A survey by Liverpool Echo revealed that Liverpool FC fans would want to see Alberto Moreno’s exit even over faltering goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Liverpool’s squad has come under a lot of criticism of late, with a number of former players, including defender Jamie Carragher, branding the team not good enough to challenge for the top four on a regular basis.
With reports also emerging about Jurgen Klopp looking to revamp the squad ahead of next season, the Liverpool Echo’s recently conducted survey gave the chance to fans to voice their opinions on who should bite the dust at Anfield
Moreno, Benteke, Mignolet unwanted
The fans voted for 7 players whom they would rather sell than retain, with Kolo Toure topping the list followed by Portuguese youngster Joao Carlos Teixeira. Alberto Moreno, Simon Mignolet, Joe Allen, Adam Bogdan and Christian Benteke’s names also featured in the list.
Philipe Coutinho, Nathaniel Clyne and Roberto Firmino topped the list of players the Reds’ fans would want to keep. No surprises there.
Moreno under scrutiny
The young Spanish full-back has come under increased criticism of late, compounded by former Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher’s harsh comments. Carragher slammed Moreno following his rather tepid display against Manchester City in the League Cup that saw him hauled off and James Milner put in his position.
Moreno, who makes marauding runs forward, has had quite an error-prone tenure at Anfield, with his high profile mistakes only secondary to that of Simon Mignolet and Dejan Lovren.
Is the criticism against Moreno justified?
Moreno is just 23 years old. His pace and ability to run with the ball is as good as any other wingback in their early 20s. However, it is the end result, or the lack of it that puts him under scrutiny. Moreno has contributed just 6 assists in his entire career spanning over 125 games for Spain U21, Sevilla and Liverpool FC. His crosses usually end up hitting the first man.
The wingback’s contributions in the defensive areas look even more alarming, with his constant runs up the field exposing him to attacks from the right wingers. To add to that, Moreno’s positioning when he does manage to be in a defensive position is not always the best.
In light of these points, the criticism is certainly justified. However, one must not forget that this is someone who has just turned 23, a tender age for defenders, who often become better as they learn more and more about the sport through experience, especially about the tactical approach to the game.
Patience, however, is unfortunately not a quality found in abundance in modern football fans.