Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has defended team-mate Luis Suarez over claims that the South American is prone to diving, and has stated that some of Manchester United’s players are more guilty of the claims.
The Uruguay international has come in for criticism after his willingness to go to deck under challenge, and his over-reaction was a major reason for Jack Rodwell’s dismissal in the Merseyside derby earlier in the month.
Manchester United players were unhappy with the attacker’s conduct in their 1-1 draw at Anfield ten days ago, and Suarez had a frustrating afternoon against Norwich in another 1-1 draw on Saturday.
The ex-Ajax forward missed a number of goal-scoring opportunities and felt the Canaries defenders were heavy handed, without any punishment from the officials.
Despite this, the Spanish left-back feels the accusations of diving are unwarranted.
“Last week, Sir Alex defended his team because we played them. The truth is Luis is a really dangerous player and is a really nice guy. He doesn’t dive,” the former Newcastle star told Mirror Football.
“Some of the Manchester United players go down like they are diving into the swimming pool. They defend their team, we defend our team – that’s normal.
“When you lose two points at home, no-one is positive but Luis did really well [against Norwich]. He had a lot of chances and was just unlucky,” he concluded.
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“Convicted thug”, “Lout”, “Disgrace”, “Animal”, these are some of the words that have been used to describe Joey Barton over the last few years. From drunken assaults off the pitch, to fights on the training ground, Barton has frequented the headlines of the newspapers of the last 8 years for all the wrong reasons. However, today I want to say something good about Joey Barton. You might have already lost patience with him. You might think I am mad. But I think people get Joey Barton all wrong, he can still offer a lot to the Premier League.
Football fans love to hate a bad-boy footballer. However, in Barton’s case there is not so much a pantomime villain as the likes of Robby Savage, but a genuine hatred. The difference between a Savage and a Barton, is Barton’s history, making him more villain than pantomime. This allows the media to really get stuck into him and be incredibly harsh on him.
Given the fact that Barton has been in prison, hit a pedestrian with his car, fought fans and players, and I can see where people’s hatred is coming from. But I reserve the right to respect Joey Barton this season, and here is why….
I think Abou Diaby reacted the way he did up at St James’ Park because it was Barton who made the tackle. Diaby clearly shares a preconception that people have against Barton; that he is a thuggish idiot. But if you actually listen to what he says in interviews, I would argue that not only is he remarkably eloquent for a footballer, but he is also intelligent and brave enough to say what he thinks.
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Upon his England call-up, attention was brought to Barton because in an interview he criticised Gerrard and Lampard for ‘cashing in’ on ‘bullsh*t autobiographies’ that exploited their failure in the World Cup. Barton, was presented as arrogant and fame hungry, criticising established players when he was still to make his England debut.
But Barton was right. Footballers all-too-often release money spinning books, written by ghost writers that are nothing more than a season-long diary and not a creditable autobiography. (Incidentally, Wayne Rooney has already released 5, he is only 25. Come on Wayne). Steve Gerrard even admitted that Barton was right after the incident, the fact that Frank Lampard continues to hold a grudge says more about Lampard than it does about Barton.
Another time Barton was in the spotlight was when he criticised Alan Shearer for being a ‘sh*t manager’ and using ‘sh*t tactics’. This came at a bad time for Barton who had been sent off for a tackle late into a dead game against Liverpool. Shearer then banned Barton indefinitely, and Newcastle looked into terminating Barton’s contract. However, you cannot argue with the fact that Barton was spot-on in his criticism, again. Shearer was a dreadful manager.
Now, don’t get me wrong here, he is definitely not innocent. But he is not as bad as he is made out to be. His mistakes come mostly off the pitch not on it. Abou Diaby was wrong to assume that Barton’s tackle was malicious, more it was over-zealous and an embodiment of the passion of the man.
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Barton has been honest about his mistakes and makes interesting points about modern footballers. He said that he was earning more a week at 20 than his whole family put together. This shows he was of a child’s mentality, living on a man’s wages. The point that Barton makes is that he never had to grow up. Agents and associates took care of mortgages, car insurance and all the difficult things that being an adult entails. Because of this Barton did not engage with real life for a large part of his early twenties. His honesty here highlights a problem that most young footballers suffer from due to over protection.
