After securing Raul Meireles’ signature on deadline day, the hole in the middle now seems to be filled. Or is it?
I have no doubts that Meireles is a great player, and that he possesses sublime talent, but will he showcase this at Stamford Bridge? When he came to England joining Liverpool, he definitely did not have an instant impact, and just contributed to Liverpool’s flop of a side. When Kenny Dalgish took over, the situation changed and Raul fired in goals on a regular basis, including one against Chelsea.
I believe this questions Meireles’ adaptibility and the fact that he plays well depending on the man in charge. Roy Hodgson seemed to have no control over Liverpool, and might as well have watched the games from the stand. But Dalglish is arguably a better man manager, so could this fact be the reason why Meireles peaked in the latter stages of the 2010/2011 campaign?
Andre Villas-Boas however, is no doubt a great manager and already has a relationship with Meireles, as Villas-Boas managed Meireles at Porto. And the fact that Meireles is managed by a man who speaks his native language is a bonus. Maybe the man management will be even better for Andre when talking to his fellow countrymen?
I have no doubt that whenever Raul Meireles comes out of his shell, he will be great for the club and will prove his money’s worth.
Don’t you?
Written by TCB reader Louis Tiplady
Blue is the colour
