Player Profile: Damien Plessis

Central Defending/Holding Midfielder

1 Goal

7 Appearances (as of 3/16/09)

Signed from Lyon in 2007 on a free transfer

BACKGROUND BEFORE LFC

Damien Plessis played for Lyon’s youth set-up and reserves, but did not get a chance to play for their senior squad. By the time that 2007 rolled around, Plessis had enough and felt like he needed to move on in order to progress as a player. Given that he has played only 7 times in two seasons, I’m not exactly sure how well that has worked out for him…

SIGNING FOR, AND SETTLING INTO, LFC

Damien Plessis signed on a free transfer in the summer of 2007, joining Liverpool as a project player. As a holding midfielder, Plessis has Mascherano, Alonso, and Lucas ahead of him, meaning that he has far too much of a challenge in order to totally feel settled. That said, in the 7 appearances he has had over the past two seasons, he has done no harm at all to his reputation and has done quite well. He is a regular for the reserves and is well-liked by Benitez. Because Alonso, Mascherano, and Lucas are so young, I have a feeling we’ll develop him and ship him out. But we’ll have to see, obviously. Hopefully we can make a feww

STYLE OF PLAY

As a holding midfielder, Plessis’ style of play is definitely one of short passes, tempo control, and finding good space for himself to make things happen for the players around him. As a TALL player, Plessis is also quite capable in the air, as was shown by the goal he scored against Tottenham in the League Cup. More than anything, Plessis is your stereotypical tactical holding midfielder with an excellent sense of positioning on both the attacking and defensive side of the game. He rarely makes the Hollywood pass, nor is he likely to take many shots on goal. Plessis is much more likely to try to get the ball to others in a good position in order to make things happen for the team.

BEST MOMENTS

This is a tough one, because any first goal for the club is a wonderful feeling… but not so much in a 4-2 loss. So his best moment is probably in the previous round in the League Cup when we beat Crewe 2-1. The captain that day? Damien Plessis! That must have been a wonderful feeling for him, one that he’ll most likely never forget. We barely sneaked it, but nevertheless it was a win in his only match as captain. Not even Gerrard can boast that kind of record!

TOUGH TIMES

Seven appearances in two seasons. You tell me! Getting injured after 45 minutes in the season opener against Sunderland was probably not a highlight either, as he must have felt his chance at a run-out was ruined. The 4-2 loss against Tottenham probably wasn’t the best, but overall he has not embarrassed himself out on the pitch.

2008-2009 SEASON VERDICT

Plessis hasn’t really had much of an opportunity to show his abilities, but overall he has done an average job. I don’t feel like he’s going to have a future with us, though, because he doesn’t exactly make much of an impact when he’s out there. He does FINE, but that’s not enough for us supporters or for the club. He must do much better, or else he’ll find himself at another club pretty soon. That’s probably why we haven’t seen much of him since November.

LFC CAREER VERDICT

To be honest, Liverpool don’t really need Damien Plessis. He is not as good at passing as Lucas, not as good at tackling as Mascherano, not as good at positiioning himself or understanding tactical situations as Alonso, nor does he have the bulldog attitude of Jay Spearing, or the goals of Gerrard! So where does he stand? I just don’t understand what Rafa is trying to do here. Plessis is not a bad player, but he’s a decidedly average one. Which means that he doesn’t accomplish much for the club, which consequently means that the likes of Spearing may be denied of the chances he deserves. My guess is that Plessis will either rot in the reserves or take off this summer. Watch this space!