With Liverpool’s unsteady defence having a poor start to the season, some supporters shouted for Tiago Ilori to be recalled.
The 21-year-old Portuguese centre-back was sent on loan in August 2014 to French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, managed by 2001 Champions League winner with Bayern Munich – and 2006 World Cup runner-up – Willy Sagnol.
Hired in the summer, Sagnol sought to strengthen a feeble Bordeaux squad. Ilori was brought in for this reason. His first start came almost a month after he arrived in a 2-1 away loss to Guingamp. Despite the result, Ilori impressed for the entire ninety minutes, given neither of the goals conceded were his fault (set piece, penalty).
The London-born Ilori scored in only his third Ligue 1 appearance. He ran towards the goal line on a Bordeaux corner, and a mishit shot was directed at him, so he shouldered the ball into the roof of the net from one yard out.
Ilori did not look confident in possession, giving the ball away often. The goal conceded was partly his fault, since he was caught in no man’s land as a cross flew over his head and deflected in.
Ilori’s run of games ended when he pulled his hamstring in the 27th minute of a 1-0 away defeat to Stade Reims on 3rd October 2014. Ilori started the match strongly up until his injury, connecting pass after pass and using his lightning pace to get back and defend.
Bordeaux conceded the only goal of the match shortly after Ilori was subbed off. After having tests on his leg, it was revealed that Ilori would miss two months while receiving treatment.
He returned on 17th December 2014 against our very own Divock Origi and Lille in a cup match. Bordeaux lost on penalties, but Ilori was subbed off in the 95th minute after defending well. When Origi came on in the 83rd minute, Ilori calmly nullified him.
Over his six appearances for the Girondins in all competitions since his arrival in August, Ilori has racked up 445 minutes of playing time (roughly five full matches).
The £7 million man, who reportedly beat both Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani’s speed records in training during his time at Sporting, has to pick up the pace during the second half of the season.
