Earlier this month, Liverpool legend John Aldridge warned Fabio Borini that if he didn't start 'showing more' in a Liverpool shirt, he'd probably end up on the Anfield scrapheap sooner rather than later. Borini is undoubtedly a polarising figure for Reds fans, but does he have a future at the club, and do fans want him to stay?
I recently conducted a poll on the site asking if Liverpool should keep or sell the Italian striker.
* Approx 8200 site vistors voted.
* 65% of participants voted for LFC to sell Borini.
That's a fairly emphatic result, but based on this small sample, Borini seemingly still retains a decent level of support amongst the fanbase. How long that will last, however, is anyone's guess.
It's clear from watching Borini play that he's still unsure of his role in the team, and this has contributed to his inability to impose himself on games, something underlined once again during this year's pre-season schedule.
In February, I posted an article arguing that Borini is destined to fail at Anfield, and I believe that's still the case now. Obviously, after a season-interrupting injury, it will take time for the Italian to settle properly, but I just don't see where he fits into the team either now or in the future.
Wide left/right?
Borini is a striker, not a winger, and he contributed practically nothing from wide areas last season. In this role, he usually becomes a passenger very quickly, and sometimes, it's easy to forget that Borini is even on the field (!)
Additionally, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Jordon Ibe, Jose Enrique, Philippe Coutinho, Luis Alberto, Liverpool have players in the squad who are comfortable playing out wide, and they're far more effective than Borini.
Central striker?
This is a non-starter. Suarez and Daniel Sturridge are both in pole position here, and it's telling to note that Borini only started ONE game as a central striker last season. To add insult to injury, the signing of Sturridge was (IMO) a clear vote of no confidence. As soon as Sturridge arrived, Rodgers shunted Luis Suarez out wide to accommodate him, but he didn't do that for Borini. Why?
Simple: Rodgers doesn't trust Borini up front, and if that's the case, why did he spend £12m on him in the first place? Also, if Rodgers believes that Borini can do the business as a striker, why sign Sturridge in January...?
Borini played as a striker for Swansea and scored 9 goals in 12 games, which seems to indicate that if you play him up front, he'll score. Rodgers still refuses to utilise him in the correct position, though, which is strange considering he witnessed Borini's striking capabilities first hand at Swansea. I just don't understand the manager's thought process when signing him:
* If he bought Borini with the intention of playing him out wide, then that particular decision needs to be seriously questioned. Why gamble £12m on a player with no solid experience of playing out wide? Why not spend that money on a dedicated wide player?
* If Rodgers bought Borini to play as a striker, why refuse to give him a consistent chance up-front? Borini made 11 appearances Prior to his injury, but played up front for a mere 63 minutes against Sunderland.
As a comparison, consider Jordan Henderson: In 2011-12, Kenny Dalglish constantly played him of position on the right, and he barely made any impact on the team. Last season, Hendo played in his natural position, and performed really well.
By playing Borini out of position, Rodgers has (IMO) set the striker on the path to failure at Anfield. After all, what evidence is there to suggest that Borini has the tools to grow into a top class wide player? Is he good enough in that role to keep Sterling, Coutinho et al out of the team? Will Rodgers keep Sturridge or Suarez on the bench to give Borini a long run up in the team as a central striker? No chance.
It's not a question of ability - no player will prosper if they are played out of position and/or are unsure of their role in the team, and if Borini fails, it won't be his fault - it will be Rodgers' fault for misusing him.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
I recently conducted a poll on the site asking if Liverpool should keep or sell the Italian striker.
* Approx 8200 site vistors voted.
* 65% of participants voted for LFC to sell Borini.
That's a fairly emphatic result, but based on this small sample, Borini seemingly still retains a decent level of support amongst the fanbase. How long that will last, however, is anyone's guess.
It's clear from watching Borini play that he's still unsure of his role in the team, and this has contributed to his inability to impose himself on games, something underlined once again during this year's pre-season schedule.
In February, I posted an article arguing that Borini is destined to fail at Anfield, and I believe that's still the case now. Obviously, after a season-interrupting injury, it will take time for the Italian to settle properly, but I just don't see where he fits into the team either now or in the future.
