This morning saw Liquid announce its new AD carry, Yiliang ‘Doublelift’ Peng. The former TSM and CLG joins as a temporary ADC replacement, but even so Liquid have secured for themselves a highly talented ADC and a vocal shot caller that could do wonders for their often aimless mid and late game play. He joins as a temporary replacement for Young-bin ‘Youngbin’ Jung, who drops back into a sub role for the time being.
As Doublelift stated in his TL announcement, “During my break, I was able to rejuvenate and regain my motivation to play pro. Although I didn't intend to come back before Summer, Steve helped me start my career six years ago. Now, I can pay him back and help turn Team Liquid around. I will put in my best effort for TL and my fans.”
However, it must be stressed that the contract only runs for the duration of the Spring Split. It is widely accepted that upon the start of the Summer Split, Doublelift will be making his long awaited return to the ranks of TSM. As such, whilst this may prove to be a much needed bandage to Liquid’s woes, a long term solution has to be found or they may find themselves battling it out on the wrong end of the Summer Split.
Liquid have had an unenviable start to their Spring 2017 campaign. Propping up the table with fellow underachiever Envyus, a record of 3W and 10L seemed that Liquid was destined for an ugly relegation scrap. However, fans were afforded a breath of hope as World Champion Piglet abandoned his traditional ADC role for the carry potential of the mid lane. In what would ostensibly have been a seemingly suicidal move, Liquid’s faith in their talisman turned to pay dividends as Piglet’s midlane heroics carried Liquid to a victory over Immortals. However, the game was not without its caveats. Piglet’s replacement, Young-bin “Youngbin” Chung was a significant downgrade from the former World champion, a weakness that showed all through clearly in Liquid’s defeat to Echo Fox.
