Lazio have been one of the most exciting teams to watch this season under Simone Inzaghi. Defensively, they have been resolute, and offensively, with Ciro Immobile at the forefront, ruthless. Inzaghi’s men had all the attributes for a title charge, and though that charge soon came to a halt, a third-place finish is one to look back on with pride. Ciro Immobile will get plenty of the spotlight, and rightfully so, but Luis Alberto deserves his own special glimmer in a team not heralded as world-class individuals.
The Spaniard, often the provider, is the magician and orchestrator that helps to splash the golden tint onto the boots of Immobile.
Luis Alberto: The Magician Behind Ciro Immobile’s Golden Touch For Lazio
From Liverpool Failure to Lazio Stardom
The name Luis Alberto will ring a bell to many in and around Anfield. The then small in stature, fresh-faced 21-year-old arrived a prospect for the future. He was meant to be another part in the slowly forming jigsaw of Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool side alongside fellow Spaniard Iago Aspas.
Yet, just two years later, a slightly more tired, and aged looking Alberto was on his way out, seen as too weak for a dressing room often full with bellowing voices. So, Lazio, it was. The romances of Rome were to act as a second chance for the midfielder fresh from rejection. As the Liverpool dressing room door slammed shut, Lazio welcomed a player now seen as world-class in the eyes of many.
Lazio’s Assist King
Since swapping Liverpool for Rome, Alberto has strived to become one of the best creators around. This season, he has been exactly that.
The Spaniard has been the waiter to the feasted of goals, Ciro Immobile, this season. With each game, comes another pass presented elegantly into the feet of the Lazio attack courtesy of the magical Spaniard in midfield. And as Immobile’s goals continued to be tallied, so did Alberto’s assists – 15, and six into the golden boots of Immobile, to be exact.
Immobile soon received his award of a Golden Boot, both in Italy and Europe as a whole, and may look to include his Spanish counterpart in his acceptance speech. Alberto’s award and recognition may not be official due to Papu Gomez’s one assist more, but those in Lazio need no validation of the player on their hands after paying witness to a sensational season.
Alberto up There With the Very Best
After such an impactful season in midfield, Luis Alberto has rightfully taken his place among the very best Europe has to offer. The Spaniard’s original price tag of £6 million seems improbable four years since an Anfield departure. Alberto will go down as one of Liverpool’s biggest regrets.
From Anfield rejection, Luis Alberto has risen majestically for Lazio. From the timid, weak midfielder, he has prospered into an elegant part of a rapidly improving Lazio side. And, with over 100 key passes and 21 goal involvements to his name in the season just gone, Alberto’s limelight should be shining bright in Europe.
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