An Exciting Portuguese Star to Solve the Reds’ Left Back Woes?

     Fábio Coentrão’s name has appeared in the papers and on the relevant sites a number of times over the last couple of weeks, mostly in conjunction with Liverpool who are looking for a summer fix to their left-back problem. It’s a little surprising then, to learn that it may be Chelsea who are favourites to earn the Portuguese winger’s services. According to reports, Benfica are expecting a number of bids for the 23 year-old during the summer transfer window and Chelsea will be first and foremost amongst those who are seeking his services.

    Yet, the Portuguese winger (who can also play as a left-back) has been quoted in the French press as having a ‘love’ for Liverpool. Given that Liverpool are currently struggling in the left-back position, it’s likely that they too are keeping tabs on Coentrão (as has been widely reported). Neither Fabio Aurelio nor Paul Konchesky have been able to hold down the left-back position, forcing Kenny Dalglish to shift right-back Glen Johnson over to the left. It’s not an ideal situation and Dalglish will be looking for a solution this season.

Of the wingers/full-backs linked with Liverpool, Coentrão’s name seems to me to be the most exciting (expect perhaps Alexis Sanchez, who is a Manchester United fan). Given that Liverpool have been linked with Taye Taiwo (who has recently announced his desire to play for AC Milan), Jose Enrique, Oscar Wendt and Gael Clichy (not going to happen) that’s pretty high praise.

     He mostly operates as a left-back for Benfica, where his energetic, bounding bursts forward in combination with pinpoint accurate quick crossing have earned him a good number of plaudits. He’s masterful with the ball at his feet has a great reading of the game and is always quick to get back and put in a decent tackle. What’s most impressive about Coentrão is just how well-rounded his game is – something that was on evidence at the 2010 World Cup in which he was one of few Portugal players to leave the tournament with any credit.

Fabio Coentrao

 via LiverpoolNews