25-year-old Honduran international Emilio Izaguirre has had a debut season to remember at Celtic Park. In a matter of months he has won over the fans, the pundits and it seems, a number of Premier League clubs who are said to be keeping tabs on the player.
Of course, Celtic boss Neil Lennon will be keen to keep hold of one of his best players in the hope of snatching the Scottish Premier League title away from Rangers next season. Despite his best efforts, however, it’s likely that Lennon will be in for a fight when it comes to keeping Izaguirre for another season.
The left-back was originally thought to be a transfer target for Manchester United, but given that they already have plenty of options in the full-back positions, is unlikely to be a priority. Liverpool on the other hand are in desperate need of acquiring a left-back. Their difficulties in that position this season are well documented.
Paul Konchesky failed to impress to such an extent that he was loaned out to a Championship side. Fabio Aurelio is a perennial sick note and Jack Robinson is just 17-years-old. It’s clear that something has to be done and that Liverpool need to spend money on this position in the summer.
In recent times they’ve been heavily linked to Newcastle’s Jose Enrique, Arsenal’s Gael Clichy, Benfica’s Fabio Coentrao and many other top left-backs. Now that they’ve been linked heavily to Emilio Izaguirre, it’s worth assessing whether he’s cut out to make it at Anfield and whether he’s a better option than the other names mentioned in conjunction with the club.
There’s a reason his fellow player’s voted unanimously to have him declared the Scottish Player’s Player of the Year. He’s pacey, he can dribble and he’s got a fierce cross that has given defenders a lot to think about this season. What’s most impressive about the young lad however, is just how calm and assured he looks on the ball. He’s always aware of his options and can pick out a pass, which means that giving away possession is a rarity for the Honduran.
He may not have an imposing physical structure but he’s tough and isn’t easily bullied off the ball. There’s a comparison to be made between Izaguirre and Newcastle’s Enrique, but I’d argue that the Honduran International is ever so slightly the better player.
Given that he won’t come with a blockbuster price-tag (though I’m sure Celtic will fight tooth and nail to make sure they get the best possible price for him) I’d argue that Izaguirre is one of the best options available for Liverpool. If they’re looking for a quick fix for their left-back woes, Kenny Dalglish should look no further.
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Izaguirre is a great player, but there is no chance of Liverpool getting him on the cheap as suggested in the article.
Unlike Rangers, Celtic do not need to sell their players to combat debt and he has years left on his contract. I’m sure Celtic could be persuaded to sell, but a price tag in the region of 10-15 million pounds would be a realistic starting point for any negotiations.
Hes rubbish, useless, crap. His 40 odd international caps – all lies.
don’t waste your money liverpool. infact, hes injured now, broke his foot, will be out of action for 6 months. apparently the kind of injury that may never repair fully.
also, he greew up an everton fan. He also dislikes immensely people with curly hair and tashes.
Hes not nice to his mum either. and have you noticed – it rains whenever he points to the skys. Oh, he says its to thank God – but infact, its a rain dance that he learnt from his Voodoo practising Father. So – hes also a liar!
i mentioned he’s useless too didn’t I?
don’t bother with himm. Please. You’ll wates your money………………….pretty please.
Hahahaha… That’s it put them off him son 😛
Must be very wary – does not look as if Wilson from Rangers will make it at Liverpool – too wooden
agreed with the view on Wilson. what is wrong with our scouts?
Great one Danboo 😛 great little peace.
But as a previous contributor stated… I don’t believe he is going nowhere because there is no need to sell him…
We are a massive club with comparitively miniscule debt… Around 7million at the last count (haven’t double checked that but I remember a ball park figure coming though my letter box in the annual report of about that)
Therefore selling him isn’t much of a gain financially for Celtic… As I’m sure Niel and the background staff (and Dermot) would prefer a proven player in Izzy who the fans all love, and the player truely trust… rather than have 9million in the kitty to try and bring in a rookie or two.. Sometimes you only strike gold once and as far as I’m concerned the scouts and niel have struck honduran gold
So the only way I personally can see Celtic selling Izzy is if the board can’t refuse the offer, would really need to be ‘premier league tv money’ however to tempt Lawell and co though… And even then Niel would have to be able to ensure he would have a successor lined up before going ahead with any deal
Plus the lad might not want to uproot again so soon after his around the world migration to Glasgow… I think all indications are thayt he has settled as well… And he still has a long stint left on his contract to run, and if he is keen on a move away Celtic can at least hold of for a further 12 months before the even worry about contract devaluation affecting his sell on price or a further year befor pre contract worried
jonesey, please do not compare Emilio. A swashbuckling, entertaining full-back who looks like he was born to play for Celtic, to a half decent, but raw center-back you got from Rangers.
Very unfair on young Wilson. He never put that £2m price tag on his head.