Wide left/right?
Borini is a striker, not a winger, and he contributed practically nothing from wide areas last season. In this role, he usually becomes a passenger very quickly, and sometimes, it's easy to forget that Borini is even on the field (!)
Additionally, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Jordon Ibe, Jose Enrique, Philippe Coutinho, Luis Alberto, Liverpool have players in the squad who are comfortable playing out wide, and they're far more effective than Borini.
Central striker?
This is a non-starter. Suarez and Daniel Sturridge are both in pole position here, and it's telling to note that Borini only started ONE game as a central striker last season. To add insult to injury, the signing of Sturridge was (IMO) a clear vote of no confidence. As soon as Sturridge arrived, Rodgers shunted Luis Suarez out wide to accommodate him, but he didn't do that for Borini. Why?
Simple: Rodgers doesn't trust Borini up front, and if that's the case, why did he spend £12m on him in the first place? Also, if Rodgers believes that Borini can do the business as a striker, why sign Sturridge in January...?
Borini played as a striker for Swansea and scored 9 goals in 12 games, which seems to indicate that if you play him up front, he'll score. Rodgers still refuses to utilise him in the correct position, though, which is strange considering he witnessed Borini's striking capabilities first hand at Swansea. I just don't understand the manager's thought process when signing him:
* If he bought Borini with the intention of playing him out wide, then that particular decision needs to be seriously questioned. Why gamble £12m on a player with no solid experience of playing out wide? Why not spend that money on a dedicated wide player?
* If Rodgers bought Borini to play as a striker, why refuse to give him a consistent chance up-front? Borini made 11 appearances Prior to his injury, but played up front for a mere 63 minutes against Sunderland.
As a comparison, consider Jordan Henderson: In 2011-12, Kenny Dalglish constantly played him of position on the right, and he barely made any impact on the team. Last season, Hendo played in his natural position, and performed really well.
By playing Borini out of position, Rodgers has (IMO) set the striker on the path to failure at Anfield. After all, what evidence is there to suggest that Borini has the tools to grow into a top class wide player? Is he good enough in that role to keep Sterling, Coutinho et al out of the team? Will Rodgers keep Sturridge or Suarez on the bench to give Borini a long run up in the team as a central striker? No chance.
It's not a question of ability - no player will prosper if they are played out of position and/or are unsure of their role in the team, and if Borini fails, it won't be his fault - it will be Rodgers' fault for misusing him.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
Shame the lad has struggled so far, he looks nervous to me.........not sure yet???
ReplyDeleteIMO you're a bit harsh on Rodgers jaimie. Everytime I saw borini playing as a striker (f.e. preseason games) he had absolutely no presence on the field. Coutinho, who makes regular Hollywoodpasses to sturridge just can't find borini and if borini has a clear chance he always misses the target or hits the woodwork... He's not ruthless enough in front of the goal and IMO just isn't really ready for the first team...
ReplyDeleteDuhr..why have a pole on Borini? Championship player at best, only Rodgers think he's good. Another player we won't get our money back on.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, I like the guy. But in terms of pekking order for strikers, he comes 4th. Both him and Allen were questionable buys, 'comfort buys' if you like.
ReplyDeleteGood article.
ReplyDeleteImo hes not good enough for Liverpool and was a comfort signing by rogers...if we want to get back with the elite we need elite players....there is no shame in not cutting it at Liverpool ...see spearing and shelvey ( two players i admire for trying ) but borini just doesn't have the tools in his locker we should sell now and put the money towards william or another elite performer borini is just blocking the path of ibe and co
ReplyDeletetrue and hats the same with allen. both championship players striving hard to be a big club like LFC when they know they are clearly not good enough.allen is much better than borini tho. he must be sold immediately and we should buy Luis Muriel to replace him. and although right now i dont think we need eriksen, i think it would be good to buy him now while hes cheap becoz hes still young and maybe in a few years, we may want a midfielder and eriksen can be that guy
ReplyDeleteThere's no mystery. He just doesn't have what it takes at this level just yet. He needs to make his bones at a Fulham or a Sunderland before being relied on to get CL football. We either wait and see if he takes his chances in the future or we abandon ship and sell. Also I think that it isvery helpful for young strikers to play inside left or right to help develop their game. It worked for the likes of Henry, Van Persie, Sturridge and Suarez. They get to read the game better and it tends to improve their awareness and adaptability. He needs to accept that when you are at big clubs there is a very small window of opportunity to prove yourself capable of being a top goalscoring striker. If he played to the side of a striker and couldn't get himself on the back stick and make the most of his chances that shows a lack of adaptability and awareness.
