If there's one thing about Rafa Benitez's that has always impressed me, it's his record in the transfer market. Those of you who know me from my early days on Caught Offside will know that Rafa and transfers are one of my favorite topics of discussion. I won't go into that for now (but I definitely will in the future) as I have something more specific in mind.
During the January transfer window we were all pining for various players that we hoped we could nab to save our season. Things were really bad back then, and not a few of us lost a lot of belief in the custodian and his charges. We wanted new strikers, new wingers, new fullbacks, new defenders, the list goes on. But the end of the window came, and all we had procured was a single aging winger from mid-table Atletico Madrid for free. "What the hell?" were the words that went through many a mind.
However, the impact that this one player has had on our club has been nothing short of astonishing. While he has taken time to get used to his new club (as all new recruits do) our entire season has taken a remarkable u-turn. We now find ourselves back in the thick of the top 4 race (beating rivals on the way) with a intensity and drive that has been missing for a very long time. Not all of this can be credited to Maxi Rodriguez (the man in question) but certain things most definitely can.
If you read my very first post then you will remember that I recently promoted Mascherano to the world class bracket. This has been on the back of his award for Liverpool FC's top player of February. He has been absolutely incredible, even Rafa has applauded his efforts in the press and he is not impressed easily. What a different player he is now compared to the start of the season.
But what has changed? Only one thing. His best mate has joined the club! Maxi and Mascherano have been friends all the way through their careers and they bring the best out of each other. Remember Mascherano having his head turned during the summer? Well now he's moments away from signing a new contract with the club, if the official site is to be believed.
So, Rafa has essentially provided us with a new winger (whose quality is just beginning to show) and a re-energised defensive midfielder (who is one of the world's best when he plays like he has been), all of this for a signing on fee and some wages. So, congratulations Rafa. You got this one right.
Some of you may be surprised by the fact that Maxi sits in the average category on my squad sheet. This is the way in which I will judge all new recruits to the club. They come in with nothing behind them. All will be judged equally. If they play really well then they will be promoted to good or even world class. If they don't then they will stay in the average bracket.
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