For the past few weeks, Liverpool have been consistently linked with Sevilla’s young left-back Alberto Moreno, with many reporting the fee already being agreed between the two clubs. The talented 21 year-old has been courted by Real Madrid and Chelsea. One would think a young-Spanish left back would be destined for Madrid, no? Well, Real seem content with Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao. Now it seems as though Liverpool have stepped in with a £18m bid which is expected to be accepted. Would the Sevilla full-back be ready for a club like Liverpool? I say yes and here is why.
Firstly, this is what he brings to the table. Defensively, there are many positives. Moreno is comfortable passing around the back and has a cool head on him that makes it look as if he is 31 years old instead of 21. He looks confident in possession and can always pick out a pass that seems unplayable. Off the ball a few things raise eyebrows. His tackling and man marking is very precise and effective. When one-on-one with an opposing attacker, he is second to none at getting possession back for his team. This is due to a mix of abilities. For one, his blistering pace helps him out in more ways than one, and his tackling technique is exceptional. You can tell that this is due to hard work and hours spent on the training ground. A work ethic like his will go a long way at a club like Liverpool, believe me.
Now, how good is he on an attacking front? I can tell you with confidence that there aren’t many left- backs (in the entire world) who can attack with such precision and confidence like Moreno does. He can cross effectively and sets up many chances that way, he can spread the play with pin-point accuracy, and always seems to know where his teammates are. One thing that doesn’t stand out but is evidently there, is his effective long shots. In 45 appearances for the Sevilla first team, he has scored three goals, not an eye-catching tally but when he shoots, it usually tests the keeper.
Did I mention he has pace? Moreno doesn’t just run through the pitch, he tears through it, when he gets on his horse, there is not many in the world that can rival the sort of pace and control he has with the ball. Anfield Alive’s own department head, Arslan Siddiqui had this to say about Alberto Moreno:
“His pace is absolutely breathtaking. When he sets off on one of his trademark runs from end-to-end on the field, he looks like Gareth Bale out there. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Frankly, I don’t see him staying at left-back if he continues to run at that speed with that control, he will be supremely effective at the wing. Left back to left wing, reminds me of a certain Welshman.”
Like every player, there are negatives to his game. Firstly, I shall highlight his defensive ones. He often finds himself out of position. He goes so far into the opposition half that it is almost impossible for him to get back. While this is starting to happen less now as he has matured since the start of the season, it is still a major flaw in his game. His heading leaves much to be desired. His heading is quite weak and this has sometimes led to more direct teams targeting him when hitting the ball up field.
Lastly, for those who are not up to date with the latest ongoing in transfers, The deal for the Spanish international is progressing nicely. Rumour had it that a player could be going to Sevilla as a makeweight but according to my sources, this is not the case. Sevilla are pleased with the fee proposed alone. If the deal goes astray, Chelsea could be waiting in the shadows. However, this won’t happen and Alberto Moreno should be another signing in what is turning out to be an exciting summer for us.
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