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Fabio Borini had become the forgotten man of Anfield.

Last seen on the pitch during Liverpool FC's 3-1 defeat to West Ham, he was suited in the stands as his side toiled to two consecutive blanks against Real Madrid and Hull.

Even his song from the Kop had been allocated to another Italian striker. It is Mario, not Fabio, who was now fantastico andmagnifico.

He has had a curious career on Merseyside, with his most useful contribution coming in the red and white stripes of Sunderland; his efforts against Manchester City and Chelsea towards the end of the season served as fine assists to Liverpool's title charge.

His name was chanted louder than it ever had been during the Reds' 3-2 win over Norwich, a day after his penalty had seen off Jose Mourinho's side at Stamford Bridge.

But it still didn't serve him well upon his return to Anfield. Injured during the pre-season tour of the US and then refusing to be sent to Queens Park Rangers on deadline day, his involvement has been limited - likewise his impact.

Until Swansea, that is.

Borini started against Swansea on Tuesday. Borini made an impact. Borini even had his name sung.

The club were desperate to sell him for a good price in the summer. Only Borini stopped that from happening.

He didn't grasp his chance against West Ham in September and was substituted towards the end of the game, but the dramatic Capital One Cup win over his former side offered more optimism.

And now, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers says he could be given his chance against Newcastle.

“I thought Fabio was outstanding,” Rodgers told the ECHO. “His pace, movement and work rate gave them [Swansea] problems."

Is now the time to bring Borini back in from the cold? Or was this just an anomaly in what will prove to be an average career at Anfield, destined to end sometime soon?

Here's what he can bring to the side.

Movement

One of the big criticisms towards Liverpool this season has involved their static nature up front. After watching Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling carousel around the pitch last season, this season has been akin to watching in slow motion, the merry-go-round out of service for the time being.

But Borini brought energy, zip, pace. Stationed on the right-hand side, he dropped into the space between Swansea's midfield and defence and offered himself as a willing runner to Philippe Coutinho. The more the Brazilian advanced towards goal, the more the Italian moved, looking to exploit the panicked gap opening up in front of the little magician.

It wasn't all moving inside, either. There were times Borini stuck to his task as a right winger, and often ran the line to offer an outlet.

Motivation

Borini has somehow collected a reputation as a player who shirks a challenge. The image of him screaming after dislocating his shoulder against Swansea in February 2013 is hard to shake – as is the cry that came from his mouth.

People were quick to judge, especially those who have never dislocated their shoulder. This supposedly served as proof he didn't have the grit or courage to play for Liverpool.

Granted, there were times against Swansea when he stayed on the turf, writhing in agony.

But Borini put in a motivated performance, both on and off the ball. Swans left back Neil Taylor tried to needle at him throughout and Borini was up to the task, leaving the defender on the floor midway through the second half. Taylor, growing evermore frustrated, would then see yellow for a challenge on Borini.

It was Taylor who stood off Borini with 86 minutes played, allowing the forward to set up Balotelli from six yards out. Taylor wanted a battle; Borini responded and won.





Creating and scoring goals

In this Liverpool side, there is no room for passengers – especially in attack. A player must either be able to score or help his team-mates score; the increase in Jordan Henderson's attacking output highlights how possessing a good engine alone is not enough in a Brendan Rodgers side.

Henderson has risen to the challenge. It is now for Borini to do similar, especially when he was initally purchased as a striker.

Against Swansea, he was a threat at several points. In the first half, he pressed the opposition effectively, creating an opportunity for himself; the strike from distance palmed out to safety. Minutes earlier, he found a pocket of space and struck a nice effort on the turn just past the post.

He linked well with Rickie Lambert and Coutinho, both with short passes and long. His best, of course, gave Balotelli the goal he so desperately needed.

Borini needs to develop this part of his game more, undoubtedly. Against the Hammers, he made just one key pass and had a pass success rate of 64% overall – the worst of any player bar Lambert. He also has just two goals in 24 appearances for the Reds.

Tactical flexibility

Borini returned to Anfield this summer having played both wide right and up front in Sunderland's 4-2-3-1 formation. Unwittingly, that could have been the perfect preparation ahead of reintegration into the Liverpool side.

He lined up on the right against Swansea. But as the clock edged nearer full time and the night moved closer to disappointment, his ability to play up front was always an option for Rodgers.

He could have moved up front alone, with Adam Lallana coming on for Lambert. Likewise, he could have moved up front alongside Lambert or Balotelli in the 4-1-2-1-2 diamond.

That flexibility is something neither Lambert nor Balotelli have in their skill set.

With Lazar Markovic still taking time to settle, Rodgers must still figure out the best balance in the front four. A player who can play anywhere in those four positions and is willing to be called upon when needed is never a bad thing.