FIve clubs who desperately need Kagawa

Modified Apr 14, 2012 20:35 GMT

Borussia Dortmund has risen to prominence over the past few years, making a name for themselves in the Bundesliga with sime swashbuckling football. And one player who has been at the heart of the revolution has been the precocious 23-year old Shinji Kagawa. He has it all- lovely passing, accurate finishing, perfect timing of forward runs, good link-up play – the adjectives keep rolling on. Having been signed from Cerezo Osaka for a measly 350,000 euros. It proved to be one of the bargains of the season.

Now, into his second season at Dortmund, Kagawa has morphed into one of the world’s most sought-after talents. What makes the story even more tantalizing is that he has put contract negotiations at a hold, leaving the door open for prospective clubs to vie for his signature. A real value-for-money deal if any club managed to secure his services. Here’s a look at five clubs which require his playmaking abilities.

1.LIVERPOOL

They are in such a bad situation right now. I mean, there is no creativity within the ranks. Suarez and Gerrard are doing their best to magically conjure up moments of inspiration, but they have been few and far this season. Stevie G is getting old now, and it is not possible for him to continue spreading his magic around the pitch, the same way he did in his prime. Liverpool need someone who can conduct their play, and slip in delightful through-balls. His goal-scoring prowess could also come in handy here, with the Reds having a crisis in the strikers’ department.

2-MANCHESTER UNITED

Paul Scholes cane out of retirement to shore up the midfield. That shows how desparate Manchester United are. Cleverley was supposed to be the answer, but injuries have limited his playing time, and consequently his impact. Scholes cannot go on playing forever, and he needs a younger partner, one who would share his job of creating opportunites for his team-mates. Infact, at one point during the season, Rooney was forced to play as centre-midfield owing to the lack of options in the middle. This is where Kagawa would excel at. Once he comes in, Rooney can slot in his favoured position as striker, where he would be assured a steady supply of passes by Kagawa. I can almost visualize Kagawa executing breath-taking one-twos with Rooney. Perfecto.

3-CHELSEA

The signing of Mata has been a master-stroke by erstwhile manager Andres Villas-Boas,. He has brought some much-needed creativity into Chelsea’s sluggish play. He,along with Sturridge(sometimes Torres too), have been the lynchpin behind most of their wins this season.But the 23-year old cannot shoulder the burden of an entire team on his young shoulders. This has been one reason behind his loss in form over the past few weeks. So if Kagawa does come to Stamford Bridge, He could be Mata’s partner-in-crime, and they could wreak havoc on any unsuspecting defence. With goals at a premium this season for the Blues, Kagawa could provide an alternative source for goals, aiding their quest for the elusive Champions League.

4- AC MILAN

Ever since Andrea Pirlo was bizzarely allowed to leave Milan on a free transfer, they have been lacking a trequarista,one who would conduct the play and spray passes through the length and width of the pitch. Many players, like Van Bommel, Aquilani, Nocerino have tried their best to be a creative force, but have not met with much success so far. Kagawa could immensely help Milan here. He is a natural playmaker, with his innate dribbling and passing sense. AC Milan lack the incisive passing and movement that is the hallmark of most successful clubs, and Kagawa could very well be the missing piece in the jigsaw.

5.INTER MILAN

Jose Mourinho’s departure in 2010 marked the beginning of the end for Inter Milan’s veterans. Wesley Sneijder, once touted to be the best midfielder in the world, has now become a shadow of his former self, adn with key palyers like Eto’o departing, their last two seasons have been nothing if disastrous. They lack a playmaker, one who would carve defences open with incisive passes and crosses. If Kagawa does decide that Inter Milan would be his future destination, he would be welcomed warmly indeed. The Nerazzuris’ golden oldies require to be phased out, and replaced by a fresh batch. And who better than Kagawa to orchestrate their resurgence?