IT is with regret I feel the need to pen these words as it seems we have not learnt any lessons so far in recent times and the current trend of singling out individuals appears to be truly prospering.
Previous chapters of this sorry tale have seen Lucas Leiva, Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen star. The fixation appears to be that the blame MUST lie at the feet of someone in a result anything less than satisfactory and Swansea away to some extent and certainly post Southampton this ugly beast (who has a cousin fixated with the cost of players!) has reared its head once more.
Iago Aspas is currently the favourite amongst certain sections of support as being the focal point of attack following disappointing results. Now in the past I have written at length, and taken my fair share of abuse in my defence of Henderson and Allen as I believe strongly in those two. I based my voice primarily on what I have seen in both a red shirt and prior to that from the pair and then secondly on the fact that they are Liverpool players, wearing the jersey I would chew my right arm off to wear. Now I don’t know a great deal about Iago Aspas and wont lie to you, I had never heard of him prior to those initial links, but this doesn’t change what I am about to say! Whilst not defending him, I want to present an argument as to why he should be supported and not derided under the following headings:
Scouting:
In the last 2 years we have seen significant additions and development in the player recruitment of our club. It is clear we can not compete financially at the same table as the Citys, Chelseas, PSGs and Monacos of this world, and as it stands butting heads with the likes of United, Arsenal and even Spurs will leave us with a very sorry noggin. What this has meant is that we have to invest in those hidden gems, the diamonds in the rough, the quality that is forgotten amidst the star names, and this has certainly brought us success in Sturridge, Coutinho and Mignolet for example. In this respect we have to put trust in the club in this instance that players identified have gone through assessment after assessment.
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Premier League:
The Premier League is a very different beast to its sister leagues (is a national league like a car in that it is feminine?) in terms of the pace, guff, bluster and physicality and whilst you can have a Suarez or a good Torres that will adapt and thrive immediately, you will have those that certainly burn a little slower. Just because a player doesn’t hit the ground running doesn’t make them a bad player! I can think of two Welsh players that had less the grand beginnings in the league and turned out ok! One cost a lot and one scored a lot!
England:
There is a huge requirement on any player leaving their own country to adapt to foreign places and is one of the big reasons why you will not find the level of English representation in foreign leagues as high as other nationalities. The Welsh chap I mentioned before, for as good a player as he was, just didn’t cut it at Juventus. On the flip, coming to England from Spain as Aspas has done will take time to acclimatise. This is made easier by blowing away expectations on the pitch but when this doesn’t happen immediately then patience is needed.
Liverpool:
Whilst some quarters say that Liverpool and us fans are stuck in the past, it is the past that can not be forgotten. Liverpool is a huge club which carries huge expectations and this for some can be a weight to big to carry. Henderson struggled initially, as Aspas is now, and with all due respect, Liverpool is quite the step up from Sunderland and Celta Vigo.
Whilst I have only explored this briefly (trust me I could go on) I have already identified four areas that need to be considered in any new player at the club. To discount any is foolish and counter productive and I for one will stand up and support Aspas and all Liverpool players until they leave the club for good. He is clearly not a rubbish player as some suggest, trust me I have seen and played with and against some absolute dross!
Saying that, I have a solution and a proposition, so if any one at the club is reading give me a call, it’s a winner! I will sign for the club and make occasional appearances for the club in non-crucial circumstances. Now I will clearly stand out like a sore thumb and can be that target for the trollish part of all of us to vent their fury at, leaving players like Aspas with that breathing space to find their feet! How much would I cost? A go on Fowler’s shoulders?
Love to hear your thoughts, come find me on twitter @timdibs
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if given opportunity he will out shine sturridge.. He ll do better if pared with suraz….
Do you think that the players you are defending, i.e. Henderson, Allen, and Aspas, would be in the 18 man squad at any of the top 5 clubs? I think they wouldn’t, unless one of those clubs had a serious injury epidemic.
Regarding finances, when was the last time Arsenal spent 15m on a central defender? And with Arsenal having fewer options at CB than we had, why wasn’t Wenger interested in the least in Sakho, while we paid over the odds for him? Or, on a similar note, would you rather pay 8.5m for Louis Alberto, a player with essentially no Senior level experience, or 11.5m for Eriksen?
Our transfer decisions this summer have again been erratic and incompetent, and Rodgers will be lucky if he manages to finish in 6th ahead of Everton, IMO.
It’s far too early to judge and particularly when the team is not playing well, it’s not aspas’s fault Gerrard and Lucas arnt linking the play from mid to the forward line. Generally, when he has played he’s looked to go forward and be positive, he is a forward and our forwards need the service and without coutinho we look devoid of ideas Gerrard is far to deep to make an impact an I’m really concerned about the decision rogers has made in playing Lucas in front of Gerrard as this is effecting the teams ability to create and not helping Aspas when he needs support.
to me let aspas knows the jersey that is wearing ‘ is not meant for ordlnary person pls . you need to prove your self that you are from spain? tikitaka country.
