Question marks still remain over Fabio Borini's ability to make a long-term impact at Liverpool, and according to Reds legend John Aldridge, the Italian striker is on borrowed time at Anfield.
Two unfortunate injuries derailed Borini's inaugural season at Liverpool, but when he's fit - and during the current pre-season, the striker has shown precious little to suggest that he has what it takes to be regular goalscorer.
Discussing Borini's prospects at Anfield, Aldridge - who knows a thing or two about scoring goals for Liverpool - told the 5 Times Podcast:
"Assaidi only cost 3m so you’ll probably get most of that money back, but with Borini at the moment, you wouldn’t get the 10m we spent.
"Brendan will probably give him till Christmas, or another season to see if he can do it. He’s got to show a lot more than what he has up to now".
To be fair, with Rodgers repeatedly playing him out of position, Borini is rarely given the opportunity to play as a central striker, and that obviously has an impact on his creative return.
If Borini is given a run of games up front, then it's likely that he'll score goals. Rodgers knows this first hand as the Italian hit 9 goals in 12 goals during a loan spell (under Rodgers) at Swansea.
However, it seems clear that Rodgers see Borini as yet another option for the right/left side of his preferred fron three, and with Daniel Sturridge guaranteed to play up front when fit, the chances of that changing this season seem slim.
Even with this in mind, Borini's impact on the team continues to be negligible; LFC need attacking players who will weigh in with at least 10 goals a season, and Borini doesn't seem capable of doing this for Liverpool.
In an interview with Radio Toscana in February, Italian journalist Mario Sconcerti - who writes for Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera - claimed that Serie A Stalwarts Fiorentina tried to sign Borini during the January transfer window, and he further claimed that the Reds negotiated with the Viola over the possibility of a summer deal. He told the show's host:
"As I understand it, the deal to bring Fabio Borini to Florence is at an advanced stage"
Soon after, Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade confirmed that the Serie A club want Borini. He told Radio Toscana:
"We seek a striker with a hunger for goals in their DNA, a player who lives for the goal. We like Fabio Borini, but it's hard to see that Liverpool will let him go"
Borini's agent has repeatedly denied that the Italian wants to leave, but in my view, LFC should cut its losses and sell whilst there is interest. Alas, as Aldo suggests, the club will find it hard to recoup the £10m outlay, and Italian clubs generally don't spend big bucks on unproven players.
Of course, Borini may prove everyone wrong next season and bang in a shedload of goals. I sincerely hope that happens, but whilst he's handicapped by Rodgers' insistence in playing him out position, I can't see it.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
Two unfortunate injuries derailed Borini's inaugural season at Liverpool, but when he's fit - and during the current pre-season, the striker has shown precious little to suggest that he has what it takes to be regular goalscorer.
Discussing Borini's prospects at Anfield, Aldridge - who knows a thing or two about scoring goals for Liverpool - told the 5 Times Podcast:
"Assaidi only cost 3m so you’ll probably get most of that money back, but with Borini at the moment, you wouldn’t get the 10m we spent.
"Brendan will probably give him till Christmas, or another season to see if he can do it. He’s got to show a lot more than what he has up to now".
To be fair, with Rodgers repeatedly playing him out of position, Borini is rarely given the opportunity to play as a central striker, and that obviously has an impact on his creative return.
If Borini is given a run of games up front, then it's likely that he'll score goals. Rodgers knows this first hand as the Italian hit 9 goals in 12 goals during a loan spell (under Rodgers) at Swansea.
However, it seems clear that Rodgers see Borini as yet another option for the right/left side of his preferred fron three, and with Daniel Sturridge guaranteed to play up front when fit, the chances of that changing this season seem slim.
Even with this in mind, Borini's impact on the team continues to be negligible; LFC need attacking players who will weigh in with at least 10 goals a season, and Borini doesn't seem capable of doing this for Liverpool.
In an interview with Radio Toscana in February, Italian journalist Mario Sconcerti - who writes for Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera - claimed that Serie A Stalwarts Fiorentina tried to sign Borini during the January transfer window, and he further claimed that the Reds negotiated with the Viola over the possibility of a summer deal. He told the show's host:
"As I understand it, the deal to bring Fabio Borini to Florence is at an advanced stage"
Soon after, Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade confirmed that the Serie A club want Borini. He told Radio Toscana:
"We seek a striker with a hunger for goals in their DNA, a player who lives for the goal. We like Fabio Borini, but it's hard to see that Liverpool will let him go"
Borini's agent has repeatedly denied that the Italian wants to leave, but in my view, LFC should cut its losses and sell whilst there is interest. Alas, as Aldo suggests, the club will find it hard to recoup the £10m outlay, and Italian clubs generally don't spend big bucks on unproven players.
