Not too long ago after being beaten by Arsenal U-12s, Rafa Benitez was having a good whinge about how Liverpool don’t provide him with funds to spend on talented youth as Arsenal do for Arsene Wenger. And it seems to have worked. This January window Rafa has managed to bring in Sampdoria’s Italy Under-21 goalkeeper Daniele Padelli and Boca Juniors’ Emiliano Insua (18).
Now, the Spanish grumpy pants has added Dutch striker Jordy Brouwer to his squad. We’ll go ahead and call him the next Dirk Kuyt because, you know, he’s Dutch,
‘We have made a good signing for the future in Jordy,’ said chief executive Rick Parry of the Holland Under-19 international.
‘He has had a youth contract at Ajax but has opted to build his career at Liverpool.
‘We have been monitoring his progress and look forward to developing his potential at Anfield.’
The purse strings seem to have opened slightly for Benitez for young ‘uns, but it is Wenger and his scouting network’s ability to spot and develop the right talent that built his army of underaged superstars, not simply Arsenal’s willingness to fund their purchase. The pressure is on Rafa to get the right people in, because if it turns out they’re complete toss he’s out of excuses for once.