Why Keisuke Honda might be the answer for Liverpool

It’s easy to like Keisuke Honda, he’s explosive and good to watch, but he could also fill the vacant playmaker role at Liverpool.

Honda is almost certain to leave CSKA Moscow imminently, and probably for around £8m-£12m. The Japanese international gained a lot of admirers after his performances at the 2010 World Cup, so expect there to be a bit of rumble for his signature. Lazio are supposedly very keen, and PSG will likely have a keen eye on his commercial benefits, but Liverpool should be getting in the queue too.

I’m convinced that one of the key issues at Anfield at the moment is a lack of craft and subtlety in the attacking play. Charlie Adam’s not good enough, Steven Gerrard isn’t that type of player, and Luis Suarez plays too high up the pitch to provide it – they need guile and originality. Flair, creativity – Honda has those attributes in spades.

It’s just a theory, but if Liverpool did express an interest in Honda they would shoot to the front of the queue. English football is enormous in Asia, and the player is said to prefer a move to this part of Europe if its possible – for an Asian footballer, a move to Liverpool would be very hard to turn down.

He’s a special player, and would just add a little bit of spice to what’s becoming a very bland team. Come on now Kenny, the English player thing was a nice thought, but let’s start thinking outside the box.

Liverpool to beat Manchester City at Anfield – 2.60 with Paddy Power.