And once again I've never said any player has ever had no risk involved. There is always some level of risk even with the players from the domestic league. All I've ever said is there's less risk, not no risk.
In theory, there should be less risk, I agree.
In reality, there's just as much risk.
Look at the business on 31st of January 2011.
Luis Suarez, no premier league experience, discount in price, complete success.
Fernando Torres, premier league experience, markup on price, complete flop.
Andy Carroll, premier league experience, markup on price, complete flop.
And, of course, Torres, when he came to us with no premier league experience, was a complete success.
Theory says it should minimize risk. In reality, having premier league experience means nothing when you come to Liverpool.
No amount of game time at the likes of Villa, Sunderland and Birmingham can prepare you for the pressure and scrutiny you will endure during your time at Anfield. You need to have huge shoulders to be able to whistand the 24/7 media analysis of your performances and the worldwide fanbase analyzing your every step.
For way too long, we've bought players for huge markups from average teams because they've "proved they can do it in the league". And for too long, we've watched these players shrink the minute they wear the Red Shirt. We need to move away from the whole "prem proven minimizes risk" lark into the "broad shoulders and winning mentality" business. Those are the sort of players where there's little risk- not the formers.