I know of Anzhi Makhachkala striker Lacina Traore largely for these two reasons: He’s fairly good on FIFA 13 and I saw the fabulous goal he scored in Liverpool’s dabble with the Russians in the Europa League. It was a sublime piece of skill that saw the 22-year-old lift the ball over a couple of players’ heads before slotting home.
I’m sure Brendan Rodgers watched on and wondered why he didn’t have more players of this quality in his own squad.
The Reds are notably short moving forward this season. Whilst Liverpool’s defense is as strong as ever, they don’t offer enough threat upfront. Beyond Luis Suarez (who is arguably the best player in the Premier League at the moment) the options just aren’t there. I guess that’s what happens when you let your second best striker go on loan without lining up a proper replacement.
Naturally, Rodgers has been playing catch-up ever since. I’m sure he can’t wait for the January transfer window to open so that he can start easing some of the pressure that must currently be on Suarez’s shoulders. The Uruguayan needs to know that if he doesn’t come up with the goods, somebody else will. He needs a willing runner and somebody with confidence in front of goal.
Lacina Traore may be that man. InsideFutbol claim that Liverpool ‘have agreed’ to monitor Traore’s performances until the end of the season, when they may attempt to snap him up. Indeed, Traore’s representative has confirmed the Reds interest and suggested that there are other clubs after his signature:
“In addition to Liverpool, the list of clubs that have applied to purchase Traore includes Udinese. But I am afraid the Italians will not be able to pay my transfer value of the player”.
He doesn’t say the same thing about Liverpool. Could this suggest that Brendan is willing to back up his interest with some cold hard cash? His agent continues:
“Of course, Russia is not Traore’s final resting place. The day will come when he will play in the Premier League.”
Traore, who links up nicely with Samuel Eto’o at Anzhi, is known for his height (6”8) and his finishing ability (he has scored 7 goals in 11 games already this season). Liverpool fans may worry that he’d be another Andy Carroll, but from what we’ve seen he’s got more technical ability, more nous and a bigger future than the Englishman.
As such, if this transfer were to go ahead, it’d be hard to argue with.
What’s your take? Would Lacina Traore be a good addition at Anfield?
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