Tom Oldfield
When Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez finally ended all the speculation over his new contract, signing an extension in the middle of March that keeps him at Anfield until 2014, it instantly brought stability to the club.
Having endured a few rough weeks, the Reds had produced a week of stunning football – beating Real Madrid 4-0 then Premier League leaders Manchester United 4-1 – which was then capped by Rafa’s decision to prolong his stay on Merseyside. And all Liverpool fans rejoiced. Weeks do not get much better than that.
At times, the players will have been affected by the constant media spotlight on their boss’ plans – regardless of what they may claim – and some will have been fearful about their own futures if Benitez was no longer at the helm. In the end, though, any concerns were unnecessary.
But the saga did highlight the uncertainty that fringe squad members invariably face. And one such player who may have been in limbo during the Benitez contract drama is Emiliano Insua.
The Argentine left back is just 20 years of age and is seen as one of Liverpool’s brightest young stars. He is beginning to become a household name but it will surprise many that he has been at Anfield since January 2007.
Determined to progress with his career, Insua left Boca Juniors in Argentina and agreed an 18-month loan switch to Liverpool after the club’s scouting network spotted his promise. With the possibility of a permanent move at the end of the loan, the youngster sought to snatch his opportunity.
However, first team chances did not come his way with the likes of John Arne Riise ahead of him in the pecking order. Admittedly, though, the Argentine was still finding his feet in English football. He featured in the Liverpool reserves squad and Benitez was suitably impressed, making the move permanent in August 2007.
Insua was gradually pushing for his chance in the first team. Having picked up scraps of experience against Portsmouth and Fulham at the end of the 2006/07 campaign, he added to that at the same stage of the following season.
Benitez threw him back into the fray for the final three Premier League games of the 2007/08 campaign. A 25-minute cameo against Birmingham City was followed by full games against Tottenham and Manchester City. On both occasions, Liverpool kept clean sheets and the young gun was able to show his full range of skills.
And so, when the 2008/09 season dawned, Insua knew this could be his breakthrough campaign. But, with Brazilian Fabio Aurelio impressing at left back and new boy Andrea Dossena also in contention in that position, the youngster had to watch from the sidelines initially. But eventually chances began to crop up – none bigger than a start against Arsenal in a huge league game in December.
He had only previously featured that season against Crewe and Tottenham in the Carling Cup third round and Blackburn in the league – but now he would be taking on North London’s finest. Insua put in a solid shift that afternoon as the Reds grabbed a point and, with a little more ambition, might have taken all three after Emmanuel Adebayor’s dismissal.
Some youngsters might have been content to savour such a momentous occasion – but Insua had other ideas. He told the club website: “The boss gave me an opportunity to show what I can do and maybe I might get another chance to play at Anfield against Bolton.
“Anfield is always a very special place to play and hopefully I can stay in the first-team squad. Last season I played for the reserves which was a fantastic season for us and the boss gave me my first-team chance when I played in the final two games of last season, which I really enjoyed.
“This year I have played in the Carling Cup and got my chance against Blackburn and Arsenal in the Premier League. The manager has given me a lot of confidence and I will keep training hard in every session and always give my best, because when you get your chance you have to take it. There is a lot of competition for places at Liverpool but that is a good thing.”
He kept his place for the Bolton game as Benitez rewarded his fine performance at The Emirates and Insua almost opened his first team account, forcing an excellent save from Jussi Jaaskelainen. He then featured in Liverpool’s next two matches too, both of which were victories, before jetting off to represent Argentina in the under-20 South American championships. There were mixed emotions, though. It was great to be playing for his country in an important youth tournament but, at the same time, it was frustrating to give up the left back spot for his club when he had been performing so well.
And the tournament proved a disaster as the Argentines crashed out, failing to qualify for the FIFA under-20s World Cup. It was a setback that sent shock waves around his homeland. Insua returned to Anfield keen to put it behind him but Benitez quickly reminded the left back of the fierce competition for places.
The Reds boss told the Liverpool Echo: “Emiliano was doing a good job for us before he went away so we are happy to have him back. But now he must fight for his place again because the more good players you have competing for different positions the better it is for the team.”
Since returning to Anfield, Insua has been in and out of the side, allowing Benitez to keep everyone fresh and on their toes. The youngster has always made the most of his playing time, though, impressing in wins over Sunderland, Fulham and Blackburn. His pace and energy allow him to support the attack while his decision-making and anticipation make him a tough defender for wingers to beat. It is a potent mix.
Clearly, the Argentine is destined to be a big part of Rafa’s Liverpool revolution and, with the Spaniard extending his contract, Insua can be sure that his journey to the top will remain on course.
Back to More Articles on World Football
Panathinaikos Centenary Shirt Black China 08/09 Away Shirt **50% off**