ReplyDeletei like them both as people but if liking was a yard stick for playing my best m8 would be in attack and my wife in midfield.....rogers has to be ruthless ...i think Allen can do a job but not in competition to hendo and Gerrard in the advanced midfield role ..but in competition to Lucas...whats bizaree is Allen found his best form in that role but rogers completely overlooks him for Lucas...that speaks volumes to me
ReplyDeleteon another note would kolo be a better captain than gerrad....hes constantly geeing up the players and seems to have a real presence about him...Ive read a piece by another reporter who states kolo looks like hes played for Liverpool all his life and i have to agree...its hard to believe hes only 5 foot 11 he plays like hes 6 foot 11
ReplyDeletesell him now , i dont think we should carry any players unless its someone like gerrard or carrra
ReplyDeleteHis highly rated in italy as is dossena and we are liley to get 5m if that can sign a proper striker with experience like fred ,
Toure pushed Gerrard and told everyone to get back to work and defend the corner after the penalty double save from Mignolet. He definitely has leadership qualities thats for sure and you don't see anyone pushing Gerrard and telling him to focus.
ReplyDeleteThe simple fact remains BR made a mistake he rushed into buying a player to basically put his stamp on a team it was a silly acquisition to be honest, one which we will lose money on again. To put this in context to think Navas cost city 15 million I think and they also bought jovetic and negrado we spent 12 million on Borini and 15 on Allen. I'm just happy that BR has taken his time this transfer window and bought in much higher quality players. Borini will excel on his home country the premier league is to fast paced and physical for him, Mr Glass comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteI doubt he'll leave this window or this season at all.
ReplyDeleteHe needs to show something soon or its going to be a very uncomfortable season for him.
While at Roma he frequently played across the front 3 throughout games and he managed to outshine Bojan who for some reason Barca still believe to be an expensive player.
Hopefully it works out.
your are only sticking up for him because you cant be bothered to change your avatar..haha
ReplyDeleteFollowing the logic you use for erikson perhaps we should hold onto Borini as he is young and likely to improve
ReplyDeletethats only half the truth :P.
ReplyDeleteBut as i said, He did play across a front three at roma so it wasnt just a random hunch that he could play on the left or right.
He really hasnt taken his chances at LFC and while i like his movement and his runs he always seem to be a step off and its becoming more and more likely that he is better suited to italy and the prem is just too fast for him.
Anyone think theres any truth to these Turan and Wilian rumors?
ReplyDeleteWell seeing that Hendo was preferred to Allen yesterday, may be Rodgers has found a ruthless streak.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion is he's another sick note, his 1st touch is bad!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI would say still can't judge he is young and hasn't really had time to adapt but mentally he might not be able to handle it 'cause of those injuries, he looks like he is trying to hard to make an impact if you know what I mean
ReplyDeletei think hendo was in for his physical presence. i can see allen starting against villa
ReplyDeletehe doesnt need armband to lead, like he is doing now. fantastic signing. on free. getting toure was a masterstroke
ReplyDeleteHope so....
ReplyDeleteTuran would be a great signing and is (i think) a Liverpool fan. I don't know much about Willian, tbh. So long as he doesn't sing, we should be ok.
As for Borini, I think he's a good player, but doesn't seem to have any self-belief. At this level you need to impose yourself and get noticed, something which I'm afraid he doesn't look like he ever will do.
Aspas made a tidy start yesterday, lots of movement and clever runs. I thought he may be a bit lightweight against a team like Stoke, but he adapted well. Having said that, Borini had a great game against Utd last year, then faded.
doesnt arda have a long list of injuries? he is more realistic target than willian i think. but im hoping the twitter people are onto something with W following C and L. im hopefully pessimistic about his transfer. only going to celebrate once it reads on LFC website with big picture of Willian full of smiles holding shirt with his hair allover the place.
