When is it that player comparisons become ridiculous? We’re all sick of hearing how an up and coming player is ‘the new Lionel Messi’ or ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’. These comparisons tend to be lazy, unimaginative and only serve to give the player in question a mountain to climb if he’s actually to meet with expectations. Quite frankly I think we should ban these kinds of comparisons from all discussions concerning football.
We have reached a nadir. According to 101 Great Goals and CaughtOffside, Liverpool are set to secure the signature of 15-year-old wonderkid William McLaren. He’s been billed by these sources as the ‘new Neymar’. The new Neymar. Let’s not forget that Neymar is just 20-years-old. He’s never played football outside of Brazil. Neymar himself is new. He’s a talented young thing with loads of potential, but lets not start using him as a point of comparison for other young players.
William McLaren, is in fact, a nickname. The player’s real name is William Oliveira Souza, but he’s picked up that moniker as a result of his lightening quick pace. This in combination with his confidence and his tricky feet, have seen Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United perk up their heads. Yet it’s Liverpool who are set to offer him a three-year deal.
McLaren has told the Brazilian media: “A representative from Liverpool watched me play. He liked me and offered me a contract. Other clubs like Manchester, Chelsea and Arsenal were also interested.”
It’s unsurprising that the likes of Arsenal were after this prodigious young talent. But Liverpool’s interest is a little more novel. Whilst the King Kenny era saw the Reds target the best of British, Brendan Rodgers seems keen to pluck up young talent from all across Europe.
Whilst it’s unlikely to trigger automatic success, I think most fans will welcome this approach. Liverpool may yet face another transitional season. But making smart signings now may well put the Reds in a position to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
He’s not the new Neymar. But he is an exciting talent and I’m glad to see Liverpool snap him up. There’s plenty more work to be done in the transfer market, but Rodgers seems to have made a good start.
What’s your take? Is he an exciting addition for Liverpool?
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He hasn’t signed yet. Don’t get ahead of yourself mate! They sent a contract but it isn’t signed yet.
He wont come to Liverpool – and what exactly has Brendan done in the transfer market so far ????????????????????????????????
From what I have seen so far I have one comment on this guy. He has not played for Swansea and he has not played for Rodgers before. The criteria seems to be any player has to tick either of those boxes to get a look in for LFC. Rodgers needs a kick in the backside and told to look elsewhere outside his own little patch!
chunky, obviously your fat takes over your brain. he’s only doing that for some signings to get a backbone to the style he wants to play.