Of course, Borini may prove everyone wrong next season and bang in a shedload of goals. I sincerely hope that happens, but whilst he's handicapped by Rodgers' insistence in playing him out position, I can't see it.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
I think he will come good soon, he hasn't had the games time to do anything because of injury and being played out of position, he has good movement aswell just isn't happening for him at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI think its a hard one to judge. He hasn't really had a proper run in the team, and his favourite position. I think he will score goals. But I don't think it will be loads. I think he is a good option to have, but not first choice.
ReplyDeleteI don't see the point in selling him yet. We wont get our money back, and the squad will be thinner.
He shows signs of being a promising player, with good movement and positive runs etc.. but he has yet to convert that to goals/assists.
I've saw nothing to make me believe borini will come good, even after a couple of games you can usually see some real quality in a good player, you could see it in couthino straight away & aspas has impressed also, with borini i just haven't seen it though I'd love him to prove me wrong
ReplyDeletewe need at least 5 strikers
ReplyDeletesuarez,sturridge,costa?,aspas and borini
that might not be enough as well because most of them are also our wingers
so we need to keep downing
take what we can ,is stock is only going to lower he as had clear cut chances in preseason ,and cannot even hit the target never mind score
ReplyDeleteIts too early to make decision on Borini just like Allen. I feel the lad should be given at least one more season with his preferred position to play at as much as possible without hurting the team's interests. If he makes the impact that is expected out of him then we can keep or else just sell him in the next summer transfer window.
ReplyDeletesome news talk about we will selling downing on cut price! some said lowest till like 5m.
ReplyDeleteim hating to be wrong and jason to be right. but im affraid Borini will not cut it in lfc. Aspas has allready shown so much in few games that even if suarez leaves and sturridge is injured Borini wont be first choice in central striking role.
ReplyDeletedisagree mate. he wont get the chance to play in his preferred role. and he is ineffective playing from flanks.
ReplyDeleteHmmm about Borini is a really difficult situation ! this guys really a secret weapon (still cant judge good or bad yet ). Base on uero u21 he did a decent job, but in the end is down to the mgr responsible how to utilize him. I had a bit disappointing about BR on Assaidi case. What the hell, why you buy him at first place if u not using him. Im a bit worried Borini will in a same situation hmmm even Luis Alberto as well. Overall i trust BR can lift Borini this season. Base on tactical, i think it may good for borini type. If suarez goes (i really hope so from last season) even better chances for him.
ReplyDeleteAssaidi situation is a mystery. i rate him over downing as a creative winger. perhaps physically weaker one footed and doesnt track back enough?
ReplyDeleteI personally like his instinct on movement. About he playing out of position is not excuse bcoz majority of out attacker is free roaming. With Coutinho and Gerrand vision on passing, Borini will had a very good chance. Of coz he had to be fit at 1st term
ReplyDeleteyes he may a good dribler , just he cant fit in to BR tactic? or mayb other reason we dunno....IF i were LFC board, i will loan him out. His potential may greater than just 3m.
ReplyDeleteWe have not had much luck with Italian players. Aquilani and Dosenna were both a total waste of money.
ReplyDeleteBorini has a big season ahead of him. Hopefully he does not pick up any more bad injuries and gets a good run of games to builds up some confidence which is clearly what he is lacking.
He has hardly kicked a ball for us so do not write him off yet!
If Ibe does step up, either downing or borini will in jeopardize
ReplyDeleteCould also be that he does not work hard enough in training or has a bad attitude or just does not do enough to suggest that he deserves a place in the starting eleven..
ReplyDeleteIbe will be used as an impact player this season. he is only 17 so unless Rodgers is in a situation like the start of last season where he had no choice but to play Sterling then I can honestly not see Ibe being first choice.
ReplyDeleteBut our front three interchanges throughout the game so that does not mean Borini's sole purpose will be as a wide player.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should give the lad a proper chance. How much football has he played over the last year? Being selected for the Italian National team at the age of 21 could suggest that he is not as bad as some are making him out to be.
