The month of January brings along a substantial amount of transfer speculation, with the rumour mill sent spinning on a frenzy many a time, especially where Liverpool are concerned.
As I write this piece, we find ourselves exactly midway through the window, with no incomings and a total of one outgoing to show for thus far. The latest on Rodgers' departure list is Jose Enrique, the Spaniard who turns 29 exactly a week from today. Not the ideal birthday present for the ever-so-comical Spaniard, although the gift of a new 'FIFA' game would not bolster the left back's performances either. The ever-so optimistic and brawny Jose Enrique has thrilled us with some of his 'off-the-field' antics, the only question remaining: Is he good enough on it, for a club like Liverpool? In this blog I will depict the advantages and disadvantages to both possibilities.
Alberto Moreno vs. Jose Enrique - Moreno More Suited For 3-5-2?
As we speak, Enrique is finding it extremely difficult to cement his place in Rodgers' first-team plans. The new 3-5-2 formation employed by the boss requires a pacey and attack-minded individual as wing-back. In other words, the traits Alberto Moreno possesses that Jose vaguely lacks in his game. There is no doubt that the 28 year old clearly overcomes Moreno where strength and overall defensive capabilities are concerned, however with the 'three at the back' strategy, there really is no need for the left wing-back to cover defensively as much.
As to who is my personal favourite between the two, I am afraid Moreno just about pips the battle due to a handful of positive performances recently.
Liverpool's Current 'FFP' Problems May Result in the Slashing of a Number of High Wage Bills.
After the reds' expenditure in the previous window, Brendan and his team find themselves in a slight pickle regarding the meeting of 'Financial Fair Play' regulations, which could result into one or two big wage bills, such as Enrique's, being terminated by the end of the month. The Spaniard's wage currently stands at approximately 65,000 pounds a week, which is 10k more than vice-captain Jordan Henderson's, five more than Lallana's, and a staggering 25,000 more than the reds' wonder-boy Raheem Sterling. With two years remaining on Jose's contract, the question playing on everyone's minds at the moment is, Will Brendan renew or look to move on?
The Return of Jon Flanagan, Further Competition at Left-Back.
Jon Flanagan. Ring any bells? A 22 year-old scouser who set the Premier League on fire last season, whilst also being likened to Cafu, and has been injured ever since. How about now? One thing is for certain, Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool have missed young Flanno immensely since his sustained injury in September, and as the Englishman finally nears a return to first-team action, Enrique may find his place in the first-team set-up further hampered.
95% of reds fans will pick Flanagan over Jose without a second to ponder, and I would have to agree, although I am particularly concerned whether young Flanno will return and maintain the fiery form he preserved in 2014.
So, both Moreno and Flanagan seem to edge Enrique out in the 1 v 1s, however does Enrique 'muscle' his way through in other aspects? We will now look at why letting him go could prove a miscalculation.
95% of reds fans will pick Flanagan over Jose without a second to ponder, and I would have to agree, although I am particularly concerned whether young Flanno will return and maintain the fiery form he preserved in 2014.
So, both Moreno and Flanagan seem to edge Enrique out in the 1 v 1s, however does Enrique 'muscle' his way through in other aspects? We will now look at why letting him go could prove a miscalculation.
Enrique Possesses the Strength and Experience That is Essential in a League Such As the English One.
I begin this point with a 'Sean Bean meme', which says "One does not simply muscle Jose Enrique off the ball." I personally will struggle to find a more suitable phrase portraying Enrique than that. You could bring to the table your Hulks, Akinfenwas, and Shittu's of the world, you will simply not muscle your way past Jose. His physical stature and the way he shields the ball out of play whilst under pressure is unmatched in world football, something that is a necessary trait in a league that is so physical.
Let us not forget about the experience the Spaniard brings to the squad. In contrast to Moreno and Flanagan, Enrique has been in the game for a significantly longer period, and has aided the likes of youngsters such as Suso and Moreno immaculately with settling in to the club. A successful team needs to possess a balance of both experienced and youthful players, and with Gerrard saying his goodbyes at the end of the season, Brendan may look at the 28 year-old as a 'father-figure' and nurturing tool to one or two of these young individuals.
The Future of Glen Johnson May Help or Hinder Jose's Future
At the present moment, the future of reds' right-back Glen Johnson is as unstable as Enrique's, if not shakier. The 30 year old's recent injury has interrupted any further speculation regarding the Englishman's future, however with Johnson steadily returning to light training, we may begin to see one or two tabloids go berserk on the right-back as we near the end of the window.
Now, I highly doubt Brendan will opt to sell both experienced full backs. Heck, I am dubious he will even get rid of one of his options. If the despaired right-back was to be sold in the upcoming fortnight, we will undoubtedly see Jose stay put. In my opinion, this option would be the most fitting of the two, as we can then see Flanagan revert to right back, which leaves the two Spaniards battling it out for the left-back spot. Competition for places is pivotal for any successful club after all.
He Brings a Smile To the Face of All!
Yes, the most important of points left to the finale. Even if he is not strutting his stuff amongst the first-team, Jose lifts the mood in the dressing room with his sheer presence alone. The constant flurry of Instagram pictures portraying his daily life both inside and outside of Melwood brings a warm smile to all. From his 'comical method of running', to his exceptional relationship with the majority of Liverpool players, Jose Enrique has become a fans' favourite at the club he has undergone three years and a half at.
With all points considered, I reckon that Rodgers SHOULD look to retain the services of Enrique, at least until the summer. I have always rated the Spaniard highly since his arrival in the summer of 2011, and letting him go for the petty fee of 5-6 million is NOT worth it, in my opinion. With this being said, new Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew seems eager to be reunited with the man he coached whilst at Newcastle, and if the Spaniard reckons he would have a greater opportunity to be get given game time whilst at Palace, Brendan may feel obliged to allow him to depart, thus clearing another high wage bill.
Enough of what I think, get in touch below and let me know what YOU reds fans out there are anticipating.
KEEP? SELL? LOAN OUT?
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YNWA !!
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