Player: Luis Garcia
From: Liverpool
To: Atletico Madrid
Cost: £5 million
Source: Marca
Likely?: 2/5
Most reports have blamed Steven Gerrard’s continued use on the right hand side of midfield as the key reason for Liverpool’s abject performance against Arsenal last weekend and, although it might well have had an impact, there’s nothing to suggest that playing him elsewhere might have made a difference.
Such was the focus on Gerrard that many failed to pick up Mark Gonzalez’s worryingly inadequate performance on the other flank of midfield. Much less did they mention the fact that Gonzalez was playing largely because the man who had done so well there in previous weeks was missing through injury.
It is hardly surprising given that Luis Garcia, the player in question, is hardly a favourite of the media who often tend to focus on his weaknesses rather than his strengths. Instead of enjoying the creativity and sense of unpredictability that he brings to the side, they often opt to report his failed passes.
Back home in Spain it seems that the opposite is the case. Garcia is a regular squad member for the national team and his goals from midfield are greatly appreciated. So, in that sense, it is not surprising to hear talk of the player reportedly indicating that he would like to move home with Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish newspaper Marca, which has reported this story, isn’t normally too bothered with verifying facts and this is probably the case this time round as well. That they’re reporting the news based on what third parties have heard and even so fail to carry any quotes strengthens this impression.
When he took over as manager, Rafael Benitez insisted on taking Garcia to Liverpool and, although the players isn’t as appreciated as much as he should be, there is nothing to suggest that the manager’s belief in him has in any way diminished.
