Having wrapped up almost all of his transfer dealings before the start of the 2014-2015 season, the only spot left to fill for Brendan Rodgers is the one vacated by Uruguayan PFA Player of the Year 2013-2014. The former Liverpool no. 7 swapped Anfield for Camp Nou soon after the end of the FIFA World Cup for a reported 75 million GBP transfer. Rodgers, who had begun strengthening his team well before the departure of his star striker was left with another spot to fill following Suarez’ departure to the Catalans.
With Spanish misfit Iago Aspas out on loan at Sevilla for the rest of the season and Fabio Borini on the verge of a permanent transfer to Sunderland after having spent the previous season on loan at the Stadium of Light, Rodgers’ is left with just 2 senior strikers in the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert. Speculations and rumours have thrown up some very interesting names in the past month or so. The move for Queens Park Rangers’ French Striker Loic Remy broke down despite having agreed a transfer fee due to a failed medical earlier this window. Still searching for a striker, in past week and half, the names of Radamel Falcao of AS Monaco and Edinson Cavani of Paris St. Germain have been mentioned. However a more realistic and likely target that has made the headlines in that of Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o who is currently a free agent.
Samuel Eto’o
While the news of Eto’o donning Liverpool Red after having spent the last season in Chelsea Blue has brought out a mixed reaction among the fans, fans and experts have highlighted how signing the Cameroonian striker might be a step back for Liverpool considering his age and declining powers. The fact that Eto’o would be earning almost as much as Steven Gerrard due to his exorbitantly high wages despite being a free agent doesn’t go down well with Liverpool fans either. However, here’s a look at why Samuel Eto’o might just be the right fix for Rodgers.
- Goals
One of the things Samuel Eto’o guarantees the club he plays for is a decent goal return. The 33 year old scored 108 goals in 145 appearances for Barcelona in the hayday of his illustrious career. An expert poacher, Eto’o thrives on his ability of being at the right place at the right time. A fox-in-the-box kind of striker Eto’o has found the back of the net on a regular basis on the back of his assured finishing and uncanny poaching talent. - Experience
Having played most of his career at the top of the European game, Eto’o brings along a hoard of Champions League experience along with him. A professional who has been a well-respected winner in every country he has played, Eto’o possesses nerves of steel and a hunger to win that Rodgers fancies. - Frontman
Though not as swift as he once was, Samuel Eto’o still has quite a decent turn of pace. Compared to the Reds’ striker options, Eto’o is considerably faster than new-signing Rickie Lambert and at the same time, considerably slower than Daniel Sturridge. Eto’o would prove decent cover for Danny Sturridge during the course of the season and the Cameroon captain’s style of play wouldn’t be too different from England’s number 9. - Temporary Fix
One of the reasons, Samuel Eto’o would be an astute signing is the fact that he is just a temporary fix. Strangely, at the moment a temporary fix would be just perfect for the Reds instead of splashing out 40 million on a big name striker. While signing a Falcao or Cavani may sell a lot of jerseys and win a lot more fans but it would mean that Daniel Sturridge would have to step back into the second/complimentary striker role once again despite proving it again that he can lead the line. As also, the fact that Rodgers has a lot of plans for young Divock Origi who will spend this season out on loan plays a huge role in why this would be a good signing. It would put the Ulsterman in a spot of bother if he has to handle 3 strikers who have the potential to be world-class fighting it out for 1 or 2 places come next season. A temporary fix is perfect for the Reds.
Comments are closed.