The former midfielder believes Mario Balotelli is not the right fit for the club and admits countryman Dejan Lovren has not matched expectations after his summer move
EXCLUSIVE
By Andrija Vuković
Former Liverpool defender Igor Biscan has labelled Rickie Lambert a “failure” and insists none of Brendan Rodgers’ signings are good enough to fill the void left by Luis Suarez.
The Uruguay international’s 31 goals helped Liverpool finish second in the Premier League last season, but the striker was sold to Barcelona in a £70 million deal in July.
Rodgers’ men have struggled to find consistency this term and currently sit 11th in the table with just 17 points from 13 games.
Lambert and Mario Balotelli were signed in the summer but the pair have just one Premier League goal between them so far this season, while Daniel Sturridge, who scored 21 times last year, has been sidelined since the start of September with thigh and calf injuries.
“The players who came to Anfield can’t be used in the same sentence as Luis Suarez, who left the club,” Biscan told Goal.
“Lambert and [Fabio] Borini have proven to be failures, even Balotelli, who is a great player, has not been the same at Liverpool.”
Liverpool also bought Dejan Lovren from Southampton for £20m in the summer and Biscan has been underwhelmed by the 25-year-old’s start to life at Anfield.
“It’s always the biggest pressure on new players, including Dejan Lovren,” said Biscan.
“He was great. By the assessment of all analysts and managers he was one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
“Liverpool paid a record amount for him, and it is understandable that the fans expected him to fit in right away, be brilliant and help win matches.
“Today in England you have five equal candidates for the title and a lot of factors in the game. Liverpool started the season badly, and the fans are unhappy because it is already clear that this year they will not fight for the title”