ReplyDeleteThere was a grainy photo of 'Willian' with a couple of scalls in Garlands nightclub doing the rounds on Twitter. They reckon he said he's goung to sign Tuesday, so it MUST be true....... ;)
ReplyDeleteI think you may be right. Hendo really needed that shot off the post to go in to stay in the team. They either started together or Allen started ahead of Henderson in all the friendlies so I think this is a one off. Having said that though you shouldn't change a winning team.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone on here would pick Allen over Lucas. Lucas is a proven player and has a dedicated role in the team. When Lucas is injured we call his vacant position "the Lucas role" - Allen will only play there if he's injured otherwise he's competing with Henderson.
ReplyDeleteI also think that was the case. I just think that in the EPL, irrespective of who you play, you need a degree of physicality. That's why I don't think Allen could possibly be a pivotal factor in Liverpool challenging for honours.
ReplyDeleteI believe BR signed him with intention to play him as central striker, but he then copped out (at that early point in his career as LFC manager) and decided that Suarez was the star and cannot be played elsewhere even if he (imho) would probably be better out wide etc. When he had to play Borini, he put him out wide to accomodate him (since he was his signing) and like you said, the Italian just isn't made out to be in those positions. Downward spiral from then on. Good thing BR decided to grow a pair eventually and play Sturridge in his natural position (of course it helps that DS is really confident in his abilities and outspoken in a way). Otherwise, it just doesn't make sense because BR had Borini with him at Swansea and the Italian delivered in his natural position.
ReplyDeletewe've had turan rumours for at least 5 years, lol.
ReplyDeleteBeing linked to Damiao now, wouldn't mind if Borini gets sold to accommodate a place for him. Is it only me noticing this or that LFC is getting linked to better players now that the transfer window is coming to an end.
ReplyDeleteA bit off topic but as we are discussing BR. Its interesting to note that he was more reserved in his post match comments after the match yesterday which is something he has been criticised for on here and in refusing to discuss Suarez and instead focus on the players who can play he seems to have finally taken control of that situation. In fact the less he talks the more assured he seems. Lets face it it was a huge step up for him and whilst not costing the earth he made a couple of hasty buys of players he had already worked with that he might not do now that he is more settled into the job. Also i dont think he would allow a reality show now where as he didnt have a say about it when he came in. Over all i hope that as he becomes more settled and shapes the squad to his vision the less likely he will be to over compensate in interviews. Also Kolo Toure was superb and has been all preseason if he can stay fit he might actually be hard to dislodge as starting CB.
ReplyDeleteThink your right. I wonder if the Arsenal bid wound up FSG so much they have opened the check book and i think the two buys in Jan and the early buys this summer have helped get a bit of confidence back after the comoli fiasco
ReplyDeleteI think we underestimate the importance for the team's success and development of the manager hiring, even at a premium, players that know and trust him, and that he knows and trusts in return. Especially early on in what I assume we all hope will be a long and happy time in charge of the club.
ReplyDeleteBorini will feature this season; there will be games where he makes at the very least a solid contribution. Not every signing will be a world beater. Borini's not that. But he has qualities, and must, like Allen, bring something to the squad. Let's appreciate what he has rather than criticising him for what he doesn't have.
He's a decent squad player, and he's one of the boss's men. Let's give him time, and respect the manager's authority on this one.
If Willian does come in, i think more or less he know where he stand. I still think too soon to get rid of him. All he need is earn his game time and prove ppl wrong (if he manage do so)
ReplyDeleteThose 65 percent do not matter, Vyas said he will come good...
ReplyDeleteHe looked good for Italy and his movement has been great for making space for others when he has played. Just looks like he needs to bang in a couple of goals and get his confidence up. But will he get that chance.
ReplyDeleteyou call yourself liverpool blah blah, shut the f**k up, we have enough of the gutter press having a go and you idots are stabbing our own players in the who are you? muppets.
