Liverpool: Spanish influx continues with Iago Aspas’ arrival

Iago Aspas

The Spanish forward Iago Aspas has finally completed his long protracted deal from Celta Vigo and signed for Liverpool. The 25-year-old forward had been expected to sign weeks ago but a dispute with the Spanish authorities led to the delay.

It already looks like Brendan Rodgers has a busy summer planned with several arrivals already confirmed and the constant rumours that surround Luis Suarez’s future. Having had a relatively successful debut season at Anfield he appears keen to stamp his own mark at his new club.

Aspas, his new signing, has had a promising year in Spanish football and his 12 Primera League goals ensured that Celta Vigo were not relegated. The feat appears even more impressive when you consider that the side only scored 38 goals in the entire league season. Whilst many consider Aspas not to be a natural finisher, his ability to accelerate away from defenders and create opportunities is one that clearly appeals to Rodgers.

Besides aiding his former club’s survival last season he had also been instrumental in their promotion from the Segunda the season before. It is his boyhood club and having emerged through the youth set up, the desire and hunger he has shown has occasionally got the better of him. In a game against Deportivo La Coruna last season he was sent off for a clash with Carlos Marchena and was seen to head butt the opponent.

However, there is a feeling that if this enthusiasm can be harnessed then he could prove to be a really useful addition. At 25, he doesn’t exactly fall into the ‘promising young player’ category but the move to the Premier League will develop him as a player. In Spain last season he created more chances than anybody else in the league – and that includes Messi and Ronaldo. If he had been playing with slightly better players, his stats at season end would have been staggering.

There is certainly a trend at the moment to sign Spanish players as the national team at all levels is sweeping all before them. With competition proving so difficult at the moment a move to a more established club should give Aspas more exposure at a higher level.

Whether Suarez stays or goes Liverpool have assembled a quick and mobile front line that will trouble defences both domestically and abroad. Their newest recruit may not have played for a club with the profile the English club have but he is someone who is keen to learn and improve.