Liverpool's case for the defence: 5 left backs who could replace Alberto Moreno
Liverpool blogger Kevin McGuinness thinks time is up for the Reds' hapless defender - and puts forward five names who are better players
As is the case of a good, few clubs, the left back spot has eluded Liverpool for seasons on end, with no real saviour emerging. The club have burned through players and cash alike in an effort to solve this puzzling issue.
Since the calm days of John Arne Riise a decade ago, things haven’t been very glamorous on the left coast at Anfield. The Norwegian departed for pastures new eight years ago, but a true successor was never found.
There were some hopefuls, but the likes of Fábio Aurélio, Jon Flanagan and José Enrique simply weren’t up to it and couldn’t nail down first-team spots, with the former two succumbing to ravaging injuries.
Now finishing his second campaign with the club, Alberto Moreno has seemingly regressed after an average first year — often caught out of position and lacking defensive awareness. This incompetence was epitomised by the season-pivoting Europa League final loss to Sevilla, where the young Spaniard fell apart in the second half, gifting his former club two goals in the process.
However, all is not lost. Despite the popular notion of full backs these days not being as good as the past, there are still those who go against the tide.
Jordan Amavi (Aston Villa aged 22)
Don’t let his current predicament fool you, Amavi has very much been an underappreciated leftback for a while now. The Frenchman was heads and tails above his compatriots at Nice and the same was the case while at Villa — when actually picked — before suffering a seasonending anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Even so, it is to be expected Amavi will wish to move elsewhere and Anfield could prove to be an apt destination, should Klopp choose to pursue the defender on crutches.
Jetro Willems (PSV Eindhoven aged 22)
The Eredivisie is world renowned for its seemingly unending conveyor belt of talent, and 22-year-old Willems is no exception to this impressive feat of Dutch football engineering. The bulky defender has fought back impressively from a horrifying knee injury sustained in July 2015 and enjoyed a particularly strong end to the current campaign, strongly helping PSV retain their title at the expense of Ajax on the last day.
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The Oranje international exhibits no shortage of confidence in his abilities in naming only himself in a dream five-a-side team and has won 53.9% of all duels, both aerial and on the ground. What may put Liverpool off, however, is that Willems is your typical Dutch fullback; attack first, defend later. Something that has become all too blasé on Merseyside, of late.
Ricardo Rodríguez (VfL Wolfsburg aged 23)
On the back of a successful season, Wolfsburg have partaken in an abysmal season following the sale of several key players; most notably, Kevin de Bruyne. However, while his team mates have disappointed, Rodríguez has stood out in Dieter Hecking’s crumbling side and remains a force going forward as well as back, albeit not performing as well.
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The Swiss international has averaged a pass accuracy of an admirable 82%, which underlines his crucial buildup play, as well as worldrenowned crosses. If Liverpool are to pursue one of the most sought after leftbacks in Europe, many a top clubs, with more to offer, will have to be fended off.
José Gayà (Valencia CF aged 21)
A player who burst onto the scene during Valencia’s return to the Champions League, Gayà has been unable to replicate his fine form since his powerful, breakthrough season. The young Spaniard is yet another gifted left back to come from the Mestalla and is seen as one of La Liga’s brightest prospects, regardless of his contrasting season; attracting big interest from potential suitors.
It’s a similar tale to Rodríguez and Wolfsburg in that both players have high release clauses — Gayà’s set at €50m — and neither will be playing in Europe with their respective clubs. So much so, Real Madrid appear to be the only club able to pay Los Che such a fee; especially on the back of shelling out €30m for Danilo from Porto.
Jonas Hector (1. FC Köln 26)
In stark contrast to the other four, Hector is a proven full back with many minutes to his name, having played several season for Bundesliga side Köln.
The Billygoats' defender is more of a natural full back, as opposed to the offensively-minded breed nowadays. Under the philosophy of manager Peter Stöger, the patient defender keeps things tight and organised then pounces on the break, aiding the counter-attack.
Though not as gifted at attacking as many modern full backs, Hector still has many admirable traits which are evident to see at the Rhein Energie Stadion. Good crosses, combination play and keeping hold of possession is music to the ears of those having watched Moreno.
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On top of this, the German international also boasts an incredible versatility having impressed as a holding midfielder, another position Liverpool have been suffering in for what seems like forever. In fact, the Saarbrückenborn maestro has notched up 77 interceptions, aiding Effzeh to a very impressive ninth-placed finish.
Moreover, it's common knowledge Liverpool are prone to conceding from setpieces and crosses. Hector has shown, in abundance, he's capable of excelling in one-on-ones and stop crosses being delivered into the box, not to say he doesn't make mistakes, everyone does. Moreover, standing at 6ft1 there's the advantage of defending these aerial balls that threaten the goal, which can only make Liverpool fans desire him even more, than his last, consistent months for both club and country.
Having impressed at Euro 2016 as the only legitimate left-back in Joachim Löw’s side — picking up four clean sheets — Hector may prove to be the standout option amongst this talented bunch.
