La Liga expert on Iago Aspas
Journalist and La Liga expert Andreas Vou tells us what we can expect from new striker Iago Aspas...
What are your thoughts on Liverpool signing Iago Aspas?
I feel it is a very positive move from Liverpool. Iago Aspas will bring a lot of energy to the team; he looks to have finally come of age and is currently in the best form of his career after playing a pivotal role in keeping Celta Vigo in Spain's top division. Brendan Rodgers is extremely picky, in a positive way, in the sense that he only goes after players that he is 100 per cent sure about. Bar Kolo Toure, the players signed in the Rodgers era have all been 25-years-old or younger who are hungry, who have great potential and are determined to showcase their ability at a top club. Aspas very much fits that profile.
Was there other interest in him?
Swansea made no secret of their interest in December and he was one of their top targets for this summer. Valencia were in fact close to agreeing a deal in May but their financial problems hampered the chances of the deal going through. Other offers were said to have come in from Italy and Portugal too but that was only after Liverpool were in advanced negotiations.
What are his key attributes?
His most prominent attributes are his first touch, his agility and his dribbling. His small stature gives him an extremely low centre of gravity which allows him to jink past players just when it looks certain he'll be dispossessed. He has blistering pace too while his finishing has substantially improved in the last two seasons.
Where do you see him slotting into our side?
His preferred and most common position is centre-forward. However, similar to Daniel Sturridge, moving him to different positions in the front line where he could have more of the ball and a bigger influence on matches helped him vastly improve his all-round game. He is a very versatile player and will have no problem playing as either the centre-forward, on the right wing of a front three or even just behind as a playmaker. Also the fact that the newcomers in the Rodgers era all have common traits will help Aspas adjust to Liverpool's philosophy.
Do you think he'll be able to adapt to the Premier League?
Judging by the success of Spanish players in England, it's now more of a question of whether the British players can adapt to them. The Premier League still holds its core characteristics but, year by year, it is evolving technically, a quality which Aspas possesses in abundance. He is known for his aggressive nature and determination; he works for the team and will fight to regain the ball if he is dispossessed.
LFC TV Online subscribers can watch our first interview with Iago Aspas exclusively online now. Need a subscription? Click here to sign up>>
If you had to compare him to another player?
His playing style reminds me very much of Italy's Giuseppe Rossi: left-footed, very nimble, extremely elegant on the ball and developed into a complete player as his career progressed. In terms of his character, I would liken him to someone who the Liverpool fans took to very well in his time at Anfield - Craig Bellamy.
Should supporters be excited?
Liverpool fans have every reason to look forward to seeing their new man in action. It is important that they do not put too much pressure on him by expecting the same kind of instant impact that Luis Suarez had. They must be patient but I am sure the fans will give him all the support he needs for him to feel at home.
Follow the author @andreasvou89.