23 Aug 2013

'He'll find it difficult' - Molby claims €10m star is not good enough for LFC. Harsh...?

Despite four goals and four assists in his first eight games for Liverpool (including an assist against Stoke City last weekend), ex-LFC players seem to be unsure of Iago Aspas' long-term prospects at Anfield. Reds legend Mark Lawrenson recently argued that the Spaniard is too 'lightweight', and now, Lawro's former team-mate, Jan Molby, has also expressed reservations about the the club's €10m summer signing.

In his column for the Liverpool Daily Post last week, Lawro observed:

"Iago Aspas was a bit lightweight against Celtic, but it is still early days for him. In pre-season, and he looked decent, but the Premier League, though, is completely different.

In a recent discussion about Aspas's Anfield prospects, Molby seemed to write off the attacker's chances of making it at Liverpool. He told the 5 Times Podcast:

“Coutinho’s strength is finding space, and he would survive in any league, and Sterling’s strength is his pace. Aspas doesn’t fall into the category. He’ll play in-between centre halves so he’ll find it difficult to find space; he doesn’t appear to be physically as strong as required, and doesn’t have a lot of pace either”

So, according to Lawro and Molby, Aspas is:

* Slow.
* Lightweight/Not strong enough for the Premier League.
* Poor at finding space on the field.

I see no concrete evidence to support any of the above. Indeed, movement and finding space appears to be one of Aspas' major strengths so far, and he's no slower than Luis Suarez, who doesn't rely on speed to be an effective attacker.

For me, end product is the most important thing. Irrespective of his alleged flaws, Aspas's stats show that he is doing the business for Liverpool:

* 4 goals/4 assists in 8 games.
* Total minutes played: 470
* Averages 59 minutes played per game.
* Goal every 117 minutes.
* Goal/Assist every 58 minutes.
* 5 chances created against Stoke (More than Gerrard/Hendo/Sturridge combined)
* 83% passing accuracy.

Stats: OPTA

Since when is scoring/creating a goal every 58 minutes not a laudable achievement?

Over the season, Aspas's alleged lack of pace/strength may prove to be an issue, but right now, he is clearly doing a great job for the club.



NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)


66 comments:

  1. They need a scape-goat. Now, that Downing and Shelvey have gone they think its better to make him because of his physical attributes rather than his game and technical attributes. Hope they found someone else, maybe Allen soon.

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  2. Crazy Legs Djimi6:43 pm, August 23, 2013

    Without sounding like I take it in the pipe, he needs to learn how to use his ass more, in shielding the ball. Still early doors on Aspas, but relatively happy with his contribution, he's still bedding in. Hopefully he can polish his finishing up, seems to move into the right pockets of space.

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  3. I still really like this signing and expect him to contribute a lot from the right throughout the season and perhaps from the center forward spot in any Cup run we make.

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  4. In what universe is Aspas slow? He has, at the very least, as much pace as Downing if not more.

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  5. Too early to say and certainly too early to be getting on the back of a young player who has just joined the club

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  6. Seriously? What more do they want from the guy. Yeah it was only pre-season, but why should we not judge him positively on his good displays in pre-season as they are on his poor display agaist celtic (which i wouldnt totally agree with either)
    Think Molby should reserve his comments until he actually has something to give out about.
    Aspas looks good to me, and i will be very happy to see him on the teamsheet for every game until he gives me a reason not to be. Which he definately has not so far

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  7. Lets judge him and his stats after 8 premier league games and not just one. I think he looks a decent player but those stats you have for 8 games include 7 friendlies against opposition of a much lower ability than us overall - they are not entirely credible for that reason. That said he impressed me against Stoke and once he finds his feet in this league he could be a very good player for us in my view.

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  8. Baby got back...

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  9. Let's get one thing straight, he is better than Borini.

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  10. liverpool4life5657:06 pm, August 23, 2013

    He looks pretty decent to me. Got me 7 points in my Fantasy football team too ;)

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  11. The same was said about Coutinho when he joined, maybe in Lawros an Molby's days that more physical strength was required. Get a grip these days you require good stamina, which the current training and sports science provide, eating and drinking the right diet and not a bag of chips and Lager after a game.

    Stoke was a stern test for LFC last week and Aspas did really well, so be positive and stop knocking the players down!

    I'm sure Lawro says the same thing on PES 2008 game, Lol.

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  12. he looked okay v stoke...but then again hes a bit of an unknown quantity and i always expect new forwards to spring a few surprises at the beginning of the season until defenders figure them out...the key is to keep performing once defenders know your stregnths

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  13. we cant have this he will actually get there for tap ins, I do so enjoy the ball going across the fresh clear air in front of goal with nobody thinking it might go there, it's only the blatantly obvious place to be but we are not good at the blatantly doing the obvious.

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  14. Borini will score goals, MAKE NO MISTAKE. after this lad has worn them down for 70 minitues.

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  15. I think it's more indicative of their frustration with who we haven't signed as opposed to who we have signed...

