Rodgers shows CL ambition: Liverpool set sights on tenacious French midfielder

Liverpool are set to target Yohan Cabaye in January, according to theDaily Express, as the Reds look to improve their title winning chances. The club are monitoring the situation at St James’ Park in the hope that the midfielder might be persuaded to make the move to Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers club have been, in recent weeks, continually undermined by the lack of resilience and strength in the centre of their midfield. Their 2-0 defeat toArsenal on the weekend will have opened up a number of talking points, and most will revolve around this area of the pitch.

It looks likely that the club will invest in a new midfielder come January, and Frenchman, Cabaye could be an ideal signing for the Merseyside outfit. It is thought that Newcastle are unwilling to sanction the 27-year-old’s departure unless their £18m valuation of the player is met. Furthermore, with Arsenal and Roma hot on his trail, Rodgers would have to move quickly once the winter window re-opens.

Cabaye has been one of Newcastle’s key players this season, despite his scuffle with the club at the beginning of the campaign. His Performance Score of 166 ranks him fourth in the team, behind Loic Remy, Davide Santon and Mathieu Debuchy. Having featured in eight Premier League matches, he has made just two full appearances, whilst coming off the bench on two occasions.

Cabaye is fourth at Newcastle in Squawka’s Performance Score

Regardless of a lack of game time, Cabaye has played an influential role in the Magpies’ midfield. His creative ability and eye for goal make him a deadly player on the edge of the opposition penalty area. This attacking threat would be hugely beneficial at Liverpool, especially considering his favoured position as a neutral central midfielder. With this in mind, Philippe Coutinho could continue to occupy a ‘number 10’ role behind the strikers, while Cabaye’s link up play with the Brazilian,Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge would make Liverpool even deadlier going forward.

The Frenchman has created 10 chances for Newcastle this season, assisting one of the clubs goals. His passing accuracy of 76% is perhaps not up to scratch, but a move to Liverpool would see this dramatically improve, especially considering Rodger’s philosophy of fast, moving passing football. Cabaye has also scored two goals of his own, and both have come against Merseyside opponents. The most impressive was, ironically, versus Liverpool. His long range effort in this match set the stage for the resulting 2-2 draw.

If we compare the Frenchman with Liverpool’s current central midfield trio, Steven Gerrard, Lucas and Jordan Henderson, it seems he would offer very little improvement, especially when focusing on Squawka’s Performance Score. However, it is important to remember the circumstances surrounding each player. Newcastle’s Cabaye have struggled somewhat this season, whilst Liverpool have been enjoying life at the top end of the table. In most cases if the team is playing well, each individual will look more impressive. Essentially, if Cabaye had been playing for the Reds this season, or any other in-form team for that matter, I feel he would be considered one of the best midfield players in the Premier League. He has a distinct lack of quality playing around him at St. James Park and this is one of the main causes for his perceived under-performances.

Cabaye is a crucial player for Newcastle and Alan Pardew would be devastated to see him leave. £18 million seems a hefty price tag, but I feel a move to Anfield would be beneficial for both the player and his new club. The Frenchman has the ability to be a fantastic signing for the Reds and his potential link-up play with the team’s current stars makes this transfer a very exciting prospect.