Saturday, January 1, 2011

Arsenal's Carlos Vela Should Be Targeted by Liverpool for a Loan Move In January


Liverpool's Joe Cole got Roy Hodgson out of jail when he tapped in to earn a vital three points for the Reds on New Year's day to ensure that 2011 started for them in a positive mood. In other news, Arsenal cruised past Birmingham to earn all three points through goals from Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie.

Carlos Vela did not make the squad yet again and Arsene Wenger made it clear that he was open to a loan move for the Mexican striker. Liverpool's striking options are not many and they bank heavily on Fernando Torres to provide them the goals. They have clearly not been helped by his form and have suffered a bad first half of the season.

Hodgson has preferred to play two strikers together in his formation in many games this season but he has not been helped by the fact that David Ngog has not scored enough in the Premiership this season. Also, apart from Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, they have not got many creative players in their squad which is why they have struggled to break down defences.

Ryan Babel is a talented player but has been very inconsistent and has disappointed on many occasions in the past. As a result, Liverpool are said to be on the lookout for new arrivals in January and supporters will hope they provide more quality than that of Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen.

The Reds have been linked strongly with Sylvain Marveaux and could secure his services in January. Liverpool have struggled to have enough quality wingers this season and they do not have quality depth in this department. This is why the Reds must consider making a move for the versatile Arsenal striker Carlos Vela.

The Mexican International has been linked with a number of Spanish clubs as well as a move to Serie A but Wenger is only prepared to loan the lad to gain more playing time. So in that case, a move to a Premier League club can be beneficial for both the club and the player who is considered to be a good long term prospect.

The versatile Mexican can play in the central role or on the wings if required and his talent and quality is undoubted. He cannot get more playing time because Arsenal have too many experienced players in his position and he has slipped behind in the pecking order. However, he has showed in the past that he is very talented and the problem has been the lack of playing time for him.

Damien Comolli and Liverpool have scouted many youth players like his reported tracking of Southampton starlet Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain but Liverpool would do well with acquiring the services of Carlos Vela in the short term. It is tough for players who come in January to adjust to the Premiership which is why Vela would be a good option.

Also, Torres' creativity and link-up play has not produced many good results because the players around him have not been in similar wavelength. Vela is quite creative and his good runs behind the defenders provides Torres and the midfield more options. Also, Vela is a good winger who has good crossing ability. Despite his age, he is quite experienced having made over 30 appearances for Mexico and would have the hunger to perform well.

Besides Torres and Ngog, Liverpool do not have a proper option with Babel the only other possibility. The addition of Vela would add competition to their places which would make them perform better. Also, Vela's talent and creativity could prove to be a huge boost to the Reds.

Arsenal would probably let Vela leave to a club like Liverpool as it would help him gain a lot of playing time and experience. Liverpool are a big club and the club's supporters might not like the idea of having a rival's player on loan. But they only have to look at Bolton to see what it could mean for the club.

Bolton were struggling last year when Owen Coyle took charge and he signed young and unproven Jack Wilshere on loan. The Englishman proved to be a big addition to the team as he helped them avoid relegation with ease. In the next season, their whole confidence is better and they have not missed the services of Jack Wilshere too much.

Liverpool's move for Vela might be temporary but it could be a huge lift for the club if he does improve the quality of the Reds. At the moment, Vela could be a part of the first team instead of Ngog and despite Ngog being the more physical striker, Vela could be an ideal partner for Torres.

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