How Alberto Moreno Can Improve and Adapt to Life in the Premier League

Of Liverpool's nine summer signings, one player arrived in a position that was of urgent need at the club—left-back Alberto Moreno.

Brendan Rodgers had spoke of his desire to sign a new left-back last summer, eventually acquiring Aly Cissokho on loan.

Long-term injury to Jose Enrique, plus Cissokho's disappointing early displays down the left of the Reds' defence, saw Jon Flanagan deputise in the role for most of the 2013/14 season. The local lad, naturally a right-back, was impressive in the role but signing a natural, long-term solution for the perennially problematic area was essential this summer for Rodgers.

In Moreno, the 22-year-old signed from Sevilla for a reported £12 million fee (as per BBC Sport), Liverpool and Rodgers hope that they have signed a player who can become the established left-back for the club for years to come.

Not since John Arne Riise's days at the club, and even then his position was often questioned by large sections of supporters, has Liverpool's left-back position been consistent.

Early Impressions

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In his opening two performances, away to Manchester City and Tottenham, Moreno has caught the eye—not least with his stunning solo effort against Spurs.

Moreno's attacking output has been impressive in both games, as has his passing accuracy. He provided four crosses on his debut at Man City and combined particularly well with substitute Lazar Markovic late on in the defeat.

His lapse in concentration for the opening goal blotted the copybook, but overall there were hugely encouraging signs. These were then followed up by the display at Tottenham last time out, which was capped by the superb goal which had supporters recalling similar strikes from Riise in his prime.

Comparison

In La Liga last season, Moreno scored three goals and created 19 chances, as per Squawka. Comparatively, Liverpool's regular full-backs Glen Johnson and Flanagan scored one goal between them and created 28 and 13 chances respectively.

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In an analysis of Liverpool's full-backs from last season and their new signings this summer, Moreno and Javier Manquillo, Mahesh M. writes for This Is Anfield that "Moreno has made 8 tackles in his 2 games, while Manquillo has already made 10 tackles this season. Johnson, comparatively, has yet to open his account after 170 odd minutes of football."

So it isn't just the attacking side of his game, an increasingly important aspect for full-backs in the middle game, where Moreno is an improvement for Liverpool.

While Moreno's pass accuracy last season with Sevilla was lower (79 percent vs 84 percent and 83 percent compared with Johnson and Flanagan), it should be mitigated by the quality of players and style of play adopted by his former and new side.

Moreno's passing accuracy in his opening two games with Liverpool has jumped to a much healthier 89 percent. Showing that he is likely to make further improvements in his new surroundings.

Improvements

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So where can the Spaniard improve?

Obviously his debut at City saw him partially at fault for the opening goal for the Premier League champions. Caught flat-footed, Moreno allowed Stevan Jovetic to steal in and finish past Simon Mignolet. His concentration is one area which needs to improve and will improve as he matures. Remember that at 22, Moreno is still very young, especially for a defender.

Likewise, a common area for improvement for a left-sided player is to improve their weaker right foot.

According to WhoScored, Moreno's weaknesses are aerial duels and tackling. These seem appropriately calculated—although, again, a common area for improvement for a full-back, especially one standing at 5' 6".

And as with all young players, decision making is an area that needs time and maturity to improve.

What is most encouraging is that Moreno appears to be a player who is capable of making these improvements and in Brendan Rodgers he has an excellent coach to aid his progress and give him the patience required to fulfil his potential.

Adapting to life in the Premier League appears to have happened quite quickly for Moreno. With perhaps the physicality of the league only being the potential problem going forward. We'll find out more about his mental and physical stamina once away games at lower table sides arrive.

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Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told how he had spoke to Xabi Alonso about Moreno. "I talked to Xabi Alonso as soon as we signed Moreno. He likened him with Jordi Alba, and that’s a statement right there," said Carragher, quotes via This Is Anfield.

If Moreno continues to progress and make the subtle improvements to his game, there seems no reason why he won't be challenging Barcelona man Alba for the left-back spot for Spain in the coming years.