Tom Oldfield
When Dani Pacheco left Barcelona for the lure of the Premier League, he was not the first to do so. He was following a path chosen by the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique and Fran Merida, who were all promising talents at the Camp Nou. It was a bold move on Pacheco’s part, especially given Barcelona’s stature in the game, but after meeting with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, it was one that he felt he needed to make for the sake of his career.
And judging by the contrasting fortunes of Fabregas and Pique in English football, it was a gamble too. While the latter has since prospered at Barcelona, he looked out of his depth during his handful of games for the Manchester United first team. Meanwhile, Fabregas has developed into one of the league’s finest midfielders – and it is the Arsenal captain’s example that Pacheco will be desperate to follow as he seeks to make a name for himself.
The striker was plucked from Barcelona in the summer of 2007 and only turns 19 in January but his performances for the Liverpool Reserves have earned rave reviews whilst adding salt to wounds back in Spain. It is no secret that the powers that be at the Camp Nou were devastated to see one of the most prized starlets in their youth system walk out of the door, with youth coach Garcia Pimienta telling Barcelona newspaper Sport that the club had lost “a forward with a lot of quality”.
Pacheco, who was at his hometown Malaga before switching to Barcelona, might be short in stature at 5”6 but he has a football brain and excellent touch around the penalty area, allowing him to sidestep physical defenders. He has already made his mark with the Spanish under-17 side, showing predatory instincts in bagging a hat-trick against San Marino, and he has used pre-season outings – including the club’s trip to the Far East last summer – to further his reputation. His finishing has been sharpened since arriving on Merseyside, as has his grasp of the English language thanks to moving with a local family soon after the transfer, and working with the likes of Spanish international Fernando Torres has improved the timing of his runs behind opposition back lines.
Now the potential of a partnership with compatriot Torres is looking like a mouth-watering proposition for Liverpool supporters. And, with Benitez promising a spirited revival over the coming months, all the signs suggest that there is nothing to lose by testing Pacheco during this current slump. The Reds need more productivity in the final third and the youngster has earned a reputation for his ability to change a game in an instant. Pacheco has not been subjected to the team’s difficulties over the past few months and would provide a breath of fresh air to a group who are seemingly beginning to suffocate.
Of course, his minutes would need to be carefully monitored and a substitute’s role might be the best way to introduce the striker to the hustle and bustle of Premier League football but Liverpool have always looked after the youngster, even providing a taxi service for going to and from the training ground, and Pacheco has the potential to be the catalyst Benitez so desperately needs.
In addition, his attitude in everything he does is reportedly spot on. Pacheco has told the media that he accepts the reality that replicating the impact of Fabregas will be difficult and he appears to have his feet firmly on the ground. That is not to say, however, that he lacks ambition. In fact, he is in a hurry to get to the top.
Liverpool supporters at Anfield for the 2-1 defeat against Fiorentina got the first sight of Pacheco in the senior side. The Spaniard replaced Alberto Aquilani late in the game and wasted no time in announcing himself, instantly catching the eye with his fancy footwork and his abundance of confidence. He could not spare the Reds from another loss in what has been a miserable European campaign yet he was still a hot topic for discussion as the fans headed for the exits. It was another disappointing night but at least they had seen a ray of light for the future.
With the FA Cup and the Europa League as the only prizes left for Liverpool to compete for this season, Pacheco is progressing towards first-team football at the right time in many respects. He is fearless, composed and a natural goalscorer. Liverpool are struggling and are crying out for a spark. Pacheco might just be the answer.
Related Articles:
- – Premier League Still Foreign Investment Haven
- – Benitez Paying for Liverpool Transfer Mistakes
- – Kuyt Established as Liverpool’s Unsung Hero
Liverpool 1977 European Cup Retro Liverpool 1984 European Cup Retro
