Britain's got talent?

Liverpool's first British signing this summer

Well, well, well it appears Liverpool have made it their absolute mission to recruit every available British player they can get their grubby little mitts on this transfer window. The Merseysiders may have missed out on Ashley Young and Phil Jones, both of whom signed for rivals Manchester United, but have managed to splash out almost £50m on England U-21 international Jordan Henderson, Scotland international Charlie Adam and the left-footed David Bentley, Stewart Downing.

Actually, that is a bit harsh on Downing who had a superb season with Aston Villa last year. However, the recent recruitment drive by Liverpool has seen the focus solely on British players. I have to admit, it is a peculiar one if I'm honest. Every team up and down the country knows that English players command an inflated fee no matter who it be. Yet, the Red half of Merseyside are willing to pay the price in order to secure as many players as possible.

Granted, Adam has been a long-term target for Liverpool after having multiple bids for him rejected in January. The fact that the Scot almost signed for rivals Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day proved no deterrence to Kenny Dalglish and co. who still required their man coming into the transfer window. Yet, you get the feeling that this all British, bar Alexander Doni of course, recruitment drive is just seeing the club bring in average players at a higher cost.

Henderson, for example, is a good player but £16m good? One half-decent season with Sunderland and a below-par U-21 European Championship's doesn't warrant the substantial fee. Don't get me wrong, the signing will be great for the player and presents the opportunity to learn off captain Steven Gerrard, a player who the 21-year-old will, one day, hope to emulate. 

But why spend so much on a player that may not even live up to the potential. It is a major risk for Liverpool especially when players in Spain, Italy or Germany could be better, technically, and be available for a smaller fee.

For me, Adam is the player that presents the lowest risk factor. He proved it last year with Blackpool that he can cut it with the big boys having looked a big fish in a small pond with the Seasiders. A player that can rough it at the best of times and spot the killer ball when the opportunity present itself. 

A typical Dalglish player that I'm sure will thrive under his compatriot and has already scored twice during the Reds pre-season outing of Asia. His fee (between £8m and £9m) easily presents the best value for money out of the club's three major signings thus far.

Finally, moving onto Downing. In my opinion, a good signing but only after a good season last season. When he signed for Villa, you can guarantee a number of Spurs/Manchester City/Everton fans breathed a huge sigh of relief when their club didn't sign him. At the time, I did consider him a left-footed David Bentley. But now, he is much more than that. Looking more and more like a complete winger, Liverpool have finally added who's natural position is out wide after season after season with central players forced out to the wings.

The major talking point however is, again, the fee. £20m for Downing? I'm sure a number of clubs scoffed at the asking price set by Villa but not Liverpool. Gullible enough to fork out that money or a wise investment by the board? Personally, I'm on the fence in regards to that. It appears that the club are willing to match any ludicrous valuation that are placed to deter clubs from bidding for their star assets. 

However, I could well be eating my words this time next year in regards to Henderson and Downing. Fair play to Liverpool, they are strengthening in areas which needed to be bolstered, continuing from where they left off in January after signing Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. The main concern is the fee's that are being floated around for these players. 

When comparing the signings of Suarez and Carroll in January, it is the Uruguayan that is looking the better value for money at £22m than the Englishman who cost a record £35m to bring to Anfield. The trend of English players for higher fees hasn't slowed and doesn't look like doing so in the foreseeable future. It is a worrying sign of things to come in the future when mediocre players have their price doubled just because of their nationality. 

So, does Britain have talent? Sure it does but not in the abundance of World Cup winners Spain or South American duo Argentina or Brazil whose players look technically superior and more agile compared to their rigid European counterparts. It is Liverpool who have set the trend this summer for the soaring prices of British players and with six weeks to go of the transfer window, you can bet your bottom dollar that more money (than expected) will change hands for the British born players of the Premier League.

Right, gotta go.

Laters,

Macca

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