When club captain, hero and legend Steven Gerrard announced his departure from Liverpool after almost two decades of thunderbolts, fearless tackles, stunning 70-yard passes and memories, the world of football came to a stop – to praise, to appreciate, to reminisce. It became clear that the once-hypothetical cliché of finding the “next Gerrard” will no longer be hypothetical anymore come June of 2015 – it became a need.
While the consensus is that you “can’t replace Steven Gerrard”, there are definitely players who can fill the void stylistically and quality wise. In terms of his position, which is to say a midfielder with an attacking mindset and an array of offensive manoeuvres to complement it, there is an abundance of players who are able to achieve such a goal.
On Wednesday, the 14th of January 2015, an interview with James Palotta, the President of Serie A giants AS Roma was released on the Bleacher Report. When asked about the transfer speculation surrounding the club – more specifically, Dutchman Kevin Strootman who just returned from injury and Bosnian playmaker Miralem Pjanić – James Palotta was quick to shut down any rumours linking them to exits from the Italian club.
“I do get annoyed [at transfer rumours]. I think the papers have finally given up on the Strootman thing, because Kevin’s come out and addressed it, saying he likes it in Italy. He has a five-year contract. And I wasn’t going to sell him anyway!”
Palotta then went on to talk about Miralem Pjanić:
“The Liverpool thing with Pjanić is the same. We have another four years with him, and we love him.”
The Bosnian international played a key role in Roma’s runner-up finish, where they started off the season by being unbeaten in the first 17 games, only to have that streak being ended by eventual Serie A champions Juventus. Pjanić ended the season with 6 goals in the Serie A, with notables ones being against Hellas Verona (a beautifully chipped goal from outside the box), and a brace against Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico (a top-corner free-kick to beat ex-Liverpool ‘keeper Pepe Reina, and a penalty).
Source: asroma.it
Despite James Palotta mentioning about Strootman’s and Pjanić’s futures being in Rome, he did mention that there is certainly a price of any player and how football, when it comes down to it, is still a business.
“We want to put the best team on the pitch, that’s the most important thing. But we’re businessmen. If someone comes in with a stupid number for a player, you have to listen to it. You can’t just say no, no matter what.”
So whether or not that amount is £23.5 million (according to ”reports” in Italy) or something higher, should Liverpool give Miralem Pjanić a shot? The answer is absolutely, especially if they are looking to soften the blow of Steven Gerrard’s departure.
If Liverpool fans love Philippe Coutinho (which, they do), then they’ll certainly love Pjanić as well. He’s fantastic on the ball; dribbling past several players is his bread and butter. His attacking mentality will certainly be welcomed by the Liverpool squad, who strive on playing with a mobile and fluid frontline. Being a mercurial player means that he’s able to make runs from midfield, drawing defenders to him (and beating them), which creates space for teammates to exploit.
Alongside that trait is his outstanding creativity whilst on the ball. He’s also racked up 4 assists in the current Serie A season so far (25 in the league since joining AS Roma), with his ability to play well-threaded through-balls as well as being involved in build-ups by pulling off first-time passes. Again, this suits Brendan Rodgers’ preferred style of play which makes use of off-ball running and quick passage of play as well as fast movement of the ball.
If the Reds are indeed looking for an attacking influence, then Miralem Pjanić would be a fantastic shout. Price-wise though, it may still be highly debateable as to whether the Bosnian would be value-for-money, but he is certainly talented and would be the type of player that Liverpool and its fans would enjoy.
If any deal somehow goes through, whether or not Miralem Pjanić will be the next Alberto Aquilani – only time will tell.
Leroy
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