Whilst Fabio Borini didn’t have a great debut season with Liverpool, he’s done significantly better whilst on loan at Sunderland.
Last year he made 20 appearances, scoring only 2 goals. He looked like a player who was struggling to adjust to the pace of the Premier League (despite having made 8 appearances for Chelsea back in 2009/10). Under Gus Poyet’s tutelage, however, he’s really began to find his feet.
All of a sudden he has started popping up with important goals, impressing with his direct running and displaying his confidence on the ball. He looks like a new man. He’s certainly a lot more effective.
Fabio Borini played 41 games last season, scoring 12 goals and making 5 assists. That’s not a bad return for a player embroiled in a relegation battle. Whilst other Sunderland players struggled to make their mark, Borini often managed to come up with the goods.
So I wonder what Liverpool fans will make of The Mirror‘s claim that The Reds are weighing up a possible swap deal that would see Fabio Borini move to Sunderland (permanently) and Adam Johnson move in the other direction. Is this a deal that Brendan Rodgers should seriously consider?
Johnson has also been fairly effective this season. He’s made 45 appearances for Sunderland this season, has scored 10 goals and made 10 assists. In terms of pure statistics, there’s little to tell the two players apart.
But I can’t help but feel that Johnson has more to his game than Borini. The England international (11 caps), is faster, more direct and he’s got more technical ability. I’d love to see him get another shot at a big club. I’m sure that Adam Johnson would jump at the opportunity.
At 26-years-old, Johnson’s about to enter the best years of his career. Surely he’ll want to spend them competing at the top of the Premier League (and in the Champions League)? He’d offer Liverpool some cutting edge down the flanks and that’s exactly what they need at this moment in time.
Whilst closing this deal may not excite Liverpool fans, it could prove to be an important step forward for the club.
What’s your take? Should The Reds really push ahead with this Sunderland swap deal?
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Adam Johnson has never realised his full potential. He was knocking on the international door only a few years ago and perhaps under BR he might again. Could be useful
Borini was actually played at Sunderland. He was only partially played at Anfield. What would the stats have been then?
This is not the right thing to do . Johnson is mediocre to say the list .i would even rate Downing similar or better . Can’t see the logic to be quite honest .
Borini should remain at anfield I love is pace and BR should buy johnson if he really needs him.
Johnson is faster than borini? Obviously you watch a great deal of football.