The left-back position is a problem position for Liverpool. Paul Konchesky’s now back at the club after a loan spell at Championship side Nottingham Forest, but it’s fair to say that he’s not going to be part of Liverpool’s starting-XI next season. Fabio Aurelio, a capable and adaptable footballer could probably do the job, but given his injury-prone nature may better be suited as a stand-in rather than a first choice left-back.
The lack of options in this department has seen Kenny Dalglish turn to youth and whilst 17-year-old Jack Robinson has impressed sporadically when given the opportunity to do so, he can hardly be viewed as a first-choice left-back for next season.
As all teams are built from the back, I’d argue that filling the left-back position is the most important task that Kenny Dalglish will face this summer. If Liverpool don’t find the right man, there’s every chance that all the positive energy surrounding the Dalglish-engineered revolution at the club will disperse and come to nothing.
The papers know this and they’ve had a field day linking Liverpool to just about every left-back in European football. Names like Arsenal’s Gael Clichy and Newcastle’s Jose Enrique have appeared frequently, whilst many fans hope that Liverpool will look to Benfica’s Fabio Coentrao for a solution.
My personal choice, however, would have to be Everton’s own Leighton Baines. I understand that any such move is extremely unlikely. He’s very much an Everton man; he’s happy and he’s settled and he’s unlikely to desire a move across Merseyside. Moreover, he signed a new five year deal with Everton at the end of last season, so would command an impressive transfer fee. On the other hand, Liverpool do have the cash to tempt Everton into letting him go. Whilst it’s unlikely, I don’t think you can say that it’s impossible.
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You can win titles with ‘average’ fullbacks. You can’t win titles without at least one top quality wigner. Liverpool made the mistake once already of buying an expensive fullback to provide width (Johnson), and then an expensive striker to play out of position (Keane) instead of just stumping up the cash for a top quality wide-man – let’s not do it again please!
A top quality winger is EASILY the most important signing that Liverpool can make this summer.
Clichy is pretty shocking going forwards btw – all these years playing in a team that dominates possession allowing him to get forwards at will, and he still can’t deliver any sort of quality once he gets to the byline/approaches the penalty box. I’d rather Arsenal just kept him and kept ignoring his failure to improve at all
Liverpool have 100m this summer . U can buy a gareth bale 40m and a baines 30m and a ashley young 30m with that 😀
Which idiots voted for the average-at-best Assou-Ekotto ahead of Baines for left back of the season. Baines is a quality left back who is solid defensively and excellent going forward. He has pace going forward and is a fantastic crosser of the ball. Moreover, he can score the odd free kick and penalty. Surely if Liverpool are going to bid 10-12m for Enrique then why not spend a couple of million more on Baines who is a much better option. 4 goals and 11 assists from left back this season is remarkable and Liverpool must at least make a bid for him this summer. Everton are not in a particularly good financial state and would consider selling any of their players for the right price. Also, Baines himself is a Liverpool supporter which could help push through the move.
GOOD NEWS WELCOME
Let not just looking for expensive player. These expensive player also couldn’t promise anything…so…Baines no a bad choise at all.
bring back RIISE!!!!