Pepe Reina: Asset or Liability?

It's a question that must be asked and it's certainly a growing concern in the minds of Liverpool fans before the upcoming season. Less than two years ago, he was ready to push Casillas for the starting berth in the Spanish national side, but what a difference a couple of seasons have made. Comparable only to the legendary Ray Clemence, was the form of Pepe Reina's; who consistently competed for the golden gloves season after season for Liverpool. However, ever since the dismissal of Rafa Benitez, he never looked like the same player. So, what is it? Has he lost interest in Liverpool? Is it his style of play? Will he ever be back to his best? These are some questions Liverpool fans will be asking right now. 

One possibility is the constant changing of goal keeping coaches. Ever since Xavi Valero left the club, which coincided with the dismissal of Rafa Benitez and the appointment of Roy Hodgson, Reina's performance levels have massively dropped.

This graph shows Reina's average save percentage under all different goalkeeping coaches at Liverpool. He was at his best under Jose Ochotorena and very good under Xavi Valero. But Mike Kelly, who was a part of Roy Hodgson's team, clearly brought the worst out of Pepe Reina. Currently John Achterberg is doing a lot better, but he still isn't performing at the same levels as before and it's costing Liverpool. During the 2011/12 season, he seemed short of presence coming for crosses and weak at penalties. He has also made some mistakes; the most note-worthy of them, being beaten near post by Robin Van Persie and Ramirez in the FA cup final.

Another major possibility is that he just isn't happy at Liverpool. Ever since Fernando Torres left, he has become the only notable Spanish player in our squad. It's no rumour that he wanted out around the same time as Torres did, but a champions league club did not come calling. Could it be that he's giving up, because he feels less ambitious at Liverpool. Imagine him with Spain at the Euro's and the discussions he's probably had with the likes to Casillas and Xavi, who are consistently winning things for their club. Perhaps a change in the overall level of performance of the team will bring the best out of Reina. 

However players like Pepe Reina are always concerned about winning first and Liverpool fans wouldn't describe him as someone who would give up without trying. On the other hand, his style of play and decision making skills are certainly areas of concern and also areas of hope. Pepe Reina is a luxury keeper. He is not that traditional goalkeeper, who just does the basics right and that's it. He is not an acrobat, nor is he a world class shot-stopper. He uses his mind and footballing knowledge as his main strength (or weakness). He makes unbelievable saves, because he tries to second-guess the oppositions and gambles with his positioning.

Goalkeepers are first and foremost, taught to mark their near post, but perhaps Reina only makes such great saves, because he moves early and occasionally gambles away from the near post. This season we have seen him at times standing, while the striker knocks the ball past him towards goal. While in other instances before, we've seen him anticipate the lobbed effort or anticipate the striker trying to go around him. In those situations, he has managed to pull off amazing saves or make the striker look foolish. However, more often than not, he will fail, if he keeps trying to second guess players. The more Liverpool have to defend, the worse it is for a player like Reina.

During Kenny's spell and especially during Hodgson's spell, we have defended deep and allowed the opposition some shots at goal. Under Rafa, we had great defensive records and it benefited Reina, as he simply had to keep pulling off those amazing saves and trust his defence. Under Rodgers, if Liverpool manage to keep possession, play a higher line and use Reina as a sweeper keeper, Reina may well prove to be an asset. He is very quick off the line and can sweep up behind his defence really well. He also possesses great footballing ability and an eye for a pass. He is certainly a luxury keeper, but Liverpool have to play to his strengths if they want to see him back to his best and have to play better as a team. As with any player, there are preconditions when it comes to Reina. Brendan Rodgers will surely keep a close eye on him next season.