DANI PACHECO PROFILE
by Dave Usher
Date of Birth - 05/01/91
Nationality - Spanish
Position - Striker
Squad Number - 47
Cost - Undisclosed
Club Hons (Lpool) - Reserve League North 2007/08, National Reserve Title 2007/08
Intnl Hons - Spain u19
Other Clubs - Barcelona
Highly rated youngster Pacheco joined the reds in the summer of 2007 from Barcelona, but he had to wait a long time to make his reserve team debut as a dispute with the Catalan's over compensation meant he was sidelined until the end of October, coming on a substitute in a 2-1 win.
Most of his appearances were late cameo's and there was little time to make much of an impression, but he did manage to score on his first start in a 3-0 win over Bolton. Dani is a small, skilful forward who likes to drop off and play between the lines, and he was one of the players Barcelona had especially high hopes for. Getting him to Anfield was seen as something of a coup for the reds, and his performances with the first team during the 2008 pre-season suggested that it wouldn't be long before he was knocking on the door of Rafa Benitez's side.
It didn't quite pan out that however, as a series of international call ups that co-incided with reserve games as well as League Cup matches meant 2008/09 was a stop start season for Pacheco. He showed flashes of his potential, but was often guilty of ignoring the easy option and trying too much. It is all part of the learning curve for a young player, and the coaching staff acted on it by moving him back into midfield to help improve his decision making.
He featured a lot in midfield for the reserves the following season, and he began to find some consistency to go with his unquestioned ability. He made his first team debut as a substitute against Fiorentina, and he made an immediate impression on the Anfield crowd by forcing a save from the keeper with his first touch and producing a very lively cameo.
Video Clips of Dani Pacheco in action
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