http://www.footballfancast.com/2012...emier-league-clubs-missing-out-on-filipe-luis
27-year-old Brazilian left-back with one international cap to his name might not strike much interest from those away from La Liga. But Filipe Luis, who is currently on the books of Atletico Madrid, could arguably be the best left-back in Spain. No, really.
From the off, Manchester United springs to mind as a club who are in search of an alternative and eventual replacement to Patrice Evra. United have had a move for Leighton Baines turned down by Everton, while there was only ever one team likely to net Jordi Alba from Valencia. Yet, it’s incredibly difficult to understand why so many clubs have missed Filipe Luis off their transfer targets list.
The Brazilian would have created a bigger name for himself on the international stage had he not picked up a lengthy injury in 2010, subsequently ruling him out of that summer’s World Cup. He’s far more reliable defensively than Marcelo and can be equally impressive in attack. But highlighting Filipe Luis as “reliable†in defence and then moving on would be a huge discredit to his ability and accomplishments with Atletico Madrid.
Last season, as Atleti lifted their second Europa league title in three years and finished fifth in the league, a defence with centre-backs rotating in and out of the side were helped to be eased by the excellent work of the Brazilian on the left. His tackles and interceptions are outstanding and consistent throughout the season, and his strength and positioning always plays a big part in his very good overall game.
Filipe Luis was previously linked with a move to Barcelona when the Catalans only had Eric Abidal as a recognised left-back. That move fell through, obviously, and the club moved on to other targets later on with the capture of Adriano, while Filipe stayed at Deportivo.
His injury in 2010 was not to halt his club career in the same way it did his international career as Atletico decided to move for a player who should have grabbed more attention across Europe. His early career in the Spanish capital saw the Brazilian battle it out with captain Antonio Lopez for the starting role on the left of the defence. Lopez’s age and eventual departure from the club left the position in the hands of Filipe Luis. He really has not disappointed since.
At 27, the left-back represents a good buy for any major club looking for stability on that front. He never seems out of his depth when playing under a bigger spotlight, and many are right to claim him as the best overall left-back in the country. Jordi Alba and Marcelo obviously attract much more attention due to their clubs, but neither are as reliable and comfortable in the defensive aspect of the game. Fabio Coentrao and Nacho Monreal are also young left-backs who are better in their own half of the pitch, but neither offer the consistency that Filipe Luis does.
As Atletico rode easily to a 4-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao on Monday night, Filipe Luis was given a lot of freedom to get forward and even got close enough to sting the palms of goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz. He’s a player who knows when to stay back and when the opportunity is good to supplement the attack. For that, it’s very difficult to get the best of the Brazilian.
The defender should find his way into many more games with his national side, but the real level of interest should come from those around Europe and specifically in the Premier League. Again, I’m particularly surprised at Manchester United’s lack of interest in the player considering their desire for another left back. The team’s choice to venture into the Dutch league for an alternative to Evra makes it even more questionable. But what about Everton? They could certainly have knocked on Atletico’s door had Baines left the club, and Arsenal are still lacking a genuinely world class defender on that left side.
There’s a reason Atletico had the second most clean sheets in the league last season, amassing a total of 15. All Filipe Luis does is highlight the depth in La Liga beyond the top two. A key figure for Atletico and a great addition for the whole league, but he does have his price and he would be a great buy for many clubs in England.
27-year-old Brazilian left-back with one international cap to his name might not strike much interest from those away from La Liga. But Filipe Luis, who is currently on the books of Atletico Madrid, could arguably be the best left-back in Spain. No, really.
From the off, Manchester United springs to mind as a club who are in search of an alternative and eventual replacement to Patrice Evra. United have had a move for Leighton Baines turned down by Everton, while there was only ever one team likely to net Jordi Alba from Valencia. Yet, it’s incredibly difficult to understand why so many clubs have missed Filipe Luis off their transfer targets list.
The Brazilian would have created a bigger name for himself on the international stage had he not picked up a lengthy injury in 2010, subsequently ruling him out of that summer’s World Cup. He’s far more reliable defensively than Marcelo and can be equally impressive in attack. But highlighting Filipe Luis as “reliable†in defence and then moving on would be a huge discredit to his ability and accomplishments with Atletico Madrid.
Last season, as Atleti lifted their second Europa league title in three years and finished fifth in the league, a defence with centre-backs rotating in and out of the side were helped to be eased by the excellent work of the Brazilian on the left. His tackles and interceptions are outstanding and consistent throughout the season, and his strength and positioning always plays a big part in his very good overall game.
Filipe Luis was previously linked with a move to Barcelona when the Catalans only had Eric Abidal as a recognised left-back. That move fell through, obviously, and the club moved on to other targets later on with the capture of Adriano, while Filipe stayed at Deportivo.
His injury in 2010 was not to halt his club career in the same way it did his international career as Atletico decided to move for a player who should have grabbed more attention across Europe. His early career in the Spanish capital saw the Brazilian battle it out with captain Antonio Lopez for the starting role on the left of the defence. Lopez’s age and eventual departure from the club left the position in the hands of Filipe Luis. He really has not disappointed since.
At 27, the left-back represents a good buy for any major club looking for stability on that front. He never seems out of his depth when playing under a bigger spotlight, and many are right to claim him as the best overall left-back in the country. Jordi Alba and Marcelo obviously attract much more attention due to their clubs, but neither are as reliable and comfortable in the defensive aspect of the game. Fabio Coentrao and Nacho Monreal are also young left-backs who are better in their own half of the pitch, but neither offer the consistency that Filipe Luis does.
As Atletico rode easily to a 4-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao on Monday night, Filipe Luis was given a lot of freedom to get forward and even got close enough to sting the palms of goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz. He’s a player who knows when to stay back and when the opportunity is good to supplement the attack. For that, it’s very difficult to get the best of the Brazilian.
The defender should find his way into many more games with his national side, but the real level of interest should come from those around Europe and specifically in the Premier League. Again, I’m particularly surprised at Manchester United’s lack of interest in the player considering their desire for another left back. The team’s choice to venture into the Dutch league for an alternative to Evra makes it even more questionable. But what about Everton? They could certainly have knocked on Atletico’s door had Baines left the club, and Arsenal are still lacking a genuinely world class defender on that left side.
There’s a reason Atletico had the second most clean sheets in the league last season, amassing a total of 15. All Filipe Luis does is highlight the depth in La Liga beyond the top two. A key figure for Atletico and a great addition for the whole league, but he does have his price and he would be a great buy for many clubs in England.
