From the amazing highs of 2013/14 to the dismal lows of the winter period just gone, it’s been a rollercoaster of a time for Liverpool and their fans.
The swashbuckling football that saw 101 balls end up the net on 101 occasions last term, it’s entirely feasible that the Reds could end up with less than half that tally, with two goal-less showings against Crystal Palace and Stoke not beyond the realms of possibility.
There’s no doubt that a striker is need on Merseyside, but the Kop outfit’s strict transfer policy rather limits their options. The club’s American owners, Fenway Sports Group, favour emerging talent on low wages with scope to improve, thus opening the door for massive profits. Luis Suarez did just that for them, but Mario Balotelli has proven that it’s high risk.
If they were to cast off these shackles a Champions League semi-finalist by the name of Carlos Tevez could be ‘gettable’, with reports indicating that he is on Liverpool’s radar.
Here are FIVE reasons a change in policy for the Juventus ace could be the right thing…
[interaction ]
Perfect in a Rodgers system
Technically excellent, hard working, willing to press from the front and able to play in any position across an attacking line, Tevez is a dream for Rodgers. The Reds chief loves fluid football and quick play in transition, which are two things the Juventus man is capable of contributing to.
While Balotelli and Lambert have lumbered around and Borini has lacked the tenacity to truly make an impact, Tevez could be Rodgers’ new Suarez.
Proven winner
With Steven Gerrard leaving, how many of Liverpool’s players are actually proven winners? Erm… this list is very, very short. Although past glories don’t always guarantee success, knowing what to do in big games and how to handle the pressure are key, and Tevez certainly has the experience to call upon. Away from his two Premier League titles – one each coloured shirt of Manchester – the Argentine has enjoyed international success at the 2004 Olympic Games, claimed two Serie A titles, won the Champions League and has scooped the Copa Libertadores – South America’s top club prize.
Suarez-esque
Although a little older than Luis Suarez at the age of 31, the ex-Manchester United man could be the Reds’ new version of their former idol. Like his South American compatriot, Tevez is an all-action player, matching his technical skills with tireless running and tenacious tackling from the front. Suarez did just the same during his time at Anfield, winning over Kopites who appreciate determination and hunger just as much as wonderful goals.
Liverpool have missed their departed No.7, so a direct replacement would certainly be handy and may even revive the flame of 2013/14.
Guaranteed goals
20 Serie A strikes, a further seven in the Champions League and two in the Supercoppa Italiana leave Tevez with a haul of 29. Not bad for a player who has never truly been lauded as a pure goal-getter. Liverpool’s woes this season have been in the final third, with just eight strikes having come via their four orthodox centre-forwards – Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini, Rickie Lambert and Daniel Sturridge.
Tevez also netted 19 times in league action last season and has 13 international goals to his name.
Knows the Premier League
Winner’s medals from his time at Manchester United and Manchester City mean that he has two more than the vast majority of the Reds’ current squad. Although a controversial character in his days with City, the 31-year-old was instrumental in helping the Sky Blues to break the glass ceiling and become one of English football’s greats, while his time at United was, arguably, the best of his career.
The Reds need an immediate impact, and with the Argentina international well-versed in what it takes to thrive in the Premier League, he could well hit the ground running.