Pacheco was once rated as one of Europe’s brightest talents, but now he is struggling on loan at Spanish also-rans Rayo Vallecano.
As it stands, Dani Pacheco remains one big mystery to Liverpool supporters.
He was signed by Rafa Benitez from Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2008, making his first team debut as a substitute in the Champions League a year later.
In the summer of 2010 he excelled at the European under-19 Championships, finishing the tournament as top scorer, scoring against England along the way.
When Benitez left, his career stalled, and he was sent on loan to Championship side Norwich.
He played six times for the Canaries in their promotion campaign, scoring twice, but a perplexing deal was struck last summer which could see him leave the club permanently.
Pacheco was loaned to Atletico Madrid, reportedly with an option to buy, but they elected to a ‘loan within a loan’ sending him out to La Liga side Rayo Vallecano.
When his loan expires in June, a decision will have to be made, by Liverpool, Atletico, and the player himself.
His time at Rayo this season, has- like his Liverpool career so far- been hugely underwhelming.
He has made 11 appearances at the club this season in La Liga, all as a substitute, and is yet to start a league match, playing just 52 minutes of league football in 2012.
Rayo are 15th in the division, but nine points above the relegation zone, and should be assured of survival, but it is not looking like a natural next step for the player who turned 21 in January.
So what will become of the player when the season is over?
We can only speculate at this point, but it is reasonable to suggest his poor performance for Rayo, coupled with niggling injuries, will not exactly be enticing Atletico Madrid to exercise their option to buy.
Their loan contract expires at the end of June, and at this time he will be due to head back to Anfield.
Do Liverpool want him? Does he want to be at Liverpool?
Dalglish, in loaning him out last season, indicated he was not in his first team plans until he proved himself, which this season he has not done.
The Spaniard is unlucky that at a crucial time for his development there was so much upheaval at Liverpool, with three managers, Benitez, Hodgson and Dalglish, in less than a year.
A wiser move, in hindsight, for Pacheco would have been to go back on loan to Norwich this season, and integrate himself into regular first team football.
Pacheco now we expect will be questioning his decision too, and on seeing the progress of Paul Lambert’s men this season may angle for a loan move there next season.
He will not be given forever to prove himself, next year is looking like make or break wherever he goes.
The question is where will that be?
Liverpool may decide he has missed the boat, which will be a shame all round, and sell him on permanently if a solid bid comes in.
A permanent move and a fresh start though may just be the best thing for Pacheco’s career.
What is in your opinion the right move for Dani Pacheco and Liverpool?
image: © banoootah_qtr
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