Liverpool Signing Alvaro Arbeloa Wouldn't Solve Major Defensive Issues

Liverpool aren't expected to make too many moves in the transfer market during the January window, but with Oussama Assaidi having departed the club, they do have at least some spare money if a particularly enticing deal comes along.

The Express are reporting, via sources in Spain, that the Reds are ready to bring back former full-back Alvaro Arbeloa to Anfield, as he is unhappy with his game time at Real Madrid, despite the European Champions topping La Liga at present.

Arbeloa has played fewer than 500 minutes of league action this term, per Whoscored, and while his arrival to Liverpool would boost the squad and give better depth in two positions, it's not necessarily one which will help the Reds overcome their poor defensive form this season or indeed contribute at all at present.

65 - Spanish scorers for Liverpool in the PL: Torres 65 Luis Garcia 18 Alonso 14 Morientes 8 Riera 3 Arbeloa 2 Enrique 2 Moreno 2. Amigos.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 29, 2014

Systematic Non-fit

First and foremost, Arbeloa is a right-back. He's solid, dependable, aggressive in trying to win back the ball and, though he gets forward frequently, he will usually look to play short passes infield or merely offer support, rather than drive to the byline or put in a succession of dangerous, incisive crosses.

At Liverpool, of course, he also featured at left-back a number of times and has similarly filled in there for Real.

Under Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool have frequently changed systems—but the one used at present leaves no room for Arbeloa. There are three central defenders, which he has not played at for a number of years, and even the wide centre-backs are expected to progress forward in possession, win the ball aerially, cover in wider areas. Arbeloa is not suited to the task.

The wide midfielders or wing-backs are needed to be a lot more progressive, offensive and, to put it bluntly, faster than Arbeloa is able to manage. He fits this role even less. Right now, there isn't a spot in the team for him.

Switches

Of course, Liverpool aren't likely to be using this formation for too long. Brendan Rodgers is fond of starting his points with "in my time at the club..." during press conferences, providing a frame of reference and acknowledging that whatever players did beforehand is not comparable with the jobs he gives them. Well, in his time at the club, the Reds have changed tactical shape on average about every three months. He gives great flexibility to team shape, moving from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2 to a diamond 4-4-2 and now to his 3-4-2-1 without worry.

At some point in the near future, Liverpool will doubtless revert to a flat back four on a regular basis—and then Arbeloa will have a couple of positions he could fill.

So, would he? Glen Johnson is almost out of contract, Jose Enrique has been a shambles. Jon Flanagan is sidelined by injury. Only the Spanish duo, Javi Manquillo and Alberto Moreno, have been regularly available and chosen to play.

I'd say yes to Arbeloa, too. Better than Glen Johnson, won't inhibit Manquillo's development. He's definitely Madrid's weak link though.

— Jack Lusby (@LusbyLatest) January 13, 2015

Arbeloa can certainly claim, for any given match, to be an improvement on Manquillo as a steady, defensive balance on the right side if the more direct and adventurous Moreno is in place opposite, but it has been some time since Arbeloa has had the chance to show regular, consistent form over a prolonged period of time.

Return

There are other factors to consider. Arbeloa has tremendous experience to bring, is used to playing for a winning side and is most noted for his strong defensive play rather than anything else, something not associated with Liverpool at present.

Is he a perfect defensive-minded full-back? No. He wasn't last time at Liverpool, and he hasn't changed all that much. Arbeloa is aggressive in the challenge, overly so at times, and can get beaten too easily by pacy opposition.

If the Reds are to restructure key areas on big money in the summer—goalkeeper, centre midfield, the front line—it has to be accepted that one or two squad additions must be made on lower costs, when available, quite possibly not at the level that would make them guaranteed starters. Arbeloa fits the bill on that score, and his wage would be significantly lower than Johnson's.

All told, he wouldn't be an awful signing...but he wouldn't make a tremendous difference to Liverpool this season, either.

Follow @karlmatchett