Liverpool Hire Former Madrid Defender As Scout

Paul Joyce is reporting this morning that Jonathan Woodgate will be joining Liverpool’s scouting team. Woodgate plied his trade as a defender, and was a bit of a journey man. He started his career at Leeds United before eventually moving on to Newcastle, Real Madrid, Middlesbrough, Tottenham, Stoke City, and then ending his career at Middlesbrough. He also earned 8 senior caps for England along the way.

For those of us who are worried that 100% of our scouting takes place in Portugal and Germany, Woodgate will be a welcome addition, focusing on Spain. And Portugal. Spain and Portugal. We’ll definitely be looking forward to all the links with current and future Portuguese wonderkids and/or wingers from now until forever.

Obviously this isn’t the kind of news that excites fans, but these backroom additions are very important for behind-the-scenes goings on. Woodgate is intimately familiar with English, Spanish, and European leagues, and hopefully that knowledge translates into a good eye for talent from the Iberian Peninsula. Welcome aboard, Jonathan, YNWA.