Cabb
Thanks Kinny! Why pay 8m for Alberto, though he looks like one for the future whiles the first team looks half full. I think de scouting team goofed with this by opting against Eriksen. Still confident this season with de top 4 target.
my God will audiciously bless u….infact am speechless….cnt imagin there s somebody wif much instinct nd eye for football as dis…..s as if u read my intension….sometyms i feel there r many out there who r much worth it dan our board…….i wish i cud see u…just to say my many words of excitments to u…..u really made me api…
It’s to early to judge a aspas he’s had so little game time it’s not fair. I think it’s the younger reds who expect greatness straight away. Being in my forties I’ve been through all our euro cups and many league titles also some bad defeats. The younger generation have seen DVDs of our success and it’s only them wanting to taste it for themselves. So what I’m saying is when a player doesn’t produce the goods from the off we all must be patient and give him a little time before we judge him
Nomark . Im 55 years old . Aspas and Borini are 2 of the worst players I’ve ever seen in a Liverpool shirt. Not their fault . It’s Rodgers fault for buying rubbish. Rodgers doesnt have a clue
The pair have played less than 20 times for Liverpool and you have judged them already?? How many games did it take rush to get firing for example?
Worst players you have seen in red? Piechnik? Kvarme? Poulsen? Perhaps! You can say any of them and more as they have left the club and we can accurately gauge their impact!
Nobody is suggesting that aspas is the second coming but as a Liverpool player deserves the support and to be given a chance for a number of reasons! Like what I have written about? Read that or did you see the title and jump straight to comments?
I don’t read your Shi te . It’s always total rubbish. Just read the comments
And Borini has made 24 apps and Aspas 5 . That is 29 not less than 20
You can’t even get that right you moron .
So you make comments based on comments about a piece you haven’t read? Seems to me a little obsessive here Liam! Should I check the bushes outside my house?
I took my figure from Wikipedia for the last comment, if it’s wrong it’s wrong, and if he has made 24 apps that must be enough to make a solid judgement yeah? Ignoring the 2 serious injuries, no run in the team and out of form! Yes, I’m clearly the moron
Yes you are the Moron. Judging by other people’s comments Im not the only one who thinks that.
Your articles are embarrassing .
How would you know Liam, you said yourself you don’t read them!!
You do make me smile 😉
People don’t need to read your nonsense every week . We all know you write nonsense.
(except of course tim’s imaginary commenters)
To comment on anything without reading it first is just silly Tommy, as is your obsessive feelings you hold for me! I’m sorry I didn’t get you a valentines card
Aspas is a striker .
Br pls try aspas centrally he is tricky in the box,stop playing him out of position pls.
Do u guys think that if michu has been playing in the no10 role that he would many goals? Of course capital NO,i hate Br always playing players out of position.I want to ask Rodgers this question,if he is forced to use a formation not suited to him that he will do well ? Certainly NOT, For me i think fielding players out of position is WICKEDNESS, SIMPLE
It is a pity a mediocre is player is wearing lfc’s no. 9. Good players don’t need to play a million match b/4 showing their worth. It is a pity we left a player like Wanyama to escape us last summer. He was a big factor why we lost to the saints- he dominated both Gerrard & Lucas put together. I have said it that we needed a mature no. 10. Coutinho, despite his skills, is still immature in his play to be our main no. 10. Ericksen should have been a serious target while Winfred Bony or Ricky van wolfsenken would have been a ten times better option than Aspas.
you are a fool for saying dat.Every player need time to adjust
Really? Like RVp who won the title in his first season at Man U and scored loads of goals, why does Aspas need to adjust? He’s 26 already not a teenager. Get your head out of your back-side mate.
Silly comment on so many levels!! RVP was an established PL, speaks English, lived in England and is a player with bags of experience playing for a massive club prior to moving to united for a lot of money.
The previous poster is spot on, different players take different times to adapt to new surroundings, not rocket science!
What about Suarez? Settled into LFC straight away and was South American from Ajax and younger than Aspas when he joined LFC? Who looks silly now? Suarez wasnt fluent in English either. You mug stop making excuses for players.
How does that make me look silly? I said different players take different times to settle!! I said using RVP was a daft example!
If you bothered reading the article you would see that I’m making excuses for no one, I’m giving my reasons as to why you shouldn’t right a player off after 5 games!
Did U????? actually watch VP during his early seasons at arsenal?
RVP is not new to BPL…just jump ship from Arsenal if u forgot.
Message to Aspas: Try acting like a MAN you pathetic little wimp.
Says a man hiding behind a moniker! Wonderful irony
As if everyone uses their real names on here you plank.
