5 clubs that can use Arda Turan in the first half of the 2015/16 season

The signing of Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid is starting to present hitherto unforeseen problems for FC Barcelona. In the wake of the transfer ban, which disallows the Blaugrana from fielding any new signings till January 2016, the management at the Catalan club have a dilemma as to what the best plan of action would be for the Turkish international for the next six months.Manager Luis Enrique is adamant that this time will be most well-spent by acclimatizing with the atmosphere at Barcelona. Clearly, ‘Lucho’ wants to ensure Turan develops both a fruitful relationship with his new teammates as well as his own niche in the squad, which would help him fit seamlessly into the side come January.But for this to happen, Turan will first and foremost need to be in top physical condition when he is called for. To expect even a seasoned campaigner like Turan to start playing at the highest level after a 6-month break is asking too much.Needless to say, the Turkish magician needs match practice, and here lies an opportunity for Europa League and mid-table sides to make use of a gifted player.Here’s a look at 5 clubs that could make hay while the sun of Arda Turan shines.

#1 Liverpool

Liverpool’s first seven away fixtures of the season read - Stoke City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City. The Reds definitely need to hit the ground running to harbour any hopes of making it to the top four.

In such a scenario, manager Brendan Rodgers would be naive to pass up an opportunity to have Arda Turan in the squad. Turan is an upgrade on both James Milner and skipper Jordan Henderson in central midfield, matching them in endeavour and work rate, but easily surpassing them in skill and creativity.

Moreover, Rodgers’ squad consists of a number of young midfielders like Firmino, Emre Can, Lallana and Coutinho. Having an experienced head like Turan in these testing times will take considerable pressure of their shoulders and aid their technical and mental development in the long run.

Turan’s presence will, therefore, bring creativity and confidence to a young Liverpool side which, although promising, looks unstable and mentally fragile. To help matters, Rodgers’ brand of maintaining possession and playing attacking football will sit well with the Barcelona management. Further, Turan’s affinity for Liverpool could be an aiding factor in the short-term loan deal.

In a potential make-or-break season, the availability of Arda Turan is a godsend for Brendan Rodgers.