Leipzig Loan A DisasterÂ
It’s been a disaster so far for all parties if we’re honest. As the January transfer window begins, the buzz around potential moves and loan deals grows increasingly intense. It’s natural the focus falls on a certain young midfielder whose journey so far has been a blend of promise, attitude issues and an underwhelming loan spell. Fabio Carvalho finds himself at a crucial juncture of his career as do the club. Sometimes it’s a case of going one step back to take two forward.
Risk of Ruining A Talent
The scenario is clear: a talented attacking midfielder, aged just 21, has struggled to secure consistent game time in the Bundesliga. His statistics paint a telling picture: a solitary Bundesliga start and a handful of substitute appearances. The cumulative pitch time has been disappointingly sparse for a player of his calibre who had high hopes when he made the temporary move to Germany. So did Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp who made it clear they couldn’t offer him the game time he needed to develop. That’s before we even get into his position and where he could fit in this 2.0 line-up.
Next Step Is Crucial
Liverpool’s decision to recall him from Leipzig could be seen as speaking volumes about their faith in his potential and Leipzig’s misuse. However, with the fierce competition for places at Anfield, this is about asset protection as much as anything else. A loan move within England seems like the next logical step. Carvalho has been The Championship young player of the year before and a move to that league could be viewed as a step back. So why would a move to England’s second tier be beneficial for such a promising talent?
One Step Back To Go Forward
Firstly, the Championship won’t see the burning spotlight on his development and the first-team appears beyond him just now. The league’s intensity and competitive nature have often served as a perfect breeding ground for young talents to hone their skills and it’s one he’s familiar playing in week in, week out. Regular game time to a team at the top such as Southampton or Leicester where he’s been linked, seems perfect. Surely the former Fulham youngster can regain his mojo and even put himself in the shop window for the future at the sane time. Moreover, a Championship club would likely offer him a more central role, a stark contrast to his sporadic appearances in Germany and it’s hard to see a premier league apart from lower ranked sides being interested.
There are alleged question marks around his attitude and it’s hard to see where on the long-term a player suited as a number ten actually fits. Others are a better fit for that role and if his long-term future lies away from Anfield, then all parties will want a firing, confident and performing Carvalho primed. It seems a step backwards bit for a player who’s played such limited minutes it’s the right move. Liverpool should select a bit more carefully this time.
