Albert Riera became a major part of Rafa Benitez’ first team plans last season, filling the boots on the left hand side which Dutch youngster Ryan Babel simply couldn’t. So after a great game against Spain, in which the winger bagged himself a goal, questions have to be asked as to why he wasn’t even in the squad for today’s Spurs game.
Firstly, he isn’t injured. If he was it would have been reported. Secondly even if he was a bit tired after playing for the national squad it’s most likely in normal circumstances he would have at least been in the squad against Spurs as our squads been stretched thin enough with a number of major injuries.
One name comes to mind in all of this. David Silva. The Valencia winger has been linked with a number of clubs, including the reds, and it would make sense if Reira was a part of a deal which would bring the 22-year-old to Anfield to fill the gap on the left hand side and help us push for number 19.
This is merely my own theory on why he’s missing. For all we know he may have had a bad pre-season or he may just be out of favour with the manager. But the question is still there and hopefully we’ll find out soon enough, hopefully it is someone new and world-class.
M. Owen
michael@empireofthekop.com