What do Liverpool fans need to know about the Italian defender they’ve been linked with recently?
Milan’s Ignazio Abate has been linked with Liverpool in the press today, in the wake of Glen Johnson’s poor performances. Here are six things that Liverpool fans need to know about their new target.
SEE MORE:
Liverpool Flop Signings -Which new players have disappointed even more than Mario Balotelli this season?
Lionel Messi Assists – See all of Messi’s El Clasico assists.
Real Madrid v Barcelona Live Streaming Guide And El Clasico Preview
6) One-club man… Sort of
Abate has been with Milan since the age of 13, and has made 140 appearances since his debut in 2003. It wasn’t until 2009/2010 that Abate actually broke into the first team though, after successive season-long loans to Napoli, Piacenza, Modena, Empoli and Torino.
5) Footballing heritage
Abate’s father is Beniamino Abate, a goalkeeper who made 266 appearances for various Italian clubs between 1983 and 2000. He sees plenty of his son: Beniamino is the goalkeeping coach for the Milan U19 squad.
4) Footballing style
Abate has been a solid and dependable right-back for Milan since his return to the club in 2009, despite their recent decline. Don’t expect him to be flying forward though- he has one goal and 8 assists in his five and a bit years at the San Siro. His tough defensive style, notable in the highlights clip above, has earned him the nickname “the wall”.
3) Record breaker
Abate’s Champions League debut at the age of 17 years and 27 days made him the youngest player to ever appear in the Champions League for Milan. When he returned to the club after five years on loan, Milan went on to win Serie A.
2) Converted midfielder
Abate was a midfielder for the majority of his early career, and it Milan’s strength in this position that prevented him breaking into the team sooner. Just as he was about to move to Roma in 2009, new coach Leonardo asked him to try playing at full-back, and the rest is history.
1) Out of favour
Liverpool shouldn’t have to pay over the odds for the full-back. Emerging talent Mattia De Sciglio, above, has taken his place in the team over the last two years, and Abate’s minutes have been decreasing. A move to Liverpool could be just what he needs.