Liverpool after Barca defender to help solve left-back puzzle
Published:Given the increasing likelihood of Champions League football being back at Anfield next season it’s no surprise to see Liverpool being linked with a host of high quality transfer targets.
Ahead of the Reds next Premier League assignment, which happens to be the small matter of a derby against Manchester United, the latest name out of the hat is Barcelona’s two-footed Brazilian international left-back, Adriano.
Liverpool are the 9/5 outsiders for victory in the English Clasico and if they do the business they’ll be one step closer to being able to attract the ilk of Adriano in the summer.
The versatile 29-year-old is able to play at either full-back position or even as a wide midfielder and is about as ambidextrous as they come, which obviously appeals to boss Brendan Rodgers.
After signing for the Spanish champions in 2010, Adriano has operated at both full-back berths but he is considered to be behind the likes of Dani Alves and Jordi Alba in the pecking order under Gerardo Martino.
Therefore the prospect of a guaranteed starting berth among the Liverpool ranks may appeal to him greatly.
It’s well know that the left-back position is one which has caused Rogers headaches this season, with regular choice of
last season Jose Enrique, sidelined for the vast majority of the campaign through injury.
However, even when the former Newcastle man is fit, there have been some doubts cast over how highly he is rated by Rodgers anyhow.
Valencia loanee Aly Cissokho has deputised in the main this season, but the club have recently announced that they will not be taking up an option to sign the Frenchman permanently.
There have also been quite a few games when first-choice right-back Glen Johnson has been asked to play out of position on the left, which is not an ideal scenario, as the England man is best utilised when attacking from his natural flank.
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