Whilst Liverpool were found to be somewhat lacking in attack last season, some fans may also have grown concerned over the strength of their defence. Granted, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger remain an indomitable force. But Jamie Carragher seems to have age 3-4 years in the space of the season, lost his pace and suffered as a result. Yes, he’s still got an expert reading of the game, but this amounts to very little if he can’t cover the ground necessary.
Daniel Agger is a permanent injury risk. There’s no use Liverpool relying on him as they’re just likely to end up disappointed. Martin Skrtel impressed and has no fitness problems, but his future remains uncertain. Adding another body to their defence is arguably the most sensible signing the club can make at this moment.
Which brings me to a report recently published in Madrid paper Marca, which claims that Liverpool are hot on the trail of Atletico Bilbao central defender Fernando Amorebieta. With the 6”4 defender’s contract set to run it’s course by June 2013, it’s little wonder that the Reds are interested. They could be about to pick up a real bargain. Bilbao have been place in an unenviable situation.
Either they’re forced to sell now (or in January) and let go of a player that they value highly, or they’ll have to let him leave on a free next summer. It’s pretty much a lose-lose situation for the Spanish side, with Liverpool looking to be victors. It’s claimed that he has a £26m release clause, but given his contract situation you’d think that the Reds will be able to negotiate that price down significantly.
Amorebieta is a smart defender. His gangly presence ensures that he’s aerially dominant. But he’s offers much more than this. He’s great at snapping into tackles, breaking up play and letting advancing attackers know of his presence. He’s an imposing figure and a real force of nature. In short: he’s the kind of defender that forwards hate playing against.
With that in mind, I think he’d make for an excellent addition at Anfield. There’s a clear need for reinforcements in this area and Amorebieta has the quality to succeed in the Premier League and the price-tag to tempt Brendan Rodgers into taking a punt.
What’s your take? Would Amorebieta be a sensible addition for Liverpool? Is the defender a matter of concern or should they train their focus elsewhere?
Please follow @ThePerfectPass for more football related action!
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
Sounds good to me but Liverpool seem to be following the path of wait and wait and wait and then they are gone to somebody else syndrome!
Why don’t we get Javi Martinez instead? He’s younger and he can play in central midfield as well as in defence. We can snap him up for 30M(thanks to his release clause). A bit much but he’d be worth it, I’m sure of it.
No, please God no. I live in Bilbao and regulary go to games. Amorebieta is vastly overrated, dirty, gets more red and yellow cards than other defenders and is tactically naive. He is only worth about 8 million tops. Martinez is in a different class. San Jose, who Liverpool let go back to Athletic is a better prospect. Iñigo Martinez from Real Sociadad is also better than Amorebieta.
Liverpool!!!
Start signing!!!!
We want results!!!