ReplyDeleteYeah i think he needs to be sold. I rate him as a striker. Good luck to him if he does go. I think this signing was a mistake by the manager pure and simple, he just wont admit it. Good player, with nowhere to play. If e get offered 5 mil for him i think sell. A lone deal also would be great for him. Id hate to see him have to go through another season not.playing. He's better than that IMO.
ReplyDeleteYeah, would love to see more Brazilians in the squad lol :D
ReplyDeleteNever hurts to have some extra flair and technical skills in the squad. I'd be over the moon if we sign both of them.
i disagree. we are going to see much more physical Allen now as his shoulder isnt in splinters. he will run and attack player with the ball. tenacious little lad. he did that all preseason long. pressed like maniac
ReplyDeleteGranted he has not had that much action but from the action he has had you can clearly see he is not up to standard, we should look to offload A.S.A.P
ReplyDeleteFor me its a confidence thing at the moment. Playing alongside the extremely demanding and morale sapping Suarez can be extremely hard work. Not to say that Borini hasn't been poor because he has but Suarez demands the ball everytime our wide men are in possession forcing them to give the simple pass to him without showing what THEY can actually do on the ball. Sterling also suffered with this last season as did every outfield Liverpool player who took a shot WITHOUT scoring. If a shot is taken by a teammate Suarez has the WORST body language on the planet and on the tap releasing all of the confidence from his young and possibly old (downing) widemen. I can understand his desire to win but of late he has showed that his desire is purely for selfish purposes and will continue to be.
ReplyDeleteWhen he returns check out the body language when the ball isnt passed to him and a move breaks down, he's like a sulky school kid. I could see friction between Suarez and Sturridge on the pitch also because Sturridge isn't having it. When they play up top they rarely pass to each other which brings me to Sturridges recent quotes:
"You have to be ruthless but you don't have to be selfish. When I was
playing with Chelsea, I spoke to Didier Drogba, a legend at the club. He
told me that when you give you get. You don't give to receive; it just
happens that way.
"The most important thing is the relationship with your teammates. I like to get assists. It's not about glory, it's about being part of a successful unit."
For me this is a blatant dig at Suarez's onfield selfish me, me, me antics as he backs it up with his enjoyment of playing up top with Courtinho:
"We're on the same wavelength," said Sturridge. "I'm a little bit
older than him but we get along very well off the field. We understand
each other's game. To have a player of his talent with me makes for a
great relationship."
No mention of Suarez unless he really has to because Luis plays for himslef.
phewwwwwww got that of my chest.................
he is a dud for us. sad, but it's just a fact of life.
ReplyDeleteTotally and he is so positive about Liverpool and as far as bringing a winning mentality goes who better than an Invincible !! could be the bargain signing of the season could be as smart a move as Gary Mcallister
ReplyDeleteBIG KUDOS TO BURT. I thought I was the only one that saw this. He is absolutely toxic on the field. Is he quality? Yes, no doubt but he is like a super strong magnet and distorts any play that is in his vicinity to the point of, "why don't you just play up front solo, Luis??"
ReplyDeleteI personally witnessed the life drain out of Borini when he was berated by Suarez on the pitch. Unforgivable. For me losing him wouldn't be the end of the world (as long as the funds were spent wisely).
The outstanding fact was that LFC played better as a unit without LS. Massive if but IF Brendan can get him to divert his energies positively for the team in addition to getting 'that' potential signing whose name I'll not mention then a mere top 4 challenge would be a failing...IMO
I think despite showing very little thus far, I feel Borini has far more than we've seen. I see him as a very good poacher/right place right time kind of player with more playtime and confidence. Only time will what LFC get to see of him though.
Eriksen has said he wants CL football, that should be enough to forget about him.
ReplyDeleteBut tell me, who do we drop to accommodate him, Coutinho,??
They play the same position,.
Hello J.
ReplyDeleteBR was a novice when he bought Allen, and Borini. He did not realise the task ahead of him at LFC, the quality required, I forgive him for that.
ReplyDeleteDo you not think that BR now knows what we all know, of course he does, Borini will be moved on, but at a point when we bring in a big player, to hide the fact of his Borini mistake, as I said, now BR knows what is expected of a Club like LFC, lets just put it down to experience, I g'tee he will not make the same mistake again. Lesson learned.