I am not defending some of the things Barton has done when drunk and on a night out, and I am not saying I would make him the Godfather to my kids, but I am defending the assumption that he is stupid, and I am defending the assumption he is a dirty player. He is hardly the first person to fight people on a night out, and he has said himself that where he is from it is ‘quite normal to get drunk and get in a fight’ occasionally.
I admit, he has not fully amended his ways; he has been involved with the homophobic provocation of Torres and a ‘punch’ on Morten Gamst Pedersen. But, these incidents aside, he has shown willingness to reform both on and off the pitch. For example, he has been teetotal for two years. Yes, occasionally he does stupid things, but this is more a case of his passion boiling over and not petulant behaviour like in the past. This year he has shown good self-control in the face of players who try to get the ‘red mist’ to descend by taunting and fouling him.
Barton, it seemed, was down and out after his prison sentence, and after his ruck with Shearer it seemed his career might be over. But this year he is on top form, he has a better tackle success rate (81%) than Scott Parker (77%) and Gareth Barry (76%), while having made only 2 less key passes than Cesc Fabregas (48) and Charlie Adam (45). He also has 6 assists and 4 goals. The man keeps bouncing back.
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Despite what his critics think, he can be a role model, both to kids who have committed crimes, and to kids from a similar background. He has shown that a change in attitude is possible, and he has never given up on himself and is definitely on his way to becoming a reformed character.
His is not a fairy tale story of reform, and for that reason may not get the positive attention he deserves. But he shows the realistic side of transformation, and sends a much more ‘real-life’ message to those who would see him as a role model. He shows it takes time, that it is difficult and that there will be setbacks. But if you work hard enough at it, it is achievable.
I’m not telling you to like Joey Barton. If you want to hate him, go for it. But don’t under-estimate his value in demonstrating to young people that change is possible, and don’t under-estimate how well he has played this year.
You can share your appreciating of, or aversion to, Joey Barton with me on twitter @joeaustin8
In light of England’s disappointing World Cup a novel idea to prepare for the next one could be to use Euro 2012 to try out the next group of youngsters.
Although ultimately England probably wouldn’t get very far in the competition and it would be another two years gone by where England hasn’t won anything, it could give them a real chance of winning the big prize of the World Cup. Italy tried the same technique in Euro 1980 and their young team actually managed to finish fourth, they then went on and won the World Cup in 1982. This proves that it could work but of course World Cup success is no guarantee and as England are desperate for some success, they may not be able to afford to squander another tournament.
However although the public haven’t been satisfied with England’s performance, they have also been quick to complain about youngsters not being given the chance such as Adam Johnson, Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson. Fabio Capello obviously deemed them too inexperienced to play them in the World Cup and the Euros could be a chance for them to gain experience. But in order for this to happen the public would have to be patient and lower their expectations, they would possibly need to be told in advance that England were not looking to win the competition.
Should England be able to pull it off then these youngsters that England have coming through could really thrive at the Euros. They’ll be less pressure on them as it isn’t a World Cup and then hopefully there would be less expectation from the English public if they were forewarned. England’s Under 21, Under 19 and Under 17 squads all reached the final of their respective Euros last year so it shows that the talent is definitely there, it just needs to be utilised in the right ways. England could consider shelving players like Emile Heskey and instead use technically gifted players which the senior team seems to be lacking. In the senior squad there is only really Joe Cole and he got far too little game time in South Africa, it is possible for England to play exciting, fluid football with a young team if the right players are picked as Germany have shown.
Using Euro 2012 to blood the next generation of youngster could be a tremendous idea for England. But in order for it succeed the main stumbling block would be getting the press and the public to lower their expectations, which would be very difficult to achieve.
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Click on image below to see the Argentinean babes at the World Cup
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Now that the season has come to an end, attention turns to who Premier League clubs will recruit in the transfer window.
Tottenham Hotspur have already made moves by tying down Kyle Walker-Peters to a new contract.
The 21-year-old has come through the youth academy and made his first-team debut in the club’s opening-day win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Walker-Peters put in a man-of-the-match performance, but saw his time in the team severely limited due to Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier being above him in the pecking order.
