Today, Rousing The Kop takes a look at what Liverpool need in the transfer market.
Liverpool, as per usual, have been very active in the transfer market. The signings of Marko Grujic, Jöel Matip, Loris Karius and the bank-breaking Sadio Mané all bring unique qualities to the Liverpool squad. But what does Jürgen Klopp still need? Have a look as a few of Rousing The Kop’s columnists weigh in on the argument…
What does Michael Baddeley suggest Klopp looks out for?
My first signing – Jonas Hector. I couldn’t bare to see Moreno as the first team left back for another season. Hector is defensively sound but can do the attacking side too, he’s another Clyne and we need that.
According to Squawka, over the last two seasons Hector has made two defensive errors compared to Moreno’s six and his attacking threat is on par with our current left back, both getting four assists last season with Moreno only creating four more chances than the German. How could you not want him?
Signing number two – Nemanja Matic. What could possibly go wrong when signing one of the best defensive midfielders around? With Chelsea signing Kante, some reports suggest a departure is on the cards for the Serbian international.
His 88% pass accuracy, also according to Squawka, was better than any Liverpool midfielder last season and 75% of these passes went forward too. He stands at a whopping 6 foot 4 inches, so would add height to the team, something Klopp likes in a player. He comes with bags of experience which is something we lack and would probably be that marquee signing Liverpool fans seem to crave. To top it off Marko Grujic could probably learn a thing or two from him as well!
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What does Dylan Gerstley have to say?
Liverpool are constantly linked with burgeoning midfield talent but the midfield is possibly the deepest area of the team. Youngsters like Ejaria, Woodburn, and Stewart can plug gaps that arise from injuries to first team regulars.
The defensive department is not quite as stocked. Center back is a thin position with the departure of Martin Skrtel and with injuries to Mamadou Sakho and youngster Joe Gomez, only Dejan Lovren and new signing Jöel Matip remain as options. An excellent, experienced option for an affordable price would be free agent, Martin Caceres. The Uruguayan has proven himself to be an aggressive, gritty, determined defender and has played for Juventus for the last five years. His experience and drive should fit Jürgen Klopp’s philosophy perfectly.
Left back is another problem area for Liverpool as fans question Alberto Moreno’s defensive capabilities and Brad Smith’s inexperience. Jetro Willems is a player the club need to look at to strengthen this position. The ridiculous pace of the young full back has saved him and his teammates many times as he shuttles up and down the pitch all game. His strengths clearly lie in the offensive department, but his raw ability should be enough to succeed under Klopp.
What does Jackson Widlic think Liverpool needs?
After addressing necessities in defense, Jürgen Klopp should only be left with a couple more or so pieces of the squad puzzle to complete a successful summer transfer window for Liverpool.
One being a covering fullback for either Moreno or Clyne, and the other, a central midfielder that can flourish in Klopp’s infamous counter pressing system. Shouts for another centre back seem unnecessary, as there are currently 5 active central defenders at the club, the only worry being the current injuries that 3 of the 5 have recently sustained.
The idea of either Flanagan, Randall, or Smith being the second choices for Moreno or Clyne is a worrying one. Although many would advocate for Hector, my personal choice would be Jordan Amavi of Aston Villa. Cheap, young, and very promising. Amavi was stat-for-stat one of the strongest full backs in Ligue 1 before his move to Villa. Picking him up to give strong competition to Moreno and develop under Klopp would be ideal.
As for the central midfielder, my favorite is Porto captain, Ruben Neves. If you aren’t already convinced by the fact that he was selected as the captain of his club in his teen years, Neves’ composed and intelligent distribution from deep is just what the club has been needing for a long time. Another incredibly sought after Portuguese young talent, it would take a big sum of cash to get him to Anfield, but the effects will without a doubt make up for the inevitably heavy price tag.
What does Jack Frankham think Liverpool need?
Liverpool Football Club need to invest in a top central midfielder that can dictate the game from deep. Realistically, Mahmoud Dahoud from Borussia Monchengladbach would be a very suitable option for Liverpool to consider. He offers a lot more than current Liverpool midfielders, he is accustomed to a box to box role in midfield but can influence play from deep. Gladbach are willing to listen to offers for Dahoud and Liverpool look increasingly likely to advance talks with the midfielder. For me this has to be a priority along with a left back.
Preferably I would want German international, Jonas Hector. He offers stability down the left flank which we have needed for some time now due to bad form from resident our Spaniard, Alberto Moreno. The former Sevilla man was a problem last season, not due to his attacking threat but to his stupid decision making at the back that cost us hugely in the two cup finals we were in.
I would like to see another attacking forward come in due to the money we have from outgoings. This would likely come due to Markovic’s unconvincing form but we do have Mané, Firmino & Coutinho in these positions.
That’s it, folks! These are the players that a few of Rousing The Kop’s columnists think would help Liverpool in what seems likely to be a hugely competitive 2016/17 season. If you think we’ve missed anyone, comment below!