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There has been apparent speculation that the Kop’s beloved striker, Luis Suarez, could be on his way out of Anfield before the August transfer deadline (in case you did not read about the other +/- fifteen articles published by “credible” sources in the last week alone). Of course, Brendan Rodgers has made it crystal clear that he is unwilling to move the talented Uruguayan, but has spent the transfer window adding talented players to augment his Champion’s League qualification hopes.
The loss of Suarez’s 30 goals (in all competitions) will definitely be a blow if they were to lose him, however, Anfield may have already captured a player to replace No. 7. Enter Liverpool’s acquisition of Spanish, and now former Celta Vigo striker, Iago Aspas.
I mean, it’s not like Aspas is a skilled individual with silky footwork, great lateral movement, deceptive speed, and a great touch. It’s not like he leaves every shed of his sweat on the field and plays every game as though he thinks his heart may stop beating at any moment in the coming minutes. It’s not like he is known to lose his mind occasionally and get suspended like our beloved Luis.
But wait, Iago Aspas is just that.
In the last 2 years, Aspas has been a menace to opposing defences. He rose to prominence in the Spanish Segunda division when he netted 23 goals in the 2011-2012 season, propelling Celta Vigo back into La Liga after a five-year hiatus in the second division. The following season he was faced with the tough task of keeping Celta Vigo in La Liga. Being promoted to the top league places stronger strain on forwards due to stronger opposing defences – obviously. While his team was one of the ships likely to sink back into relegation, Aspas was impressive in his first season in La Liga. He bulged the ‘ol onion bag 12 times in 33 matches on a weak team that finished 17 out of the 20 team league, being saved from relegation on the last match day of the season.
But numbers are boring and just explain half of the story. What makes Aspas a player to keep an eye out for? What makes him resemble Suarez?
Like Suarez, Aspas is a shifty player who is adept at changing directions on defenders and making their lives difficult. He has sublime skill with the ball at his feet and can beat players 1-on-1. When at his best, he makes quick runs behind opposing defenders and uses his touch to control balls, and also drops back into midfield to receive passes and play them off to teammates. Unlike Luis, in some ways Aspas gives me the impression (from what I’ve seen) that he is better at linking up with his midfield and also setting up his teammates. When he has space behind him, he turns around and puts on a show with his footwork. What makes everything a lot more interesting is Suarez’s statistics in his first full season in England and Aspas’ first full season in La Liga:
Suarez 2011-12 Aspas 2012-13
11 Goals 12
10% Conversion 12%
64 Chances Created 67
3 Assists 7
75% Pass Accuracy 77%
Suarez is a player who opponents hate playing against. Whether it’s the extra cleat to the back of Distin’s leg, a dive, or an “accidental-purposeful-sorry-not sorry” kick to Scott Parker’s chops, Suarez demonstrated that he is an individual who is willing to bend the rules to win. He has shown to be strongly motivated to bring forth any advantage to his team. With this mindset he possesses, Suarez has demonstrated moments of utter brilliance and wonder. However, he has also shown to provide the public with moments of madness and bewilderment. There was the 8-match ban for using a racially offensive word towards Patrice Evra, and of course that other time he bit the Serbian bloke in the middle of a match and received a 10-match ban. Well enough of Suarez, what does this have to do with our man Iago?
Iago Aspas is no different. He seems to relish getting into altercations with opponents. According to David Cartlidge, The Mirror’s La Liga expert, Suarez and Aspas share a sort of “contentious character.” Cartlidge stated that Aspas’ coach had to handle him with care, “…for he was always on the brink of breaking.” Aspas’ hunger leads him to chase lost causes and throw tackles as a forward. If that doesn’t bare resemblance to Luis, this will: Cartlidge states that Aspas constantly mutters to himself when running through the pitch, and tends to exchange words when against an opponent. Aspas’ former coach, former Liverpool player Paco Herrera referred to him as “part Messi, part monster.” He is also known for two infamous acts which involved head butting a bloke (then being suspended for 4 matches) and being substituted early to prevent getting sent off (in one of the most important matches of the year). But hey, just like the Kop loves Luis, Celta fans loved Iago.
With all these tools, the main question is; Can Iago Aspas put it all together and produce in the most physical league in Europe? Can the skill outweigh the madness and provide Liverpool with goals needed for Champion’s League qualifications?
Aristotle did say, “There is no great genius without a mixture of madness.”
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