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In total, the right-back made nine appearances in Mauricio Pochettino’s team this season, but it seems that the youngster is part of the plans for the future.
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In an announcement via the club’s official website it was confirmed that Walker-Peters has put pen to paper on a deal until 2021.
The fans have been so focused on potentially losing some of their first-team players this summer, but confirmation of the youngster’s new deal was met with joy.
Comment from discussion Kyle Walker-Peters signs new deal.Comment from discussion Kyle Walker-Peters signs new deal.Comment from discussion Kyle Walker-Peters signs new deal.Comment from discussion Kyle Walker-Peters signs new deal.Comment from discussion Kyle Walker-Peters signs new deal.Comment from discussion Kyle Walker-Peters signs new deal.Comment from discussion Kyle Walker-Peters signs new deal.Comment from discussion Kyle Walker-Peters signs new deal.Comment from discussion Kyle Walker-Peters signs new deal.
While Manchester United and Liverpool, and to an extent Manchester City, have been grabbing the transfer headlines in the Premier League this summer, Arsenal have been flying a little under the radar. Sure the £11m capture of Petr Cech from Chelsea got some attention, but with the 33-year-old the only signing through the door so far, Gunners fans are right to feel a little agitated.
The London side are not too far from being title contenders, and there’s the feeling that one or two additions could well push them on to that next level – although the fact this has been a recurring theme for years is an issue in itself.
While ‘marquee’ names such as Karim Benzema are getting Arsenal supporters excited, a new target has emerged in the shape of Barcelona’s Sergi Samper. ‘Who?’ some Emirates goers may cry, but this 20-year-old, with an appealing £8.4m release clause, is reportedly attracting Arsene Wenger’s attention.
We know the midfielder is yet anther youngster, but he’s really worth the effort, and here are FIVE reasons why Arsenal should move for him…
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Fits Arsenal’s style of play
Even though Gunners fans have been clamouring for a big, burly, bruising enforcer of a defensive midfielder for some time, such a player would simply not fit in with the style Arsene Wenger has bred into the club. It’s very rare to find an affordable and ‘gettable’ player who combines physicality with the sort of technique needed to slot into the North Londoners’ approach, so players with a greater level of skill and vision are favoured over those who can dominate the engine room by sheer brute force.
Samper really is in tune with Arsenal’s way, with his game all about controlled passing, the harvesting of possession and attacking intent through patient, probing play. Barcelona’s philosophy has much in common with Wenger’s own approach, suggesting that the transition would not be a rocky one.
The Cesc Fabregas example
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Although Samper is now 20-years-old, there is still a natural Fabregas comparison. The latter, of course, swapped Catalonia for London, albeit at the age of 16, and really rose to prominence with Arsenal. Although Fabregas and Samper are not in exactly the same mould and the ‘new kid on the block’ is a little older, the way in which the move worked out for the Gunners and the now Chelsea man is major positive ahead of a possible move.
As well as Fabregas, the likes of Hector Bellerin and Jon Toral have made the move from Barca to Arsenal in recent memory.
‘Gettable’
With an £8.4m release clause in place, Arsenal are able to remove Barcelona’s desire to keep their youngster. That’s one tricky obstacle negotiated, then. And it would appear logical that the Gunners would be able to persuade Samper to head for pastures new, with the 20-year-old’s future at the Nou Camp far from clear.
Currently the vice captain of the ‘B’ team, Samper is set for a season in the third tier of Spain’s domestic league ladder – the Catalan side finished bottom of the Segunda Division last term – with his route into Luis Enrique’s ranks firmly blocked. Even with the exit of the iconic Xavi, Samper is still behind the likes of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Javier Mascherano and Sergi Roberto, and in January Arda Turan will be added to that list.
At 20, the young playmaker needs game time, which he may have more access to at Arsenal.
‘Moneyball’
Although Arsenal’s financial situation is far better than it was when the Emirates Stadium bills were hindering their progress, the chance to bring in a player for a modest fee with a view to selling on in a few years’ time is always attractive. Unless the Gunners can push on and become certain title challengers with both Chelsea and Manchester City, then there will always be the danger that stars will leave in search of silverware – there is no shame in being in this niche, though.
