KopTalk.com Forums Football Liverpool FC Forum Liverpool loanee Tiago Ilori impresses in first game for Gra

The centre-back was a regular for Sporting in the second half of last season. But he would have known he had quite a fight on his hands to usurp the likes of Sakho, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger for a starting berth…or even a place on the bench for that matter.

So after making the temporary move to La Liga, how has he been getting on?

The 20-year-old made his debut for Granada against Espanyol last Friday, but was unable to prevent his side losing 1-0.

However, his individual performance spoke of better things to come.

Ilori made two successful tackles, three interceptions and eight effective clearances. He also had a pass-completion rate of 91% - making 32 passes in the course of the match.

Further up the field he had one shot, although it was not on target.

In all it was a good start to his time in Granada, as he performed admirably despite playing little since leaving Portugal.

Just three points outside the relegation zone, his new side need him at his absolute best if they are to maintain their La Liga status.

He could then return to Liverpool ready to stake a claim for a first-team place.

We've got a lot of good youngsters these days, let's hope we can have 5-6 in the first team in a couple of years. We might just show arsenal how it's done.

Not all players can join CL clubs and CL clubs can't buy every player around. The bride's gown image was nice though.

recorded as faster than Ronaldo and Nani at Sporting

Young agger, typical br buy, excellent on the ball, no hoofing

Sakho and Ilori a potential world class partnership.

That's what I was thinking, and at 23 and 20, they could be our CB partnership for the next decade

Granada eye permanent deal for Liverpool's Tiago Ilori

Granada are considering a permanent move for Liverpool's Tiago Ilori after the Portuguese defender's impressive start to life in the Primera Division.

Ilori, 20, joined the Andalusian club in January until the end of the season and, despite making just two appearances, has impressed enough to leave sporting director Juan Carlos Cordero pondering a future transfer.

Liverpool may not be interested in selling, having signed the player for around £7million last summer with one eye on the future, but a third strong showing against Valencia on Sunday would surely increase his stock at Granada.

"For the experience he has he is calm, he has pace, moves the ball well. He has come in and fitted into the team very quickly," said Cordero.

"When the end of the summer comes we'll see if he is wanted by the Liverpool first team or if they want to sell or loan him.

"This is something that does not need to worry us now, it will come in due course as he continues to grow."

While Ilori won plaudits for his part in last weekend's 1-0 win over Real Betis - a result that ended a three-game losing streak - Dani Benitez was in Cordero's bad books.

He was sent off in the 79th minute having only arrived from the bench on the hour.

"He put the three points at risk, which his team worked hard for," said Cordero.

"He was calling for minutes and Lucas gave him the opportunity. He didn't make the most of it."

Valencia head into the match on the back of a trip to Cyprus, where they beat Dynamo Kiev 2-0 in a relocated Europa League clash on Thursday.

Manager Juan Antonio Pizzi once again rotated his goalkeeper for the game, with Guaita taking his regular cup place ahead of league regular Diego Alves.

The Brazilian is likely to be back on duty at the Mestalla, but Pizzi was evasive on the subject.

"There will be games to play one and matches to play the other," he said.

"The position of goalkeeper is one where you should be your maximum when the coach wants to use either of the two."

No chance!