Blood Red: Why selling Raul Meireles would make sense for Liverpool.
RAUL MEIRELES isn’t short of admirers at Anfield. The Portugal international enjoyed a solid first season after his £11.5million switch from Porto and at the end of it walked away with the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year award.
He gave supporters some moments to cherish. There was a crucial strike in the derby at Anfield, a stunning goal of the season contender at Wolves and a priceless winner at Stamford Bridge.
However, his future with the Reds is now shrouded in doubt.
Inter Milan and Juventus have both been linked with the 28-year-old and the feeling is if the price is right Liverpool will be willing to do business.
Some fans are perplexed why Kenny Dalglish would be willing to let Meireles go but scratch beneath the surface and the evidence is compelling.
Meireles’ goals earned him rave reviews last season but all five of them came in the space of six games between mid-January and mid-February.
He’s neat and tidy but in truth what are his greatest strengths? He’s not blessed with great pace, he’s not in the Xabi Alonso mould of pass masters and he’s been found wanting in physical showdowns.
Meireles was the only one of Roy Hodgson’s signings to offer any kind of worthwhile contribution and can hardly be deemed a failure.
But Liverpool are moving onwards and upwards under Dalglish and it’s difficult to see where he will fit into the midfield next season.
Dalglish already has Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Jay Spearing, Jordan Henderson, Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt vying for places.
Then there’s Charlie Adam, who is set to sign from Blackpool, and the manager remains hopeful of securing Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing.
Meireles certainly wouldn’t play centrally ahead of Gerrard, Lucas or Adam.
Jonjo Shelvey could go out on loan, while fellow midfielders Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Alberto Aquilani and Christian Poulsen are all surplus to requirements.
Selling them will be easier said than done but Meireles won’t be tough to flog.
At 28, he still has much to offer and Liverpool should at least get back what they paid for him 12 months ago.
Those funds could then be used to secure players with the qualities Liverpool are currently lacking.
Selling Meireles would be ruthless and tough on a player who is still coming to terms with the demands of the Premier League. But Dalglish has proved already he won’t shy away from making tough decisions in his bid to put Liverpool back where they belong.
by James Pearce
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-columnists/liverpool-fc-blood-red-column/2011/06/25/blood-red-why-selling-raul-meireles-would-make-sense-for-liverpool-100252-28937632/2/
Echo: Raul Meireles Transfer Explained
posted on 26/6/11
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 26/6/11
Hippo on Toast - mufc (U1301)
i'd have to agree with him there, on current form, hes our best midfielder, even better than gerrard, who hasnt been the same player for the last two years and definatelty better than that overrated charlie adam
posted on 26/6/11
This is ridiculous, Meireles is a top player, and he would quite easily be one of the first names on the team sheet for most clubs.
If we are sellinghim to make room for Adam then we are seriously weakening the team. I really don't know what are owners are thinking. This is the first major mistake on their part.
posted on 26/6/11
meireless wouldnt play in front of adam ??? Adam is pants
posted on 26/6/11
Loose a talented player like Meireles, replaced by Adam?
That is one even I wouldn't want to see happen.
posted on 26/6/11
Dalglish has a habit of selling players at their peak or just past it, i wouldnt worry to much last time he did this at Liverpool we won the title!!!
KD is a great manager....and he will prove it again next season. As Liverpool fans we are exremely lucky to have him associated with our club, if he sells Meiereles it will be for a good reason, and he will buy better.
For instance, Henderson can do what Meireles does, but faster, more physically and for longer. Worried, no...not at all.
posted on 27/6/11
To be honest, I think you're all underestimating Adam
posted on 27/6/11
M Stewart
M Ricketss
Two names who should be used as an example of lower league players who have struggled. Without Vaughan this season Adam looked like a poor player.