With rumours surrounding the future of Alberto Moreno, it’s hard not to worry about the lack of left-backs that have managed to cement themselves at Liverpool in recent years.
When the popular Spaniard came to Anfield last summer, he impressed from the start with strong performances and that goal against Tottenham. However, since that spark of early form, he struggled and has since found himself out of favour in the Liverpool side.
Joe Gomez, the exciting young 18-year old from Charlton Athletic, has impressed during pre-season and after getting the nod ahead of Moreno for the opening game of the season against Stoke, it appears he’s in the fore-front of Rodgers’ plans. And it’s easy to see why as the youngster has bags of talent, aggression going forward and steady feet in defence. However is Gomez a better fit and and what are the odds that Moreno will be here in September? Check them out from Ladbrokes Casino.
Moreno’s attacking flair and ability to shoot from long distance is something that has been attractive to fans and European clubs alike. However, Rodgers and many others, have worries over his defensive abilities, which seemed to falter more and more as the 2014-15 season went on.
Recent interest from Roma and Barcelona has sparked rumours that, due to Moreno’s out-of-favour position in the Liverpool squad, he could be on his way out. How much of these rumours are true has yet to be confirmed but I don’t think Liverpool can afford to release him due to a lack of squad depth. He’s currently, in my opinion, the first back-up for the young Joe Gomez and with Cup competitions and Europa League football in mind, he has to stay. I still believe Moreno can have an important role in the future and with training and development, he could prove to be a valuable asset.
But if he does leave, he will join an extensive list of left-backs to leave Liverpool in recent years. Who were the best left-backs we let go? There’s only two players who can make this list – the other left-backs have failed to impress or maintain a place in the Liverpool squad. Enrique was hopeful of doing just that but he’s just another one to add to the list of failed left-backs. Here’s two that did impress though…
Fabio Aurelio, 2006-2012
Aurelio is one of the most popular left-backs in recent times and it was a shame that he left Liverpool on a free when his contract ran out.
He played a total of 134 games for Liverpool and added 4 goals during his time at the club. As the first Brazilian to sign for the Reds, he brought flair and fluidity that had been missing. Fans fell in love with him instantly and he was the most recognised left-back at the club since the departure of John Arne Riise.
If it weren’t for injury disappointments, Aurelio could’ve been a huge success. He still impressed when he could though and he produced two moments of brilliance to score past Van Der Sar at Old Trafford and another past Petr Cech in the Champions League Quarter-Final.
He left at the end of 2012, having spent the majority of his career at Anfield in the treatment room.
John Arne Riise, 2001-2008
My favourite left-back, perhaps of all time for Liverpool, was this ginger Norwegian! He notched up over 300 appearances for the club and enjoyed seven very successful years with the side – including the 2005 Champions League victory over AC Milan.
He joined Liverpool for approximately £4 million in 2001 and was sold to Roma in 2008 for the same amount. He eventually returned to the Premier League and has enjoyed success at Fulham.
In the Rafa years, he was a constant on the team sheet and under his reign, enjoyed success on the field. His thunderous left-foot was notable for many brilliant goals including the opener against Chelsea in the 2005 Carling Cup Final and another against the Blues in an FA Cup Semi-Final. Perhaps it was his knack of scoring against Chelsea that adored fans but there was no disputing his talent.
Liverpool have yet to fully replace him since his departure and he has definitely been missed around Anfield. Alberto Moreno has been described as ‘the next John Arne Riise’ and if this is the case, I hope we keep hold of him! Failing that, bring back the original!
Morenos problems last season were he ran out of steam after looking after the useless Lovren for 90% of the time.