novak scored 14 in the season, and all were crucial in getting the team into the League One Playoffs. Eccleston therefore had too much to compete with and may have been better served being loaned out to a different team who have far less depth up front and on the wings. Playing a bit part role and playing out of your favourite position when you do play is not great to improve your experience or develop your game.
Form comes with games and instances such as missing a sitter against Colchester, being overeager to please such as the sending off against Gillingham or the lack of goals all come from the lack of regular action. Eccleston has speed and finishing ability but it is still raw ability and still needs to be harnessed through greater experience. Game intelligence and link up play can develop over time and perhaps he would be best served by a loan move to another club next season. With the lack of striking options at Liverpool at the moment he may be needed back at Anfield but I think his game will develop quicker if he gets some regular first team action. Then we will know whether he is good enough for Liverpool FC.
Follow us on twitter @live4Liverpool
Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at editor@live4liverpool.com
I dont think he is good enough for Liverpool on what i know.