We take a look at how the remaining loaned Reds performed for their temporary clubs throughout the week’s fixtures, with a pleasing amount of match action and production from the loanees.
Lazar Markovic continued his positive form, producing an influential second half display and grabbing an assist in Fenerbahce’s cup second-leg 6-1 victory over Giresunspor.
On at half time, the Serbian took no time to make his mark on proceedings, registering an excellent set-up for Robin Van Persie’s first of the night – driving inside from the right flank in his own half, before sliding a delightful pass with the outside of his boot to release the Dutchman who scored.
Markovic also had a hand in Van Persie’s second, steering a powerful header to release Gokhan Gonul who then squared for the striker to net Fener’s sixth and round off a good night for Markovic and Vitor Pereira’s side who take on Eskisehirspor on Monday night.
Elsewhere in Europe, Luis Alberto endured a mixed week of action for Deportivo La Coruna in two games played.
In the first, the creative midfielder couldn’t prevent his side exiting the Copa Del Rey to second division side Mirandes after being thrown on at half time to rescue the tie with his side trailing, despite showing some positive flashes.
Positively, Alberto made an instant impact on his return to the starting XI, capping off an influential performance with his fourth Depor goal in the 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad.
https://twitter.com/MoarFootball/status/688495139912830976
The 23-year-old slotted his side ahead latching onto a loose ball after good work from Lucas to fire into an empty net, and he almost doubled his tally with a stunning volley, also carving a clear-cut chance with an excellent through pass to Lucas who should have scored as he clearly enjoys his time at the Raizor.
In Italy, Mario Balotelli made a welcome return to match action on Sunday night after a lengthy absence out.
The mercurial striker was involved in Milan’s Coppa Italia squad on Wednesday night against Carpi at the San Siro where he was an unused substitute, but Balotelli finally came on for the remaining minutes of his side’s 2-0 victory over Fiorentina.
He had little time to impact entering in the 87th minute, but was able to celebrate Kevin Prince Boateng’s match-sealer and also received the backing of manager Sinisa Mihajlovic post-match, who revealed his intention to use Balotelli as a starter in a 4-3-1-2 formation when he’s fully fit.
It was a week of frustration for Andre Wisdom in the Premier League, with the defender twice an unused substitute for Norwich in their losses at Stoke and Bournemouth, leaving the 22-year-old hoping boss Alex Neil makes changes to his side next time out.
NEWS | @sergicanos called up to Spain Under-19 squad for friendly against Italy next week https://t.co/lCig8eBFxN pic.twitter.com/6LrB7I5WcO
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 13, 2016
In the Championship, it was a rare disappointing week of action for Sergi Canos’ at Brentford who, on brighter notes, was called up to Spain’s U19 squad and won December goal of the month for his stunner against Reading.
In the first of two outings, the Spaniard couldn’t help his side avoid a narrow 1-0 loss to league leaders Middlesbrough on Tuesday, with the teenager introduced by Dean Smith for the final half-hour to help rescue a situation that he ultimately couldn’t despite his best efforts.
The defeat to ‘Boro prompted Smith to make changes for their Friday night clash against Burnley, including restoring Canos to the starting XI in his usual right side role of Brentford’s 4-2-3-1 set-up.
It quickly turned into a night to forget for the Bees who trailed 3-0 at half-time, and after 45 minutes of no impact Canos was hauled off at the interval, though he can count himself unlucky with all 11 equally deserving of being withdrawn for a woeful showing.
After Swindon’s midweek trip to Port Vale was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, Lawrence Vigouroux returned to action on Saturday, playing the full game of the Robins’ pulsating 4-3 win over Crewe.
The Chilean – who could make his temporary stay a permanent move – might feel he could have done better with one or two of the goals conceded, but on a crazy afternoon at the County Ground, also made some important saves to keep his side in the contest that was won with a 90th minute winner.
There was a rare appearance for summer signing, Taiwo Awoniyi, on Tuesday, as the Nigerian started for Frankfurt in their 2-0 mid-season friendly defeat against Koln.
The powerful striker played 45 minutes of the match as FSV boss Tomas Oral rotated his side heavily during the clash, before being withdrawn at half time with the score still goalless.
Samed Yesil was also in non-competitive action for Luzern, who have travelled to Spain for a mid-season training camp before the league season resumes.
The German striker played the first 45 minutes of their second fixture of the tour against Greuther Furth which ended in a 1-0 victory, but was withdrawn at half time.
Finally, and predictably, academy product, Will Marsh, was again starved of match action, left out of Sheffield Wednesday’s first team wins over Bolton and Leeds while also seeing the clubs U21 fixture against city rivals United postponed.
Liverpool’s loaned players this week
- Markovic – Fenerbahce – Played 45mins vs. Giresunspor
- Balotelli – AC Milan – Unused sub vs. Carpi & Played 5mins vs. Fiorentina
- Alberto – Deportivo La Coruna – Played 45mins vs. Mirandes & 83mins vs. Sociedad
- Wisdom – Norwich – Unused sub vs. Stoke & Bournemouth
- Canos – Brentford – Played 30mins vs. Middlesbrough & 45mins vs. Burnley
- Vigouroux – Swindon – Played 90mins vs. Crewe
- Awoniyi – Frankfurt – Played 45mins vs. Koln
- Yesil – Luzern – Played 45mins vs. Greuther Furth
- Marsh – Sheffield Wednesday – N/A
Winter Breaks & Injuries
Marko Grujic continues to enjoy the winter break, while Lloyd Jones and Jordan Williams remain sidelined with their respective injuries.
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