As we reported earlier today, Tiago Ilori is supposedly a transfer target for Sunderland – who are fast becoming something of a feeder club for us. This would be the third player we’ve sent to the Stadium of Light in as many seasons, but would we be right to do so?
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BBC Sport’s Ian Dennis confirmed as much last night:
The 22-year-old has spent the last two seasons out on loan but has proved with his recent performances for his country that he’s more than capable of making the step up. In the list below, we discuss five reasons why the Portuguese should be given his chance now, rather than made to wait another year.
Click through our points and see if you agree…
5) We should learn from our mistakes
We put together this piece earlier today, detailing three centre-backs we should have given more chances. Mikel San Jose and Gabriel Paletta were both disposed of without so much as a second glance and have since become international footballers for Spain and Italy respectively. Sebastian Coates looks to be following a similar path, despite showing plenty of potential during the second-half of last season, and we mustn’t repeat that again here.
4) His competition isn’t that strong
Martin Skrtel’s contract saga rumbles on (via Daily Express) and with Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho having struggled with form and fitness respectively last season, there’s not as much cover in the Liverpool ranks as one might think. Kolo Toure has put pen to paper on a new deal but is surely going to be nothing more than a bit-part player considering his ageing years. We’d do a lot better to promote from within than spend on another new man.
3) He’s got the fans on his side already
Despite never having seen him play for the Liverpool first-team, the youngster appears to have the backing of the vast majority of supporters, who as always are desperate to see young players coming through the ranks – just as Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe have done over the last couple of years. Fans reacted passionately on social media – as you can see here – after his impressive performance for Portugal against England’s Under-21s last night.
2) Brendan Rodgers nees to prove the young players he’s signed can come good
How many signings has Brendan Rodgers earned praise for over the last three years? Unfortunately, the answer is probably only two – Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. Emre Can is arguably the closest to joining that ‘success’ group as things stand. Rodgers needs desperately for another of his buys to come good. So won’t he look clever if Ilori emerges from out of the wilderness to be a hit at Anfield? That would be a win-win situation all over.
1) He’s done something very few people manage
We alluded to this in one of our previous points, as it’s his performances for Portugal that have suddenly got people talking. Harry Kane has arguably been the stand-out striker in English football over the last twelve months – Liverpool couldn’t stop him, Arsenal couldn’t stop him, Chelsea couldn’t stop him; the 21-year-old smashed in 31 goals in all competitions last season. However, Ilori calmly guided Portugal to a clean-sheet and prevented the in form hit-man from adding to his impressive tally. That deserves recognition.
In fact, Kane’s own success should be an indication of what could happen to the defender next year. The Tottenham striker endured four rather indifferent loan spells before finally hitting the ground running at White Hart Lane last season. Similarly, Ilori has struggled at both Granada and Bordeaux, but looks to have all the attributes needed for success. Could he be the next Premier League surprise package? Let’s hope so!