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The £8.4m needed for Samper could easily treble or quadruple in a couple of seasons’ time should he make a smooth adjustment and fulfil his potential in North London, and a huge cash injection is always handy in the transfer market.
Mikel Arteta successor
A recent one-year extension looks to be Arteta’s last contract with the Gunners, with the Spaniard now 33. However, the skipper is, albeit a fading force in terms of physicality, still important in the way he pulls the strings in midfield, so a successor is needed if a smooth transition is to be made.
Samper is not dissimilar to his countryman in the way he operates – sitting deep, controlling the play – and with 13 years on Arteta, he is certainly a long-term option.
Dimitar Berbatov has handed Fulham a boost by claiming that he is happy at the club despite reports linking him with a move to Monaco.
The 32-year-old Bulgarian hitman has enjoyed a successful debut season with the Cottagers following last summer’s move from Manchester United.
However, having notched 15 goals for the Londoners, big-spending French Ligue 1 new boys Monaco amongst other clubs have earmarked Berbatov as a summer transfer target.
Cottagers boss Martin Jol has always maintained that he wants to keep Berbatov at Craven Cottage and now the player has admitted that he has no desire to depart.
Speaking to the Bulgarian media after scoring two goals in a charity matched staged in honour of his former international team-mate Stiliyan Petrov, who announced his retirement from football earlier this month as he continues to fight against leukemia, Berbatov said: “I love England, people respect me there. It’s one of the best leagues in Europe. We’ll see what will happen, but I am happy in Fulham under Martin Jol.
“Monaco is a nice place, I haven’t been there yet, but we’ll see.”
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Olivier Giroud has insisted that he is not an ideal replacement for Robin van Persie at Arsenal, but will try his best to score goals for the north London club.
The France international moved to the Emirates Stadium from Montpellier this summer, whilst former captain Van Persie switched to Premier League rivals Manchester United.
Despite bearing the goalscoring brunt left by the Netherlands international, Giroud has stated that his playing style is not similar.
“I am not here to replace Van Persie or to make people forget him,” he told The Sun.
“I am here to bring something different. I don’t have the pretension of saying I will replace him because I have every respect for him as he had an enormous season last year.
“I wish him good luck for the future but I need to bring what I can bring without being pretentious to say I am here to replace him. That would be very bad.
“I feel ready. Absolutely ready to assume the responsibility and make people say ‘yes, we have Olivier’. That’s how it is. If I didn’t think that I would never get my chance. If you sign for a big club it’s to replace another striker who leaves or you come and sit on the bench and wait for some game-time or wait until a striker is less efficient, needs a breather or is injured.
“Unfortunately that’s how it is football. Now I have a chance as Robin left. So I will get more time to play and I need to assume the responsibility. In fact, I must.
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“Because that is my chance and I have to take it. The ball is in my court and the show must go on,” he expressed.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Rangers midfielder Carlos Pena has been sacked by loan club Cruz Azul for ‘alcohol abuse’ after being caught urinating in a fountain in his team’s hotel.
The Mexican was signed by former Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha for the second time this season in January after a difficult six months at Ibrox but his loan deal has been terminated, leaving his future at Rangers unclear.
His contract at the Light Blues doesn’t expire until 2020, meaning the player is on his way back to Rangers, with The Scottish Sun reporting that Cruz Azul had clauses in the agreement to terminate his spell at the club if he misbehaved.
Supporters aren’t exactly relishing his return with many hoping this incident gives Rangers grounds to get rid of him too.
Can he turn things around and return to the Gers first team or is his time at Ibrox up?
Well, well, well… Liverpool’s summer looks to be kicking into gear, with the Liverpool Echo claiming that both James Milner and Danny Ings are ready to make ‘free transfers’ to Anfield.
Okay, neither will be ‘free’ as the former is set to packet a significant signing on fee and the latter will command a compensation fee due to his age, but both are encouraging potential additions for the club after a tough campaign.
