4 Nov 2013

£26m Flop? - Hamann urges boss to dump struggling star on the bench. Deserved...?

Over the summer, Liverpool were briefly linked with a move for Spanish striker Roberto Soldado, who ultimately (inevitably?) chose to sign for Spurs. Given his goal-record in La Liga, it's easy to see what attracted Andre Villas Boas and Brendan Rodgers to the player, but it's fair to say that, so far, he's struggled to make an impact in the Premier League. Soldado drew a blank once again in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Everton, and Reds legend Dietmar Hamann believes he may be close to being deservedly dropped from the team.

Analysing the Spurs-Everton game last night, Hamann observed:

"I wonder how much more time Soldado gets, with Defoe and Lamela on bench. One goal from open play in ten. And to all who tell me Soldado doesn't get any service - a quick reminder he plays for Spurs, not Sunderland"

One goal from open play in ten games is not a great record, especially for an experienced striker who is regularly rested by AVB, and only really plays in the Premier League.

Liverpool scouted Soldado several times during Kenny Dalglish's second spell at Anfield but the club baulked at the €20m fee Valencia demanded during the January 2012 transfer window.

Anfield Legend Jan Molby lobbied hard for the Reds to buy Soldado, and a week before the Spaniard signed for Spurs, the Dane told the 5-Times Podcast:

"Sometimes, as a means to an end, you have to look to experience. Roberto Soldado has a fantastic record, great experience, and [He] would be available at the prices Liverpool will be talking about. Obviously there is a risk when you bring in players from abroad, but [his] style of play and ability to adapt to different playing style and environments bodes well".

Soldado cost Spurs a whopping £26m over the summer, and so far, he's not really living up to expectations. Of course, he's still settling into the Premier League, and there's plenty of time for things to improve, but is he really a better option than Jermain Defoe right now, who has six goals in his last five starts?

Did LFC dodge a bullet here, or would Soldado be more effective at Anfield? With Suarez and Sturridge in the team, it's hard to see where he'd fit in, though he'd clearly be more formidable competition than the likes of Aspas and Borini.

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