Another week and another disappointment for Liverpool fans – it’s hard to see where the humiliation might end. A Cup final aside, what the Reds need more than anything else is for the season to come to a close and for the transfer window to be yanked open. Despite spending big last summer, things haven’t worked out well for Liverpool, who have flopped in the Premier League and Kenny Dalglish will have his work cut out to try and redress the balance.
Unfortunately, FSG may not be so keen to splash the cash for a second consecutive summer, so it’s up to Kenny to make sure he brings the right signings in at the right price. Which brings me to the recent link that numerous sources have formed between Liverpool and Real Madrid loanee Royston Drenthe. Some sources even claim that the Reds have agreed pre-contract terms with the player.
Though he took a loan move to Everton to earn more game-time, he has found himself in exile following a string of misdemeanors. It’s understood that Drenthe often turned up late to training and harboured a poor attitude when he did arrive. As a result, David Moyes lost his patience and banished him from the squad. It’s unclear if he’ll play again for the Toffees this season.
What is clear, however is that when the season ends, he’ll be a free agent. Despite his disciplinary record, he remains a real talent and a genuine prospect. At 25-years-old he’s just about to enter his peak. From what we’ve seen during his time at Everton, he’s got all the tools necessary to be a potent attacker at a top club. He’s got a strong left foot, a bag of tricks, a superb turn of pace and the power to out-battle even the toughest Premier League defender.
Imagine Didier Drogba recast as a flair player capable of beating players using his technical ability, not just his power and pace. That’s what Drenthe can offer, or at least could offer, if he worked properly on his shooting.
Liverpool’s main concern will be his disciplinary record and yet you can’t help but feel that he’d be a good signing. The Red’s would only have to pay his wages (would he agree to move for £80k a week?) and with that in mind he would make for a relatively inexpensive gamble. With Liverpool needing a little more inspiration down the wing, Drenthe may be just the solution.
He is a risk – there’s no getting past that, but you can’t help but feel that if he does come good his potential is boundless.
So is it time for Kenny to take a gamble?
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An Everton reject? I doubt that very much; besides, he is not British and Dalglish will have no use for him.