Introducing new Liverpool signing, Iago Aspas

12 June 2013 09:10

With the £7.7million deal to join Liverpool close to a conclusion, many Reds, and Premier League fans will be wondering who the Anfield-bound man is? Is he a direct replacement for Luis Suarez?

A product of the Celta Vigo youth system, 25-year old Aspas has just completed his first season in La Liga following his clubs promotion from Segunda Division (second division of Spanish football).

What the Kop can expect is a hardworking player who looks to bring team mates into play, assisting as well as scoring himself.

Without Aspas' goals and six assists, Celta Vigo would most probably have been relegated this season.

Whilst he only scored 12 times last term, he was regularly Celta’s creative spark and his style could be compared to Wayne Rooney's.

He is a player who likes to roam freely, similarly to the ‘false number 9’ role. He may drift to the wing or stay central and he can be a handful for opposition defences to mark.His work rate, like Rooney’s, could also be paired with that of ex-Liverpool and fans favourite Dirk Kuyt. He chases lost causes down but Aspas possesses speed, unlike Kuyt, and he uses this attribute to wriggle away from opponents, even from the tightest of spaces.

If Liverpool fans expect Aspas to be a direct replacement for outgoing main man Suarez, then think again. Aspas’ goal scoring ability isn’t as good as the Uruguayan and it would be a big ask to rely on him for 20+ goals in his first season in England.

Although IF Suarez stays, he could form a formidable partnership with Aspas in the forthcoming campaign, along with Philippe Coutinho. Otherwise, they could do the same with Daniel Sturridge.The Spaniard’s versatility would be key for the Reds as he can play any attacking role asked of him, be it on the wing or in a central role, even as a lone striker on some occasions.

Swansea’s capture of Michu from La Liga last year has proved to be a real snatch and maybe Aspas could have the same kind of impact, Liverpool fans will hope.

His fee is larger than the one paid for Michu, but around £7.7million for Aspas could prove to be another shrewd piece of business for Brendan Rodgers and he has all the attributes to become a fans favourite. Whether he is a first team signing or impact substitute remains to be seen, but either way he can make an impact to the existing side and it won’t be long until the Kop are chanting the name of the 5ft 9in forward.

Source: DSG