England’s defeat to Germany highlighted a common problem in the English game – that being a lack of genuine home grown playmakers – creative central midfielders who can put in a tackle but, most importantly, orchestrate and control the tempo of a football match.
While Steven Gerrard can do that job, it’s not his natural role. The same can be said at Liverpool where the captain is often the most creative player in the side.
Liverpool will probably look to add some creativity to the engine room at some stage soon – thankfully for them, the rules don’t stipulate that the player has to be English!
Coutinho is a great schemer, of course, but he operates further up the pitch. Liverpool need a player to sit in there with Stevie and get on the ball – fizz it about and make things happen.
Well The Guardian today suggested that Liverpool may try to bring Xabi Alonso back to the club. A great servant to Liverpool, he is about to come to the end of his contract at Real Madrid. At 32 he is losing some of his mobility but he was never famous for movement anyway. He’s the pass master that makes teams tick. The Guardian says:
they’re also reported to be monitoring events at Real, albeit with a view to bringing Xabi Alonso back to Anfield – and on a free transfer, to boot.
Latest rumours this evening suggest that Alonso may have signed an extension to his contract at Real Madrid but these reports are unconfirmed.
The same source reports today that Barcelona youth product Antonio Sanabria is reportedly interesting Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City – so any race for his signature could be quite intense.
Arsenal have so many creative midfielders that you can’t see them pulling out the stops to sign him. Consequently, Sanabria would probably avoid Arsenal, if he wants immediate first team football.
Manchester City also have such a strong squad that chances for the teenager would surely be limited. But Liverpool do look a bit light for cover up top and the move may suit the lad.
Just 17 Sanabria can’t get in the Barcelona side but already has 2 caps for the Paraguay senior side.
Let’s see the boy in action. CLICK FOR SANABRIA
Liverpool fans. Happy to invest in youth or would you rather get Xabi back in?
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