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  16. I agree. There are a lot of lazy ex-Liverpool pundits out there and no doubt Aldo will be on this particular bandwagon within days.

    I reserve judgement on Aspas, as should all these pundits, who should know that even Bergkamp and Pires were pretty poor in their first season whilst they got used to the kickers and stampers of the premier league.

    These three are on his back after his first serious friendly!

    Overseas players need time - he might be no good, or he might be good, we will see half way through next season. That's how overseas players work and at one third of the price of 'proven quality' like Stewart 'shush' Downing, Aspas is definitely worth giving the benefit of the doubt to.

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  17. He has achieved more in 2 months than downing did in two years. Unbelievable that Molby wants to undermine him so early. If anyone is lightweight in the LFC squad it is undoubtedly Sterling. Totally agree with Jaimie

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  18. Theycallmemrburt7:52 pm, August 23, 2013

    These comments must have been made before the Stoke game because Aspas was nowhere near playing " In between centre halves". If the quotes were after Stoke Molby would have mentioned the boys very impressive debut as because he is one of the few former LFC pundits who does actually know a player........and Aspas in the right sytem, looks a player.

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  19. I agree he's a bit lightweight. Whilst his stats in preseason were good, the opposition lacked EPL quality and it looked like on many occasions he could have done better with distributing the ball, holding it up and taking his chances. But it's early days - new team, new country, new environment.

    Overall, I think he's an exciting prospect who shouldn't be judged until he's had a handful of games. He's intelligent, his work ethic is true. I don't think he's the game changer that we need but hopefully, we'll address that over the next 10 days. I'm definitely more positive about his signing than I was about Allen's and Borini's.

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  20. Theycallmemrburt7:56 pm, August 23, 2013

    I'm praying Real Madrid make a premier League DOUBLE SWOOP!!

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  21. To a certain extent, actually they are correct. His preseason stats are very good, but with due respect, in EPL he 'll face lot more physically tougher oppositions than semi-pro Asians or Aussie/Norwegians. He indeed looked light weight against Celtic & in English winter, it 'll not be easy for him to play over 15 matches in Dec & Jan.



    Having said that, for 8m, he is a steal compared to Carroll or Downing. He is definitely not much quicker than Downing at wings, but extremely skillful. LFC doesn't play with target men & BR don't need electric heel wingers, rather we 'll play wingers as wide forwards, who 'll cut back at a fast interchanging movements. He can indeed play at that role quite brilliantly. However, I don't see him surviving for 90 mins. of the rigorous shoulder bashing he is likely to get here in UK, where the Referees are least protective compared to Spain. 60 min & then Ibe/Sterling to takeover to run through the tiring defense.



    I believe, if he remains healthy, 'll cross double digit in goal & assist this season, something Downing failed to do in 2 seasons combined at triple fee & double salary. Don't know why these old pals of KK still trying to defame BR & his signings? It was not BR's fault that KK was sacked for incompetence & this young man replaced him.

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  22. I disagree. He may be a little lightweight, but his movement both on and off the ball is superb. That's plain for anyone to see.

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  23. Usually agree with Molby but not this time lets give the lad time before we write him off,lets not knock his confidence before he has had a chance to prove his worth which i think he will.

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  24. Agree with regards to Sterling, needs to go out on loan. Regarding Aspas he's impressed during pre-season, he wasn't great against Celtic and I was worried he would be battered by Stoke but he was good, will be interesting to see how he progresses.

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  25. Of the three munchkins on the team, he singles out Aspas? Coutinho's been strong, Aspas is showing promise - he should have had a goal and another assist last week. The weakling of the 3 is Sterling - he has pace, but hardly any end product. Sure he can prance from the half towards the box quickly, but when he gets there he looks like a deer in headlights, and ends up dispossessed. He's still very young, has lots of potential, but is nowhere near the finished product yet - I hope they don't sub out Aspas for Sterling like last game, it's not an improvement.

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  26. Give him 10 games, then. Judge him.

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  27. Probably said the same thing about Zola.

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  28. I think Sterling's getting better but he's still got a long ways to go. The shame is if we brought in another player, we could have loaned Sterling out to ensure he gets consistent playing time.


    I'm just worried he's going to get worn out again if he plays too much too soon.

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  29. Im sorry , but how knowledgeable are molby and lawrenson in football?
    do they know more then Rodgers and laudrup who both wanted aspas or even del bosque who rates him.
    molby and lawrenson don't know what they are talking about and hae no right criticizing a player

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  30. Rubbish. This is just evidence that you can quit quoting these relics anytime you want. I love the way this kid plays.

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  31. If you mean Suarez... Selling him this late I'm not sure if it's a good idea, do we have time get get a replacement? Jan or next summer is seeming to suit Liverpool the best. I knew Madrid would come in late for him, Whether he stays or goes I simply don't care, he'll be gone soon enough anyway's.

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  32. Is this a serious question? He has every right to have his view. Just because people don't agree doesn't mean he's suddenly devoid of knowledge.

