Janet Yoxall tells you all you need to know about Ante Ćorić, a potential target of Jürgen Klopp’s.
Ante Ćorić, the nineteen year old wonder-kid in France with the Croatian squad for the Euros is linked with a possible move to Anfield after Klopp contacted him about a summer transfer. Having bagged 10 goals in 67 appearances for his club with two goals at senior level for his country; what has Klopp seen in the ten million pound Dinamo Zagreb player?
Ćorić is an attacking midfielder that can play on the right or left. His link up play is superb and far beyond his years. He may well be the missing part of Klopp’s jigsaw puzzle that both Lallana or Coutinho would be ideal playing alongside. His quick turn of pace suits Klopp’s high octane football.
Watching Ćorić play is mesmerizing – he reminds me of a young Messi with his low centre of gravity. Evenly balanced, he is comfortable playing with both feet driving forward at pace. He is confident in his ability to retain possession of the ball which, if he played on the left side of midfield in front of Moreno, would be an asset.
He isn’t afraid of defenders. In fact, I think he enjoys the challenge of holding on to the ball even when two or three defenders are around him. Holding up the play would allow Can, Moreno or Clyne to get forward helping Liverpool to attack in numbers. With Ćorić’s ability to go on runs into the opposition half he would free up Sturridge, Origi or Ings so they wouldn’t need to come so deep to pick up the ball.
I’m really impressed that Ante can pick a pass, from an exquisite chip to a defence splitting through ball.. The weight of the pass is sublime whether it’s to feet or in space for anyone running into the box to hit. He would be a welcome addition to increase our goal scoring stats from last season. Ćorić definitely offers a complete attacking presence. Daniel Sturridge could bag twenty five plus goals with the Croatian wonder-kid pinging balls in balls left right and centre.
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As a free kick taker Ćorić gets real power behind the ball giving Klopp options in set plays . He makes getting the ball over the defence and into the corner of the goal look easy with natural technique. Ante can shoot with both feet, often hitting the ball early putting defences under pressure. He can bend a shot or pass using the inside or outside of his boot. A super footballer, he scores goals as well as makes them. Grujić and Henderson would relish such a partner in midfield.
Still young at nineteen he is a rising star that could become one of the best in the world under Klopp’s guidance. He is Klopp’s type of player; intelligent. He reads the game well with the ability to switch play and is super fit. The Croatian’s versatility means he could play left or right of a diamond formation , out wide or tucking in to cover Grujić and Can when they are getting forward.
What I believe fans will admire most is his engine; he will run constantly always trying to win the ball back. Ante’s hard work, sheer grit and determination would make him a firm favourite on the Kop.