Rodgers on the verge of breaking the left back curse?

Article by e-Liverpool's Franklin Sagini

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The left back position in recent times has been a bogey and a tall order position for the reds, with the squad failing to land an authentic and steady player in that position. Since John-Arne-Riise left the club in 2008. Emiliano Insua, Fabio Aurelio, Paul Konchesky, Young Jack Robinson and Jose Enrique have all endured careers plagued and punctuated by injuries and failed to take the defensive role to their outfit and stride. All have been regulars at Zaf’s treatment table.

The arrival of Brendan Rodgers somewhat re ignited Enrique’s form but Rodgers has lost patience with the Spaniards fitness. Having missed the majority part of last season sidelined with injuries. He brought Aly Cissokho on a season long loan from Valencia to provide competition with an option to make the move permanent. The Frenchman failed to cement his mark at Anfield forcing Brendan Rodgers to deploy various players in that role .Injuries too played a part in his unimpressive career.

Sakho, Agger, Johnson and Flanagan have all deputised in that role. But it is the latter that impressed the Northern Irishman. After an impressing output in the Merseyside derby back in November, Flanagan “Red Cafu” nailed his spot as a regular starter in the team sheet. He even managed to force his name into the score sheet against the Lily Whites. He has been one of the success stories of last season earning him an international call up with the Three Lions. He recently received his dream debut against Ecuador summing up a successful season. But the lad is naturally a right back. He needs to provide competition to the fast fading Glen Johnson, promising Kelly and returning Wisdom. So a new left back is high on Rodgers’ agenda.

After being linked with plenty of left backs across the continent, Schmelzer, Shaw, Ricardo Rodriguez, Ben Davies, Bertrand, Moreno, Coentrao, Ashley Cole, Digne, Ali Adnan and so on, Rodgers has finally decided on his prime transfer target and it is rumoured that the man to rescue Liverpool from the left back curse is Alberto Moreno. He has been watched by scouts from Real Madrid, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Napoli but it is the Reds who are now front runners for his signature.

The Spaniard failed to make the cut in the Spanish 23 man squad but his defensive prowess hasn’t been lost on Rodgers. After all, that is a big boost to the Reds in their pursuit for Moreno. That means he will be available to finalise a deal since he won’t be participating in Brazil. The Spanish international is currently on holiday but he will be in close proximity to his phone more than ever waiting for a call from his agent. Sevilla rejected a loan deal for youngster Suso as a sweetener and demanded straight cash. Although it is rumoured Aspas might be moving on the opposite direction.

Sevilla’s President Jose Castro has confirmed Liverpool’s interest but claimed they had not yet received a formal offer. ”It is true that there is interest from Liverpool and we’re waiting to see if that turns into a reality, which now it isn’t”. The negotiations are believed to be ongoing. Credit to the Reds recruitment team for trying to tie up deals early as seen in the capture of Emre Can and Rickie Lambert, although a possible deal for Lallana has hit a snag. According to the Spanish newspaper El Confidencial, Sevilla left-back Moreno has agreed personal terms on a five year deal to join Liverpool for £17.9m.

Moreno created 17 chances, scored 3 goals but had no assists in his 29 appearances last season in the la liga. Going forward Moreno completed 1.1 successful dribbles and won 1.1 free kicks for Sevilla. He averaged 29.1 passes and 0.6 crosses per game. His pass completion rate is 78.9%.Defensively Moreno averaged 1.8 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game. He averaged 1.0 fouls and 1.5 clearances per game, impressive statistics if I may.

Overall I think it will be a shrewd acquisition but am not convinced he measures up £18m.The Spaniard bloke is highly talented having forced his way into the squad and racking up 61 appearances for the club. He helped his club win the Europa League, playing the full 120 minutes in the final against Benfica. Anyway, we should derive comfort considering Shaw commands up to £30m. He’s highly talented and at 21 years, I feel he can learn a lot under the tutelage and stewardship of gaffer Brendan Rodgers and improve on his game. Psst! Let’s wind it up early before Daniel Levy reads the papers.

If those rumours are to be believed, then the curse is just about to be lifted. Emre Can Can (heard its pronounced as Jan, am not sure about it) play at left back, Enrique will be back, Strength to strength Flanno will always play anywhere for the team. With the introduction of Moreno, the Scousers have all the reason to be licking their lips waiting for next season.

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