One of the first pieces of business Brendan Rodgers did at the start of the 2014 summer transfer window was sending attacking midfielder Luis Alberto to La Liga side Málaga for the season, nearly a two and a half hour drive from where the Spaniard grew up.
The 22 year old – brought in from Sevilla in 2013 – began his Málaga campaign remarkably, as his squad traveled to Australia to take on Adelaide United for a friendly. Alberto was all over the pitch, nearly curling a free kick into the top corner from 20 metres out. Not many Liverpool supporters are aware of his free kick taking abilities.
Alberto continued his fantastic start in the pre-season, playing a part in his side’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle in Germany, as well as scoring against West Ham in a 2-0 victory. These results helped Málaga lift the Schalke Cup.
In the league opener at home against Athletic Bilbao, Alberto dazzled once again. Stepping up to the penalty spot for Málaga, he had his penalty saved by the Bilbao keeper, but he was able to slot home the rebound, which turned out to be the match winner for his side.
Despite his impressive start, Alberto struggled to make the starting eleven week after week, with quality players ahead of him such as Ignacio Camacho and Sergi Darder, who have both nearly tripled Alberto’s playing time this season. His substitute appearances were solid but nothing special, with Alberto suddenly losing faith in manager Javi Gracia.
On 21st December 2014, Málaga were drawing 1-1 away at Elche, who currently sit bottom of La Liga. Alberto was called off the bench, which would prove to be the difference in the match. For his first touch of the game, Alberto received the ball in the opposing half and carried it towards goal. He dribbled past two defenders and created enough space to hit the bottom left corner of the goal from just outside the box. This all happened within 27 seconds of Alberto being on the pitch.
Thus far, he has had plenty of impactful spells. Over his thirteen appearances for Málaga in all competitions since his arrival in late June, Alberto has racked up 604 minutes of playing time (almost seven full matches).
Málaga currently sit 7th in La Liga, just four points behind 4th place Valencia, who hold the final spot in the Champions League. Manager Javi Gracia needs a strong second half of the season in order for his side to qualify for Europe. Luis Alberto will need to bring his game to the next level.