Ignore Timmy. He spent all last season making up ridiculous excuses for Allen assaidi Borini and Rodger himself. The guy is a total fool
…and everyone knows tim uses other names on hhere to spread his stupid bull
Yes Liam, I spend most of my time creating new email accounts to post under different names! Well done you!
I have never excused anyone, not my place! I refuse to rush into judgement and will fight my corner on an issue! I apologise that it doesn’t agree with yours
Total idiot Tim. As someone who writes articles for this site he knows damn well you don’t need new email address to post under different names
You sad pathetic little fool Timmy !
Very boring Liam! I couldn’t care less if anyone agrees/disagrees likes/dislikes my pieces, personal choice!
I write the pieces as I enjoy chatting about footie, either chat footie, don’t read or report to the editor, up to you!
Ironic that you call someone a wimp whilst hiding your identity! Again, read what is written
Ooooh the irony !
Tim is well known for writing fake replies to his own articles.
Until a few weeks ago when I pulled him on it . Within 20 min of his article being posted there were always unknown posters who never posted before writing glowing things about Tim’s dross articles like
“nice article mate”
“brilliant read, keep it up”
“very true article , well written”
Etc etc . These mysterious posters NEVER posted on any other articles …just Tim’s
…and it doesnt happen as much now since I sussed him. Everyone knows he does it . Check previous articles . It’s soooooo obvious it’s hilarious
Well known in your mind Tommy! How very boring! I invite you to check my mentions on twitter if you think it so unlikely that anything positive could be said! But then it’s probably an intricate web I have created for some unknown reason.
You didn’t post on my last piece mate? You are slipping
Another rubbish article by the deluded fool tim Williams. Making excuses is all he does . Aspas is just a poor poor player not fit to wear the Liverpool shirt
Ah Liam, one of the people obsessed with me on here! How are you? Organised the Xmas fan club do yet? Should be a good one! Is Tommy coming?
People criticize you because you are clueless , your articles are biased and stupid. Get over it.
I’m not sure I can say this enough Tommy, I don’t care if my articles are criticized or liked! It makes no impact on me whatsoever. This strange obsession you and Liam have with me allegedly posting on my own articles is bizarre! But hey if that helps you sleep at night that’s cool!
You say I’m biased? Who to???
Stupid? Very probably! Simple solution, don’t read! Well Liam doesn’t but still comments! Same with you? Obsessive!
Finally as this is all very droll and nowt to do with footy, you have an issue, a suspicion or anything like that I invite you to contact the editor. He knows who posts and contact details for those who post! Odd that only you and Liam hold these conspiracy theory views!
Anyway, I’m off to create some fake Facebook accounts to like a picture I just posted
Ha ha . Nice try
It’s amazing how these comments by people we have never seen before have stopped now that your found out.
I dont mind reading your nonsense. I read anything to do with LFC no matter how awful it is.
Tommy, this whole strand of conversation is very boring now, you think what you think, I know what I know, nothing to hide! Lets leave your obsession behind and get back to what this is all about…..football!
It’s a game of opinions, it doesn’t matter if you agree with mine or not but its important you have your own! This is exactly why I don’t care if someone likes my stuff or not, so long as they argue their point! You disagree, fine, but present footballing arguments not nonsense chat!!
Why do you disagree with what I have written?
Very glib tim.
It’s hardly an obsession. It’s a observation I’ve made that I think needs to be shared with everyone.
If you dont like it , don’t read my comments and don’t reply. Your constant replies and denials make YOU seem a little obsessive
Like most others I couldn’t be bothered talking football with someone like you.
Hardly an obsession? You open my articles, don’t read then take personal potshots! If you want a date just let me know I’m sure I can stretch to a happy meal for you!!
I read them , awful that they are . I merely post my opinion.
Your posting comments to yourself was the only thing that brought you to my attention.
You aren’t posting an opinion though Tommy that’s the point! I’m starting to think that you are unable to proffer your own opinion and to disguise this point you roll out faceless accusations to hide behind!
I could equally suggest that any negative comment comes from you! Given your logic I could even post under the name Tommy or Liam! Wouldn’t that be a mind blower!! But I don’t, I just repeatedly try and bring the conversation back to football in vain!
Blah blah blah . More excuses
Lol . Another satisfied customer . Ha ha
Why do you disagree Jack? Why after 5 appearances should he be judged? Why are what I have presented excuses and not factors to consider?
Why ? Why ? Why ?
Why are you asking that ? If you are too blind /stupid to know the answer to that that’s your problem
It’s a football opinion site Tommy, I have an opinion, you have an opinion, others have an opinion, all will be different, interesting to see people qualify theirs!
Not rocket science! Come back next week and I will tell you about the birds and bees
Thats why its called an opinion…l personally value asap highly the guy hasnt even played a full 90mins and if you watch the game closely,sturridge and coutinho were to selfish to pass the ball on many occasions when he was on the pitch…dont get me wrong dan and phil are good just need all round perfomance