Liverpool FC are looking to finally complete their summer long pursuit of Sevilla's young Spanish left-back, Alberto Moreno. So, what should the Reds expect from this signing?
Born in Seville, the Spaniard has been a one club man as he progressed through the club's youth ranks. Moreno spent his first senior season playing with the Sevilla reserves in the Spanish third division, it was in April 2012 that the Spaniard made his first team debut with Sevilla as he came off the bench in a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao. However, it wasn't until February 2013 that Moreno was made a permanent member of the Sevilla first team - he hadn't looked back since.
Not only has Alberto Moreno impressed with his club side, he has also gained the role of the Spanish first choice left-back in waiting. The Spanish under-21's have dominated international youth football for many years and Moreno has been a key part of the young force - most notably winning the 2013 UEFA Under 21 European Championships as the Spanish first choice left-back. Moreno made his full Spanish debut on the 15th October 2013, playing the full ninety minutes in a 2-0 win over Albacete. However, unfortunately for Moreno, he missed out on Vincent Del Bosque's 2014 World Cup squad after making the provisional 30 - there is of course no shame in missing out to Jordi Alba or Cesar Azpilicueta.
So, it certainly seems that Alberto Moreno has the pedigree to make it in England, but how would his style suit Liverpool FC?
Moreno is known for his attacking style, which certainly bodes well in terms of how he will fit in at Brendan Rodger's Liverpool. The Spaniard scored 3 goals last season, including one (albeit a lucky deflection) against Catalonian giants, Barcelona. The full-back also created nineteen chances last term, however none were converted. These stats clearly demonstrate the offensive aspect to the Spaniards game that will be a key reason behind LFC's interest; as full-backs in Brendan Rodgers system are required to overlap the attacker and provide an additional offensive outlet.
There are some real plus sides to Moreno's defensive game, but also a few frailties. To start with the positives, Moreno reads the game second to none; completing a mammoth 2.5 interceptions per game last season & with Rodgers valuing in-game intelligence so highly, this is a facet that should have Reds across the land very excited indeed. The Sevilla left-back is also a prolific tackler, demonstrating this in his 1.8 tackles completed per game statistic - this however is both a blessing and a curse, as regular watchers of the twenty-two year old will know that these tackles are often as a form of recovery when being caught out of position. His ability as an athlete, certainly his speed, allows the positioning issues to be overcome as his pace makes recovery less of an issue; this can be seen in the little (0.6 times per game) Moreno has been dribbled past last season. With the issue of crosses not being blocked by LFC full-backs last season, not being dribbled past is something Rodgers will be looking for from his full-backs next term.
Moreno does have some defensive frailties however, the Spaniard did make 2 defensive errors last season, one of which led to a goal. Passing is also an issue, with Moreno only possessing a 79% pass success rate, this will need work as Brendan Rodgers requires all of his players to be neat and tidy with the ball and thus, Moreno will need to improve on the ball. Of all of the issues that there could be with Moreno, this is the best there could be - Rodgers coached an ageing Carragher and an awkward Skrtel into a 'playing' out system, it should be no sweat to do so with a young Spaniard!
Alberto Moreno seems a great fit for LFC, as his attacking style compliments the Liverpool way & his defensive game is an improvement on the current crop of LFC full-backs; with the aforementioned frailties being very much coachable. Reds across the land will be hoping this one finally gets over the line.