However, Liverpool cannot afford to rest on the two, with more bodies needed to add goals, bolster defensive ranks and help to replace Steven Gerrard. So, with all of that in mind, here are FIVE more options for the Kop outfit…
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Nathaniel Clyne
We’ll kick off with one that looks as if it could be well on the way happening. An initial £10m offer has been knocked by the Saints, however, reports claim that £15m may be enough to lure the right-back from the South Coast to the North West, which would be a massive boost for the Reds. Although the trio to swap St Mary’s Stadium for Anfield last summer – Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren – failed to truly shine, the recent England international may be a perfect addition for the Reds, with Glen Johnson on his way out.
Arguably, the best right-sided defender in the Premier League, the ex-Crystal Palace man could add the attacking intent the Merseysiders will be losing, with his energy and attacking desire, potentially, enough to push Rodgers back towards a 4-4-2 diamond.
Mateo Kovacic
With Steven Gerrard now out of the Anfield exit door, Liverpool are in need of a midfield re-shuffle. Directly replacing the 35-year-old is a near impossible task, so Rodgers may look to two stars to fill the gaping void, with Milner and Kovacic options. The Croatian is by no means an orthodox holding player, but his rage of passing and composure leave him suited to a ‘quarter-back’ role, which Rodgers deployed Gerrard in as the club very nearly claimed a first ever Premier League title just over 12 months ago.
Reports have claimed that Liverpool have been in Italy to thrash out terms with Inter Milan, but a deal is likely to be some way off.
Mauro Icardi
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Although Christian Benteke is the darling of the tabloids at the moment, the big Belgian doesn’t seem like an ideal fit in a Rodgers team, with the Northern Irishman known to favour fluid movement and positional flexibility. Benteke, although a good scorer of goals and a real presence is not really in that mould, but a player like Icardi is. The Argentine was one of very few impressive performers for Inter Milan over the 2014/15 season, netting 22 Serie A goals despite the Rossoneri’s midtable finish.
Able to play in all three roles across the front line, with pace, trickery and a prolific edge, Icardi appears an ideal replacement for Luis Suarez, who is still missed on Merseyside.
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Yevhen Konoplyanka
The infamous target of the botched January 2014 transfer, Konoplyanka is once again a target for the Reds, according to reports. The 25-year-old is set to leave Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk on a free transfer in the coming weeks, making him a tempting option on Merseyside. With Raheem Sterling’s future unclear, a direct wide replacement could be a wise option for the club, and ‘Kono’ could certainly slot in on the right or left flank.
Inigo Martinez
Rodgers’ shoring up his defence this season should not go without praise, with, despite a poor start and an worrying shipping of nine goals against Crystal Palace and Stoke in the last two games of the campaign, the Reds’ goals against tally has two fewer goals included than when they ran close to claiming the Premier League title. However, a new centre-back is sure to be on ‘B-Rod’s’ radar, with Mamadou Sakho seemingly unable to stay match fit and Dejan Lovren a one-man error zone.
The standout name to be aligned with Anfield is Real Sociedad’s Martinez, who looks as if he could be a good fit under Rodgers. Neat on the ball and able to step forward and play passes into midfield, the one-cap Spain international could be a wise addition, even if ex-Everton and Man United manager David Moyes is in charge of Sociedad – he’ll put up a fight to frustrate Liverpool!
Brendan Rodgers is close to finishing his first season in charge of Liverpool, in his long term bid to bring success back to Anfield. With a 6th place finish above neighbours Everton still a slim possibility, the Reds will need to keep pushing to have any hope of finishing higher than 7th place in the Premier League. Despite being led in attack by Luis Suarez, who has got 22 league goals this season, Liverpool’s English contingent have shown a massive improvement under the Northern Irishman’s reign.
Captain fantastic Steven Gerrard has once again been a key figure at the club, playing every single minute of Liverpool’s 33 league games so far, without showing a sign of fatigue. Fast approaching his 33rd birthday, Gerrard has scored nine goals this season, as well as assisting nine for his team mates to score too, and has arguably had his best campaign in the last three years. His Scouse team mate Jamie Carragher has also raised his game this season. Despite many thinking the soon to retire defender was too slow, the Liverpool legend has featured in over half of the Reds’ Premier League matches this season. In a sudden burst of form that has led to fans calling for the centre-back to delay his retirement, Carragher looks set to bow out on a high note.