ReplyDeleteNot sure about this one but I would say that Borini might benefit from another season at the Club, i think last season we suffered heavily because of our GK and defence leaking goals, playing too deep etc and inviting trouble, consequently i think we seriously struggled to gain & keep any attacking momentum.
ReplyDeleteWhat i like about Borini is that he seems to be very keen to at least get forward, quick on his feet, probably have not seen what he can do as of yet in front of goal as i suspect his confidence might need a booster, perhaps playing in this new look re vamped Rodgers side with hopefully a stronger defence etc.....might make all the difference and he (Borini) could become a useful player & as an after thought IF Sturridge starts going a bit awol then we have some competition for him.....
Clearly he has not done it as yet though, Aldo is right that he needs to improve, i'd say give him a chance but its difficult to really be conclusive about how good he is as of yet & whether its actually worth keeping him or not, but if Suarez is leaving then we will need another quality striker anyway.
He seems like a really unlucky footballer, the type that will come so close to scoring these goals but rarely get them. I don't know if he has what it takes to make it at Liverpool, I hope he does though. Maybe a loan would be the best thing for him because a poacher is a useful asset to have.
ReplyDeletewhat you call unlucky i call poor
ReplyDeleteplaying for your national side is no marker of ability
ReplyDeleteagree m8 this guy could fall into a barrel of tits and end up sucking his thumb
ReplyDeleteI was a bit confused regarding Borini impact in LFC considering he is most comfortable in central role & 3rd (probably now 4th after Aspas) in the order for CF, UNTIL this summer's EURO U21. I don't buy the idea that Italians don't play well at LFC - Dosena didn't stay for long (But now he 'll play in CL under the man who bought him at Anfield) & KK "freezed" someone to be a key member for Italy in 2014 for establishing Charlie Adam - The Mighty Scott Zizu.
ReplyDeleteBorini is a fantastic prospect - slick, cunning & extremely good positional sense; he reminds me of Gilardino or Montella. Forwards like him often delivers more than what they seem contributing on the field. BR's team 'll play fast moving short passes within or closer to 18 yards box & I believe Borini can be a very good option for beating the off-side traps or tap ins, for his brilliant positional sense.
He was a 7 Cap Italian International before joining us & I don't think Italian Cap is that cheap like in England, when young players are awarded International caps here just to make sure that they don't turn out for their ancestor's country. Mark my word - if BR remains, under his system in 2014-15, Borini 'll start at least ahead of Studdirge at CF for LFC & on merit.
hes not a wide player and hes not a striker...its not happening because hes not good enough
ReplyDeleteif he has 7 caps there going cheap.....like a budgerigar convention
ReplyDeleteto be honest. i cant recall many italian players who have been successfull in premier league. exept Gianfranco Zola he wouldve been succesfull anywhere at anytime. one of best players ever in my books.
ReplyDeleteis this jason on different account?
ReplyDeleterogers is on a remit by himself and fsg to get rid of kennys signings...trying to push out hendo jose and enrique with the notion they are being replaced by better,,,allen is not better than hendo.....and we are being linked with a host of jokers at lb who cant lace joses boots...we are told downing is poor that poor he played most of last season...we are getting rid and replacing him with who exactly ...when suarez leaves we will have a p*ss poor squad because we wont replace him
ReplyDeleteI think Borini needs a few goals to get himself going,I'd say he's very much a confidence player.If he got a few in pre-season I'd say he would have kicked on,there's still time but it's not much.I'd love to see him do well.I never like seeing players who try their best fail but if he can do the business he'll be gone.
ReplyDeleteGood post, i agree that it could be a confidence issue with him, can't really fault his attitude though which is why i say give him a chance, the fella works damn hard & you can see how much he wants to make it work, if anything he probably has tried too hard....but as you say with that much industry to his game you kinda want him to succeed, a bit like Kuyt really, although they are quite different players, i actually hope to see a much improved team performance this season judging by how things are panning out transfer wise, im hoping that we will gain more momentum by shoring up the defence and getting the right balance in midfield & generally tightening up our game with better passing and better movement up front, i think Borini could fit in well to the system & a few goals would surely improve his confidence esp if the fan's get right behind him.
ReplyDeleteThere's a thin line between the two....And I think he might be on the wrong side of that line.
ReplyDeleteYeah like even when he got a few good shots off (I can't remember which game it was ,I think it was against the Thai XI)you could see him trying a something he may not have attempted ie. that overhead kick.He still has time to step up but he'll need to get a least a goal before the start of the season to try and get some confidence in his game.The lad has some talent,it's all a matter of him making the most of it,and the team mates making use of his good movement.Time will tell.
