After having a little debate over who should start at right back next season, I have decided to look at the more important issue of who should play at left back this time around. Over the past decade, the Reds have really struggled to get a consistent first team performer in the position, with John Arne Riise, Fabio Aurelio and Stephen Warnock being the most prominent, and best examples, who have attempted to take on the role. Below I take a look at some of the contenders for the role next season:
Jose Enrique – The most heavily linked left back with the Reds, the Spaniard has had an excellent couple of seasons both in the 2009/10 campaign in the Championship and last season in the Premier League. It would be fair to say however that Enrique is more comfortable in the opposition half than defending. He is an excellent crosser of a ball, and has a good deal of pace but isn’t always the most reliable defensive full back. What we haven’t lacked in recent years is good attacking full backs but we really are in need of someone who is a very good defender, and I have doubts over Enrique in this area. He is still young at 25 years of age however, and does have a great deal of time to develop his game. He could also be a relatively cheaper option too as Newcastle will want to sell if he doesn’t agree a new contract to stay with the Magpies.
Aly Cissokho – My personal favourite for the role, but probably the most unrealistic and expensive. Lyon will most likely finish third in Ligue One this campaign and without title success, they may to be tempted to sell some of their players. Physically, Cissokho is ideally suited to the Premier League with both his strength, athleticism and pace, but it all comes at a price, and I doubt he will leave Lyon for less than £20million. In addition, would the French international want to move from a team in Europe to one that isn’t?
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Wingers are just as important probably more.
Left backs:
1) Coentrao
2) Aly Cissokho
3) Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic)
4) Baines
5) Vargas
6) Marcelo
7) Zaboletta
8) Michel Bastos ( can play left back n wing)
few names il just add maybe as back up’s
1) Nadir Belhadj
2) Clichy ( Not that hed come to play back up, but in my opinion he aint good enough to be our regular lb)
3) Warnock
4) Hunt (Wolves)
5) Wayne Bridge ( although needs to take a big wage cut)
Note some of these i don’t want just throwing in some names, what do you guys think
Marcelo and Coentrao are unrealistic. I think they will battle it out at Madrid next season.
Wouldnt mind between Cissokho, Enrique and Izaguirre and Baines.
Vargas and Bastos have done well in a LW role. Their defending positioning is abysmal. Clichy would be an improvement but not the best option.
All the others aren’t good enough imo
The club should not be wasting what little money they will have to spend on leftbacks. There is only 38 games next season that have any relevance, the leftback position can be filled easily in turn by Robinson,Kelly,Flanagan and Aurelio.
Aurelios played his last game for us, that’s why King Kenny played him to thank him for all hes given us maybe mostly on the treatment table but that free kicks against Utd and Chavski were his highlights.
Liverpool should do everything they can to sign Leighton Baines. This player is pure quality. He’s solid defensively and excellent going forward. He’s got fantastic crossing ability and also chips in with his fair share of goals. 4 goals and 11 assists at left back is a remarkable record. What’s more, Everton are willing to listen to offers and Baines himself is a Liverpool fan. Kenny should also promote Chris Mavinga as a back up left back rather than focusing on bringing through just British talents.