Staying in defence, Glen Johnson has enjoyed a strong season with the club once more, despite at times having to play at left-back instead of his preferred position on the right hand side. Missing just two league games all season, the former Chelsea defender has been a key part to Rodgers’ defensive set up this year. Along with Johnson, midfielder Jordan Henderson has dramatically improved this season under the management of Brendan Rodgers. Henderson struggled in his first year at the club last year, but since being brought in to replace the unpopular Joe Allen midway through the campaign, the 22-year-old has started to show fans why Liverpool paid £16million for his potential.
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Stewart Downing is another 2011 signing that has enjoyed a sudden change of fortunes at the club. A further player who was highly criticised in his first season at Anfield, Downing has noticeably improved as this league campaign has progressed for Brendan Rodgers. Despite fierce competition for his place, Downing has reacted strongly to the threat of being sold by the club. Fighting for Stewart Downing’s place in the team has been Raheem Sterling, who has burst onto the Premier League stage with speed and trickery. Set to miss the rest of the season due to injury and fatigue, Sterling could play a major part for Rodgers next season.
Finally, new signing Daniel Sturridge is only four months into his Liverpool career, yet already has four Premier League goals in a red shirt. Scoring three in his first three games in all competitions, Sturridge has given signs to fans that he could be a great addition to the team, after a tough time at Chelsea. With Liverpool youngsters Jonjo Shelvey, Martin Kelly and Jack Robinson all tasting first team action this season as well, Liverpool’s English talent can be happy with their progress this season. Mixed with the foreign flair of Coutinho and Suarez, and the strong defence of Daniel Agger and Lucas, The Reds could be in a great position to push for a top five place next season and a place in one of the European competitions.
Rodgers could be set to add more British talent to the squad in the summer too. The Daily Mirror have reported that the Reds are interested in signing Manchester City wing-back Micah Richards. But is there any need for Richards? With Johnson and Enrique doing well for the team this season, and with young English talents Martin Kelly, Jack Robinson and John Flanagan all progressing in the youth academy, there seems little room for Richards to fit in. But with Johnson’s ability to play left-back, Rodgers may see Richards as a good player to compete with the English wing-back and Enrique for a starting place, with Johnson able to cover for the Spanish left-back if needed. Although it would seriously hinder the progress of the youth cover for the Reds, at just 24-years-old, Richards has plenty of time and potential to grow.
But is there need for English talent greater than that? The argument for is to bring the club right back to its roots, such as when Rodgers restored the traditional ‘This is Anfield’ sign in his first week at the club. With the mind frame of Liverpool’s successful history, with the young, British talent that can keep progressing, Rodgers may find fame and success.
However, some fans will demand a mixture of British and foreign players. Talented forwards such as Coutinho and Suarez have a flair that is rarely seen in English players, and although attacking midfielder Gareth Bale is only five goals short of Suarez in the Premier League this season, the highest ranked British striker is Rickie Lambert with 14 goals. An impressive total, but eight short of the Uruguayan’s. And there aren’t many supporters who would rather swap Lucas for an English defensive midfielder. The Brazilian is extremely popular in The Kop, due to his work rate and willingness to tackle players instead of attacking. And after Liverpool lost Xabi Alonso due to Benitez’s desire to sign Gareth Barry, the Anfield faithful will be defiant in keeping Lucas.
It’s great to see so much home-grown talent on offer at a competitive club like Liverpool. Especially compared to clubs like Arsenal, who only have five British players in their main Premier League squad that aren’t on loan, or Chelsea who only have seven players in theirs.
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But with the Premier League being one of the top leagues in the world, clubs battling with Liverpool are going to look across the globe for the best talent available. The Reds have a fantastic amount of home grown talent, but should only add to that with players that are needed. If a Spaniard can do a better job than an Englishman, then bring the Spaniard in.
Richards could be a great signing for the Reds, but that doesn’t mean Rodgers should only sign players from the British Isles. Liverpool should keep what they have, but bring in the best players available for the needed position, not just because they’re flying the flag for homegrown talent.