ReplyDeletehow many chances does he want before he hits the net
ReplyDeleteno its gilstrap,we do not hide behind false accounts
ReplyDeleteborini couldnt manage 1 assist in his whole liverpool season. scored twice, and hasnt scored in pre-season. hit the post against hearts (open goal after sterling assist). borini is 23, and what hes producing is not enough. he hasnt got what it takes to play in the PL or Liverpool. hust leave immediately and stop holding the club back.
ReplyDeleteJordan Ibe is 17, played 1 match and provided an assist. borini is garbage. hes like 10th down the pecking or
Yes, I think he needs to build confidence. Would be sad to see him go because he is one of those players who plays hard for the team. Brendan should give him a run of games and evaluate then. He gets into good positions a lot of times but his final touches betrays him.
ReplyDeleteWe are looking for a top 4 spot, some of our rivals will play,
ReplyDeleteAguero/RVP/Lukaku-Torres/Soldado, etc etc enough said.
Why do you even report on what this rent a gob has to say? He is in no position to be saying why, when or how a player will be leaving the club. He is as much in the dark as we are.
ReplyDeleteApart from the fact Borini has hardly played, what can he possibly know about him? He was good in Italy and the manager clearly rates him, what more can be said than that?
Although i am not the greatest fan of Borini he does move well and has at times shown quality.
ReplyDeleteI am for keeping him at present mainly for 2 reasons 1 being there will have been a lot of changes at Anfield once the windows closed.
A bit of stability for both will be good as Borini has moved around a lot seasons past and the fact that they are not likely to replace him with a better quality player.
Not one person on this forum has a clue about Borini we haven't seen enough, he's low on confidence and not had a good run in a while, but he's going to be the one causing and Egg/Face scenario for most pool fans this term i think him, he looks to pop up in the right places, good poacher?
ReplyDeleteDunno how many did it take Ian Rush ... Debut in May 1980 doesn't score till September 1981, Doesn't do anything until January 1982. Should we have got rid? Maybe Crouch too he took 11 full games to score. Strikers tend to be like Taps, Once the goals start coming for Fabio they aren't gonna stop.
ReplyDeleteReally someone had better get onto the phone to BR as you need to tell him what it is you've have noticed from the couple of games a few YouTube clips and the newspapers and forums, you noticed he's not good enough, now go phone the man who works with him EVERYDAY and tell him he's getting it wrong
ReplyDeleteYou should become friends Jason you can sit in a room together passing a piece of paper back and forth, writing things like "LFC are poo" and "FSG OUT!!"? You two will be happy together, and to round it off have JK in the corner every now and then saying things like "Comment Moderated" and "You'll find ive said nothing of the sort, go back and read it there was a comma, thus changing everything!"
ReplyDeleteI think your right, FSG have the club now, what they need to do to make some money is put millions in and sell everyone for peanuts buy crap players back in? That sounds like a good business strategy doesn't it
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry but I'm not seeing your point? Sturridge hit enough goals to show he can be a 30 goal striker in form, Suarez if he stays again 30 goals, and as for the rest of them, BR hasn't brought one person who doesn't have a previous record scoring goals
ReplyDeleteHope your right but think your wrong, confidence or not i just don't see any outstanding quality in his game
ReplyDeleteif you say so
ReplyDeletewow do i sense i bit of humour
ReplyDeleteSo you'd have got rid of Rush ? Being its the same time scale for a young player, after all he didn't have 2 Injury's at that time too so should have been gone after a season? after such a big Price ? £300,000k In the 80s !! Borini might be the worst footballer to ever grace the game but I for one am going to actually see first before throwing him to the rubbish pile. Whats his longest run of games Jaimie? full 90 Min games 1 after the other whats he had?
ReplyDeleteI'm a funny guy Jason, you just annoy me so much sometimes lol always negative, putting a real downer on my summer time, have some faith, if nothing comes in the next month players / results wise (seeing an improved team) then we can all have a moan but lets presume the guys we have brought are going to be gems, the scouting network and the decision makers seam to be doing well, everyone of those players was being tracked by other clubs, if Aspas had gone to Swansea we would have had stories like "The new Michu?" and "Swansea does it again".
ReplyDeleteLets just give it a little time to see if they are screwing us or setting so very good foundations for the future