'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Perhaps you’ve heard of him, perhaps you have not. Like it or not, Liverpool are apparently interested in 8 million pound rated striker Franco di Santo.
Background
Upon reflection, I first remembered him from a Match Magazine (you guys might know) annual, where they labelled him as one of the world’s hottest prospects in his time at Audax Italiano. His breakthrough year came when he scored 12 goals in 17 matches back in 2007, prompting Chelsea to secure his services in January the following year.
His time at Chelsea was difficult amidst the managerial changes, and he only managed 8 substitute appearances for the Blues – triggering a loan move to Blackburn Rovers. Di Santo’s time at Blackburn can be described as a mixed bag. He started off brightly, grabbing assists, his first goal and looking dangerous in general. However, his form deteriorated as time wore on, and he returned to Chelsea…
… which is followed by a move to Wigan, where he is right now.
History
Once again, Brendan Rodgers is going with his instincts on this one. It is another ex-Chelsea youth player that he is chasing after (Fabio Borini signed in the summer), and it just happens to be another striker. Perhaps he is capable of bringing out more in Borni? Only time will tell if the move really materialises.
An All Rounder
Whilst Franco di Santo does not have specific strengths that he usually works around, what makes him a handful to deal with is a well rounded game. He is fairly quick and is a player who does have that bit of flair. According to a few mates of mine, his finishing is woeful, but is good with his feet and has a really powerful shot.
Aerial ability-wise, he is fairly proficient. His height makes him difficult to deal with, and is generally quite strong in the air.
Price
Every player comes with their price. The fee being tossed about a lot in the same breath as the Argentinian is 8 million pounds. Apparently it has something to do with the fact that he got a place in the Argentinian squad a month ago – playing alongside Lionel Messi in the Argentinian set-up quadruples your value pretty quickly, but I certainly hope Liverpool don’t overpay for him. I reckon a realistic price (considering that he moved for 2 million pounds fairly recently) would be something like 4-5 million pounds.
Where he fits in our jigsaw
At present, he is just a squad player. Our attack looks solid with Raheem Sterling, Luis Suarez and the apparently incoming Daniel Sturridge. So he is left with Borini on the bench to fight for game time when any of the three mentioned above are injured/suspended. A bit of a puzzling move for me, really, considering Stewart Downing looks more settled right now and Jose Enrique is providing a challenge for the left wing spot as well.
