Liverpool are currently in second place in the league and are in with a real shot of winning the title for the first time in the Premier League era. Despite the free flowing football that has wowed the neutrals and thrilled the fans, they have had a black cloud hanging over their head – lack of squad depth.
Should either of Luis Suarez or Daniel Sturridge pick up an injury or a suspension in the final 10 games of the season, Liverpool will be forced to change their game and adapt to life without them due to the lack of a reliable option in the current squad.
Iago Aspas, who arrived in the summer from Celta Vigo, and Chelsea loanee Victor Moses have both been used sparingly by manager Brendan Rodgers. Neither of the two players inspire confidence, and have failed to show the level of performance expected from them in the limited opportunities that they have received so far this season.
It seems inevitable that Moses will be allowed to leave in the summer once the loan agreement expires while Aspas looks likely to depart to his native Spain, either on a loan deal or on a permanent basis. That means, Liverpool will again have to make additions to the striking department in the summer. Given the fact that there are other areas of the squad which need investment with greater urgency, Fabio Borini’s return is a welcome piece of news.
Borini arrived at Liverpool with a reputation as a talented attacker who was versatile enough to play multiple roles in the attacking third, but injuries prevented him from really making a mark. This prompted Brendan Rodgers to send him out on loan to Sunderland at the beginning of this season, and that decision has been vindicated by Borini’s performances this season.
While numbers may not be great, he has put in good performances on a consistent basis for a side that had been struggling for a large part of the season. He worked hard and put in his shift, but had little to show for his efforts-much akin to his story at Liverpool. However, since Gus Poyets appointment, Borini’s game has improved and he has been playing much better, and has results to show for it.
Although he has managed to score only 6 goals in 28 appearances all competitions, he has been at his best in the Capital One Cup where has managed to score 3 goals as well as provide an assist in 5 appearances. He has scored 3 goals and made 2 assists in 21 league appearances, and the solitary U21 Premier League appearances resulted in him scoring two goals and assisting another.
He made a habit of scoring important goals for Sunderland. In the league, he scored the winner in the 2-1 win over Newcastle, scored in the 2-2 draw against Southampton, assisted the winner in the 1-0 win over Stoke and scored in the 3-0 win at Newcastle. In the Capital One Cup, he scored one and assisted the other in a 2-1 win over Chelsea, scored in the 2-1 win over Manchester United and also scored in the final against Manchester City.
The fact that he scored in both the legs of the Tyne-Wear derby, as well as the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City in the cup suggests that he has the temperament to manage the pressure and expectations that were placed upon his shoulders in the big games, something that will be a key factor at Liverpool. On top of that, his versatility adds an extra dimension to his game.
So, considering the fact that Liverpool have already invested in him, and will require offensive reinforcements, it only makes sense that he is used as the backup option at Liverpool. With Liverpool fighting on four fronts next season, they will need a deep squad, and Borini can be assured of getting sufficient playing time to continue his development. As will the chance to train with the likes of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
It about time Liverpool trusted their investment and let it flourish. Fabio Borini, your return to Liverpool is eagerly awaited.