Ever Banega: Liverpool & Arsenal Eye Argentine Wonderkid Defensive Midfield Star
Liverpool are reportedly eyeing to replace one Argentine with another if Javier Mascherano does attempt to force his way out to Spain then Rafa Benitez will raid his old club Valencia for young defensive midfielder Ever Banega. However, Arsene Wenger is also an admirer of the youngster’s talents and sees him as a cheaper alternative to Fiorentina’s Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo.
Banega is a new name on the Liverpool hit-list but he could be a very exciting signing as he is full of promise and should be available for as little as £5m. The 20-year-old only joined Valencia in January 2008 but after just 12 League appearances for the club (7 starts) the Spanish side may look to cut their losses on the youngster. Reports from Spain suggest that the club may well look to offload the player permanently or on loan and Liverpool head the pack of clubs interested in him. Valencia’s financial problems are well documented but they are set to take a huge loss on a player signed for £14m just 18 months ago.
The youngster has endured a difficult time since joining the Spanish giants. He was signed by Ronald Koeman who was soon sacked and then was also embroiled in a webcam scandal in Argentina similar to that of former Eastenders star Leslie Grantham. Not the best way to start your career at a new club especially one that was severely and surprisingly struggling in the league. Despite a poor 2007/08 season by their standards, Valencia did end up winning the Copa Del Rey. However, despite featuring in 5 cup matches including both legs of the semi against Barca, Banega did not feature in the final.
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Last season Banega was loaned out to Atletico Madrid when he made 24 league appearances but only started 5 of those games while scoring just one goal. The player has suggested he wishes to remain with the Madrid club but lack of talks suggest he will not be making a permanent move.
Banega told So Foot that he “wants to continue at Atletico”, but knows that lack of communications suggests the feeling is not mutual.
“I am young but not naive. If they have not spoken with me then it is bad. In any case, I will not return to Valencia, even though I still have a contract with them,” he said.
Despite struggling in Spain, the player that turned 20 in June has won 3 senior caps for his country against Guatemala, Mexico and USA. He was also part of the Argentine side that won the U20 World Cup in Canada in 2007 and the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics.. He played alongside the likes of Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero in both the those tournaments. He recently represented his nation at the Toulon Tournament where Argentina finished 3rd.
The young star was born in Rosario, Santa Fe and began his career with Boca Juniors where he came through the youth ranks. He replaced Real Madrid star Fernando Gago in the Boca Midfield when the former star moved to Real Madrid and after just 28 League appearances for the club Valencia stepped in with a big money bid. His last game for the Buenos Aires club was in the World Club Championship 4-2 final defeat to AC Milan in December.
Banega is a central defensive midfielder very much in the Michael Carrick mould rather than Roy Keane’s. His main attributes are his excellent passing ability, discipline and ability to read the game. The Argentine is not afraid to tackle as 14 bookings and 3 red cards in 64 career League games perfectly illustrates and could turn out to be a key signing for Liverpool or indeed Arsenal if Mascherano leaves Anfield or the Gunners fail to sign Melo.
So would you like your club to move for the Argentine wonderkid or are you wary of his failure in Spain? Let’s hear your views.
Tags: Argentina, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Ever Banega, Liverpool, Valencia
June 26th, 2009 at 11:01
I think that neither Liverpool nor Arsenal will sign him.And in no way is this bloke the alternative for Mascherano.I am a Liverpool fan and if we do sell Mascher then we should replace him with players like:
1)De Rossi:2)Loric Cana:3)L Diarra:4)Veloso:5)Defour:6)Melo
June 26th, 2009 at 11:23
How does the word “discipline” go along with 14 yellows and 3 reds in just 64 matches?
“His main attributes are his excellent passing ability, discipline and ability to read the game. The Argentine is not afraid to tackle as 14 bookings and 3 red cards in 64 career League games perfectly illustrates”
June 26th, 2009 at 11:30
erl have you seen this lad play? The writer is referring to his discipline on the pitch in terms of holding his position, like Claude Makelele. He is top drawer and given the chance would be a great signing
June 26th, 2009 at 11:37
he’s not whom arsenal need for now.we need strong,physical guys like yaya toure!
June 26th, 2009 at 11:52
i think he is really good in winning battle, especially his tackle, pulling in opponents and releasing the ball in tight situations. lack in high & physical presence but very energetic. he would suit arsenal’s high line defence. a more skillful version of flamini
June 26th, 2009 at 12:26
For 5mil any argentine midfielder will be a bargain
June 26th, 2009 at 12:48
Banega is not small for an Argentine. He’s very stocky as well, built like a tank. He uses his body well to shield the ball. He was also a part of the Argentine U23 team that won the Olympics last year and demolished Brazil. He’d be a good addition to any team, EPL or otherwise.
June 26th, 2009 at 17:08
this guy is 1/3 the price of melo and alot more skillful if arsenal don’t get melo they should definitely buy banega.
June 26th, 2009 at 17:24
What we can be sure is that he will not come back to valencia. As a fan of Valencia, I think it is pity for not able to hold him.
But I think both of the English team would not buy him. Masche wouldn’t go and clearly Melo is a better choice than Banega.
I think his next destination would be Lazio or Boca.
June 27th, 2009 at 00:07
Ever Banega comes to Arsenal, said Wenger.
August 19th, 2009 at 13:02
EFC are linked with this kid but he won’t get work permit
September 28th, 2009 at 21:27
He is better as play maker. Like what pirlo does at milan. But he got better dribbling and ball control skill.