After months of agony and inconsistent results, we are now finally into the January transfer window and as ever the reports involving our supposed targets have intensified. One player we have been linked with a while is Dutch winger Eljero Elia and recent reports have stated that Liverpool are in negotiations to sign the Hamburg star.
From what I’ve seen of Elia, he has impressed me with his ability to take on players, his speed and his overall technique. We’re all still waiting to see what comes out of this transfer rumour but he does at least seem to fit the requirement of being a talented prospect for the future, which is what we’re supposed to be prioritising now under the new owners.
Whether it comes to fruition or not, I can say I’m happy to see us being linked with a player of this type: a speedy winger with bags of tricks. For a while now there has been a distinct lack of pace throughout our squad and every now and then it gets exposed during games, especially when we get a chance to counter attack. When I look at the likes of Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon in action, I feel a sense of envy as they seem to make their respective teams counter attacks dangerous simply because of the pure speed they bring to the play. When we get a chance to counter attack though, we usually appear hesitant and sluggish. Ryan Babel is apparently our quickest first team player but even he doesn’t seem to have the confidence to utilize his pace when given the opportunity.
In his autobiography, Jamie Carragher made the point that good pace throughout a team was a big advantage to have and I couldn’t agree with him more. I can think of so many examples where the sheer speed of a player heavily impacted the outcome of a game: like Michael Owen in his prime, where he destroyed defenders week in and week out largely down to the fact that they couldn’t keep up with him. More recently you could use Aaron Lennon’s winner against us in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham as an example of how important it is to have players with pace. A lot of blame fell on Paul Konchesky for the goal but you have to also recognise that Lennon’s ridiculously good acceleration was a major factor in him getting a one on one chance against Pepe Reina in stoppage time.
It is safe to say that we are short of players like this; the speedsters. We have pacy players like Steven Gerrard and David N’gog sure but we don’t have enough of those speed demon type players who get the crowd to their feet every time they burst into action. It seems that Roy is trying to rectify this with his reported interest in players such as Eljero Elia and Ashley Young and I’m happy to see these types of stars being linked with us. I just hope that Roy learns from the mistakes we made in past transfer windows and moves quickly to sign his prime targets in order to save our season.
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I’ve been a fan of Elia for a while now, and agree that he’d be a great addition to the team. The only problem is, where would Roy play him?
He bought Meireles in, who is and always has been a central midfielder, and plays him on the wing. He plays Agger at left back periodicaly, and Kuyt on the left wing.
If Elia arrived at Anfield, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in goal…
Very similar to what we already have……Ryan Babel…..so we need to spend the money, elsewhere.
I know what you mean but alas he is far from Babel. This lad actually does use his talents everytime he walks onto the field and it could never be said Babel did likewise.
on left defenitely…i think its now time to replace kuyt…yes he still chipin some goals from rit but at the same time he waste a no of counter attackin chances and build up plays..its like playing with 2 right backs..
would love to see adam johnson on right,
elia on left
lassana and mereles in midfield
gerrard and torres up front
frightning lineup:)
But when u remember that david bentley and charlton cole has also been linked, the excitement vanishes.
When you remember the old fool who sign paul konchesky and Poulsen is handling the money, you gotta beware. He may end up signing carlton cole, rory delap, kevin doyle for a combined 30 million pounds and make us a very decent mid table team. We will be celebrating every away games win as big win instead of craving for something like Instanbul night. Bravo!
AND the biggest transfer of the season is Liverpool is selling Roy Hodgson to err…… I dont know… some dark forest jungle’s chief. I heard that they want him as supper. hehehehe.
you are absolutely right awesome decision send him to the bears
Liverpool should have gone for Nzogbia instead of Elia. Nzogbia is a proven Premiership player.
Still unsure as why we have not ealed up Turan for our left hand side?
I fully agree with that, and considering we would be paying a similar fee for a much better player, Turan seems to be a no brainer if he’s available
ADAM JOHNSON go get him
Elia actually looks like a decent player and would be a good winger – At least he actually sticks to the wing and stays in position.
Babel is not a winger and supposed to be a striker. Cole is better off in the hole.
Kuyt is doing ok but not a real threat attacking the right flank.
Maxi is playing well at the moment.
City won’t let Adam Johnson go, especially when SWP, Adeybayor and Bridge are ahead on the transfer list.
all for turan, and maybe crouch?
Turan is class and would be an excellent pick up for liverpool Why is it that our scouts dont push for him? Come on Comolli snatch this prize up and NESN get rid of Roy please!!!!
So gents we are all in agreement….
Turan it is!
Elia is a quality winger, speedy and skillful, no doubt about that but we’ve already got a similar player in Ryan Babel who I think is a fantastic player when he’s in form. I would prefer we go for a left footed winger like Charles N’Zogbia who would add something different to our team.
babel is pure crap.