44 Chances Created – Liverpool Should Sign This Experienced Ligue 1 Star

Liverpool have been crying out for more quality in the final third, and a move for Marseille’s pint-sized attacking midfielder Mathieu Valbuena could be on the cards after he was linked with a move. With various injury concerns and a paper-thin squad to contend with, here are 3 reasons why Liverpool should try and sign the Frenchman.

1. Ability and Personality

In an interview with the official Liverpool website recently, manager Brendan Rodgers outlined the qualities that he desires in any potential signing:

“I think my history as a coach shows I like players who are gifted technically and have courage when it comes to being in possession of a football. That is a key quality for me; can you be brave on the pitch, not in terms of 50/50 tackles, but having the ball and looking to play in areas others wouldn’t? I would say you can’t divorce the two – ability and personality. It all comes as part of the package. A player’s character is a crucial factor I look into before committing to signing them. They also need to show a willingness to learn, regardless of age and experience; that’s very important to me.”

If we go by Rodger’s description, Valbuena fits the description to a T. He has fantastic ability on the ball, has the eye for a pass and has the mentality to slug it out even when things may not be going in his favor. 35 goals and 55 assists in 305 appearances for Marseille suggest that he has the ability to hold his own against the best.

2. Versatility

Valbuena is capable of playing across the width of the field in an advanced midfield position, and versatility is one of the key aspects that Rodgers prefers in his players, as evidenced by the signings of Mamadou Sakho, Philippe Coutinho and Iago Aspas, all of whom are able to play in both central as well as wider areas. He is also comfortable shooting and passing with either foot.

This season, Valbuena has been playing on the right of the frontline in a 4-3-3 formation, and he could certainly do a good job in a similar role for Liverpool. With Coutinho and Valbuena flanking Suarez on either side, it could make for a very exciting and versatile front three, capable of interchanging positions, dragging defenders out of their comfort zone and allowing midfield runners like Jordan Henderson to get behind the defense. In fact, 54.5% of his 44 chances have been created from wider areas of the pitch and to add to that, his passing accuracy stands at 84%. (All the stats taken from squawka)

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.