Name: Javier Manquillo Age: 20
Date Of Birth : 5th May 1994 Previous Clubs: Atletico Madrid
Nationality: Spanish Squad Number: 19
Position: Right Back International Caps: 7 (Spain U20s)
Date Of Birth : 5th May 1994 Previous Clubs: Atletico Madrid
Nationality: Spanish Squad Number: 19
Position: Right Back International Caps: 7 (Spain U20s)
The two year loan capture of Atletico's Manquillo came as a shock to many Liverpool fans. We all admitted to the ongoing scrutiny Glen Johnson has been receiving of late, and reds fans have been calling for a fresh face in that position for the past two years. Last season's replacement, young Jon Flanagan did not disappoint, proving that he will be raring to go and ready to take his chance if it comes his way yet again. Unlike most of our transfer dealings thus far, the capture of Manquillo was kept on the down low for a large part of the window. When the time came for his announcement though, and the official website published the breaking news, a flurry of mixed feelings erupted across the city of Liverpool. The nature of the deal seems most peculiar, in my opinion. One does not see many two year loan deals going about these days.
Is he the right man to provide competition at Right Back?
One massive mystery that has bewildered us of late, most notably in the previous campaign is, what exactly has happened to Glen Johnson. The once ever so reliable, pacey full back has come under heaps of criticism from the Liverpool faithful, with a majority pleading for anyone to come in with a bid and prize the defender from Merseyside. Is Javier Manquillo the right fit to take over the responsibilities and cement his place in that right back position? Well, he has got two crucial years to prove his worth to Rodgers, and with Brendan at the helm, there is no doubt the youngster is in solid hands.
Past Loan Deals Prove a Poor Showing For The Reds.
Liverpool's two previous loan deals have proved exactly why the loan option is not always the best way forward for a club, especially if the move is from a smaller to a bigger, more competitive side. My view on loan deals to a bigger club is, that a player never really knows where he stands with the club in that one year spell. This could lead to a flurry of lacklustre performances from the individual, who would have his heart set out on impressing the boss, which could lead to continuous occasions of lack of frustration.
The duo I am referring to of are last season's loan flops, Victor Moses and Aly Cissokho. One thing is certain, thank the lord they happened to be loan deals instead of permanent ones. Although the duo were not given a massive chance to shine on the big stage, the minutes they were given to show their worth proved enough to all reds fans, they were not cut out to play for a club like Liverpool. Thankfully, Aly Cissokho has found solace in a move to Aston Villa, whilst Moses finds himself still amongst the large flurry of midfield players Chelsea possess.
Now, on towards Javier Manquillo, and the peculiar two year loan deal given to him which could prove to be a massive plus point. The two years, instead of the usual season long loan, may have been put out there as a guarantee by Rodgers to Manquillo, a push saying that the Spaniard will be given enough time to make a name for himself. The boss may have thought of previous loan mishaps, and opted for a more secure path this time round. If that is the case, very good thinking indeed from Rodgers. Then again, this is just my personal opinion.
The Spaniard's Competitors.
Following last season's endeavours, Liverpool's defence faced a massive reboot come summer time, and that is exactly what we have witnessed. We have seen the introduction of Dejan Lovren, Manquillo and Alberto Moreno, who is 99 % a Liverpool player, barring a major slip up. With the possible outgoings of Daniel Agger, Coates and Kolo Toure to add to that, the competition for places at the Anfield club will only intensify as the season progresses. Here we will have a quick glance at the current competition for the right back spot, with three current suitors all ready to do battle with one another.
Glen Johnson - 29, English, Bought from Portsmouth in 2009 for 17.5 million pounds
Jon Flanagan - 21, English, Product of Liverpool's Youth Academy
Kolo Toure - 33, Ivorian, Bought from Manchester City in 2013 on a free transfer
If i had to state my personal opinion, Glen Johnson still remains my number one option at right back. Leaving to one side his dip in form, the 29 year old adds experience to a very youthful looking reds squad of players, topped by his constant goal threat as he whisks a long that right hand touchline. As Liverpool get reunited with their love affair for the Champions League next month, a squad that is strong in depth and class is pivotal for Brendan and his men. Saying that, I am still abit cautious regarding the signing of Manquillo. I would have been quite happy if Rodgers opted to buy a solid, world class right back who will slot straight into the first team. We would then sell Johnson and move on. This two year loan deal is still a tad strange to me. I trust in Rodgers' judgement completely however, and the boss must have a plan for the 20 year old.
The 20 year old is passionate about succeeding at Anfield.
A total of nine days have passed since the Spaniard has put pen to paper on the next two years of his career, and ever since then, we have witnessed just how much it means to Manquillo to have signed for Liverpool Football Club. From his utter astonishment to have stepped out on the Anfield turf for the first time, to his continuously joyous mood shown by some of his Twitter posts, the youngster looks to have put the 'two year loan deal' tag to one side, and instead looking at it as if he has signed a permanent deal with the club. Javier Manquillo has already fallen in love with the city, and Rodgers would not want it any other way. Could the right back prove to be a spark, and reward the boss's faith shown in him? All will be answered as the loanee prepares for life on Merseyside.
How the back line could fare with Manquillo in the squad.
Javier Manquillo is a fixed right back and Rodgers knows that as well as he does. The youngster does not possess the versatility the likes of Glen Johnson can show for. As the boss prepares the welcoming of Sevilla left back Alberto Moreno to the club, Rodgers has a lot of thinking and pondering to do in the next couple of weeks reagrding his back line and how he could shape it up as strong as possible. Here are four defensive options he could opt for, whilst Manquillo is on the pitch.
Option 1 :
Manquillo Lovren Sakho Moreno
Option 2 :
Manquillo Lovren Skrtel Johnson
Option 3 :
Manquillo Skrtel Sakho Enrique
Option 4 :
Johnson Lovren Skrtel Manquillo
Brendan may look at the possibility of using Manquillo as cover at left back too, although I am not too certain about this. Spending 12 million on a left back, whilst having multiple options as cover is more than enough at the present moment.
Following on from Manquillo's bright debut in our rout of the Germans last weekend, and with the Premier League season kicking off in T-1 day, the 20 year old will be raring to go and will be hoping to put on the 19 shirt given to him as the Saints visit Anfield for a Sunday lunch time kick-off. Will Javier's promising start in a red shirt be enough to reward him with a Premier League debut this weekend, after a mere 85 minutes of football played? As I have stated previously, I would personally opt for the experience of Glen Johnson at right back, especially for a crucial opening day fixture such as this. The full back has shown glimpses of incredible promise thus far, there is no doubting that, and if the youngster is to keep thrilling us reds fans up and down that right flank, Johnson himself may find it a near impossible task to keep the Spaniard out of Rodgers' first team plans.
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YNWA
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