Blunder or Masterstroke – Can This Italian Forward Do A Henderson At Liverpool?

Fabio Borini – The Transfer Deadline Day drama 

Left bemused by their 23 year old Italian striker’s decision to turn down the advances of other Premier League clubs after manager Brendan Rodgers informed Borini that he was unlikely to feature on Merseyside this season, Liverpool winded up their business in the window and Fabio Borini remained a Liverpool player despite all the odds. Is it a blunder or Masterstroke?

Defending himself via social media after negotiations with QPR broke down allegedly over the terms of his contract, Borini tweeted “Finally, the madness is finished, I protected the man and the player that I am today. I am very happy with myself to have taken such an important decision.”

What the former Roma striker meant exactly with the tweet is between Borini and himself, money was certainly not a factor in the 23 year old making the decision to stay at Liverpool after having turned down a more lucrative offer after QPR offered a significant pay rise to the Italian As things stand the transfer window has ended and Fabio Borini is still a Liverpool player.

‘I am ready to fight for my place’, Borini

Fabio Borini clearly is not short of any self-belief, and explained the reasoning behind his decision this transfer window and that the tough situation he finds himself in will offer inspiration, not despair.

Speaking to the press after a turbulent deadline day the Italian said, “I know that it is a real challenge now to find a space in the Liverpool side, because the competition here is so great, and there are many good players,” he said. “But for me, that should be a motivation, not a problem.

“I have committed to the club, and I want to earn a place in the side. It is my aim to return to the team and to score goals for Liverpool. I know it will not be easy, it will be very challenging. But I am motivated.

“Yes, I heard some criticism, but I made the decision and it is my job to prove I can be worth a place. That’s what I aim to do now.”

Currently fourth in the pecking order at Anfield behind the likes of fellow Italy international and big-name summer signing Mario Balotelli and England internationals Rickie Lambert and star man Daniel Sturridge, Rodgers accepted more than generous offers from the likes of Sunderland and QPR in an attempt not to stagnate his career and persuade him to leave. All to no avail.

Amid claims from the Black Cats and Rangers that his wage demands were unrealistic, the Italian remains defiant.

“I said when I was at Sunderland I wanted to score goals to prove I could return to Anfield.

“I want to score goals now for the club – I aim to improve on my record of last season. From this season, I still expect a lot of things.

“I know there is competition. Balotelli has shown he works well with Liverpool and he has started well. But you expect competition at a big club like Liverpool.”

What’s Next ?

While Daniel Sturridge’s unfortunate injury while away on England duty has come at perhaps the most congested couple of weeks of football Merseyside has seen in the last 5 years, Rodgers will be expected to be at the top of his game after having bought aplenty this summer. The services of Borini might also be called upon by the Northern Irishman. To be honest to the  year old Italian international, he is a fine footballer – very hard-working and passionate with an eye for a goal.  However, as of now behind the likes of Sturridge, Balotelli and Lambert, Borini might just be used as an impact sub more often than as a starter.

Football is a funny game though. You can never write off anyone ever. About a year and half ago, Liverpool fans across the world had written off a certain Jordan Henderson. Having turned down a move away from Anfield, Henderson knuckled down and worked his way into the team. Will Borini do a Henderson ? We’ll have to wait and watch.