I think he was bought to play in that central position and simply hasn't settled well. This was also before Sturridge, so there was an open spot there. Suarez and Borini together was likely the original plan but the guy hasn't grown into his role. He has zero confidence and Rodgers and everyone else can see that. It's going to be hard for him to break through but then that's what football is about at this level. No easy way to the top. Rodgers doesn't owe him playing time, he has to earn it, and that's how it should be at a team like Liverpool. We don't have the luxury of giving off-form players long periods of starting games when they are simply not playing well enough.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he'll get better, maybe not, but I don't see why it's an issue to afford him some more time He's still young, and that's not an excuse - plenty of world class strikers took a number of years to get to their peak, some of them Liverpool legends who are now the same pundits having a crack at Borini for not instantly delivering.
The money is spent, we can't magically go back in time an undo that, so we have to now face up to the reality of what we have: a reasonably talented but currently struggling central striker with no clear role in the team because better players have been bought that now start before him. Selling him on the cheap achieves nothing, so surely the best thing is to help him cement a place in the squad and work out a way to get the best out of him. What else can we really do?
It's hard to know with Borini.I'm starting to doubt whether he'll make it at Liverpool but if he does go back to Italy I'm still sure he'll become a good player,the PL may be too fast for him.As for Kolo so far anyways I've been completely wrong about him.Who has the pie? :D I quite like apple :)
ReplyDeleteRodgers signed Sturridge because Borini was injured and Suarez was left up front on his own. Having three strikers is not a luxury so I don't think it was a vote of no confidence. That said he is our number three striker at best so there is not much to do for him then to bide his time, stay fit and take his chance if and when he gets it or leave. For me, he doesn't have to be pushed out the door also because we'll drop some cash on him probably but I'm also not overconfident that he will do the business should Sturridge pick up an injury or get suspended before Suarez's ban is over.
ReplyDeleteWould that be the first time your wife has been in the middle of 10 men?
ReplyDeleteSorru mate, couldnt help that one... scouse banter and all that... ok ok... that deserves one back at me... Il hold my hands up to that... hope it at least got a laugh at your end.......
That aside,.... agree with you totally....
I know this is no excuse, but with Borini, sometimes I forget that he is 21 (ish) im not sure thats right... so there is plenty of time for him to develop... but BR did buy him as a first team player i think, along with Allen.
ReplyDeleteI dont mind either of them... but imo, for the current state of play and more importantly for this season.... Borini looks lightweight, nervous and, well.... a bit of an immature footballer.... if that makes sense...
Allen... he is an expert passer of the ball.. its just a shame the pass is either sideways or backwards!
Not a chance, recon it's just to keep the fans sweet for a bit.
ReplyDeleteYa, Rogers is great. I just wish he had some more self-criticisem in him. Maybe he'll get better with time. Who knows.
ReplyDeleteYou're 100% right, the chemistry on the field has to be harmonic (is that a word?). Suarez unbalances the equation and forces us to be one dimensional in our play even though the lad has many dimensions to his game. He wants to shoot his way to Real Madrid and will scold any 'team mate' who gets in his way.
ReplyDeleteOne more observation, I have noticed that everytime Suarez shoots when his team mates are better placed (must have been 50 times last season) he puts on an apologetic face and gestures that he's sorry only to do EXACTLY the same thing minutes later. His APOLOGIES are all insincere and his latest apology is made of the same compound.
He's an evil genius that we must cash in on for the sake of the 'team'.
borini just scored 2 goals for the U21 yesterday and its only the beginning rogers knows what he is doing so i really question the above article. in the end you could always play with 2 forwards what i hate is starting the game with the DM that is lucas it should instead be Gerrard coutigno and alberto in the midfield up front borini sturrdige suarez sterling e.t.c....
ReplyDeletefor 11m m8 we should be looking at something resembling the finished article...sure if we picked him up for free or a few mill...but there are good players out there who are proven going for a lot less
ReplyDeletewell im safe as long as they are all like borini ...cant get into the box and put it into a gaping hole
ReplyDelete