Liverpool FC Forum

Benny The Noon » Mon Oct 21, 2013 7:15 pm wrote:He can pass when given time but doesn't look dynamic enough and certainly appears the perfect example of lightweight

When Luis Alberto signed on for the loan move to Barcelona B, the idea was to get regular football with the conclusion of returning to Sevilla, his parent club, a better player. While he got the regular football, and he’s certainly a better player, the problem for his parent club is that he’s done so well that he now won’t be returning to Sevilla.

It’s been a whirlwind season for the 20-year-old, and his current situation finds himself far removed from the one he was in in Andalucia. He was frustrated at a lack of first team opportunities, coming off the back of several contract disputes and stuck with a general lack of progression as a player.

This was a surprise given at one point he was the star of Sevilla’s cantera, seen as one of the most exciting prospects since Jesus Navas. Luis Alberto too, emerged as a winger, albeit from the left side.

NEWS: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers compares new signing Luis Alberto to Philippe Coutinho

As time went on there he showed his fine creative abilities, and although he isn’t the quickest of players he made up for it with his technical ability, movement and physical strength. With the player lacking motivation with Sevilla’s ‘B’ team however, and those opportunities with the first team difficult to come by, it became apparent a new environment would be better. Barcelona it would be, and there he’s blossomed as many in those early days at Sevilla hoped he would.

Liverpool first started watching the player in October, with their senior scouting team tracking him closely at Miniestadi where Barcelona B plays their home games and even catching a few of their away trips. The Anfield club were of course waiting on Barça’s actions in regards to their option on the deal before securing the transfer of Alberto.

The youngster went on to fire in 11 goals and weigh in with 15 assists, offering up both sides of his game. The versatility was apparent too, working in attacking midfield, wide, second striker and False 9 roles for the team. The position of False 9 was one he was particularly impressive in, and the player admitted recently he too was very fond of the role.

Taking up the position meant Luis Alberto didn’t need that speed he lacked, just the intelligent movement and power he’d often shown before. His ability to time his runs, ghost in between defenders and adept control on the ball proved vital in front of goal. He packs a real punch in his shots and over time gradually found better accuracy in them too, bringing his goal scoring tally up across the course of the season.

Luis Alberto’s associating with fellow teammates was another feature of his game too, as he possessed vision and awareness of those around moving around him. His link-up with the highly rated Gerard Deulofeu proved particular enjoyable too as the pair bounced off each other with their complementary attributes.

In terms of negatives aspects his game in general does need plenty of polishing, as we’re talking about a player yet to feature at the highest level in Spain. The series of Spanish imports to La Liga have all experienced La Liga before finding success on these shores, even if it was at a lower placed team like Michu at Rayo Vallecano.

Liverpool, as previously mentioned, have kept track of the player for sometime though and will have identified the areas he needs improving in. There are few of them, and the ability and confidence of the player will go far when navigating such concerns.

€8m is a lot of money for a relatively untested - at the top level – youngster, but what he does possess for that fee is massive potential. Comparisons with Dani Pacheco are expected, but Luis Alberto is a much more advanced work-in-progress upon arriving at Liverpool.

Working with the right coaches, methods and patience there is no doubting the potential can be fulfilled.

kartiek » Wed Oct 23, 2013 1:10 pm wrote:Was really please with his contribution against Newcastle. I think he can become a very good player - he seems to have good confidence too. His only worrying attribute is his lack of pace IMO.

kartiek » Wed Oct 23, 2013 12:10 pm wrote:Was really please with his contribution against Newcastle. I think he can become a very good player - he seems to have good confidence too. His only worrying attribute is his lack of pace IMO.

Benny The Noon » Wed Oct 23, 2013 2:16 pm wrote:Think he will go on loan to somewhere like Albacete and end up leaving for about £2.5mil.

Luis Alberto has been likened to Philippe Coutinho by Brendan Rodgers.

Alberto completed his £6m switch to Liverpool from Sevilla over the weekend and Rodgers is excited about the 20-year-old attacker.

The Liverpool boss says the Spaniard reminds him of Coutinho, who has been a huge hit since his arrival from Inter Milan in January.

"Luis has the correct footballing profile and mentality to be a Liverpool player," said Rodgers.

"I look forward to working with him to develop his talent and he joins a group of young exciting players at our club.

"He's another Coutinho-type. We brought in young Philippe Coutinho in January when he was 20 years of age, but he had good experience and, more importantly, fitted the profile of what we're trying to do here and what we're trying to build.

"Young Luis is exactly the same - a talented, very highly-rated young player when he was at Sevilla, but obviously spent last season at Barcelona B.

"He's a big talent and one for now that can play. He's got competitive games behind him and is one we see progressing over the next few years.

"Importantly, he knows the type of game and model we're trying to implement."

Benny The Noon » Wed Oct 23, 2013 1:16 pm wrote:Think he will go on loan to somewhere like Albacete and end up leaving for about £2.5mil.

jacdaniel » Wed Oct 23, 2013 2:28 pm wrote:The problem for every young Liverpool player at the moment is the lack of games we are involved in.
We have no European competition.
Out of the Carling Cup early. 

Now the FA Cup is our only chance of winning a trophy.  Will the young players get a chance seeing that its our only hope of silverware?

Were does that leave Sterling, Alberto, Llori etc in terms of progression?  We either send them on loan or leave them on the bench getting 15 mins here or there when we can. 

Alberto looks a good player but whether he'll ever get the chances here I don't know.

Benny The Noon » Wed Oct 23, 2013 2:42 pm wrote:Same with Aspas Woof - can't see them fitting in and playing in the prem to any sort of decent level.

I know lightweight is a cliche that gets assigned to smaller players but think its perfect for these two - think neither have the physical strength to compete in the prem. Technical players are great but they also need to be able to handle themselves and dig in - especially during the winter months. Can't see it happening with either player.

can't see them fitting in and playing in the prem to any sort of decent level.