3. Experience
It is interesting to note the part Rodgers said about the age of the player, and despite being 29, Valbuena has the hunger to make the most of an opportunity to play in the Premier League even though he does not fit the profile of a player Liverpool’s owners may ideally want to invest in. Skipper Steven Gerrard was critical of this policy, and there was a slight shift observed when 32-year old Kolo Toure joined on a free transfer.
Valbuena has extensive experience of playing in the Champions league, having made 37 appearances, and this could potentially benefit the young midfielders– Sterling is 19, Coutinho is 21 and Henderson is 23- in the team alongside Steven Gerrard. He is a vital member of the French national team apart from winning the Ligue 1 and Coupe de la Ligue with Marseille, and he could mentor the young midfielders just like Gary McAllister did in the treble winning 2000-01 season.
Rodgers will need to consider a move for the 29-year carefully, and given that he has 3 years to run on his contract, he may not be available on the cheap. However, given the right deal, signing him could just be the catalyst that takes Liverpool to the next level and Champions League qualification.