What a massive difference twelve-months can make in football. This time last year, Rafael Benitez’s men were flourishing at the top of the Premier League, enjoying a glorious start to what turned out to be a splendid season. Things have been dreadfully different this campaign though. Having endured a torrid season so far, Liverpool look set to make use of this months transfer window in order to bring some much needed quality into the squad. Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriguez, who is out of contract in the summer, is widely rumoured to be just 24 hours away from an opportunistic switch to Anfield.
The classy Argentinean possesses various qualities that Liverpool urgently require. Rodriguez is versatile. Although he plays primarily on the right-hand side of midfield, the 29-year-old can also play as an attacking midfielder. Over the last decade, Liverpool line-ups have undoubtedly lacked a potent threat down the wings; therefore this is an inspiring and encouraging signing. With him on side, the Reds fans can anticipate seeing a more electrifying, offensive option to Dutchman Dirk Kuyt who currently plays on the right flank. Kuyt is an exceptionally hard-worker and has managed to make the position his own since arriving at Anfield for £10m. Perhaps he could shift to a more central role up-front, where his quality of being a dedicated, industrious athlete, can benefit Fernando Torres more efficiently.
Rodriguez has a marvellous eye for goal, proved by his record at Atletico, where he has managed to find the back of the net 32 times in 121 games. In November, he put four past Marbella in the Spanish cup. He dazzled at the last World Cup for Argentina too, playing in a star-studded team and scoring a cracking goal against Mexico in the process. For Atletico’s former skipper, moving to Anfield will reignite his hopes of reliving past glories and playing in South Africa this year.
In addition to his evident quality, Maxi Rodriguez is already good friends with two Kop heroes in Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano. Torres, who was an immediate Anfield success, previously played with the winger in Madrid. Hard-man Mascherano is an international team-mate of Maxi and has reportedly been persuading him to join the Reds. With such camaraderie already in place, our imminent new signing should blend into the squad in no time at all; ready to get Liverpool’s campaign back on track.
So what does the Argentinean have which can help Liverpool’s bid to win a trophy and finish in the top four come the end of the season? Well, Maxi Rodriguez has hunger, as shown by his apparent willingness to take a pay cut to come to Anfield. He offers a greater attacking threat down the right flank, something which Liverpool have obviously missed for the last decade. Also, Maxi’s arrival will inevitably mean the sale of some players, notably Andriy Voronin and Andrea Dossena, moves which Liverpool fans around the globe will be delighted with, as both have flopped on Merseyside.
So, if the transaction goes through as expected, the squad will definitely be improved. Liverpool are thought to have agreed to pay a meagre £1.5m for the wide-man, clearly an astute piece of business by the financially restrained Rafael Benitez. Most important of all is that this deal adds real quality to the team, as Anfield prepares for stability this campaign followed by a title challenge next season!
Given our lack of finances, I too am excited by this move. He won’t be a “world-beater,”nor will he be a “savior,” but I do believe he will give us more width. Kuyt may be a decent player, but he is predictable and it is wearing thin.
I agree with your post and hope that it is a signing that will work out. January signings are often over-priced, but this one seems almost UNDER-priced! That’s a first for us, isn’t it?