Ten reasons why Liverpool had to sign Joe Cole
So Joey Cole is a Scouser. The Romford lad follows in the footsteps of not-entirely-successful transplants Tony Cottee and Razor Ruddock in swapping Lahndan for Merseyside. But make no mistake, this has all the signs of being an important deal for Liverpool. Here are 10 reasons why...
1) It sends an important message to Gerrard and Torres...
It's not thought that they were particularly close muckers in the England camp, but Steven Gerrard is likely to be impressed with a signing he knows at close quarters as opposed to the string of Europeans who arrived under Rafa Benitez. It makes what Liverpool insiders have been saying quietly for weeks - that they expect Gerrard to stay - more of a reality.
Holding onto Fernando Torres is much less certain, but again Torres knows what Cole can do after two seasons in the Premier League...
2) He did this to Manchester United...
Not many people make Nemanja Vidic or Rio Ferdinand look stupid. Here Joey embarrasses both in one move.
3) It sends an important message to the fans (and prospective new owners)...
Chairman Martin Broughton is desperately trying to avoid Green And Gold-style protests from angry fans which might deter prospective buyers. The Cole deal tells both camps (and possible new signings like Loic Remy) that despite some scary rumours over the summer, it's business as usual at Anfield.
4) He's a bit better than Lucas...
An outrageous piece of skill from 2007. Reckon the clueless Brazilian could do this?
5) He gives Liverpool more options
Cole's arrival gives Hodgson another weapon in an adaptable midfield. His obvious starting position is on the left, where he can split time with fellow new arrival Milan Jovanovic. But Cole can also cover for Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez on the right - or fill in for Gerrard in his preferred position behind the main striker.
6) He can score from range...
"Why not?" says Clive Tyldesley as Joey tees up this speculative volley in the 2006 World Cup. "Aesthetically it's the greatest goal ever," says one of the YouTube commenters. It's not, but it's closer than you'd think...
7) He's a decent first bit of business for Woy...
Liverpool have effectively swapped Yossi Benayoun - a lesser player - for Cole and £5million. Even given Cole's injury problems, hes less of a gamble than they years of transfer market Kop catastrophes under Benitez.
8) He takes a great free kick...
With Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger already on board, Liverpool's dead ball options are now frightening.
9) It sets up another potentially great Liverpool chant...
"He's small, he's red, he's got an outsize head," anyone?
10) He does that little backheel thing...
That goal in the decisive Premier League game towards the end of last season was no fluke.
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