Balotelli infuriates Milan boss, Vigoroux & Fulton impress – Liverpool FC Loan Watch

We take a look at how Liverpool’s 14 loanees fared for their temporary clubs throughout the week, during a rare spell of little productivity.

It was a game to forget for Mario Balotelli on Sunday, as the Reds striker angered AC Milan manager Sinisa Mihajlovic in his brief cameo appearance in their 2-1 victory over Genoa.

Sent on with Milan 2-0 up and looking to close out the game with few minutes left, a display devoid of effort and work rate in the final moments – in which time Genoa scored – enraged the Milan boss, who reportedly vented his anger at Balotelli at the final whistle.

Mihajlovic acknowledged the Reds striker was not the only Milan player lacking the desire he expects of his side, but the Rossoneri boss said post-match those “who [don’t] commit [themselves] on the field will not play,” suggesting Balotelli faces extended period on the San Siro bench or even an early return to Liverpool FC.

In Spain, Luis Alberto has been in fine form for Deportivo La Coruna recently, but he produced a quieter performance in his side’s 2-2 draw with Real Betis on Saturday.

The Spaniard played 79 minutes of the clash – lining up in support of striker, Lucas Perez – and he still carried the threat that has seen him become a key man in Victor Sanchez’s side, but his productivity was limited on the night despite enjoying another prolonged run out.

In the Football League, there were better fortunes for loaned goalkeepers Lawrence Vigouroux and Ryan Fulton who enjoyed real positive outings for their respective clubs.

Vigouroux helped Swindon to a comprehensive 4-1 win against bottom club Colchester, playing a bigger part in his side securing three vital points than the comfortable scoreline suggests.

The Reds stopper made a key saves at vital moments with the game in the balance to keep his side level before the Robins then raced into a 3-0 lead, saving well to prevent a Colchester header finding the corner of his net among other important stops.

He was only beaten by an excellent strike from distance, at which time Vigouroux’s men were already 3-0 to the good after his numerous saves provided the catalyst for victory.

And in League Two, Fulton tasted his first victory with Portsmouth, helping his side to a 3-1 win over promotion chasing rivals, Bristol Rovers.

The young stopper enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon as his team dominated proceedings at Fratton Park, but did make one good stop when called into action, before conceding a late consolation strike from a well-struck free-kick in stoppage time with the points already in the bag.

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Elsewhere in the Football League, Sergi Canos and Brentford’s recent dip in form continued on Saturday, as the Bees slumped to a heavy 4-0 loss against promotion chasers, Sheffield Wednesday.

The Spaniard started for Dean Smith’s side, who were reduced to 10 men after just five minutes – leaving the Bees facing an uphill battle which limited Canos’ impact as a result

He did, however, force Owls stopper Kieran Westwood into a good save, seeing his well-struck effort palmed away.

With the Bees 3-0 down at half-time and it very much a case of game over with only 10 men, the Reds teenager was withdrawn at the interval, capping off a disappointing afternoon all round.

In the Premier League, Andre Wisdom was again left out of matchday involvement for Norwich in their 2-2 draw with West Ham on Saturday, this time due to the defender having picked up a knee injury in training.

Back in Europe, Allan Rodrigues endured a disappointing Sunday afternoon, as his Sint Truiden side went down 3-0 at home to Mechelen.

Positively, the young Brazilian started in the Belgian side’s attack, but after having a limited impact on proceedings and with his side trailing 1-0, he was withdrawn after 65 minutes of the loss as boss Chris O’Loughlin searched for a way back into the match.

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As Red Star Belgrade continue to finalise their preparations for the recommencing of the season, Marko Grujic played 90 minutes in their 2-1 friendly loss to Ural, but helped his side end their mid-season schedule with a 2-0 win over Kuban.

It was another disappointing weekend of no action for Liverpool’s European loaned young strikers.

Taiwo Awoniyi was an unused substitute for Frankfurt FSV, who lost 2-1 to Greuther Fürth on Friday night, while in Switzerland, Samed Yesil remained on the bench for the duration of Luzern’s 2-1 loss to Zurich.

And finally, Will Marsh was – as you can guess – left out of Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Brentford on Saturday, but more bizarrely, was also missing from their U21s’ 2-0 win over Hull last week, instead playing and scoring for the Liverpool U21s in a 2-1 win over Sligo Rovers.

Injuries

Lazar Markovic is out with a thigh problem while Jordan Williams is still unavailable for action, but Lloyd Jones is closing in on a welcome comeback having returned to Melwood to join training.

Liverpool’s Loaned Men This Week

  • Balotelli – AC Milan – Played 5 mins vs. Genoa
  • Alberto – Deportivo La Coruna – Played 79 mins vs. Betis
  • WisdomNorwich – Missed 2-2 vs. West Ham injured
  • CanosBrentford – Played 45 mins vs. Sheffield Wednesday
  • Grujic – Red Star Belgrade – Played 90 mins vs. Ural
  • Vigouroux – Swindon – Played 90 mins vs. Colchester
  • Fulton – Portsmouth –Played 90 mins vs. Bristol Rovers
  • Allan – Sint Truiden – Played 65 mins vs. Mechelen
  • Yesil – Luzern – Unused substitute vs. Zurich
  • Awoniyi –  Frankfurt FSV – Unused substitute vs. Gruether Firth
  • Marsh – Sheffield Wednesday – N/A, scored for Liverpool U21s vs. Sligo