2 Oct 2015

Photo-Stunner: Liverpool's 'new Deco' trains with Coutinho and Ings. Surprise start at Everton?

I've said it once (well, a hundred times), and I'll say it again: Brendan Rodgers' mismanagement of Joao Carlos Teixeira is a disgrace, and he's wasting the talent of one of Liverpool's brightest young attackers. With so many injuries this season, there are obviously chances for fringe players to make an impact, but for some inexplicable reason, Teixeira continues to be ignored. Could that be about to change, though?

After a series of impressive performances for the U21s, Teixeira - who won TWO 'Player of the Year' awards last season - is back training with the first team.

The following photo shows the current Academy 'Player of the Year' training with Coutinho, and Ings:



This is great to see, and given Liverpool's creative paucity this season, there's absolutely no excuse to kep ignoring Teixiera. It really is ridiculous: how is it fair to continually snub a player who:

* Won two 'Player of the Year' awards last season.

* Has significantly more real experience than any other Academy youngster (successful loan spells at Brentford and Brighton)

* Contributed more goals/assists during pre-season than any other Liverpool player, including expensive signings like Lallana, Benteke, and Firmino.

If it was down to me, Teixeira would start against Everton on Sunday:

-------------------- Bogdan
----- Gomez ------- Skrtel ------ Sakho
Clyne ------ Lucas ------ Milner --- Moreno
----------- Teixeira -- Coutinho
---------------- Sturridge

In this formation, Teixeira - nicknamed the 'new Deco - is a number-10, and Coutinho is a false-9, providing support up-front alongside Sturridge, and dropping back when necessary to provide additional creativity.

Coutinho played as a false 9 during Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Newcastle last season, and he put in an excellent performance, so it's something Rodgers has considered in the past.

Obviously, after being ignored for so long, Teixeira is unlikely to start, but he'll hopefully get a place on the bench, and if Coutinho isn't cutting it during the game, he can come on as a direct replacement in the number-10 role.

Just to clarify: I don't expect heroics from Teixeira, nor should anyone else. He's played 8 minutes for football for LFC in the last two years, so he'll need time to gel with team-mates.

However, if he's given the same game-time as Jordon Ibe (who plays regularly), then I'm convinced he'll make a positive impact.

Author: Jaimie K


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