[Football] Transfer Speculation:Darren Potter to Hearts

The rumoured transfer of Darren Potter (pictured right) from Liverpool to Hearts highlights the harsh realities of life at a top Premiership club where, despite the millions that are invested in the development of youth talent, only a few get to make it.

At least Potter was given a taste of first team action. He played in Rafael Benitez’s first game in charge against Graz in the Champions League and was frequently used in the minor cup competitions.

As you would expect from someone schooled at Liverpool, Potter is quite a technical player with good ball-playing skills. By preference a central midfielder, his talents are best suited for the offensive side of the game yet he is disciplined enough to track back when the situation dictates so.

Potter’s problem at Liverpool was that he was never going to get an extended run in the side to gain the experience that is necessary for a young player to develop. Realistically, with players like Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Momo Sissoko and Dietmar Hamann dominating the heart of Liverpool’s midfield, only an exceptional player is going to break through.

Tellingly, his brief opportunities often came on the right side of midfield. This made it doubly more difficult for him to make an impact. On the rare occasion in which he was allowed to play in his favoured central midfield role – such as last year’s League Cup clash with Milwall – he was able to better express his talent. Even so, there was too little to indicate that he could permanently hold down a place with the first eleven.

A move to Hearts actually suits all parties. For Potter, it is an excellent opportunity to prove himself in a league that may not be as though as the Premiership but in a side that can genuinely challenge for the honours. The rumoured £750,000 fee that the Scottish club are reportedly willing to pay for his services is actually a very good figure for Liverpool.

As for Hearts, they will be getting a decent prospect in the Irish U21 international, someone who with the right guidance could turn into quite a good player.

This article was originally featured on squarefootball.net on the 1st January 2006.