Alexandre Pato can only improve an innocuous Liverpool attack. According to Corinthians president Roberto de Andrade, Pato has an ‘agreement in principle’ with The Reds. Should this come to fruition, Pato becomes the first target for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Given the Anfield giants inability to score, he may be worth a shot. At the least, Pato will cause an abundance of differing opinion.
Pato was a forgotten name until recently; an ex wonder kid who didn’t live up to the hype created around him. The Brazilian forward is an intriguing player, who many thought would not come back to Europe after leaving AC Milan in 2013 for Corinthians.
Even the Brasileiro league leaders Corinthians decided to loan him out to fellow league side Sao Paulo in 2014. Injury and a mixture of fortune in front of goal has stunted the ex-Milan player’s growth. So what could such a risky player bring to Liverpool under Klopp?
Judging by the recent chapter in his forgotten story, Pato could bring to Liverpool everything they desperately desire. Goals, assists, blistering pace and an ability exclusive only to Brazilian footballers.
Currently sitting on ten goals and five assists in thirty one appearances for Sau Paulo, Pato does not look miraculous. The interesting point is where he was able to score. All his goals have come from the left hand side, utilizing his natural pace and the clinical ability he was once known for. The wide area is where he has found form.
Now to take a look at Liverpool under Klopp’s disposal; only Jordan Ibe is a recognised winger. Klopp’s favouritism for a 4-2-3-1 formation plays directly in to the strengths of Pato. The left hand side of midfield particularly suits the on loan Corinthian. Seen with Borussia Dortmund, the German manager prefers speed on the wings, with an ability to cut in and contribute with goals. Reus was a catalyst for this strategy under ex-boss Klopp.
The reason why this would make such an interesting investment is Pato’s injury record. Liverpool’s nemesis right now is the recovery room. Faith is quickly being lost with Sturridge consistently out, Danny Ings won’t be available until the closing of the season at best, leaving Benteke as Liverpool’s only realistic striking option. While Origi is available, his inexperience is showing, leaving him lacking much impact. Origi has not scored in the Premier League or Europa League so far this season, a total of 392 minutes.
Meanwhile Pato looks to have proven sturdier than his former years, having not been injured for over one month in three years. His last injury, which only ruled him out for two weeks, occurred seven months ago. All of a sudden the gamble that Klopp would make does not look so risky.
Current Liverpool midfielders Phillipe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino both hail from Brazil. A link between the three midfielders would not be hard to develop. Similarly they all have strong technique and ability to dribble. While Firmino continues to adapt and grow in the side, Coutinho has had to pick up the reigns and be Liverpool’s key creationist. Something that has been lacking since the departure of Luis Suarez. The introduction of Pato could enhance opportunity and spark an increase of goals with accurate crossing for Benteke and precision passing for Sturridge.
The overall formation, system and style is suited to Pato. At 26, he still has time to develop himself and prove in Europe that he can fulfil old expectation. The gamble is everything, here.
Featured image: all rights reserved by Airviews Photography.
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