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  33. its all molbys fault Liverpool are where we are , one of the most overrated lfc players ever , the standards of lfc players dropped when he arrived , and then it started

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  34. Molby questioning Rodgers,laudrup and del bosques opinion when his biggest coahing experience was managing kidderminister harriers and ultimately failing.
    cant believe the nerve of people like Nichol and molby always criticizing lfc while being massive failures in management.

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  35. lfc are the best

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  36. he did well against a robust stoke side. give the lad a chance and encouragement. he may take time to adjust to a vastly different culture, both footballing and lifestyle-wise. good luck to him.

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  37. He seem ok. He was way out of his depth leading the line against Celtic and is not forward-facing like Sturridge, but I would right him off. How he got the LFC number 9 shirt is whole different story! BR was claiming he was gonna be a squad player, but when he was given the famous shirt it was obvious FSG were not going to invest in anyone better.


    As long as he plays out wide in the EPL he should be ok. Suarez will have to lead the line if and when Sturridge gets injured...

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  38. no, sleepless nights in police cells will wear him out.

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  39. the danish cousin of the popular american music maker.

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  40. to quote 'only fools and horses' master, del boy......"rodney, you plo****"

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  41. This is irony, right? That, or you must've slept through the six years of almost constant LFC success that took place after Molby arrived.

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  42. If a bid comes in it shouldn't really take us by surprise. A deal with another center forward SHOULD already be in place in the case of any eventuality. We have so much foresight on this we would refuse the eye of thundera.... if it was offered of course :)

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  43. There's nothing to back their claims hahaha.. Living. In. The. Past.

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  44. I thought he sheilded the ball well, if your techniqes good and your clever enough you can compensate a lot of the time. He is small though. Looks about twelve.

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  45. I tried to down vote this comment twice but it wouldn't let me.....................

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  46. I listened to that 5 times podcast and do regularly. They can give some real incite in to relationships with players and managers and that kind of thing but they don't seem to say much that my mates don't say or the Anfield wrap lads who have no prem experience between them. In fact some of the things they say like that above seem stuck in a bygone era. Great players though they may have been some times they just seem like they don't get how football has changed. One such comment was that there is too much done by medical and physio staff.

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  47. Yeah Crazy your right. Sterling and Coutinho are boss at throwing there asses around.

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  48. Yeah its not like Stoke are a gang of weeds is it. He did well in that game against big big lads.

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  49. the biggest quality people ignore at their peril is intelligence - when one isnt gifted with all the qualities that molby and lawrenson highlight then intelligence kicks in.



    ive been quite impressed with his will to put himself about - he isnt shy or he doesnt disappear in games as downing often did - so i think we ought to cut him some slack and make our judgements later.

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  50. Yeah if indded we got a suitable offer and we had a contingency plan in place ie. the likes of Jackson Martinez then get him out.

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  51. Aspas should be told formally by BR to just not give a fuc*k about PL animals and play his game all the way.

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  52. Simon Joseph Lau3:19 am, August 24, 2013

    Like Berbatov, Aspas just doesn't look as dangerous as he really is which could be a good thing. Before we signed him, I was comparing his vids with Luis Alberto's and frankly, Alberto's vids were more impressive by far. Aspas' vids were almost boring. However, the stats don't lie and Aspas knows where to be, despite not looking very good at it - Quite the antithesis to Ricardo Quaresma who was all show, no product.

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  53. If anything Aspas seems a pacey player more than capable of finding space. He's had one game of PL football against one of the most physical teams in the league and he didnt seem to get bullied off the ball at all. He looks a real find at this stage.

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  54. Mr. Point Of View8:52 am, August 24, 2013

    Back then fowler were also not the fastest nor dribler BUT he is 1 of deadliest in league...his end product is good enough for team...

    Seem that 2 old person just out of topic to talk...

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  55. Lawrenson will say anything about anyone at Liverpool, except Gerrard, if it will damage Rodgers; purely because they are furious at Kenny not being given the job of Lifetime Club President of All On Merseyside Forever and think BR was behind it.

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  56. you're comparing Aspas, (26) to Sterling (19) ? in 7 years I expect Sterling to be way past Aspas at the same age

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  57. Never a truer word said

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  58. that's a lovely straight drive

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  59. Well yes, so does the article. When One player is being subbed on for another, this is totally valid. I'm sure in 7 years, if he keeps out of trouble, Sterling can be just as good if not better, but at present he's not. He's realistically probably 2 or 3 years away from anything approaching a finished product. He probably should go on loan to a promoted team, or Championship team, because he won't develop as a player coming off the bench - at certainly, given the current tools doesn't add anything.

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  60. usually i agree with the opposite of what lawrenson says so go go aspas, sound bites is all their good for

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  61. I'd give more weight to what guys like Larwo and Molby think, who've been there and conquered than anyone on here. But that's just me!

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  62. these two are phucked lol always chatting shit

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