‘Ones to watch in 2010′ – Dani Pacheco

Dani Pacheco, who controversially joined Liverpool from Barcelona in 2007, has been marked out as one of the Premier League’s hottest prospects by those in the know, and is considered one to watch for 2010.

Rafael Benitez is known to opt for experience, and so the fact that 19 year old Pacheco has already made 3 appearances for Liverpool is a sign that the Liverpool boss has faith in the young Spanish striker. Having impressed during a pre-season tour of the Far East, Pacheco has been on the periphery of first team action this season, making cameo appearances against Fiorentina in the Champions League, and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. However, his finest moment for Liverpool came last Thursday night in the UEFA Cup against Romanian Champions Unirea Urziceni. Pacheco was a 75th minute substitute, and had barely been on the pitch 5 minutes before heading a cross back across goal for David N’Gog to score, giving Liverpool a vital 1-0 lead ahead of the second leg in Romania.

Sammy Lee said of the player on Liverpoolfc.tv:

“We know he is a talent…He’s a very good player with a good footballing head on his shoulders. It was a difficult game against a team who are well organized and there wasn’t a lot of space, but Dani’s constant movement created gaps for us to exploit.”

Pacheco is noted highly not only for his ability on the ball, where his finishing ability in Spain earned him the nickname ‘El Asasino’ (killer), but his footballing brain. Pacheco has excellent movement, and despite still being in his teens, is capable of pulling defenders out of position and creating space without always having to be in possession, a rare skill for someone so young. This was evident against Unirea Urziceni, where his movement and positioning led to Liverpool making a break through, and generally looking more threatening. Further, Pacheco is known to have good vision, possessing the ability to create, as well as finish a move. There is perhaps little wonder that when Pacheco entered the match on Thursday night, there was a buzz surrounding the stadium.

So far only really showing the full extent of his abilities for the reserves, Pacheco is a reason for Liverpool fans to feel confident going forward. El Asasino has the ability to break into the Liverpool side in 2010, and sooner rather than later, the player may achieve his dream of scoring in front of the Kop. Pacheco told Liverpool’s official website:

“When I realised my appearances were all attacking the Kop it made it even more special for me. It would be amazing to score in that net. The sound is great and I was tempted to stop and look up at the stand. Obviously I didn’t because I was too busy playing.”